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What is aging?
Aging is when the body shifts from the growing phase to what is called a catabolic state, which is the decline in the bodyfs physiological systems.
Physiological systems peak in 20s-30s and then begin a decline in the 40s to 50s. It is in this decade that individuals can age faster than the chronological years.
When we think of “aging processes”we now expand the concept and consider, chronological age, behavioural age, biological age and spiritual age. All of these different ages can be modified with the exception of the chronological age.
Strategies to slow the “aging processes”.
1. Nutrition
Eat an anti inflammatory diet and a diet that makes the body more alkaline. To do this
- eat mainly uncooked vegetables and fruits ( 6 vegetables and 4 fruits per day)
- Reduce or cease manufactured products especially refined carbohydrates.
- Reduce saturated fat and eliminate trans fats
- Reduce the inflammatory omega 6 fatty acids( vegetable oils) and increase omega 3 ( Fish)and 9 fatty acids ( olive oil and nuts).
- Avoid caffeine and eliminate sugary drinks.
What to eat? Here is a wonderful resource that will show yo haw to prepare simple nutritious food that adpots the above principles.
How much to eat? Reducing calories to 40% has been shown to extend lifespan but in reality this is not achievable.
What is achievable is to fast 3-4 times per week from 5pm for at least 12 hours. To do this requires some organisation especially if your main meal is at night after a day’s work. Try it for 3 weeks. The benefits will be obvious to you by then.
2. Water
Drink 2 litres of water per day. Add a squeeze of lemon to each glass which increase the alkalinity of the body
3. Smoking
Avoid it! There is nothing more to say. If you need help in stopping send me an email. info@pathways2wellbeing.com.au.
4. Exercise
Exercise is good medicine. One minute per day for every year that you are is the ideal. Start slow and with reduced time to begin with.
The exercise time can be broken up during the day. Any exerise is good but the best result is achieved with a combination of limited aerobic exercise, maximal strength training and maximal flexibility exercises.
5. Weight and body composition
Technically the percentage of body fat in men should be less than 18% and in women 22%. However it is not practical to test this. A good approximation is waist circumference. The aim is to be less than 92cm for men and 79cm for women.
Most people (60% of Australians)who are outside this range require strategies to achieve this. If you need guidance send us an email. office@daniellewis.com.au.
6. Stress and mind body connection
Anything that reduces stress also reduces the rate of aging. The key to this is understanding the role of the adrenal gland hormones especially cortisol an dhow this interacts with mind processes. There are many ways to achieve stress reduction. In our meditation course we have chosen what we consider to be the most effective techniques.
7. vitamins minerals antioxidants
Although there is no definitive proof that specific vitamins and minerals extend life expectancy there is data in animal models.
In humans the evidence is growing. Supplementation with nutrients needs to be specific for each individual and it is best to best work with a knowledgeable health practitioner to determine if and what type of supplements may be of benefit to you.
As definitive information comes to hand will post this information on our newsletters.