As per studies, truck drivers have a longer life expectancy if they adopt healthy eating habits.
However, truckers face a challenging lifestyle; their overall well-being is closely tied to their eating and resting habits. Poor nutrition and inadequate sleep not only trigger fatigue and deplete energy, but can also lead to long-term health issues, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. This includes gastrointestinal issues, imminent in truckers who regularly consume fast food which is always rich in saturated fats and low in fiber.
With an irregular routine, long, lonely hours on the road and unhealthy diets, most truckers suffer from insomnia and mental health issues.
The lifestyle also impacts physical and mental performance, essential qualities to ensure safety on the road. To counteract these negative effects, truckers need to adopt a balanced and nutritious diet which includes food rich in fiber, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Additionally, they should also curb consumption of processed food and ensure they are adequately hydrated on and off the road.
There is hope. Eating more whole grains, nuts, and fruits while cutting back on sugary drinks and processed meats could add up to 10 years to a truckers life. Switching to a healthier diet, even in old age, can give them more time to enjoy life on the road.
Those who adopt the "longevity diet," recommended by experts, experience even more notable increases in their life expectancy. As per researchers, significant dietary changes can have a marked impact on life expectancy. This finding not only has implications for public health but also suggests that government measures, such as taxes on unhealthy foods and improving food choices, could be crucial for the well-being of truckers and the general population.