In an age where an unprecedented amount of North Americans are overweight or obese there is no doubt that nutrition has played a significant role in creating this problem. Nutrition also will play a role in reversing this growing trend if people allow it to.
The older we are the more we are a product of our environment. Most of this “environment” we create ourselves; our activity levels, our occupation, the foods we eat, and the stress we pile on ourselves.
Research shows that 35% of all cancers are preventable through diet modification. If we combine that with not smoking we may be able to reduce the risk of cancer by as much as 65%.
As we age our body begins to naturally produce less of certain substances that ensure a vibrant, energetic, healing body such as human growth hormone which greatly affects many anabolic (building) processes in the body, melatonin which is important for sleep, and some reproductive hormones. The foods we eat have a contributing factor in how early in life and how drastic our body’s ability to produce these chemicals occur. Foods have been linked to many of the degenerative chronic conditions we suffer from such as:
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular Health
- Arthritis
- Neurodegenerative Disorders (such as Alzheimer’s and dementia)
In general, to promote healthy aging and optimal body function:
- Attempt to eat more fruits and vegetables – a variety of foods ensures that our body will be getting the different vitamins and minerals that are important for optimal function
- Exercise at least 3 times a week – preference is giving to intense burst exercises which establishes better metabolic training gains
- Reduce stress – a silent killer that recent research shows has a great influence on body’s function