The Top 10 Most Likely Ways You Could Die (and How to Avoid Them)

Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis are types of kidney diseases, collectively responsible for 52,547 deaths in the United States in 2021. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases advises that to maintain kidney function—removing waste and excess fluid from your body—you should follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly, ensure adequate sleep, and quit smoking and drinking. Expect to see this advice appear more than once on this list.

It’s strange when people try to minimize COVID-19 by calling it “just the flu,” especially considering that influenza claimed 53,544 lives in the U.S. in 2021. Although the majority of flu deaths occur in individuals over 65, the flu should never be trivialized when anyone catches it. Fortunately, you can lower your risk of contracting the flu by 40% with an annual flu vaccine. Also, remember to wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, and stay home if you’re feeling unwell.

Over 100,000 individuals in the U.S. lost their lives to diabetes last year. There are two primary types: Type 1, which is caused by a genetic disorder, and Type 2, which is largely influenced by diet. Type 1 is rarer, more severe, and cannot be prevented, but it can be managed with insulin, careful blood sugar monitoring, a balanced diet, and exercise. On the other hand, about 90% of Type 2 cases can be entirely avoided through lifestyle changes, including adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, and quitting smoking and drinking.

Alzheimer’s, a degenerative disease that gradually impairs memory and cognitive abilities, claimed the lives of 134,242 primarily elderly individuals in 2021. While the exact cause remains unclear, experts generally agree that a mix of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors contribute to the brain’s deterioration over time. Though you can’t change your genetics, you can still (say it with me) eat a nutritious diet, exercise consistently, get ample rest, and quit smoking and drinking. Additionally, protecting your head from injury (a good rule of thumb) and staying mentally and socially engaged throughout life can reduce the risk: Studies suggest a connection between lifelong mental and social activity and a lower Alzheimer’s risk.

A stroke happens when the flow of blood to the brain is interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. It can lead to severe disability or even death. In 2021, 160,264 people in the U.S. succumbed to strokes. While preventing strokes can be a challenge, they are believed to be partly linked to genetic factors. However, controlling your blood pressure and maintaining a healthy weight are crucial steps in reducing the risk. Remember: eat nutritious food, stay active, get enough rest, and quit smoking and drinking.

I’m pleased to say that your diet is unlikely to decide whether or not you meet an untimely end in an accident! As expected, the majority of the 200,955 deaths from unintentional injuries in the U.S. in 2021 were due to car accidents. But other causes include falls, drownings, poisoning, gunshots, and even industrial machine accidents. Believe it or not, eleven people were killed by lightning strikes. While you might try to avoid dying by accident, if there’s one thing I learned from the Final Destination movies, it’s that fate has its own plans for you.

As a more recent addition to the list of causes of death, COVID-19 took 350,831 lives in the United States in 2021. Fortunately, reducing your risk of dying from COVID-19 is surprisingly simple: get vaccinated and get your booster shots. It’s also helpful to address the co-morbidities tied to COVID-related deaths, such as maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and so on. However, the real game-changer is vaccination—and it's much easier than overhauling your lifestyle.

Cancer, which encompasses over 100 diseases where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the body, claimed more than 600,000 American lives in 2021. The causes of cancer are numerous and include things I enjoy, such as red meat, cigarettes, and whiskey. To reduce your risk of developing cancer, the most effective approach is to take a comprehensive approach: quit smoking, adopt a healthy diet, exercise regularly, get adequate sleep, and stop drinking. Additionally, limit sun exposure and make sure to undergo regular cancer screenings, especially if your family history makes you more susceptible.

Heart disease is the ultimate challenge when it comes to deadly conditions, the greatest of them all! In 2021, it claimed the lives of 696,962 Americans. The term 'heart disease' encompasses a variety of heart-related issues, with coronary artery disease (CAD) being the most prevalent in the United States. CAD occurs when restricted blood flow to the heart leads to a heart attack. Although genetics play a role, heart disease is mostly influenced by lifestyle choices. To reduce the risk, focus on eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting sufficient rest, and giving up smoking and excessive drinking.