(15-09-10) Natural Diet and Lifestyle Reverse the Effects of Aging

by John Phillip, citizen journalist

Medical researchers have made great strides over the past decade toward
understanding the intricate process we know as aging. In an article published
in U.S. News and World Report, nutritionist Dr. Jonny Bowden identifies the
four main causes of aging in the human body as free radicals, inflammation,
glycation and stress.

While DNA and genetics play a minor role, poor diet and lifestyle directly
contribute to the leading causes of mortality, coronary artery disease, cancer,
stroke, and dementia. Fortunately we can steer our destiny toward optimal
health even after years of dietary and lifestyle abuse by addressing each
identified aging factor.

Free Radicals: Free radicals are unstable electrons produced during the normal
course of metabolism, causing damage to the delicate cell nucleus and
mitochondria. Free radicals can wreak havoc with DNA, altering its structure
and causing mutations during cell replication. While free radicals are
unavoidable, there are a number of changes you can make to offset the dangerous
effects.

Consuming a natural food diet packed with organically grown fresh vegetables
and fruits is the best way to combat free radicals. These foods are loaded with
antioxidants which act to neutralize the free radicals before they penetrate
the cellular matrix. Choose from a wide variety of brightly colored vegetables
to benefit from an assortment of antioxidants.

Inflammation: Heart disease, diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer`s disease are all
linked with inflammation, a condition where the body`s immune system begins to
target healthy cells and tissue for attack. In an effort to stabilize
inflammation, the body releases hormones such as cortisol and raises the core
temperature in an effort to combat this invisible invader.

Following a Mediterranean-style diet of whole grains, olive oil, fatty fish,
vegetables, nuts and seeds has been shown to dramatically lower the effects of
inflammation. It`s important to limit meat with this diet, as most corn fed
stock is very high in Omega-6 fats, offsetting the beneficial Omega-3 fat ratio
which is known to promote inflammation.

Glycation: Sugar mixes with proteins in our body to create non-functional
structures called advanced glycation end products (AGE`s) which accelerate the
aging process. AGE`s enter our body either pre-formed from over cooked, browned
foods or as a result of chemical reactions in the blood. Regardless of how they
form, AGE`s result in cellular damage leading to disease.

You can fight the effects of glycation with a two-step approach. Steam
vegetables instead of stir frying and avoid grilling or blackening foods. Limit
or eliminate sugar in your diet to prevent the cross-links which bind proteins
and fats, making useless molecular garbage which inhibits normal cellular
function.

Stress: Continual stress forces the release of stress hormones in the body
which help us cope under pressure. Stress which remains unresolved leads to
excess cortisol circulating throughout the body, and is linked with shrinking
of the hippocampus and accumulation of belly fat. Combat stress by identifying
and removing the root cause, and try practicing meditation or yoga which are
known to reduce stress. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night to further
lower stress hormone production.

Natural health followers have come to understand that aging is a disease unto
itself which is accelerated by poor diet and lifestyle. Each of the identified
factors which promote poor health and disease are preventable by following a
natural diet of fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and protein sources. The
body has an amazing capacity to reverse the aging process afflicted by decades
of dietary abuse by following the path to life extending, natural health.

Article References:
http://health.usnews.com/health-new...
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/a...
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUS...
(NaturalNews)

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In evidenza

"L'informazione presente nel sito serve a migliorare, e non a sostituire, il rapporto medico-paziente."

Per coloro che hanno problemi di salute si consiglia di consultare sempre il proprio medico curante.