Getting old is something we all have to face up to, there is absolutely nothing we can do about that. However, the aging process, the rate at which our body ages has very little to do with how old we actually are. We have all come across people who look ten years younger than they really are as well as meeting people who look ten years older than there physical age!
The good news is that the conditions often associated with the aging process, such as memory loss, failing eyesight, wrinkled sagging skin and brittle bones to name a few, can all be delayed, prevented or even reversed. So let us look at what we can do to delay aging and live a healthier life.
The biggest cause of premature aging is probably too much stress. Stress causes all sorts of serious health problems like high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. Stress also slows down the bodys metabolism and vital processes making us look more haggard and older than we really are. Too much stress is harmful to our minds as well as our bodies. We must therefore learn to manage stress for a longer, healthier life.
Poor nutrition is another major factor in the aging process. Premature aging starts early on for many people due to a poor and unhealthy diet. The body needs certain essential vitamins and nutrients to maintain normal functions. Whilst supplements may help, the bodies preferred source is from natural nutrient dense foods. However, do not panic for we do not have to give up everything completely. We just need to make some simple diet changes for maximum effect. The gain in vigour and energy experienced through simple diet changes are worth more than gold.
Our bodies are designed for use and movement for in primitive times we were hunter gatherers. Therefore, another cause of premature aging is lack of exercise. There is a saying which rings true: "use it or lose it." Regular exercise conditions the heart and lungs, tones the body making it stronger and more resilient and increases metabolism by burning more calories. Exercise boosts our immune system making us less prone to common illness.
As well as working out our bodies to keep them going for longer we also need to keep our brains active. This is important as we get older to counteract certain so called mental age related conditions. Crosswords, sudoku and chess are all excellent mental workouts that will keep our minds active and functioning well into old age.
Proper deep breathing and meditation will help towards longevity as well as help with managing stress. When we start life as babies we actually breath more effectively, that is deep and through the diaphragm. Unfortunately, for many of us as we mature our breathing becomes more shallow meaning less oxygen entering our bodies, but more importantly, less carbon dioxide being expelled. In Asia people have realised the importance of proper breathing for centuries and now eastern disciplines such as Yoga and Tai Chi are becoming more and more popular in the west.
Anti-oxidants are also important for long life and anti aging. Now although supplements and pills may be of some benefit, it is far better to get your anti-oxidants and vitamins from natural foods for this is the bodies preferred choice. Including certain foods such as garlic, olive oil and nuts into our daily diets will reap long term rewards. So called power foods which are specific fruits, vegetables and seeds will also have a major impact on delaying or reversing the aging process.
These are just some important ways that we can adopt into our daily lives to help delay the aging process and thereby help to keep us looking younger in the process. We can all add years to our life and improve the quality of it if we take action. Action is the key. Taking small steps every day will go a long way to living a healthier, longer and, more importantly, happier life.
by Stuart Ward
About the Author
For further information on anti aging and how to live a longer life please visit: www.Stuarts-EbookStore.com/Live-Forever/lf.html