1) Drink Water
Water is the second most important nutrient for the body. Without it we would die in few days. Yes, drinking water from a pure source like an uncontaminated spring is the best kind to drink; however, finding and having access to water like this is almost impossible these days. Drinking filtered water is the next best option, but there is a small cost attached to it. I always tell my clients that tap water relative to soda or sweetened drinks is almost always the better option. The important thing to remember here is, man-made sweetened drinks at best do nothing for your body and at worst quicken your age.
2) Eat your Vegetables
Vegetables contain an abundance of anti-aging molecules in them called phytonutrients; and furthermore, contain lots of fiber relative to sugar. There is not a food out there that has a better fiber to sugar ratio when compare to vegetables or herbs. The phytonutrients, fiber and low sugar content are powerful weapons against free radicals. Every time a different phytonutrient in vegetables is studied by science their anti-aging effects on the body become apparent. The high fiber/sugar ratio supports gut health, which translates directly to total body health.
3) Eat your Protein
This is your body’s most important macronutrient. Almost every single biochemical process in your body requires protein. Furthermore, protein has to be replaced in the body everyday, unlike the other macronutrients fat and carbohydrates. In our bodies there are enzymes (proteins) that assist in neutralizing the daily free radical barrage we are subjected to. These enzymes are our body’s most important antioxidants.
4) Minimize Sugar Consumption
Many people consider this tip to be the most important one for anti-aging. Yes it is true that we need small amounts of carbohydrate (sugar) for good health; however, the amount of sugar the average person gets far exceeds this. A good rule of thumb for slowing the aging process is to avoid or minimize processed food and you will minimize your sugar consumption. Just eat real or whole food. The more processed a food is the more sugar it likely has in it.
5) Avoid the Consumption of Synthetic Man-made Products when Possible
Any substance that does not speak the same language as our DNA probably will accelerate aging if consumed long enough. In other words, it is unlikely for any synthetic substance that we consume long enough to interact with our bodies in a holistic beneficial way.
6) Exercise or Move
Life is defined as movement. If you want to live a long and healthy life you have to move everyday. Our ancient ancestors never had any concept of what exercise is because they did not live in a sedentary world. Today to maintain health and to slow the aging process down everyone needs to exercise or at the least be physically active everyday. Count yourself lucky if you have a job that keeps you on your feet all day.
7) Getting Plenty Sleep
This is the prime time when our bodies repair themselves. Without sleep we create copious amounts of free radicals. The old adage, “Get Your Beauty Sleep” is as true today if not more so as it was for our ancestors. In fact, people today on average are sleeping less than people only 50 years ago. You have to sleep to slow down how fast you age.
[Many thanks to our friends at Fitness Together, Gunbarrel Rd., for sharing these wellness tips!]