Researchers note there is no “magic bullet” for better health, but that a combination of lifestyle factors such as eating a healthy diet, using dietary supplements and exercising regularly will reduce risk of chronic disease.

A study published recently in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that individuals who followed four healthy lifestyle habits—including never smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and following a healthy diet—together reduced their risk of developing the most common and deadly chronic diseases by as much as 80%. Specifically, the four factors were associated with a 93% reduced risk of diabetes, 81% reduced risk of heart attack, 50% reduced risk of stroke and 36% reduced risk of cancer.

Similarly, a study published at the end of July in the Journal of the American Medical Association, looked at a combination of healthy lifestyle choices in regards to hypertension and found that women with six healthy lifestyle habits (having a body mass index of less than 25, a daily mean of 30 minutes of vigorous exercise, a high score on the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet, modest alcohol intake, use of non-narcotic analgesics less than once per week and intake of 400 mcg/day or more of supplemental folic acid) resulted in a nearly 80% reduction in the risk of developing high blood pressure, which can often lead to heart attack, stroke and other chronic diseases.

Clearly healthy habits and chronic disease prevention go hand in hand, but it’s also important to note that one healthy habit may influence other healthy habits. A 2008 survey from the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), Washington, D.C., found that those consumers who take vitamins and other dietary supplements are more likely than non-users of supplements to also try to eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, visit their doctor regularly and get a good night’s sleep.

“Consumers who engage in one healthy habit are likely to engage in many healthy habits as part of their overall preventative lifestyle approach,” said Douglas MacKay, ND, vice president, scientific and regulatory affairs, CRN. “One theory for this is that the discipline required to engage in one healthy habit influences other daily health decisions.”

“These studies are good news for consumers because they reiterate that there are many small things that individuals can do that will have big impacts on their overall health and wellness,” said William Cooper, MD, medical director of cardiovascular surgery at WellStar Kennestone Hospital, assistant professor of cardiothoracic surgery at Emory University and advisor to the “Life…supplemented” campaign. “I think that many healthcare professionals would agree that healthy habits such as eating a healthy diet, taking your daily vitamins, exercising regularly, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and getting enough sleep are part of a healthy lifestyle that helps maintain health and prevents chronic disease.”