How to Use Nutrition To Slow Down Aging

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By Marilynda
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Article Rating: (8 Ratings)

When we're young we think we'll never get old. But as the years pass and you hit those milestones birthdays at say 40, 50 or even 60 you realize that you can't get away with those poor nutritional choices of your youth.

Good nutrition plays an important role in how you age so the sooner you pay attention to what you eat the better. What you eat is as important as to how much you eat.

It's never too late to change your nutritional behavior and having good nutrition will decrease those age-related diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, osteoporosis, high blood pressure and other chronic illnesses.

You can make a major difference in how you age if you eat a diet that is balanced.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

idea of what good nutriton is
how nutrition plays a major role in aging

Step 1

Eat lean protein to maintain as well as rebuild muscle. As we age we lose lean muscle mass. Protein can be found in eggs, poultry, soy and fish.
Step 2

Change the amount of salt you consume. Concentrate on making low salt as well as low fat choices. Limit your intake of red meats, butter, processed foods and high fat cheese.
Step 3

Aim for 5 servings a day of fruits and vegetables.
Step 4

As we age our digestive system slows down so fiber is important. It will help reduce the risk of colon cancer, lower cholesterol, improve digestion as well as help prevent constipation and will also help regulate normal weight. Fiber comes from fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, beans and will keep you feeling fuller longer.
Step 5

Keep refined carbs and high sugar foods to a minimum. Increase your complex carbs which would be whole grains such as whole wheat breads and pastas.
Step 6

Remember that calories do count. AS we age our calorie needs change mostly due to having more body fat and less lean muscle. Now is the time to eat foods that are higher in nutrients in relation to the calories we consume.
Step 7

Keep yourself hydrated. Drink water which will improve your digestion as well as aide the kidneys. Aging puts a strain on the kidneys as the body changes so not drinking enough water will put a strain on your kidneys as well as leave you more prone to constipation.
Step 8

If you are a woman and have reached the age of menopause it's important to pay attention to your nutrition since woman lose bone mass at a more accelerated rate and are at risk for osteoporosis.

It might be time for you to talk to you doctor and schedule a bone density test.
Step 9

Vitamins play an important role in the aging process too. Adequate vitamins can help prevent memory loss as well as age related hearing loss. Take a multi-vitamin daily to offset what you don't get from the food you eat.
Remember that taking a vitamin every day doesn't give you license to eat what you want and you still need to pay attention to calories you consume and the choices you make.
Step 10

To slow the aging process stop smoking, drinking and lose weight.
Step 11

Stay active. Older people seem to get less and less active and become more sedentary.

Laugh often

Surround yourself with loving, positive people

Keep your mind sharp. Play word games, suduko, or do cross word puzzles. Read a good book.

Comments

mikeg21v said

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on 11/10/2009 Great article! Thanks! 5* and rec

kittykat3 said

on 10/1/2009 Excellent tips on how to use nutrition to slow down aging. 5*

omghow said

on 9/30/2009 Great article on how to use nutrition to slow aging.
Thanks for sharing.

besesitos said

on 9/30/2009 Great article on How to Use Nutrition To Slow Down Aging! Good nutrition is always a good thing! Thanks! Hugs

mommyhen42 said

on 9/30/2009 nicely written article on using nutrition to slow the aging process! Something we all tend to forget during our rushed day. 5* and a rec for a job well done