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What is Longevity?
Longevity is not just about living longer; it's about living healthier in the moment. Fortunately, several lifestyle practices have been proven to make a significant difference in enhancing longevity. Here are a few ways you can help improve your longevity and overall well-being.
Key Lifestyle Practices
Nutrition
Reduce your consumption of processed foods, and focus on adding more whole foods to your plate. The Mediterranean diet could be a great option since it's renowned for its health benefits, particularly in promoting longevity and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. According to a study published in the Current Opinions in Critical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, "In the era of evidence-based medicine, the Mediterranean diet represents the gold standard in preventive medicine, probably due to the harmonic combination of many elements with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties."
The Mediterranean diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats like olive oil while being low in red meat and processed foods.
It's important to note that it isn't just about what you eat but also how you eat. Practice mindful eating to avoid overeating to further support wellness and longevity. Slow down, savor each bite, and listen to your body's signals to avoid consuming more than you need. And as often as you can, share meals with family and friends to increase social connection.
Walking
Did you know that "walking briskly for 30 min per day for 5 days can reduce the risk of several age-associated diseases," according to GeroScience, an international journal on aging? Even research on the Mediterranean diet points out that this lifestyle includes regular physical activity, such as walking.
Strength Training
Research has found that strength training is a crucial component of longevity. As we age, we naturally lose muscle mass, bone mass and strength, which can lead to frailty and increased risk of falls and fractures. Regular strength training, however, can counteract these effects by preserving muscle mass and increasing bone density.
Incorporate strength training exercises into your routine at least two to three times per week. Your weight lifting can include bodyweight exercises, free weights, resistance bands or weight machines. Focus on all major muscle groups, and gradually increase the weight with progressive overload as your strength improves.
Stress Management
Aside from increasing the risk of diseases and taking a toll on your mental health, chronic stress accelerates aging. Finding effective ways to manage stress is essential for longevity.
Experiment with various stress-reducing techniques to find what works best for you. This could include:
- mindfulness meditation
- deep breathing exercises
- yoga classes
- spending time alone in nature
- engaging in hobbies that bring you joy
Regular physical activity is also a powerful stress reliever, releasing endorphins that boost mood and reduce stress.
Which Restore Therapies Can Help Manage Stress?
Sleep
According to a collection of research published on Medical News Today, poor sleep can increase the risk of depression, anxiety, cardiovascular conditions and stroke. Long-term sleep deprivation has been shown to negatively impact fertility and stress-causing hormones, which may lead to issues with weight management, making memories and the ability to learn. Adequate sleep also allows your body to repair and rejuvenate on the cellular level, supporting immune function, cognitive function and emotional well-being.
Quality sleep is essential for your present state of well-being and longevity. Prioritize sleep by establishing a consistent sleep schedule and creating a relaxing bedtime routine. Avoid screens and stimulating activities at least one hour before bed, and create a comfortable sleep environment free of distractions.
Advanced Health Diagnostics with Regular Blood Panels
Think of your annual blood panel as your personal roadmap to optimizing your health. Understanding your unique health data is crucial for optimizing longevity and well-being. Regular blood panels provide valuable insights into your health status, allowing you and your healthcare provider to identify any potential issues early on and take proactive steps to address them.
Work with medical professionals to interpret your blood test results to understand your nutrition, hydration, cardiovascular risks, blood sugar, hormones and more before developing customized treatments and lifestyle modifications to support your health goals. This might involve changing your diet, adding more variety to your exercise routines and recovery methods or taking prescription peptides.
By regularly monitoring your health metrics and making informed decisions based on your individual needs, you can help your body prevent disease, injury and physical and cognitive decline as you age.
Prioritize Your Foundation
Try adding more whole foods to your plate by borrowing guidelines from the Mediterranean diet and avoiding overeating. Integrate strength training into your weekly routine for muscle and bone strength, and get regular blood panels for advanced diagnostics that are unique to you and your goals. By prioritizing these foundational areas in your well-being, you can enhance your quality of health and give your body what it needs to enjoy and perform for decades into the future.
Book your stress-relieving appointments today.
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