10 Ways To Slow Down The Aging Process!

Can we really slow down the aging process?
Some folks in their sixties still look as if they are in their forties, or some of those who are in their fifties look as if they are in their thirties.What are their secrets? Is there such a thing as the fountain of youth?
Here are ten recommended ways to slow down the aging process.

1. Add more antiaging supplements to your diet.
There is a group of substances known as “antioxidants” that helps greatly in keeping you young. They neutralize what scientists call “free radicals”. Free radicals set off a chain reaction that can kill off cells, tear holes in cell membranes, mutate DNA which is the mastermind of cell activity. One theory, which was formulated by Denham Harman, PhD, a biochemist at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine, contends that the cumulative damage from free radicals is responsible for the decline in functioning that accompanies aging.
Two of many antioxidants are Vitamin A and C. The best source of Vitamin C are Citrus fruits. Rich sources of Vitamin A are carrots, squash, spinach and collard greens. In my opinion the #1 antioxidant is known as OPC-3!  Be sure all your supplements are in an ISOTONIC FORM for maximum absorption and utilization by the body. (see previous blog)

2. Take a brisk walk every other day.

Walk fast for 20 minutes three or more days per week. Walking strengthens the bones in your lower half, making you less susceptible to osteoporosis. A brisk pace usually means covering a mile in about 15 minutes. Brisk walking is a good alternative for those who are reluctant to do traditional aerobic exercises.
Aerobic exercises reduce your risk of heart disease by helping to prevent high blood pressure, lowering artery-hardening cholesterol in your bloodstream and possibly decreasing blood clotting.

3. Follow a fat-buster diet

The main health goal in cutting down fat content in the diet is to prevent your vital arteries from clogging up with cholesterol. The standard advice has been to shift from animal-based foods like meat and butter to more vegetables. The following foods have recommended by nutritionists as fat-busters:

*Polyunsaturated Fats
Best source: sunflower seed oil…They tend to lower cholesterol levels.

*Water- Soluble Fiber, which binds with water and cholesterol components in the gastrointestinal tract, helps remove cholesterol from your system. Best sources are beans and oat products along with pectin found in oranges and apples.

*Fish, particularly salmon and mackerel. They contain a component known as EPA (eicosapentanoic acid), which nullifies the high fat content in fish.
Nutritionists recommend that you eat fish at least three times a week. If you are really serious in wanting to lower your blood cholesterol, eat a standard portion of fish and a hefty portion of water-soluble fiber as often as you can.

4. Maintain a normal Body-Mass Index.

Body mass index is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women. Normal BMI ranges from 18.5 to 24.9. Overweight ranges from 25 to 29.9. Above 30 is considered obesity.
If you are 20% over your ideal weight, you must drop some extra pounds. Being overweight in a factor in adult -onset diabetes, heart disease and breast cancer.

5. Build bone density and functional strength.

Most adults lose one percent of bone mass anually. As you lose bone minerals your bones become lighter, more porous, weaker and at a greater risk of fracture. You can increase bone density and strength with weight bearing exercises such as walking, bicycling, swimming or weight training. Also take vitamin D to help reduce the aging process of your bones. Take 400 IU of vitamin D daily or one tablespoon of cod liver oil.

6. Stop Smoking.

According to British physician Douglas Model, (Member of the Royal College of Physicians), smokers tend to have at least one of the following: pronounced wrinkling and lines, gauntness or an off-color complexion. Dr. Model believes smoking ages your looks by reducing the flow of blood to your skin.

7. Clean up Your Dental Practices.

After 40, the main cause of tooth loss is periodontal or gum disease. The cuprit: “Plaque”, a sticky film made up of bacteria, saliva, and food debris. Bacteria produces toxins that irritate gums, naking them recede and form pockets. If the immune system of the body can’t fight the bacterial invasion, the bones anchoring the teeth eventually erode and teeth fall out.
Brushing after every meal, and daily flossing will reduce plaque attacks. Teeth must be cleaned by a dentist at least twice per year.

8. Drink a lot of fluids to maintain healthy skin and to flush out wastes.

Maintain at least eight 8-ounce glass of water a day.

9. Manage your stress.

Stess accelerates the aging process. Erternally youthful celebrities like Andie MacDowell and Meryl Streep realize that managing your stress level is key to looking younger for longer.
When we suffer stress we lose our bodies natural balance which causes damage to hormone secretion, cell repair, and collagen production. More worrying, recent research suggests, that when the body is exposed over a long period of time to stress hormones can speed up brain aging.

10. Practice relaxing.

Practice relaxing to lower stress levels in your body. Listening to your favorite music or watch a nice soothing Movie or TV program can help considerable.

Source: Nancy Stedman: Published in Women’s Day.(January 20, 1987 issue)