Everyone wants to stay young and healthy for so long as possible, but many do not realize that it takes a conscious decision to make better lifestyle choices. If you are really serious about staying fit and searching young for so long as possible, you may must give up some of your favourite vices.
This short list can get you started on a path that will help you stay healthy for a longer period of time.
Drink more water
Even if you think you are drinking enough water, it is unlikely you will be getting enough to keep your body hydrated. Although drinking eight glasses of water daily has been the traditional rule of thumb, doctors are now recommending a sliding scale based on body weight. According to this system, you should drink between a half and an ounce of water for each pound you weigh. This will help get rid of poison leave your body, moisturize your skin, increase your energy level, and help you control hunger.
Eat More Plant-Based Foods
At least half of every meal should consist of fruit and vegetables, while meat, poultry and fish should be eaten in smaller portions. This will help you control overeating, as you’ll fill up with natural foods and you’ll feel full longer. The vitamins and nutrients in fresh produce also help you stay young and healthy by boosting your immune system. In particular, vitamins C and D, help keep skin healthy and smooth, while antioxidants in abundance vegetables and fruits helps fight cancer and other degenerative diseases.
Just Exercising Every Day
At a minimum, you should exercise moderate to vigorous intensity for thirty minutes each day. However, if you do not exercise at all, a more intense workout is suggested. This can include cycling, hiking or jogging. As your body gets used to the activity, you can increase the duration and level of intensity. Incorporating more exercise into your daily routine will benefit you by reducing stress and signs of mental sickness. Your physical health will also benefit. Yours immune system will grow stronger, protecting you from cancer, heart disease, and stroke. In addition, your blood sugar levels will be better regulated and you’ll build muscle and bone strength.
Don’t Continue Smoking
While you most likely know that smoking significantly increases your risk of developing cancer and heart disease, it also has other negative effects on the body. Dr Bill Andrews of Siorai.com said that one way to stop premature aging is to avoid smoking. This is because the nicotine in cigarette smoke narrows blood vessels throughout the body. One effect of this constricting of blood vessels is that it dries out the skin and deepens fine lines and wrinkles. Nicotine prevents essential vitamins and nutrients from reaching the epidermis, which is the outer layer of the skin.
Don’t Spend Too Much Time Sunbathing
Tanning and outdoor activities exposes you to the paradox that while you need the vitamin D that sunlight provides, the sun’s UV rays also increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Dermatologists recommend 20-30 minutes of sun exposure daily and suggest wearing a sunscreen with a minimum SPF rating of 30. If you will be outside for long periods of time, or if you will be swimming, you should apply sunscreen often. In addition to increasing the risk of skin cancer, too much exposure to direct sunlight can absorb moisture and cause skin to age prematurely.
Don’t Overcook Your Meat
Many of us like the taste of charred or barely overdone meat, but new research has found increased risks to eating meat prepared this way. When meat is overcooked or burned, it triggers a chemical process that results in the formation of carcinogenic compounds. As a result, eating overcooked meat can put you at greater risk for diverse types of cancer. There’s excellent news from this research, too. The National Cancer Institute shared the research and revealed that adding lemon juice to meat cooked over an open flame can inhibit the formation of this carcinogen.
Practice Good Oral Care Habits
Brushing twice a day and flossing daily is important for maintaining strong teeth and healthy gum tissue. This habit will help rid your mouth of harmful bacteria that can eat away at your tooth enamel. While protecting against cavities and bad breath may be the main reason to brush and floss, it can even protect your overall physical health. Cavities and gum disease can provide access throughout the body, allowing bacteria to enter the bloodstream and affect heart health.
Incorporating these practices into your daily life can help you stop the aging process and can protect you from disease. While these lifestyle changes will have a cumulative effect, you will also see more immediate benefits. As well as helping you stay young and healthy over time, you will soon start feeling better about yourself. Those good feelings will encourage you to continue following these practices, so you can enjoy your new lifestyle.
