Aging. Of course it’s something that happens to all of us, every day, and it can’t be stopped. The good news is, we have a bit more control over it than we may think! I’m not talking Botox injections or invasive plastic surgeries, but rather lifestyle habits that you can practice every day to keep you young, fit, and healthy. Try these lifestyle changes out, and see for yourself how much healthier you’ll start to feel and look!
Diet
Diet plays an important role in how a person ages. Fried and fatty foods, sugar (Advanced Glycation End-products, or AGEs), and fast foods speed up the aging process. Eat a balanced diet that is packed with antioxidants and minerals including raw fruits; vegetables; whole grains; seeds; nuts; fish – especially purple; red berries (flavonoids); red, yellow and orange veggies, (carotenoids, lycopene); iron and mineral rich green, leafy veggies and cancer fighting broccoli. Protein from fish and soy is preferable. Processed, artificial or toxic foods accelerate aging due to the harmful chemicals that need to be disposed of. It is also important to get adequate intake of pure, clean water. The average person should drink 6 to 8 glasses per day.
Exercise
One of the most important lifestyle habits to fight aging is regular exercise. Regular exercise promotes healthy oxygen levels in the body. Brisk walking is very beneficial for the brain and cardiovascular system. Other types of exercise are also beneficial, especially strength training, yoga and cycling.
Sleep
The body uses sleep time to do its internal housekeeping – process nutrients, detoxify, renew and recharge in general. If your body is chronically starved for sleep, the effects will eventually become both visibly and physically noticeable. Most people do best with about 7 hours sleep.
Skin
Protect your skin all the time from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, not just while you’re in the sun. Don’t think of it as sunscreen, think of it as daylight defense! Protection from UV rays and the use of age-fighting ingredients is the secret to wrinkle free, younger-looking, healthy skin.
Avoid tanning and DO NOT Burn!
One blistering sunburn doubles your risk of melanoma. It is best to stay out of the midday sun (from mid-morning to late afternoon) whenever you can. Tanning beds are just as dangerous as the sun, if not worse! They produce 2-3 times the amount of UVA rays than the sun.
