In today’s world, overflowing with information about healthy lifestyles, we often overlook the simplest yet most critical things. We search for miracle diets and complex workout routines, ignoring what we do every day. This is exactly the issue highlighted by Mario Alonso Puig, a renowned surgeon, writer, and lecturer in Spain, who has dedicated his career to studying human potential. He claims that our well-being is eroded not so much by major upheavals, but by small, ingrained habits whose harmful effects we rarely consider.
The first such ‘silent saboteur’ is a diet high in sugar. This isn’t just about obvious sweets. Hidden sugar lurks in sauces, ready-made meals, bread, and even so-called ‘healthy’ yogurts. Constant sugar consumption triggers chronic inflammation in the body, leads to sharp swings in energy followed by fatigue, and lays the groundwork for serious illness in the future.
The second critical deficiency in the modern diet is a lack of fiber. Dr. Puig emphasizes that around 50 grams of fiber per day are necessary for normal digestive function and maintaining healthy gut flora. However, the average resident of a Western country gets at best 15 grams. This gap leads to digestive problems, metabolic disturbances, and a weakened immune system.
The third factor that shortens lifespan is physical inactivity. No matter how much we try to deny it, a sedentary lifestyle literally takes years off our lives. Exercise is not just a way to burn calories, but a vital necessity for maintaining cardiovascular health, strong bones, and mental balance. Even minimal activity on a regular basis can work wonders.
The fourth problem that many tend to ignore is poor posture. The way we sit, stand, and walk directly affects many physiological processes. Hunched backs at the desk or while using a smartphone not only cause neck and back pain but also make breathing harder, disrupt circulation, and may even negatively impact mood and self-confidence.
Finally, the fifth and perhaps most important aspect is neglecting sleep. A full night’s rest of at least seven hours is not a luxury but a basic biological need. It is during sleep that key recovery processes occur: the brain clears itself of toxins, the hormonal system comes into balance, and the immune system is strengthened. Chronic sleep deprivation leads directly to burnout and weakens the body’s overall defenses.
The main message Dr. Puig conveys is not about striving for an unattainable ideal, but about mindfulness. It is important to understand that our health is the sum of small, everyday decisions. Each new day offers an opportunity to make choices that benefit our body: take a walk, add more vegetables to your plate, or go to bed an hour earlier. Long-term well-being is built on these small but consistent improvements.
