The life expectancy in the U.S. has been dropping, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average life expectancy is now 76.1 years old, a drop of 0.9 from just a year ago.

The CDC said the drop is due mostly to COVId-19 but other factors such as unintentional injuries, heart disease, chronic liver disease, and suicide are also contributing factors.

Dr. Thomica James-Evans, the medical director of SignatureCare Emergency Center in Plano, TX, said while speaking with a Bryan, TX area television station, KBTX Channel 3, that most of the causes of death outlined by the CDC are lifestyle related and preventable.

“You look at the causes of our death, and it’s all stuff that’s preventable,” James-Evans said. “That’s why it matters.”

James-Evans said switching to a plant-based diet can help increase life expectancy.

She said that replacing processed foods with a plant-based diet can be done gradually and be of immense benefit.

The board-certified medical doctor also recommends not drinking your calories through sugary drinks and alcohol.

“If you don’t drink your calories, you can lose a lot of calories, which therefore will help you lose some weight and take the pressure off of your organs,” James-Evans said.

She advised focusing on personal mental health, exercising, and getting enough sleep, as well.

“The more you exercise, the better your sleep is as well, and we all know your body needs that rest and restoration period while you’re sleeping to reset itself,” James-Evans said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report is available here.