Fountain of Youth
It seems in this day and age everyone is concerned about looking and feeling younger. Our lifestyles have become more hectic and full of stress, poor nutrition and lack of exercise. I believe that these are the three main factors that contribute to premature aging. Our bodies have been designed to heal and repair themselves with the aid of proper nutrition and exercise. When a cell in our body dies and replaces itself with a weaker cell this process is called degeneration (aging). Stronger cells can replace the cells in our body. For example, a diet high in fresh organic fruits and vegetables is packed with nutrients and full of fiber. They boost our immune system fighting off disease and give our body the nutrients to regenerate and have healthier cells. Our bodies are constantly producing waste products that are called toxins. We need to eat foods that don’t produce as many toxins. Simple organic whole foods that are ingested in their natural fresh state are the best. Processed foods, sugar and high levels of carbohydrate will produce more toxins and lead to degeneration of the cells.
Strength training is also crucial in slowing down the aging effect. It increases balance, strength, muscle tone, flexibility and posture as well as improving circulation and minimizing the loss of bone density. Aerobic activity alone is not enough to achieve optimal benefits. Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is secreted by the pituitary gland and when we age our levels of HGH decline resulting in loss of lean muscle mass, premature aging and lower levels of energy. The good news is that with high intensity strength training this will help your body secrete this naturally slowing down the loss of muscle mass along with the other aging-related symptoms.
Sleep and stress reduction are also important factors relating to anti-aging.
I have found through my experience that if you can find the right balance between your mind, exercise and nutrition you will feel great and have lots of energy. Your body will be in a healthier more balanced state free of the most common aging-related problems. Hippocrates (circa 460-377BC) known as “the father of medicine” did state “Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food.”