Why Do People Become Sick? Root Causes of Disease According to Naturopathy, Ayurveda & Modern Science

People get sick due to a combination of factors including exposure to pathogens (like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites), weakened immune systems, and environmental conditions. Infectious diseases spread through various means, including person-to-person contact, contaminated food or water, and insect bites. Additionally, lifestyle choices, such as poor hygiene, lack of exercise, and inadequate diet, can contribute to illness

1. Infectious Diseases:

Pathogens: Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites can invade the body and cause illness.
Transmission: These pathogens can spread through various routes:
Person-to-person: Direct contact, respiratory droplets, or bodily fluids.
Contaminated sources: Food, water, or surfaces.
Vectors: Insects like mosquitoes (malaria, dengue fever) or ticks (Lyme disease).

2. Immune System Weakness:

Compromised Immunity: A weakened immune system, whether due to illness, genetic factors, or lifestyle choices (like poor nutrition or stress), makes individuals more susceptible to infections.
Autoimmune Diseases: These disorders cause the body's immune system to attack its own tissues, leading to various health problems.

3. Environmental Factors:

Pollution: Air and water pollution can expose individuals to harmful substances that damage respiratory and other systems.
Hygiene: Poor hygiene practices, like inadequate handwashing, can increase the risk of infection.
Living Conditions: Crowded or unsanitary living conditions can facilitate the spread of infectious diseases.

4. Lifestyle and Other Factors:

Diet: Poor nutrition, including vitamin deficiencies, can weaken the immune system.
Exercise: Lack of physical activity can negatively impact immune function and overall health.
Stress: Chronic stress can suppress the immune system and increase susceptibility to illness.
Age: Infants and older adults often have weaker immune systems.
Genetics: Some individuals may inherit a predisposition to certain illnesses.

All diseases are the outcomes of Free Radicals formation in human body

Almost for all types of illness, Free radicals (oxidative stress) formations in body are the primary reason for all types of diseses which are caused by both internal bodily processes and external environmental factors. Metabolism within the body, particularly during cellular respiration that produces free radicals as byproducts and the external factors like pollution, radiation, smoking, and certain chemicals can also significantly increase free radical production. Oxidative stress is a condition that arises from an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (free radicals) and the body's ability to counteract their harmful effects through antioxidants. Essentially, it's when there are too many unstable molecules (free radicals) in the body and not enough antioxidants to neutralize them, leading to potential cell and tissue damage.

Internal (Endogenous) Causes:

Normal Metabolic Processes: The body's everyday functions, such as cellular respiration in mitochondria, produce free radicals as a natural part of energy production.
Inflammation: The immune system's response to injury or infection involves the generation of free radicals to fight pathogens.
Enzymatic Reactions: Enzymes like those in the respiratory chain, during phagocytosis, prostaglandin production, and the cytochrome P-450 system, can generate free radicals.
Non-Enzymatic Reactions: Oxygen reacting with organic molecules, especially during oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria, can also produce free radicals.

External (Exogenous) Causes:

Environmental Pollution: Air and water pollutants, including ozone and industrial chemicals, can introduce free radicals or contribute to their formation.
Radiation: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds, X-rays, and other forms of ionizing radiation can generate free radicals.
Smoking: Cigarette smoke contains numerous chemicals that act as free radicals or increase their production in the body.
Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol metabolism can produce free radicals as a byproduct.
Certain Drugs and Pesticides: Some medications and pesticides can contribute to free radical formation.
Heavy Metals and Industrial Solvents: Exposure to these can also increase free radical production.
Processed Foods: Some studies suggest that diets high in processed foods, particularly those containing trans fats and refined sugars, may increase free radical production.

Author: Idnan Asad - Founder of Naturo Heals, A Research Scholar in Naturopathy, PGD Naturopathy (London), C.I.M (Integrated Medicine), C.N.T.P (Ayurveda), MBA (UK), GMITE (IIM Bangalore), MSc (PTU), Elect Engg (CCP)