The ability of our body to process nutrients reduces as we age, therefore there is an obvious need to increase the intake of vitamins and minerals. Certain vitamins and minerals contains anti-aging properties. They help delay the visible signs of aging. Many obtained these properties either via consumption of pills or when used as an ingredient of topical creams and lotions, as they are commercially available.
1) Increasing Water Intake - Water is an effective tool for detoxification, a process that is essential to fight the signs of aging. Your body is composed of about 70% water. Adequate water is needed for cellular rejuvenation and other body functions, including digestion, absorption, circulation, excretion, nutrient transport, tissue formation and body temperature regulation. It also improves your health by neutralizing excessive acids in your body that may have come from the processed food you take. Water hydrates, revitalizes, and oxygenates. Cellular dehydration can lead to health problems such as gastrointestinal upset, constipation, higher cholesterol levels, and skin problems. 8 glasses of water intake is recommended daily.
2) Increasing Vitamin D Intake - Vitamin D is an important nutrient for maintaining healthy bones. Your body manufactures Vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight. But as you reach the age of 70, it only produces 40 percent of what it usually does when you were in your 30s. This explains why aging is associated with bone problems such as Osteoporosis and Degenerative Joint Diseases (DJD). A daily dose of 400 to 800 units of vitamin D is recommended. Good sources of Vitamin D include tuna fish, salmon, fortified rice, and soy beverages.
3) Increasing Beta-Carotene Intake - Beta-Carotene and other Carotenoids stimulate immune cells that fight free radicals, protecting your body from harmful effects of aging and free radical formation. It also reduces your risks for cancer by stimulating macrophages cells to produce tumor necrosis factor (which kills cancer cells) and increasing the production of T-cell Lymphocytes and other natural killer cells that attack cancer cells. Beta-Carotene also reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases by preventing fats and cholesterol in the bloodstream from forming arterial plaques. There is no RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) for Beta-Carotene but studies have concluded that at least 3 milligrams of it daily is necessary to reduce risk of chronic diseases. Good sources of Beta-Carotene include apricots, asparagus, beets, broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, corn, green peppers, kale, mangoes, turnip and collard greens, nectarines, peaches, pink grapefruit, pumpkin, squash, spinach, sweet potato, tangerines, tomatoes, and watermelon.
4) Increasing Vitamin C Intake - Vitamin C helps in keeping the immune system active and fortifying body-resistance. It helps to increase white blood cell production and good cholesterol levels in your body, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The latest research indicates that Vitamin C also lowers the risk of breast, colon, and prostate cancers. A daily dosage of 90 mg is recommended. Good supply of Vitamin C can be obtained from berries, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cantaloupe, cauliflower, grapefruit, honeydew, kale, kiwi, mangoes, nectarines, orange, papaya, red, green or yellow peppers, snow peas, sweet potato, strawberries, and tomatoes.
5) Increasing Fiber Intake - Fiber-rich foods lower your risk for developing age-related diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and hypertension. The fiber contributes to the slowing of the absorption of sugar in the body as well as removal of wastes from the body. Fiber is also an important factor in managing your weight because it is low in calories and yet very filling. A daily dose 25 to 35 grams of Fiber is recommended. Eight servings of fruits and vegetables daily supplies approximately 27 grams of fiber. Good sources of fiber include whole grains, dark green fruits and vegetables, beans, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, 100% whole wheat breads, and chia.
6) Increasing Antioxidants Intake - Free radical formation advances the harmful effects of aging. Free radicals (toxic reactive oxygen species) attack and damage cell membranes, life-sustaining proteins, and your cells' genetic code. They bring about aging and diseases. Antioxidants combat these free radicals. They stimulate the immune system and protect your nervous system from oxidative damage. A good supply of antioxidants is found in brightly colored fruits and vegetables, including berries, citrus fruits, kiwi, apples, red grapes, kale, onions, spinach, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Other immune-boosting foods include fresh garlic (which has antiviral and antibacterial properties) and old-fashioned chicken soup. Mushroom varieties such as reichi, maitake, and shiitake also have positive influence on immune function.
7) Getting Adequate Sleep - One of the most often neglected anti-aging proponents is sleep. Sleep heals and restores, rebuilds and reenergizes. When you are asleep, your body utilizes energy reserves to repair itself, instead of spending those energy to other activities when you are awake. Cells regenerate and immune system function is restored during sleep. Sleep deprivation is equivalent to aging significantly, which will definitely be evident in your skin and face. 7 to 8 hours of sleep is recommended daily for maximum health benefits.
8) Exercising Regularly - Exercise slows down your body's aging process. It increases balance, metabolism, and improves posture and strength. Exercise also improves circulation, balances delivery of oxygen and nutrients to cells, and accelerates removal of potentially damaging toxins. It also relieves some of the problems related to aging such as sleep disorders and back and joint pain. At least three times a week, 30 to 60 minutes of moderate exercise will have great impact on your overall wellness.
9) Maintaining Positive Mindset - Your outlook affects your life quality, your life expectancy, and your day-to-day dealings. This includes your perception about growing old. In a recent study of 660 people, those with more positive perceptions of their own aging lived an average of 7.5 years longer. This effect remained after other factors such as age, gender, income, loneliness, and health status were overruled. Positive thinking about aging can increase a person's will to live, making him or her more resilient to illness, and more proactive about health. The brain has the power to direct and condition the body to engender healing and restoration. Mental stress (a major contributor to premature aging) is defeated by positive thinking.
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