What mostly determines health

What would you say is the most important thing for a person in determining adult and long term health, would you say? The news etc keeps going on about breast feeding makes healthy people in later life but is this in the long run or is most of it speculation? Id say psychological factors like having good parents is twice as beneficial, or is lack exersise and diet to blame.

Sorry if this sounds dumb im tired

Reply 1

supernova2

heres the official definition which I like

"health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity"

Reply 2

orbelina

For physical health i'd say its diet and exercise, whilst having supportive family and friends can affect mental wellbeing. No doube Genes play a part too, but breastfeeding? im not so sure about that one. I mean, if you are obese etc i dont think you can really blame that on having been bottle fed as a baby! So many health problems are caused by lifestyle choices, e.g. smoking, not wearing sunscreen ect.

Reply 3

Laus

I think breastfeeding just kicks starts your immune system (breast milk contains all the nutrients a baby needs)... but long-term health is maintained by a variety of factors. Obviously lifestyle choices play a huge part - as the above poster mentioned - smoking, over exposure to the sun... too much boozing, diet high in sugar and saturated fat, low exercise levels etc.

Mental well-being is inextricably linked to your physical state but is a lot more complex and also depends a number of things.

Reply 4

avalanche

So will a child who is breast fed definately be healthier than if they are formula fed? Or do people mean they will be in most cases?

Reply 5

Sunofnight

According to media yes they become healthier people in adulthood too.

I think more than anything its how much water you drink, seriously it gets rid of toxins etc