"Anthropogens" in Lifestyle Medicine. (May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Egger, Garry; Colquhoun, David; Dixon, John
• Is Part Of: American journal of lifestyle medicine. Volume 9:Number 3(2015:May/Jun.)
• Page Start: 232
• Page End: 240
• Publication Date: 2015-05
• Subjects: anthropogens -- lifestyle medicine -- chronic disease -- risk factors -- environment -- obesity; Medicine, Preventive -- Periodicals; Lifestyles -- Health aspects -- Periodicals; Health behavior -- Periodicals; 614.44
• DOI: 10.1177/1559827613512596
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1559-8276

Abstract

Chronic disease epidemiology currently lacks the mono-causal focus germ theory provides infectious diseases. However, the discovery of a form of low-grade, systemic, and chronic inflammation ("metaflammation) underlying many, if not all, chronic diseases induced by a range of stimulants labeled "anthropogens" may help change this. Anthropogens are "man-made environments, their by-products, and/or lifestyles encouraged by these, some of which are detrimental to human health." While an exhaustive list of anthropogens associated with chronic disease may be as elusive as a comprehensive list of "germs" with the potential to cause infection, a broad taxonomy provides a focus for the practice of lifestyle medicine. Such a list is considered here under the acronym NASTIE ODOURS.