Five Secrets to Long Life
Longevity or long life is something that many people would like to achieve. In fact, many people are willing to spend thousands of dollars just to get a cure for their health problem with the hope of extending their life. However, there are also stories of people who seem to have effortlessly reached the age of 90 and even past 100. These people did not find the fountain of youth but they sure have some secrets.
We have listed here the top 5 secrets of people with long life:
1. Healthy Diet
Eating right is the most basic requirement for longevity. There are certain foods that can delay or minimize conditions associated with aging and developing chronic diseases that could cause early death. According to Bradley Willcox, MD, MPH, a University of Hawaii professor, the most beneficial diet is that which relies heavily on fruits, vegetables and legumes. These foods are packed with nutrients and are low in calories. Additionally, fresh produce and legumes are also rich in antioxidant properties which help fight the free radicals in the body. The buildup of free radicals in the body greatly contributes to cell damage and aging.
2. Exercise
According to Dr. Mercola, incorporating stretching, strength training, core-strengthening exercises and high intensity activities into your daily routine is essential not only for optimal health, vigor and strength, but also for longevity.
This statement is supported by another research conducted in 2007 by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on more than 250,000 respondents aged between 50 and 71. In their study during the test period, those who did moderate activities five times a week for at least 30 minutes have reduced their risk of dying by at least 27 percent. More vigorous exercises done at least three times a week for at least 20 minutes reduce the risk of death by about 32 percent.
3. Clean Lifestyle
Cigarette and alcohol abuse are among the two most common causes of major illnesses which include cancer and organ problems among many others. According to the April 2000 Berkeley Wellness Letter of the University of California, every cigarette that a person smokes can reduce his life by 11 minutes and every pack can snatch from it one day and a half. If a person smokes one pack a day for one year, he will reduce his life by about two months.
Alcohol also affects the body in a different way. There are studies which show that moderate drinking promotes health. However, if a person drinks alcohol excessively, he will be at risk of early death due to heart problems, diabetes, stroke, and lung disease among others. Additionally, chronic alcohol drinking may result to accidents and increases a person’s risk of death due to road accident, death from violence and alcohol overdose.
4. Stick to organic and natural products as much as possible.
In our present age, we are exposed to a number of toxic chemicals even in our own home, from the cleaning products to the pesticides that we use. Long-term exposure to these toxic chemicals may lead to many serious health problems such as lung problems and even cancer. If you can find an organic or natural alternative to the products you are using now, that would be better.
5. Listen to your body.
While you may observe the abovementioned secrets to long life, getting sick is still something you cannot totally avoid. The key to complete healing or cure to health condition is oftentimes early detection and treatment. That is why it is important that you should also constantly listen to your body and be sensitive about any abnormalities because they may be a sign of a disease you are suffering from. And if you do find out, see you doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Reaching the age of 100 may be something we think of as impossible to achieve. But there is no harm in trying to achieve it. In fact, there were already many people who have reached and surpassed that age. The five mentioned secrets to longevity may no longer be a secret to some, but still, it is a matter of observing them. They may be easily said than done but they are definitely worth a try.