The most effective way to avoid dying prematurely is to adopt a healthy lifestyle, primarily through diet and lifestyle changes. Dr. Michael Greger's book "How Not to Die" emphasizes that the majority of premature deaths can be prevented by simple dietary and lifestyle adjustments. These include eating a whole-food, plant-based diet, managing risk factors such as high blood pressure with natural remedies like hibiscus tea, reducing consumption of harmful foods, and exercising regularly. The book covers prevention and sometimes reversal of the leading causes of death, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and more, by using nutritional and lifestyle interventions rather than relying solely on prescription drugs or surgeries.
Therefore, key approaches to not dying prematurely involve:
- Eating a whole-food, plant-based diet rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains.
- Avoiding or minimizing intake of processed foods, excessive animal products, and harmful substances such as sugar.
- Exercising regularly to maintain cardiovascular health and reduce risks of chronic diseases.
- Managing stress and mental health proactively.
- Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption.
- Using natural plant-based supplements or remedies backed by scientific evidence, such as flaxseed, hibiscus tea, and coffee for certain conditions.
Overall, longevity and health can be significantly improved by adopting these scientifically supported lifestyle changes.
