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Many scientists are of the
belief that ageing is caused by limited cell lifespan, (we are
all preprogrammed to age and die). In addition to this, we are
also told that damage to those cells throughout a lifetime promotes
the onset of ageing.
So what happens
when we get older?
our immune function
decreases
our blood pressure
rises
we become less
active
our strength decreases
our immune system
is impaired
our body fat increases
what causes all
these changes?
Well, its a cross-over
of genes and lifestyle. We are all limited by our genetic make-up,
but lifestyle and mental attitude plays a very important role
in maintaining a longer, healthy life. We know that diet and exercise
will help a great deal but what else?
Your mental state
directly affects your immune system. Learning to cope with stress
can have a beneficial effect on your ageing. Even the simplest
of stresses can cause damage. So be happy and learn to relax and
cope with life's pressures.
As you get older
your Insulin levels and hormones don't function as well. Your
cells don't get the best nutrients they need because of this,
and you store more body fat resulting in higher blood pressure.
If you reduce the level of food that you eat, you have less need
for Insulin. Reducing the food you eat but maintaining a healthy
balanced diet will help in delaying the ageing process. Its not
about starving yourself but more about stopping the overindulgence.
As you grow older the body produces less testosterone in males
and growth hormone in everyone. These hormones help build both
muscle and strength. By exercising and training into old age the
body is kick started into producing these hormones. This will
ensure a level of strength and agility into older years.
Keeping your mind
active will ensure that the body stays active too. We go through
our whole lives developing and learning, so this shouldn't stop
with old age.
There are practical
things we can do to hold the wrinkles and pains back, read the
following checklist.
Eat regular healthy
balanced meals, don't overindulge and eat small and often. This
keeps insulin and blood sugar levels low.
Eat plenty of fresh
fruit and vegetables, make sure you regularly get good levels
of Vitamin C and E these counteract the free radicals that cause
cell damage from everyday living.
Relaxation techniques
and meditation slow your body and mind allowing it to cope and
not exert unnecessary stress on itself.
Regular exercise
incorporating cardiovascular, stretches and resistance (weights)
training keep muscles strong and keep you producing growth hormone
and your blood pressure down.
Find a personally
fulfilling role in your life. This creates a healthy mental attitude.
Be happy, a positive
outlook on life and ageing only helps in the process.
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