Civilization diseases are diseases and symptoms whose causes lie in a comfortable and resource-rich standard of society. Lack of exercise, overly abundant and frequent food intake, and an increasingly anonymous environment lead to physical and psychological ailments. In technically less developed societies, complaints of this kind occur much less or not at all.
What is civilization diseases?
The definition of civilization diseases refers to the division between industrialized nations and developing or third world countries. In this context, it is usually not technical progress, “civilization” itself, that is held responsible for the development of so-called diseases of civilization. Rather, certain disease patterns arise more frequently and more easily from the opportunities and conditions that developments bring with them. The term is not clearly defined scientifically. Both the diseases themselves and some of the presumed influences and causes are evaluated differently. However, there is widespread agreement on the classification of some influences as risk factors. For physical diseases, these include excessive sugar consumption, lack of exercise, overeating, alcohol consumption, exaggerated hygiene, etc. For mental diseases of civilization, the almost undisputed factors are stress, noise, pressure to perform, certain social norms and the like. These factors prevail to a pathogenic degree predominantly in industrialized nations. There, food is abundant and the daily routine is not necessarily characterized by physical activity. Increasing expectations of workers, large cities with so-called “noise pollution” due to high traffic volumes, construction sites, etc., and loneliness also lead to psychological impairment.
Causes
Most diseases of civilization result from unhealthy developments in societies considered advanced, which do not occur in this form in less developed countries. Malnutrition, overeating, and sugar consumption represent one of the major factors in the development of many diseases of civilization. An unhealthy diet is a major threat, as it can be the cause of a variety of possible diseases, appeals to a person’s sense of pleasure and, for convenience and practical reasons, can quickly become a habit that is usually difficult to correct again. Sugar is added to a high degree to many ready-made or industrially manufactured products. Drinks such as soft drinks or juices contain sugar as a by-product, almost without creating a feeling of satiety. Fat is used abundantly as a flavor carrier, especially in fast food and convenience products. Thus, in addition to the risk of caries and diabetes, the probability of obesity increases due to an excess of calories. This is quickly reached, especially if the person does little exercise. Obesity, in turn, can bring with it a host of other diseases: High blood pressure, fatty liver, heart problems, high cholesterol, colon cancer, etc. This problem is compounded by a sedative lifestyle, which often consists of office work. A large part of the population in industrialized countries spends a lot of time sitting, which, together with a diet rich in fat and sugar, quickly leads to an enormous surplus of calories. Apart from this, however, other medical conditions are also promoted by a lack of exercise or incorrect posture. Back problems are among the most widespread diseases of civilization and can even lead to incapacity to work. They can often be improved or eliminated altogether by compensatory exercise, but it is often difficult for workers, especially full-time workers, to incorporate regular exercise into their daily routine. Certain types of cancer develop more frequently in industrial societies, such as lung cancer, which is caused by smoking or high levels of smog pollution. Colorectal cancer is also one of them. Once again, an overabundant and high-fat diet is responsible for this. A lack of dietary fiber, which is found mainly in vegetables, cereals and fruit, is also being discussed as a possible cause. However, the high number of cancer cases in industrialized societies is also partly due to the fact that people in these countries live significantly longer on average and are therefore more susceptible to cancer as a result of aging and a reduced ability to regenerate.Excessive hygiene, which is often prevalent in industrialized nations, is thought by some researchers to contribute to the development of certain allergies. Longer breastfeeding periods and more contact with nature or farm animals during pregnancy can protect children from developing some allergies. On the other hand, fine dust pollution is also thought to be responsible for an increased incidence of allergies. Allergenic substances can “attach” to fine dust particles and thus penetrate deeper into the lungs.
Symptoms and complaints
In view of the multitude of civilization diseases, the list of possible symptoms is endless. A distinction must be made between mental and physical symptoms. One may be an expression or complement of the other. Persistent physical symptoms or deficiencies may result in psychological distress or depression. A nutritionally insufficient cancer can lead to a crisis of the soul. At the same time, mental civilization diseases can find an expression on the physical level. For example, depression is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as chronic back pain, psychosomatic headaches, stomach complaints or feelings of weakness. This made it difficult to recognize some civilization diseases as such on the basis of their symptomology. Civilization diseases can also include inner attitudes that lead to addictive behavior. One example is our beauty and slimness ideals. These can lead to surgical changes on the body, to symptoms such as eating disorders or full body tattoos. The actual symptom – a false understanding of one’s own body – is often overlaid by other symptoms. The symptoms of anorexia are complex. Finding the actual symptom or cause of the present disorder can be difficult. Social influences play a role in many civilization diseases. Thus, it can be understood as a symptom of a certain social order when people in civilized nations become mentally or physically ill. As long as symptoms of civilization diseases are attributed to personal circumstances, this context is ignored. Obesity or diabetes are social and personal problems. Both might never have arisen under different social conditions.
When should you go to the doctor?
If the affected person suffers from a loss of well-being, an inner turmoil or an impairment of his or her quality of life, in many cases an optimization can be carried out independently if the lifestyle habits are considered objectively. If an improvement in health is achieved by one’s own efforts, a doctor is not normally required. If the conditions of indisposition persist or increase in intensity, it is advisable to seek medical help. If there are disturbances in heart rhythm, obesity, or a decrease in general performance, a check-up with a doctor is recommended. A change in personality, depressed mood over several weeks or months, and behavioral abnormalities should be discussed with a physician. Headaches, back problems, an inner weakness as well as fluctuations in weight are considered warning signals of the organism. A medical examination is advisable so that a clarification of the cause can take place. In case of swellings, listlessness as well as apathy there is also a need for action. Characteristic of current civilization diseases is a gradual course of disease. Disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract, loss of libido and a general feeling of illness should be clarified by a doctor. If inflammation or irritability occurs frequently, a visit to the doctor is also advisable.
Aftercare
Civilization diseases are closely related to the modern, often insatiable lifestyle of the Western world. Those who wish to remain healthy after therapy or stabilize the condition they have achieved can achieve this through a consistent change in behavior as part of aftercare. This can be arranged with a variety of competent professional groups. The primary contact is the family doctor, but internists and cardiologists, nutritionists and dieticians, sports and physical therapists, and fitness trainers can also provide targeted support for aftercare activities.A healthy diet and sufficient exercise are important pillars in the aftercare of diseases of civilization, as they have a positive influence on the cardiovascular system and metabolism. Fat loss is also helpful for the joints in many cases. A Mediterranean diet with fruits and vegetables, the replacement of vegetable fats with animal fats, and a significant reduction in the consumption of sugar and alcohol are important components in aftercare. Sporting activity is geared to the performance level of those affected. Endurance training and strength training are the basis. Endurance sports are suitable for reducing fat and training the cardiovascular system. Strength training promotes the muscles, which burn calories as the body’s power plant. In addition, strength training strengthens muscular balance, which can also be impaired by office work or one-sided industrial jobs. Weakened muscles are built up, while shortened parts should be stretched.
Here’s what you can do yourself
Every individual has the opportunity to do something himself against civilization diseases and their consequences. Already quite everyday measures such as a healthier way of eating are sufficient. This includes, for example, reducing excessive salt consumption, which promotes the storage of water in the tissues and thus favors the development of high blood pressure. According to recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), only a maximum of 6 grams of salt should be consumed per day. Reducing sugar is also part of a healthy diet. For example, too much sugar consumption promotes typical diseases of civilization such as diabetes mellitus. Sugar clogs the arteries and promotes high blood pressure. It can also affect the eyes and kidneys. For adults, a sugar consumption of 60 grams per day is considered sufficient. Caution is advised with foods that contain hidden sugar, such as ready-made salads, potato chips or ketchup. Anyone who suffers from excess weight should reduce it. It promotes high blood pressure and diabetes. A body mass index of 20 to 25 is considered healthy. To achieve this, moderate sports training and a gradual change in diet are recommended. Excessive consumption of alcohol also promotes diseases of civilization. Therefore, men should not drink more than 0.6 liters of beer or 0.3 liters of wine per day. For women, 0.3 liters of beer and 0.15 liters of wine are the maximum. Other important self-help measures include regular exercise as well as tobacco cessation.
