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AS THE world population continues to live longer, the quest for the fountain of youth is at the forefront of many people’s minds. From anti-ageing supplements to plastic surgery, people will try just about anything.
The problem with many of these methods is that they are either expensive or have potentially dangerous side effects. Anti-ageing supplements, for example, can be very costly and may not even be effective. Certain plastic surgeries carry their own risks. Fortunately, there are alternative things you can do to look and feel younger.
According to Dr Orlando Thomas, medical doctor and functional medicine practitioner at Thomas Medical and Shockwave Centre in Old Harbour, the average life-span of an individual is 70 years old, but people have the potential to live longer if they change their lifestyle and live healthy.
“Age is not just chronological; it is biological and reversible. If you focus on lifestyle, nutrition, detoxification and cellular health, you can help to improve your health, and in return feel younger, and function better,” Thomas said.
The biology of ageing he said, includes inflamm-ageing, chronic low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress and mitochondrial decline. Also included are hormonal shifts, insulin resistance and lifestyle influence.
One of the first places people usually notice ageing is on their skin. Fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear, and the skin can start to look dull and lacklustre. However, there are various things you can do to take care of your skin.
“Make sure to include Vitamin C, zinc, omega-3s and antioxidants. Avoid sugar and seed oils, and include aloe vera, rosehip oil, and green tea extract,” Thomas said.
What you put into your body can have a significant impact on the way you look and feel. Anti-ageing nutrients in healthy foods mainly relieve skin ageing in three ways including nutrients, such as protein peptides and essential fatty acids, enter the body after digestion and absorption. They help relieve skin oxidative damage by getting rid of harmful cells and by regulating the expression of enzymes. This helps to maintain the integrity of the skin structure.
The best way to take advantage of anti-ageing nutrients is to create a diet rich in fresh fruits, fibre-filled legumes, vegetables, and healthy proteins that can help you look and feel your best.
“Following a healthy eating pattern, you can shift to more nutritious food and beverage choices. Focus on variety, nutrient density, and amount. Limit added sugars and saturated fats, and sodium intake,” Thomas said.
“Cutting out processed foods and eating more nutrient-rich foods is not only good for your body but can also be good for your mind. A healthy diet has been linked with improved cognitive function and a lower risk of developing dementia. So, not only will eating healthy make you look younger, but it can also help you to stay sharp as you age,” he added.
Fasting he said, activates autophagy, which helps slow down the ageing process and has a positive impact on cell renewal. “During fasting, cells break down proteins and other cell components and use them for energy. During autophagy, cells destroy viruses and bacteria and get rid of damaged structures. It’s a process that is critical for cell health, renewal, and survival,” Thomas said.
In addition to taking care of your skin, exercising regularly is another way to look and feel younger. Exercise helps improve muscle tone, giving your skin a more youthful appearance. It also helps to boost circulation by enhancing blood flow, which aids in the removal of cellular debris in an internal cleanse. This gives your skin a glow that can make you look years younger.
“Not only does exercise help you to look younger, but it can also help you to feel younger. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. It can also help to improve sleep and reduce stress, both of which can make you feel more youthful,” Thomas said.
Getting enough sleep is vital for both your physical and mental health. When you do not get enough sleep, it can take a toll on your appearance. You may look tired and run down, and your skin may even take on a pale hue. Not getting enough sleep can also impact your mood and energy levels.
“To help ensure that you are getting enough sleep, aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night. If you have trouble sleeping, there are several things you can try, such as cutting back on caffeine, avoiding screen time before bed, and establishing a regular sleep routine,” Thomas said.
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression takes a toll on your body physically and mentally.
“It is essential to take steps to manage your mental health, as it can have a major impact on your overall well-being. Talk to your doctor or mental health professional if you are feeling overwhelmed or down. There are also many helpful self-care activities that you can do on your own, such as practising meditation or mindfulness, spending time in nature, and getting regular exercise,” Thomas said.
YOUR FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH PROTOCOL:
• Eat whole, anti-inflammatory foods
• Move daily and build muscle
• Fast strategically and detox seasonally
• Sleep deeply and manage stress
• Supplement wisely and stay curious
Youth is a lifestyle not a number!
English (US) ·