Living well means aging better
It is quite possible to notice signs of aging in people in their early forties who have a normal constitution and are in good health. Even those who are only in their thirties, but were not as wise and are genetically disadvantaged, can also show these same signs.
It is an undeniable fact that, the earlier and the better people take care of their bodies, the more favourable the aging process will be. To start with we must provide for the needs of our bodies by observing the simple 3 times 8 rule. Under ideal circumstances we give our bodies 8 hours of sleep, 8 hours of work and also 8 hours of leisure time and rest. During the active hours one must move about sufficiently to keep the muscles and joints toned and supple, eat well to adequately renew tissue and energy and also strive to live in harmony as an individual as well as a member of an interdependent society.
Even at the risk of repeating myself, I shall once again stress the importance of eliminating the worst poisons from our diet. Though the subject of bad eating habits has become quite a public issue these days, we do not point out the worst offenders that are destructive to our healthy cells clearly enough. I will remain persistent and repeat over and over again that white sugar in all forms harms all organs and tissue of the organism even more so than iodized salt, added to almost all industrial food that is already crammed with additives, colouring, preservatives and harmful emulsifiers. Most canned foods, cold cuts, pastry mixes and conventional, ready to eat meals contain dangerous and mutagenic elements with unpronounceable names. My very simple advice is to read the list of ingredients and to refrain from buying and consuming these products if you find more than two unidentifiable substances. This especially, if you are very sensitive or are already weakened by a chronic illness.
Fortunately, there is also a multitude of foodstuff that protects our cells. The best in all respects are plums, grapes, blueberries, certified organic blackberries all of which have the best ORAC ratings, which quantify the antioxidant performance of all foods. The most colourful vegetables are also those that protect us the most: kale, spinach, broccoli, beets, tomatoes and red peppers. The ones that are certified organic are evidently the best confirmed antioxidants right after the above mentioned berries.
Hot or cold drinks made of the following plants are also good to curb the aging process: green or white tea, bancha or kukicha as well as rooibos are well recognized antioxidants; in addition to that, they help eliminate bad fats, balance glycemia, tone and even remineralize the entire organism.
In certain cases it is advisable to take supplements and super foods to slow down the damaging effects of free radicals, the main culprits to cause premature wear and tear of tissue. The most commonly used are vitamins A, C, E and also Omega 3, magnesium, zinc, selenium. The most recently discovered amongst the most powerful antioxidants are: alphalipoic acid which protects the liver, coenzyme Q10 for the heart and arteries, including gum disease, lycopene for the prostate and the blood, melatonin which promotes sleep and prevents aging, phytosterols to boost the immune system and a healthy prostate, proanthocyanin such as pine bark extract and grape seeds for the treatment of arthritis and other degenerative illnesses, including vascular problems. In any case, in nature there is no lack of healthy and healing food and in the realm of naturopathy there are good advisors to help us live a better life, age gracefully and in good health!
Anny Schneider
Herbalist and Naturopath
