We are all aging – it is an inevitable fact. Some are happy to age, most are not. HOW we age and how fast we age, we have relative control over. So how do we age well?
Number one is diet. Studies have shown that a diet high in whole foods – vegetables, meats, and fruit primarily, that are fresh and not processed, is key. The higher the diet is in processed foods, especially those containing trans fats, seed oils and many processing agents, the faster your body will age.
Exercise and an active lifestyle is fundamental to slowing the aging process. A combination of strength-training, cardiovascular, flexibility, exercises like meditation to reduce stress and doing fun activities, have the best results. Not over-exercising, but continuity in exercise is central to a healthy exercise habit.
Adequate hydration (half your body weight in ounces per day – max 100 ounces), consistently is vital. Quality of sleep, stress management, maintaining a healthy social life, maintaining a healthy weight, and a positive mental attitude are essential. Mental stimulation by continuing to learn new skills, doing difficult puzzles, or engaging in hobbies are more effective than just reading books (although that can be good if you are learning new information).
Nutritional efficiencies related to accelerated aging include: Vitamin B12 (brain function and blood cell health), vitamin C (collagen production and antioxidants), vitamin D (bone health and immunity), vitamin E (cardiovascular, tissue repair immunity and antioxidant), Essential Fatty Acids (brain health, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular health), calcium (bone and cardiovascular), magnesium (muscle and nerve health, cardiovascular) are the key nutrients. All nutrients in balanced amounts are essential to overall health and well-being, which of course leads to quality of life as well as length of life, but these listed have been studied the most, relative to longevity.
Acupuncture helps with quality and length of life by improving circulation, boosting immune function, reducing pain and inflammation, stimulating the release of brain and other hormones, including balancing them, enhancing sleep quality, improving digestion (the root of nearly all diseases), enhancing mental clarity, strengthening joint health and range of motion, and boosting health and wellbeing. In addition, as many diseases can accelerate aging, using acupuncture to remedy them will likely contribute to slowing the aging process.
And finally, avoiding Advanced Glycation End Products (“AGEs”). These are compounds formed through a negative reaction between sugars, proteins and fats. They accumulate in tissues over time and can significantly affect aging and age-related diseases. Fried foods, roasted nuts/seeds, baked goods like cakes, pies and cookies, processed meats containing nitrates or nitrites, and sugary beverages and snacks are the worst. AGE’s in a nutshell causes cellular damage, inflammation, oxidative stress, tissue and organ dysfunction, vascular damage, skin aging, neurodegeneration, weakened immune response and others.
We can have a positive impact on our aging process, by following these simple guidelines.
Want to hear more from Dr. Carling? Check out our podcast. Search for VitalHealth4You on your favorite podcast listening app or go to vitalhealthcda.com/podcasts/
©2024 Holly A. Carling, O.M.D., L.Ac., Ph.D.
