As a doctor I see people of all ages. What has always interested me is how certain people have the health and vitality of people far younger. Conversely, many younger people I encounter often look and feel decades older. Today I’d like to share my favorite tips for anti-aging I’ve found successful for myself and patients.
1. Addition by subtraction. Want to instantly feel better? Start by getting rid of as much of the following ingredients as possible (but be aware our country puts this junk in everything): hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners (aspartame/Equal, sucralose/Splenda, saccharine/Sweet N Low, acesulfame-K), food dyes, white sugar and white flour.
2. Eat clean. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying food that’s not super healthy now and again, however the majority of your diet should be clean. I recommend multiple servings of fruits and veggies, healthy fats (nuts, avocados, seeds, oils, etc), beans and proteins raised without antibiotics or hormones. Eat more fresh foods and fewer foods in boxes or bags.
3. Up the intensity. Short duration, high intensity exercise maximizes the hormone output that prevents aging. For example, instead of hitting the gym and doing 3 sets of an exercise with 1-2 minutes rest in between; try using a heavier weight for 8-12 reps and then resting only 20-30 seconds before the next set. Then start your next exercise following the same principle. For cardiovascular exercise try intervals or look up “burst training.”
4. Decrease or eliminate alcohol. Alcohol decreases metabolism, disrupts hormone production and ages skin at an accelerated rate. Eliminate as much as possible and you’ll look and feel far younger.
5. Increase nutrient intake. There is little to no chance you’re getting all the nutrients you need from food. I recommend adding in a whole food multi-vitamin, vitamin D (especially during the fall and winter), antioxidants and fish oil supplements.
6. Sleep at least 6 hours. One of the most important anti-aging hormones is growth hormone which is stimulated and released during sleep. Make sure to get at least 6 hours of restful sleep per night. I also recommend sleeping in as close to total darkness as possible.
7. Challenge your brain. If you don’t use it, you lose it. Stimulate your mind through problem solving, overcoming challenges, reading and other activities that will keep it sharp and performing maximally.
8. Get proactive, holistic care. Medical checkups are designed mainly to identify problems, not prevent new ones. Holistic care is designed to help you avoid future problems while maximizing your health and well being in the present. In addition to your yearly physicals I would recommend some combination of chiropractic care, acupuncture and massage therapy. This probably sounds like a shameless plug (and it kind of is) but the healthiest people I encounter continue to utilize these forms of care to look and feel younger.
Dr. Kenney has won multiple awards for “Best Chiropractor” and specializes in motivating and helping patients achieve their goals of better health and pain relief. For more information please visit www.NewBodyChiro.com, find us on Facebook (New Body Chiropractic & Wellness Center) or call (303) 347-9906.