5 Keys to Longevity
A recent study uncovered five critical keys to a longer life, and they are so simple, anyone can do them.
- Eat well. Concentrate on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, healthy fats, and less sugar, red meat and processed foods. Some call this the “Mediterranean” diet, but whatever you call it, eating a clean, wholesome, nutritious diet is a cornerstone of longevity.
- If you don’t use it, you lose it, so get your body into motion. Federal guidelines recommend 3-5 30 minute workouts, or 3-5 more intense 15-minute workouts, but more important, listen to your body and respect the process of getting fit. You can start slow and work your way up based on your current level of fitness. Don’t rush, but push enough to achieve better results.
- Maintain a healthy weight. The latest research shows that overweight and obesity unchecked often lead to heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer. Those who keep their weight in a normal range will live longer and suffer less.
- Drink alcohol in moderation. Adult beverages are toxic in any quantity, but it is accepted that one or two drinks a day is considered moderate drinking. Use common sense, and err on the side of discretion. And of course, never, ever drink and drive.
- Don’t smoke. Smoking is bad for you in so many ways, get the help you need to quit, or better, don’t start in the first place. Educate your family about the harm of smoking.
These five simple lifestyle decisions will dramatically increase your lifespan, and also add quality to those extra years. It’s not important to simply live a long life; you want to live a long life that you can enjoy. It’s your life though – do the right thing for yourself and your family.
Although it didn’t make the recent study, a sixth important factor would be to get adjusted by your chiropractor to make sure that your brain and nervous system are working at their optimal levels. If you don’t have a chiropractor, then schedule a consultation to find out how we can help you and your family!