The aging process, contrary to what may be the general opinion, can be slowed down by the living in the appropriate lifestyle. It is nature’s challenge to the mature individual to prolong his life by using his own knowledge and intuition. The aging process is actually the sum of many physiological processes that occur in the body as it ages.
In the wisdom of nature, the factors that hasten aging may be contravened by means entirely within the reach of the ordinary man. Something that has proven to be of considerable importance in this regard is fasting and caloric restriction. The practice of controlling the amounts of calories that are eaten has been seen to prolong life and decrease mortality in humans, monkeys and rats, as well as in other animals.
The daily ingestion of more calories than are usually burned up in a day, causes the excess calories to be transformed into fats and cholesterol.
Fasting and diminishing caloric intake have a positive effect on anti-aging. When there is excess fat in the blood, bodily organs being to accumulate fatty substances which may prevent them from functioning in the proper way
A good rule to follow for anti-aging will be to stay at your weight when you were 18 year old. How do you know? If you happen to have stashed away an article of clothing from when you were that age, try to wear it now. If you can’t fit into it, you should start dieting.
Caloric restrictors have been found to have good insulin blood levels and less damage done to their DNA. Eating in excess induce rises in blood sugar, inflammation and free radicals, all of which serve to exhaust the body cells and don’t promote anti-aging.
Some people in their middle ages have learned to skip one meal in a day. It takes some getting used to, but it is definitely worth a try to skip the meal in which you eat least.
Keeping yourself occupied with a pet may improve your life expectancy. Pets have a way of sharing the emotional stress of their masters. Studies have shown that bankers with pets tend to have lower blood pressures when they are stressed than those who didn’t.
Planting and caring for plants have helped some people keep their blood pressure down in moments of stress and are good anti-aging aids.
Salmon and sardines can help to prevent heart attacks. This is because they have the omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA. Cold-water fish and multi-colored vegetables on the other hand have an anti-inflammatory action which also prevents aging. Dark, unsweetened chocolate, the health beverage of the ancient aztecs also has a powerful anti-oxidant effect. The common foods that have an anti-aging effect on the body are fruits, fish, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, yoghurt, nuts and, of course, water.
One important cause of aging and bad health is emotional depression. Depression taxes the immune system, making you prone to infections and allergies.
The secret of an anti-aging lifestyle is found as much by taking in the proper foods that are antioxidants or anti-inflammatory, as by avoiding foods that tend to accumulate fat and free radicals in the body. But a very important factor in staying young and healthy is your own optimism about life and your ability to cope with stress.