Aging is a part of life that we can’t do anything about, but we can slow it down or speed it up depending on our lifestyle choices and health habits. In addition to prematurely aging, certain health issues can arise causing the process to accelerate and Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with experts who share signs you’re aging faster than you should that you need to be aware of. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.

Dr. Tomi Mitchell, a Board-Certified Family Physician with Holistic Wellness Strategies shares, “I have yet to meet an adult who has told me they want to age quickly. The fact is, many people start to become acutely aware of their age after they hit 30. They begin to see the first signs of wrinkles and gray hair and feel aches and pains in their joints. As a result, they begin to feel like they are losing their youth and vitality. For many people, this can be a very unsettling experience. They may spend more time and money on beauty products and cosmetics to hold on to their child. They may also try to change their lifestyle habits to stay healthy and fit. However, the sad truth is that there is no turning back the clock. Aging is an inevitable part of life. However, that does not mean that we have to give in to it without a fight. By caring for our bodies and minds, we can still enjoy a high quality of life as we age. So, even though we cannot stop the aging process, we can certainly slow it down. However, there are signs that you may be aging faster than you should. You should talk to your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms.”

Lisa Richards, a nutritionist and author of the Candida Diet tells us, “For most individuals chronic pain and inflammation is not a normal part of everyday life. If you find yourself experiencing inflammation, water retention, poor sleep, and chronic pain you are likely aging faster than you should. For those without a medical diagnosis to explain these symptoms, the culprit is likely the foods you are choosing to fuel your body with. Cutting down on saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, added sugar, and other inflammatory foods can help slow down this process and lessen these side effects. Choosing to take in anti-inflammatory foods can also slow down the aging process by feeding your body antioxidant rich foods, whole grains, and healthy fats. This leads to better cellular health, gut health, immunity, and overall wellness.”6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

“Did you know that loss of muscle mass could signify that you are aging faster than you should be?” Dr. Mitchell asks. “It’s true! Muscle mass begins to decline around 30, which accelerates as we age. There are several reasons for this, including a decrease in the production of hormones such as testosterone and growth hormone and a reduction in the number of muscle cells. This process can be accelerated by poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and certain medications. However, some ways to slow down muscle loss include regular exercise, adequate protein intake, and supplementation with creatine or other nutrients. So if you’re concerned about losing muscle mass, take action today to keep your body young and strong.”

According to Dr. Mitchell, “One of the most visible signs of aging is a change in the appearance of the skin. As we age our skin becomes thinner and less elastic, leading to wrinkles, age spots, and dryness. While this is a natural part of the aging process, it can be accelerated by environmental factors such as sun exposure and smoking. Additionally, lifestyle choices, such as a poor diet or not getting enough exercise, can contribute to premature aging. If you notice your skin showing signs of aging, it’s essential to take steps to protect it from further damage. This includes sunscreen outdoors, quitting smoking, and eating a healthy diet. These steps will help you keep your skin looking its best for years.”

Dr. Mitchell reminds us, “As we age, our bodies go through a lot of changes. One of the most noticeable changes is the way our bones change. Over time, our bones become weaker and more brittle. This is a natural part of the aging process, but it can signify that we are aging faster than we should be. Our bones are constantly breaking down and rebuilding themselves, but as we age, the rate at which they break down begins to exceed the rate at which they rebuild themselves. This can lead to decreased bone density and an increased risk of fractures. Several factors can contribute to this process, including a lack of exercise, a poor diet, and certain medical conditions. If you are concerned about your bone health, speak to your doctor about ways to slow down the aging process.”

“When it comes to hair loss, there can be many different causes,” Dr. Mitchell states. “However, one potential reason is accelerated aging. Hair loss is a normal part of the aging process, as hair follicles gradually produce more delicate and weaker strands of hair. However, losing a large amount of hair could signify that you are aging faster than you should be. Several possible reasons include hormonal imbalances, vitamin deficiencies, and stress. If you are concerned about accelerated aging, you must consult a doctor or dermatologist. In addition, they will be able to assess your case and provide guidance on how to proceed.”

Dr. Mitchell states, “There’s no getting around it: as we get older, our bodies change. We don’t have the same energy levels we did when we were young, and we start to see the effects of time in the form of wrinkles and gray hair. But did you know that insomnia is one of the earliest signs of aging? That’s right: if you’re having trouble sleeping, it could signify that you are aging faster than you should be. Several factors can contribute to insomnia, but as we age, our bodies produce fewer hormones that help us sleep soundly. In addition, many medications that are commonly prescribed to seniors can have side effects that make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep through the night. And if that weren’t enough, aging also increases our risk for medical conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, which can cause sleep problems. If you’re having trouble sleeping, you should talk to your doctor. There are treatments available that can help you get the rest you need, and by addressing your insomnia, you may be able to slow down the aging process. So don’t wait: if you’re not getting enough shut-eye, make an appointment with your doctor today.

Dr. Mitchell says this “doesn’t constitute medical advice and by no means are these answers meant to be comprehensive. Rather, it’s to encourage discussions about health choices.”