Here's How to Stop Aging, Experts Say
Living longer and avoiding the inevitable aging process is something we'd all love and while there's no miracle cure for turning back the clock, there are ways to help slow it down. Adopting positive lifestyle choices is key to staying healthy and Eat This Not That! Health spoke with experts who revealed their tricks to stopping aging. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.
Do Annual Blood Testing for Longevity
Kent Probst, personal trainer and kinesiotherapist says, "One strategy for avoiding the diseases of aging that isn't given a lot of attention is annual blood testing for longevity. Annual blood testing is important because it can detect a problem well in advance of symptoms, so you can correct the problem before it becomes a serious disease. It's getting a handle on how your body is functioning beneath the surface. Some important blood tests are the complete blood chemistry, thyroid stimulating hormone, ferritin, vitamin D, magnesium, C-reactive protein, homocysteine, DHEA, estradiol, apolipoprotein, hemoglobin A1C and insulin."
Sleep
Probst states, "The National Sleep Foundation says that a third of Americans experience insomnia. It's an epidemic problem. A third get less than 7 hours of sleep per night. Did you know that chronic insomnia can lead to heart disease, poor learning and memory, diabetes, depression, weight gain, and premature skin aging? Getting a good night's sleep (7 to 9 hours) helps you detox your brain of beta amyloid plaque, the substance found concentrated in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. Taking melatonin or an herbal supplement, and practicing good sleep hygiene will go a long way toward sleeping better."
Moisturize
Robyn Newmark Founder & CEO, Newmark Beauty suggests, "Apply moisturizer to your body immediately after bathing or showering to seal in moisture. A heavier ointment or cream may be more soothing for dry, sensitive skin. Consider dimethicone, glycerin, mineral oil, or hyaluronic acid that helps the skin retain moisture. Also, don't forget about your face."
Reduce Sugar Intake
Dr. Markus Ploesser, Chief Innovation Officer, Open Mind Health, and integrative psychiatrist and longevity expert explains sugar is unhealthy and reduce a lifespan because it creates the following health issues:
- A) "Lack of nutritional value
- B) Increased leptin resistance
- C) Weight gain
- D) Increased risk for heart disease
- E) Lowers Vitamin D and calcium absorption
- F) Feeds unhealthy gut bacteria"
Elizabeth M. Ward, MS, RD adds, "A regular, consistent intake of sugary foods, such as soft drinks, candy, cookies, and pastry, is associated with inflammation that ages arteries and other blood vessels, as well as elevated blood glucose levels. When glucose levels are high in the bloodstream, the pancreas releases insulin to normalize them. A steady diet of added sugars may burn out the pancreas prematurely and result in the need for medication."
Smoking
By now we should all know smoking is bad for our health and can reduce years off our life. Dr. Ploesser reminds us why it's unhealthy.
- A) "Blood vessel constriction and lack of transport of nutrients and oxygen as consequence
- B) Chemicals damage structure necessary for skin elasticity directly
- C) Repetitive squinting causes lines and wrinkles directly"
Get Enough Fiber
Ward explains, "Inadequate fiber is associated with a gut that doesn't function to its fullest potential, which may lead to a reduced immunity and more infections, and higher blood cholesterol levels that clog arteries, putting extra strain on your heart to pump blood. Such strain increases the risk for heart attack and stroke, which permanently damages the heart tissue, and the brain, respectively."
Stay Active
According to Ward, "Being inactive is linked to a shorter life. Physical activity reduces and manages the chances for chronic conditions, including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some forms of cancer, whose effects can cause us to become debilitated in our 50s, 60s and 70s."
Add Calcium and Vitamin D in Your Diet
According to Ward, "Calcium and vitamin D are necessary for preserving bone strength. After 50 women need more calcium (1,200 milligrams daily; men need 1,000 milligrams) in addition to 15 micrograms of vitamin D daily to help maintain bone strength and prevent falls."
Stop Drinking Too Much Alcohol
"Alcohol is a toxin that can do a number on brain tissue," Ward explains. "One of the main problems with alcohol is that it's associated with a reduced brain volume. A reduced brain volume is associated with a greater risk for dementia." And to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
