Reversing the Clock: How Lifestyle Changes Can Help You Look and Feel Younger
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/21st July 2024
Worried about ageing faster than you should? You’re not alone. Many people today, due to unhealthy lifestyles, are experiencing accelerated ageing, making them biologically older than their actual age. There are alarming stories of young individuals having biological ages of 60 or above. However, there are also inspiring tales like that of Tina Woods, a 60-year-old CEO who managed to reduce her biological age to 35. Her journey gives hope that with the right approach, we can all work towards reversing the ageing process.
A crucial aspect of maintaining health and reversing age is diet. Woods shared in an interview that she eats just one meal a day, four days a week. This regimen helped her manage her nutritional deficiencies, which are common as we age. She took supplements such as Vitamin D, B12, Omega-3, and collagen for joint health, and calcium for stronger bones. By focusing on a protein-rich diet with chicken, fish, lentil soup, seeds, and nuts, and avoiding ultra-processed foods, she was able to enhance her overall health.
Regular exercise also played a vital role in Woods’ transformation. She enjoys Zumba sessions twice a week and incorporates strength training at home. According to fitness experts, moderate-intensity exercises that combine weight training with cardio can significantly increase longevity. This combination not only helps maintain physical fitness but also improves mental well-being.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was another key factor in Woods’ anti-ageing regimen. Menopause brought challenges like weight gain, low energy, decreased sex drive, and urinary issues. On her doctor’s advice, Woods opted for HRT, which helped her address these issues effectively. For those experiencing similar symptoms, incorporating foods rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, nicotinamide (NAD), quercetin, glutathione, coenzyme Q10, and resveratrol can be beneficial. Avoiding excessive salt and sugar intake and adopting a polyphenol-rich green Mediterranean diet can also help reduce biological age.
Adequate sleep is another critical component in slowing down the ageing process. Getting enough rest rejuvenates the body, activates the parasympathetic system, lowers blood pressure and heart rate, and reduces inflammation and stress. Ensuring you get quality sleep can significantly decrease your biological age and improve overall health.
Reducing alcohol intake and quitting tobacco can further enhance longevity. Maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) within the range of 18 to 22.9 can independently reduce biological age. Staying hydrated, getting enough sunlight, practicing meditation, and managing stress are also effective strategies in the fight against ageing.
In conclusion, while the prospect of ageing faster than our chronological age is daunting, the stories of individuals like Tina Woods show that it is possible to reverse this trend through lifestyle changes. By focusing on a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and proper stress management, we can improve our health and potentially reduce our biological age. These steps not only help in looking younger but also in feeling more energetic and vibrant, paving the way for a healthier, more fulfilling life.
