Science Says: these 9 things secretly make you age faster
Charming aging is a hot topic. Completely understandable; we all want to gracefully and healthily roll into our old age. I have previously written about the fact that healthy aging is more in your mind than in your physical health, but did you know that there are things that secretly make you age much faster without you realizing it? According to experts, healthy and charming aging is 30 percent due to your genes and 70 percent due to the way you lead your life. That is basically good news, because if you take the following factors into account, you are already well on your way to a charming old age.
1. Counting calories
If you grew up in the 90s or earlier, you have undoubtedly heard the tip ’eat less and move more‘. Experts warn against this advice because it doesn't do much good for you in the long run. This is because the body changes as we age, which can lead to loss of muscle mass. It is therefore important to get enough nutrients.
2. Skipping daily movement
I was shocked by this, but did you know that due to the loss of muscle mass from your 30s (!) you are already at a higher risk of falling? I know: wild. By training your muscles daily, you remain strong and stable, which literally helps you stay upright longer. Learned something new.
3. Eating a lot of junk food
Mega open door this, we all know that junk food is bad for you (but oh so delicious sometimes), yet it is important to limit your intake of junk food to a minimum. It can contribute to unpleasant inflammation and various diseases including obesity, cancer, and even dementia. Doesn't sound very pleasant at all.
4. Not eating carbohydrates
Following a ‘low carb’ diet has been a trend for years, but experts say it is still very important to add good quality carbohydrates to your diet. The carbohydrates found in whole grain products and beans can even help you live longer.
5. Staying up late
As a true night owl, I naturally don't want to hear this, but a good sleep rhythm is essential for a slower aging process and maintaining a healthy body. In an ideal scenario, you have a regular sleep schedule that you rarely deviate from. Sounds impossible to me.
6. Drinking too much caffeine
Also something I don't want to hear again. Partly because I am typing this with a delicious latte in my hand, partly because I really look forward to my coffee moment of the day. Fortunately, there is also good news: two to three cups a day are fine. If you drink more than that, it can lead to a faster decrease in the hormone DHEA, which contributes to a youthful appearance and reduces inflammation.
7. Eating too little color
A colorful plate is according to researchers the way to go when it comes to charming aging, and the Mediterranean diet seems to be perfect for that. Incorporating this diet into your daily routine is easy: eat at least four different colorful vegetables and fruits daily to reduce inflammation and support skin and eye health. This also makes your meals rich in antioxidants that promote health and a youthful appearance. Bring on those bell peppers!
8. Reducing stress with alcohol
Have you all covered your ears yet, because I think this is also bad news. Although I love a glass of wine after a stressful day (and maybe you do too), experts say we should stop doing this. Using alcohol to cope with stress can actually accelerate aging by making the body more acidic (okay, that sounds gross). Alcohol also affects your liver, worsens hormonal fluctuations, and causes a decrease in brain function. Better pour a glass of water after your next busy day...
9. Taking the same supplements for years
Vary your dietary supplements. The nutritional needs of the body change as we age, so it is important to adjust the supplements you use. Collagen is essential to counteract the loss of collagen in the skin after the age of fifty. Additionally, taking pre- and probiotics is a good move to support gut health, and Omega-3 supplements help with good heart and brain health.
Source: Sheerluxe, Image: @kourtneykardash
