Introduction
As we age, our bodies naturally start to show signs of wear and tear. But did you know that certain everyday habits can actually speed up the aging process? According to science, there are certain foods and activities that can cause your body to age faster than it should. Eating the wrong foods and not getting enough exercise can cause your body to age prematurely. Fortunately, there are also certain foods and activities that can help slow down the aging process. In this article, we’ll discuss the everyday habits that age your body faster, and provide tips on what to eat and what to avoid in order to keep your body looking and feeling young.
Everyday Habits That Age Your Body Faster, Says Science — Eat This Not That
We all want to look and feel our best, but sometimes our everyday habits can have an adverse effect on our health and wellbeing. According to science, there are certain habits that can age your body faster than others. Here are some of the everyday habits that you should avoid if you want to stay looking and feeling young.
1. Smoking
Smoking is one of the worst habits you can have when it comes to aging your body faster. Not only does smoking increase your risk of developing cancer and other serious health conditions, but it also causes premature wrinkles and age spots. Smoking also reduces the amount of oxygen that your body receives, which can lead to a decrease in energy levels and an overall decrease in your quality of life.
2. Not Getting Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy body and mind. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body doesn’t have enough time to repair itself and regenerate. This can lead to a decrease in energy levels, an increase in stress levels, and an overall decrease in your quality of life. Aim to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night to keep your body looking and feeling young.
3. Eating Unhealthy Foods
Eating unhealthy foods can have a negative effect on your body and can age you faster. Eating processed foods, sugary snacks, and fast food can all contribute to an increase in inflammation, which can lead to a decrease in energy levels and an overall decrease in your quality of life. Instead, focus on eating a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
4. Not Exercising Regularly
Exercising regularly is essential for maintaining a healthy body and mind. Not only does exercise help to keep your body looking and feeling young, but it also helps to reduce stress levels and improve your overall quality of life. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day to keep your body looking and feeling its best.
5. Not Drinking Enough Water
Drinking enough water is essential for maintaining a healthy body and mind. Not only does water help to keep your body hydrated, but it also helps to flush out toxins and keep your skin looking and feeling young. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water each day to keep your body looking and feeling its best.
By avoiding these everyday habits, you can help to keep your body looking and feeling young. Focus on eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and drinking plenty of water to keep your body looking and feeling its best.
The habits we develop early on make a big difference later in our years in how we age and our overall health. Living a healthy lifestyle and adopting positive habits helps maintain a youthful look and spirit longer, according to doctors. Eat This, Not That! Health talked to experts who explained the everyday things that might age you faster. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson, aka “The VibrantDoc”, a recognized leader in functional medicine and author of the new self-care book Vibrant: A Groundbreaking Program to Get Energized, Reverse Aging, and Glow says, “It’s amazing how much of an effect posture can have on your body’s ability to keep you feel young and vibrant. Bad posture can lead to chronic back and neck pain, which can lead to joint and limb pain, which can lead to less movement and a more sedentary lifestyle, which can lead to chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes, which can lead to premature aging, disability, and early death. Poor posture can worsen arthritis, decrease circulation, make you feel more stressed, disturb sleep, and even lead to depressed sexual function, all of which can age your body and your attitude. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association that looked at health care spending in the US, in 2016, we spent $134 billion on lower back and neck pain, which is more than people spent on all forms of cancer combined. That is more significant than people think, especially for a problem that could largely be remedied by standing up straight, so that ears, shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles are in a straight line.”
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Working a desk job or just not being active ages you quicker, Dr. Stephenson explains. “The health effects of sitting all day are shocking, and so is the amount of time most people spend sitting. Not only can sitting all day lead to poor posture and chronic pain, but sitting all day increases your risk of heart disease and heart failure, blood clots, osteoporosis, arthritis, fatigue, and muscle weakness and frailty with aging, both of which increase the risk of injury. It decreases sleep quality and increases blood sugar problems, which can lead to metabolic diseases like diabetes and obesity. According to the CDC, more than 15% of adults in the U.S. are considered physically inactive, with those numbers reaching 30% or higher in some states. The good news is that taking at least 7500 steps per day can reverse these risks, but the bad news is that all the benefits from a vigorous daily workout (say an hour at the gym) can be completely undone if you spend the rest of your day sitting. Instead, it’s better to get up and move around for at least three minutes every 30 minutes. A 2021 study showed that this alone can have a significant impact on blood sugar control. That may seem like a lot of interruption time in your work day, but it will pay off with better health, more energy, a clearer mind, and the ability to work more efficiently (and take fewer sick days!).”
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“Eating a high-sugar diet can trigger or contribute to chronic inflammation, which scientists are beginning to understand is implicated in just about every common chronic disease that degrades health and speeds aging, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, dementia, and autoimmune disease,” Dr. Stephenson states. “Sugar also ramps up the production of advanced glycation end products, or AGEs, which break down skin fibers leading to thinner skin, more wrinkles, and oxidative stress, making you look as well as feel older. Instead, stick to whole fruit for your sweet treats. You will feel better, sugar cravings will decrease, and your skin will look fantastic.”
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According to Dr. Stephenson, “Getting a good night’s sleep—7 to 9 hours of quality sleep—is one of the most important things you can do to prevent premature aging. Conversely, nothing ages the body, the skin, and your brain more than not getting enough sleep. A UCLA study showed that just a single night of insufficient sleep can make cells age more quickly! Another study from University Hospitals Case Medical Center showed that people who don’t sleep as well had more signs of skin aging and slower cell turnover. Sleep also keeps your brain young. While you sleep, your glymphatic system flushes the brain to remove the waste that accumulates during the day, and this only happens during deep sleep, which most people tend to get during the first half of the night. Go to bed too late and your brain could get less time in the rinse cycle, which could increase your risk of developing cognitive issues like dementia.”
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Integrative Cardiology/herbalist Dr. Patrick Fratellone, MD RH FIM FACC says, “Although the sun is excellent for Vitamin D there are effects from the ultraviolet rays. These rays penetrate the skin damaging the elastic fibers that keep your skin firm. The more the ultraviolet rays, the more you will develop wrinkles. We also know that sunlight is responsible for the dark spots, also known as liver spots on your hands and face.” And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don’t miss these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.