Have you ever wondered if aging can really be slowed? Or, is “anti-aging” just a creative marketing scheme to get us to buy products and services? Aging can be slowed! The “Fountain of Youth” is not something that comes in a bottle; it’s an action plan!
Key #1 – Drink Up! The human body can go for weeks without food, but only about 3 days without water. It’s that important! Water has many vital functions in the body including:
- Flushing toxins from the body
- Promoting circulation, digestion and metabolism
- Protecting cells from disease and viruses
- Improving skin tone, texture and resilience
- Maintaining muscle tone
- Preventing premature aging
A good general guideline for water consumption is 8 – 10 glasses per day. It’s helpful to carry a water bottle with you throughout the day – thirst means your body is already dehydrated. Avoid water boredom by adding fresh lemon, lime or mint to your water.
Key #2 – Sugar Gives You Wrinkles. It’s true! Sugar causes inflammation, which breaks down collagen and elastin. Simply put – sugar causes wrinkles and sagging skin. Need some tips for kicking your sugar habit – be sure to check out my blog Are You Addicted to Sugar? Artificial sweeteners are not any better – in fact, they are worse! Did you know that aspartame breaks down to formaldehyde in the body? That’s right, the chemical used in paint remover and embalming fluid. Yikes!
Key # 3 – Keep Moving. Regular exercise is key to staying young. Recent studies have shown that exercise not only keeps skin looking younger but it may even reverse skin aging. A study at McMaster University in Hamilton, showed that after age 40, men and women who exercised regularly had skin closer in composition to 20 and 30 year olds than to men and women of their own age, even if they were past 65. Need more convincing? Regular exercise produces long-term health benefits and in some cases can be an effective treatment for chronic conditions like: arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.
Key #4 – Sleep Tight! New research shows that getting enough sleep can actually slow down the aging process and keep your body younger for longer. Sleep is when your body rebuilds, repairs and recharges. On average, you should aim for 7 – 9 hours of sleep a day. Have trouble sleeping? You’re not alone! According to a study at Laval University, up to 40% of Canadian adults are affected by sleep disorders. Need some simple tips that will help you sleep better? Be sure to check out my blog – Not Sleeping? Fight Insomnia With These Tips
Key #5 – A Healthy Nervous System. What does the nervous system have to do with aging? The answer is EVERYTHING! Nerves control every function, tissue and cell in your body. When your nervous system is not functioning properly, your health is impacted and your body will age faster. How do you keep your nervous system functioning optimally? See your Wellness Chiropractor regularly. Chiropractic adjustments remove pressure and stress on the nervous system can help reduce oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress damages your body at the cellular level and promotes aging and disease.
Which keys will you use to unlock the “Fountain of Youth? Be sure to share in the comments section below. I’d love to hear from you! Do you have a friend or loved one who worries about aging? Feel free to share this blog with them.