How To Stop Aging Or At Least Slow It Down

Studies have shown genetics determines about 25% of our life span; therefore, about 75% of the life span is affected by lifestyle choices. The secret to longevity and vitality is releasing negative lifestyle choices and developing healthy habits.
By: Barbara Janine Griffin
 
Feb. 1, 2011 - PRLog -- Most people would do anything to stop aging, some turn to plastic surgery, Botox or use anti-aging products to look younger but wouldn’t it be great if we could delay/prevent/stop the aging process without spending a fortune. Studies have shown that genetics only determines about 25% of our life span; therefore, about 75% of the life span is affected by lifestyle choices.  The secret to longevity and vitality is letting go of negative lifestyle choices and developing healthy habits. First let’s look at the main negative habits that affect aging and then we will discuss the healthy habits that have a high probability of helping people stop aging and live a longer and healthier life.

There is substantial scientific and statistical evidence that the following 7 habits can shorten your life span and increase the rate of aging by negatively impacting your health:

1.   Smoking – Tobacco has a major negative effect on our health and how fast we age. It causes heart/lung diseases, many types of cancers, bronchitis, asthma and other conditions. It can also add 10 to 20 years of age to your appearance. It’s not an easy habit to give up but the benefits are immediate.
2.   Excessive alcohol consumption – Alcohol can have dangerous consequences when abused or used irresponsibly. It can lead to problems with the liver, hear and GI tract and premature death.
3.   Sedentary Lifestyle – A lack of physical activity is one of the leading causes of preventable death. It can contribute to or be a risk factor for many ailments such as: diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and depression to name a few.
4.   Overeating/Being overweight – Stuffing yourself can greatly tax your digestive organs and confuse digestive enzymes. A long life of overeating can result in obesity, heart disease, colon disease and digestive and weight problems. Being overweight puts your health at risk. Some of the dangers of being overweight include developing: high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, sleep apnea, gallstones and a slew of other problems which will shorten your lifespan.
5.   Eating too much sugar and carbohydrates – Sugar and simple carbs can lead to an increase in insulin levels in the blood. Overtime this can cause a condition known as insulin resistance which could lead to Type 2 Diabetes. Insulin is the hormone that allows cells to use glucose for energy. Too much insulin causes food to be converted into body fat.
6.   Poor sleeping habits – Getting less than the recommended 7-8 hours on a regular basis can lead to inflammation which has been shown to lead to hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure, strokes and heart disease. Also a lack of quality sleep can have a significant effect on blood sugar levels which can lead to a heart disease and a host of other health related problems.
7.   Stress – Research has shown that stress affects the immune system and the rate at which the body heals itself. It also affects the heart, lungs and your mood. Excessive stress is a major contributor to aging.

There are many ways to stop aging naturally with the first step being to release the above 7 negative habits. No matter what age we are it is always beneficial to develop the following healthy habits to increase your energy level and add to the quality of your lifespan:

1.   Eating a healthy diet - Eating a balanced diet consisting of lots of fruits and vegetables, nuts, legumes, coconut or olive oil, wild fish, hormone free meat and eliminating processed food can reduce your risk of illnesses, boost your energy, sharpen our memory and stabilize your mood.  
2.   Exercising daily – By engaging in exercise on a regular basis, a person increases the health of their brain, skin tone, muscle strength, flexibility, as well as metabolism and cardiovascular health. The human body was designed to move so the more ways we find of doing that the healthier we will be. Regular physical activity may be the single most effective way to stay healthy as you age.
3.   Spending time with family and friends – Researchers at Brigham Young University have discovered that the positive effects of healthy social connections on lifespan are comparable to the beneficial effects of being physically active, not smoking and maintaining a healthy weight.
4.   Enjoying the company of animals – Studies have shown that spending time with pets has incredible health benefits. One study done over a 20 year period showed that cat owners are 40% less likely to die of a heart attack and 30% less likely to die of any cardiovascular disease. Just being around your dog can help lower your blood pressure. Having a pet has a calming effect on us.
5.   Laughing – Researches have discovered that simply anticipating having a good laugh can increase endorphins and human growth hormone – both are health protecting hormones. Studies also show that a laughter filled hour can reduce stress hormones as much as 40-70%. What a delightful way to stop aging – fill your day with laughter.
6.   Being an optimist – Looking at the favorable side of events and anticipating positive outcomes has been proven to reduce the risk of dying from any cause by 14% for women. The study was only done on women but men surely benefit as well. Research shows that it reduces the level of stress experienced and increases longevity. The quality of our thoughts determines the quality of our life.

By letting go of the 7 unhealthy lifestyle choices discussed and focusing on the healthy habits listed, as well as so many more that we didn’t touch on, you can possibly stop aging or at least slow it down. Enjoy the journey and live vibrantly.

For more information on healthy living, please visit http://www.HealthForBetterLiving.com

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HealthForBetterLiving.com provides information, tips and products that help you maximize your health so you can live your life to the fullest.
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Source:Barbara Janine Griffin
Email:***@gmail.com Email Verified
Zip:81147
Tags:Stop Aging, Healthy Habits, Longevity, Health, Slow Aging, Healthy Lifestyle
Industry:Health, Lifestyle
Location:Pagosa Springs - Colorado - United States
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