If you want to keep feeling young and spry as the years roll on, you’re in luck. Anti-aging experts have plenty of tips on what to steer clear of to live a longer life, and it’s not just the obvious things like smoking or soda. Here are 18 things to avoid for a longer life that you might not think about.
Don’t Skip Those Doctor Visits
Even if you’re feeling great, ignoring regular check-ups with your doctor is a bad idea. Seeing a healthcare professional means you can catch small issues before they turn into big ones, saving you a lot of hassle down the line. As you age, you should try to see your doctor at least once a year, perhaps more often if you’re not feeling well.
Sleep More, Stress Less
Everything always feels a lot worse when you’re short on sleep, and that’s because missing those precious hours can mess with everything. Whether it’s to improve your mood or your heart health, you should aim for 7-9 hours each night. Research shows that it can actually make you live longer.
Keep Those Teeth Gleaming
It might surprise you, but keeping your teeth clean is pretty important for your health. Bad gums can lead to bad news like heart disease and even diabetes, so keep brushing and flossing. Regular dental care stops harmful bacteria, which can cause inflammation elsewhere in your body, from spreading.
Cut Down on the Sweet Stuff
While an occasional treat is fine, eating too much sugar can age you faster than you’d think, whether that’s your skin or your heart. Try to keep sugary snacks to a minimum because high sugar intake can lead to issues like obesity and type 2 diabetes. Reducing your sugar consumption can also help you maintain your energy levels throughout the day.
Manage Your Stress
If you’re always on edge, your body’s in trouble. Chronic stress is a big problem because it can lead to serious stuff like heart disease, so try to relax by doing things like yoga or meditation. Regular stress management improves your mood and boosts your immune system, which is fantastic for your mental and physical health.
Get Up and Move
Sitting around all day is one of the worst things you can do, and even a little walking or stretching can help keep you healthier. Regular physical activity will improve your metabolism while strengthening your muscles and bones. Even small bursts of activity can improve circulation and brain function, so make sure you do some.
Eat Your Greens, Reds, and Yellows
Skipping fruits and vegetables means missing out on some pretty important vitamins. Try packing some colorful produce into your meals because it’s good for your body and keeps your plate interesting. So many fruits and vegetables out there will give your body the nutrients and antioxidants it needs to fight off diseases and keep your cells working.
Watch the Booze
Enjoying a drink is fine, but too much is bad for your body, meaning you should keep it to a couple of drinks. After all, alcohol can cause liver disease while also causing brain problems, and let’s not forget about the higher risk of developing cancer. Like with anything in life, moderation is the best way to enjoy alcohol without risking your health.
Quit Smoking
This one’s a no-brainer. Smoking’s bad for just about every part of you, and quitting is probably the best health decision you can make as a smoker. Not smoking will reduce your risk of lung cancer and heart disease, which is also good for your overall stamina. As soon as you stop, your body begins to repair itself, increasing your chances of a longer, healthier life.
Don’t Forget the Sunscreen
Even though having a golden tan might look nice, sun damage is no joke. Lather your body with sunscreen to protect your skin from aging and, more importantly, skin cancer. You should use it daily, even when it’s cloudy, so your body is safe from those harmful UV rays that will damage your skin cells.
Keep in Touch
Being alone too much can be just as harmful to your health as being overweight or smoking. Keep up with friends and family because it’s good for your health and makes life much more fun. Research shows that speaking to people can fight depression and even improve your cognitive function, so don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation.
Skip the Junk Food
As tempting as processed foods are, they’re almost always full of stuff that’s not good for you, so stick to foods that are closer to their natural state. Your body will definitely feel the difference. Cutting out processed foods reduces your intake of excess fats and sugars, making it easier to manage your weight and lower your risk of chronic diseases.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water is important for keeping everything in your body running smoothly, but don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Keep a water bottle handy and sip throughout the day to maintain energy levels and improve digestion. It’s also good for keeping your skin healthy and your kidneys functioning properly.
Take Care of Your Mind
Don’t forget about your mental health, and remember that if you’re feeling off, it’s okay to reach out for help. A healthy mind is a huge part of a healthy life. Even if you think you don’t need it, going to counseling or therapy can actually help you avoid more severe psychological issues later on in life.
Stay Up-To-Date on Shots
Vaccines are important at every stage of life because keeping up with your shots can protect you from a lot of serious diseases. Better yet, staying vaccinated also reduces the risk of spreading infections to others. It’s just a few seconds of pain that are worth it for their effect on your health and those around you.
Go Easy on the Painkillers
Painkillers are okay when you really need them, but using them too much can lead to bigger problems. Overusing them can cause dependency and might hide symptoms of more serious health issues, so if you’re in pain a lot, it might be time to look into other ways to manage it. Try looking into other healthy pain management techniques that don’t rely on medication.
Keep Chronic Conditions in Check
If you’ve got conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, keeping them under control can keep you feeling good and prevent serious complications. This means monitoring your conditions regularly and taking any necessary medicine to stop them from worsening. You might not enjoy it, but it’s one of the best ways to live longer.
Don’t Forget Whole Grains
Whole grains have so many nutrients in them that can help reduce the risk of heart disease and other health issues. They’re also great sources of fiber, which helps maintain bowel health and lowers cholesterol levels, and they’ll give you some of the vitamins you need for your overall health. Make sure they’re a part of your diet.
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