We all want to live a long and healthy life, but sometimes the ageing process can seem like an inevitability. Although it is to an extent, following some simple tips for optimum health can slow down the ageing process. Here are some tips on keeping yourself looking and feeling young for as long as possible.
From a scientific perspective, ageing is the process of cell and organ deterioration that leads to functional decline. This can be influenced by both internal and external factors.
Internal factors are things we have a high amount of control over, such as our diet, exercise habits, stress levels and quality of sleep. External factors include things like pollution and UV radiation from the sun. There are things we can do to control some of the internal and external factors that affect ageing. By making some simple changes to our lifestyle and diet, we can slow down the ageing process and keep our cells healthy for longer.
Here are the best ways to nourish your body so that it can fight off the signs of ageing.
Stem Cell Therapy
Growing in popularity for many reasons, stem cell therapy is also great for slowing down ageing. Stem cell therapy is the process of using stem cells to repair and regenerate damaged tissue. When we are young, our bodies produce a high number of stem cells. These stem cells help to repair any damage that is done to our cells and tissues. However, as we age, the number of stem cells in our body decreases. This decrease in stem cell production leads to a general decrease in the ability of our body to repair itself.
Stem cell therapy can help to reverse this process by increasing the number of stem cells in our body. Stem cell therapy can also help to improve immune function, general cognitive ability and muscle strength. This will help to reduce the signs of ageing and improve overall health.
Diet
We all know that including plenty of fruits and vegetables in our diets is good for day-to-day health, but this is also good for our long-term health too. Fruit and vegetables are packed with antioxidants, which help to protect cells from damage. Eat a variety of different colored fruits and vegetables to get the most benefit. Also eat plenty of healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocado, and nuts, as these help to keep cell membranes healthy.
At the same time, it is important to limit your intake of processed foods, as these can contain harmful chemicals that damage cells. The consequences on our bodies of eating too many processed foods include developing certain cancers and inflammation, which has been linked to a number of age-related diseases.
Water
Water is vital in order to flush out toxins and keep cells hydrated. Drinking plenty of water also helps to keep our skin looking plump and elastic. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, more if you can. From a science perspective, water is essential for our cells to function. Every single chemical reaction that happens in our body requires water.
Therefore, it is essential to keep our bodies hydrated so that all the processes can happen smoothly and efficiently. When we are dehydrated, our cells cannot function properly, which leads to a decrease in overall health and an increase in the signs of ageing.
Exercise
Exercise is not only good for our physical health, but also our mental health. It helps to reduce stress levels and improve sleep quality, both of which are important for maintaining cell health. Exercise also helps to increase blood flow and reduce inflammation. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day and include a mix of cardiovascular exercise and strength training. Cardio helps to keep the heart and lungs healthy, while strengthening our bodies.
As we age, we lose muscle mass and bone density. Exercise helps to combat this by building muscle and strengthening bones. It also helps to improve balance and coordination, which can help to prevent falls in older adults. A moderate amount of exercise is the key – too much exercise can actually lead to cell damage.
Sleep
Getting enough sleep is crucial for overall health, and this includes skin health. When we sleep, our bodies have a chance to repair any damage that has been done during the day. This includes damage to cells, which can lead to premature ageing.
During sleep, our body produces human growth hormone (HGH), which helps to repair cells and tissues. A lack of sleep leads to a decrease in HGH production, which can lead to cell damage and premature ageing. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep every night. The risks to our body for not getting enough sleep extend beyond early ageing – it can also lead to a number of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
Stress Management
Stress is one of the main causes of cell damage. When we are stressed, our bodies produce cortisol, which is a hormone that breaks down cells. Cortisol also leads to inflammation, which has been linked to a number of age-related diseases.
It is important to find ways to manage stress in our lives so that we can protect our cells and overall health. Some effective stress management techniques include yoga, meditation, and spending time in nature. Find what works for you and make it a part of your daily routine.