Abby's

Volume 4 Issue 4

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But here's the good news: there are a few simple lifestyle changes you can make to improve not only the quan ty, but also the quality of your years. These changes are pre y basic, but can have a profound effect on your overall health once implemented. A HEALTHY DIET IS ESSENTIAL TO LONGEVITY One of the most basic health principles (and, sadly, the one people most o en ignore) is ea ng a diet of whole, nutri ous foods rather than unhealthy processed foods. Keep in mind that processed and junk foods are loaded with grains, sugar, and unhealthy calories that increase your insulin levels, which not only accelerates the aging process but also increases your risk of obesity and chronic disease. Avoid consuming gene cally engineered (GE) foods. Not only are GE foods less nutri ous than organically grown foods, but they also pose many health risks. In fact, most processed foods today contain GE ingredients – regardless of the fact that these GE components have not undergone long-term safety studies. The best diet for op mal health and longevity is one that's focused on whole, unprocessed foods – preferably organic vegetables, grass-fed meats, raw dairy, and nuts – acquired from healthy, sustainable, local sources. It is also recommended to consume a good por on of your food raw, as well as adding naturally fermented foods to meals. By implemen ng these basic diet changes, you can make a big leap toward longevity and op mal health. ANOTHER RISK FACTOR OF EARLY DEATH: LIVING A SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE Equally important to consuming a healthy diet is being physically ac ve. According to studies, people who are sedentary are found to have a shorter lifespan. In fact, one study shows that reducing the average me you spend si ng down to less than three hours a day may increase your life expectancy by two years, and reducing the me you spend watching TV to less than two hours a day could increase it by 1.4 years. It is difficult to avoid si ng down for prolonged periods, as computer work is very predominant today. But to make up for it, make sure to get enough exercise daily. Also, take frequent breaks every hour to stand up at your desk. Exercise also has some an -aging effects, as proven by many studies. One study published in the American Journal of Physiology says that exercise triggers mitochondrial biogenesis, a decline of which is common in aging. This means that exercise can reverse significant age-associated declines in mitochondrial mass and, in effect, stop aging in its tracks. Abby's Magazine - Volume 4 Issue 4| Page 9

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