The Fountain of Youth – Anti Aging Tips

Many of us are searching for the eternal Fountain of Youth. We go to all extremes to look younger. However, we don’t really have to go to such drastic lengths. There are many simple things we can do to feel and look bright, alert, shinning and fresh. Beauty begins on the inside and is reflected on the outside. We are all aging but we can slow it down and continue to be beautiful and youthful for far longer. The aging process then becomes a graceful journey.

Here are some simple anti-aging tips that you can easily add into your lifestyle:

What Speeds up the Aging Process 

Too much sodium  – we need less as we get older. Excess salt can increase cell aging.

Dry foods – cookies, crackers, chips, bagels. The volume of dried snacks has grown enormously. Stress and pressure often creates a craving for dry hard foods that only gives temporary relief

Sugar – in all kinds of foods. The more we eat the more we want. In early 50’s people consumed around 5lbs of sugar a year. Today the average is a staggering 150lbs of sugar per person per year. The average amount of soda consumed is 60 gallons per person per year. Sugar depletes the body of vital nutrients, lowers resistance to disease, increases diabetes risk, and gets stored as fat.

Acidic diet –the body has to work extra hard to maintain blood balance. Acidic foods include animal, dairy, sugar, white foods (bread, pasta, rice), and alcohol

Over eating even healthy food, and stress both create acidity and ages the body

Animal protein – acid forming and taxing on kidneys. Due to the high levels of purines in meat, uric acid can increase which then has to be neutralized by calcium. The calcium comes from the bones, spine, and teeth.

Too much partying –late nights and alcohol affects the liver, kidneys and adrenals

Processed and packaged foods – oxidizing and full of chemicals

Sudden shock – can cause rapid aging

Cold drinks – taxing on digestion

Lack of routine – irregular meals, standing up to eat, irregular sleep patterns and lack of sleep

Long distance flying on a regular basis exposes us to the same intensity of radiation as several strong chest x rays.

Extremes of all kinds, exercise, diet, temperatures, climates, and environments

Ways to keep that Youthful Glow – be mindful and pay attention to your body. Think about wellness not disease

Good nutrition – plant based diet, home cooking, living foods, varying the cooking styles. Getting your nutrients from food first not supplements. Have vegetables at every meal using the full range of colors, shapes, and flavors. Juicing is a great way to enjoy vegetables at breakfast. Lightly cooked dishes and salads are especially important. Include mild sweets as part of your diet. They help to relax the body and strengthen the immune. Include pureed sweet vegetable soups, sugar free desserts, vegetable juices, and the natural sweet taste from grain and vegetable dishes.

Good digestion – good elimination on a daily basis, getting rid of what we don’t need. Make sure your diet is high in fiber and fermented foods. It is important to chew well and to enjoy meals in a calm environment. Excessive intake of food greatly burdens the entire digestive system. Practice moving away from the table when you are still a little hungry.

Good circulation – the key is to exercise on a daily basis and to find something that you love so you keep on doing it, make sure to stand up and move throughout the day, have an evening walk after dinner –improves all systems in the body, uplifts the mood, increases brain power, and keeps heart young

 How to RE- set your Biological Clock

Keep the mind fresh and open – find meaningful activities. Learn something new every day. Keep active and involved, and do things that make you feel happy.

Give yourself a nourishing olive, sesame or coconut oil massage  – helps to reduce stress, hydrate skin, relieve aches and pains, improve cellulite, reduce stretch marks and slow down skin aging.

Enjoy eating meals at the same time each day. Sit down to eat all foods even snacks

Chew well – activates the lymph, helps us to eat less, ensures proper digestion, promotes growth and repair, and is the foundation for disease prevention

Drink adequate water – very important at any age to stay hydrated. However, some lose their natural ability to feel thirsty as they get older so it is essential to have regular glasses of water throughout the day

Stop eating 2-3 hours before to bed

 

Spend time in nature on a daily basis and become aware of your surroundings. Engage your senses and notice the different sights, smells, textures, tastes, and noises.

Enjoy good sleep – at least 6.5 hours a night. Helps you to feel more peaceful, energized, and positive, and less prone to anger and irritability.

Have Gratitude – give thanks to all of life even the challenges. Appreciate the marvel of the natural world. Be grateful for family and friends.

Take time out – to relax and enjoy life in the moment.

Enjoy meditation, breathing exercises or spiritual practice. Nourishing to the mind, body and spirit.

 

Laugh – watch funny movies, hang out with friends and family and laugh together