Top 4 Natural and Easy Ways to Reverse Aging

Aging isn’t a word you worry about too much until someone casually makes a comment about a fine line you missed or the crow’s feet under your eyes. When you hear that, it seems like every detail starts to pop out at you from the mirror. Unfortunately, aging is inevitable; however, that doesn’t mean you have to wear the signs of it. By following a few simple steps, you can ensure that people keep under guessing your real age. Let’s review the top 4 ways that you can beat the aging process without the help of expensive surgeries, creams, or procedures.

1. GET YOUR BEAUTY SLEEP

Considered a rare treasure when you’re an adult, recent studies are proving just how crucial a good night’s rest is. Research, such as the study found in the Journal of Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, (1) has long been aware of the impact on your cognitive ability in regards to sleep deprivation. Recent studies are revealing new information on the negative impact of sleep deprivation and it has everything to do with the aging process.

When you are asleep, your body takes this time to begin a series of repair, maintenance, and detoxification processes. As you may imagine, the less time you spend sleeping each night, the less time your body has to perform these processes. A study conducted at University Hospitals Case Medical Center (2) showed the impact of little sleep through the poor skin health and aged appearance when compared to those who received the recommended amount of sleep each night.

Plan for sleep as you would your job. Shut your mind down 30 to 60 minutes before you want to fall asleep by powering down all electronics. Dim the lighting if you are able and consider picking up a book as well. Lights and electronic stimulation prevent the body from creating melatonin, which is the primary hormone responsible for sleep.

2. EAT YOUR (HEALTHY) FATS

Arguably, one of the most highlighted supplements of the past decade has been fish oil, or, to be more specific, the omega 3 fatty acids found within. These fatty acids have been found in a variety of studies to positively influence a number of human processes. As demonstrated in a study from the Journal of Nutrition Health and Aging, (3) from childhood to adulthood, fatty acids are crucial for brain development, skin health, and organ protection.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (4) discovered that consistent intake of omega 3 fatty acids, through food or supplementation, may play a critical part in keeping cells and, as a result, you younger. Located on the end of your chromosomes, telomeres serve as an age indicator. Telomeres are shortened by a number of factors including environmental toxins and everyday stressors. The shorter the telomere, the more the aging process is influenced. Omega 3 fatty acids were shown to have the greatest impact on telomere length, preventing pre-mature shortening from occurring.

3. GET IN THE FAST LANE

Fasting has long been a part of human history. Pre-dating modern man, food could become a rarity, resulting in days in between meals. With civilization came religion, and the act of fasting as an act of faith in numerous belief systems. Now, modern science has put fasting under the microscope and the results are extremely positive. From helping with diabetes to slowing cancer growth in mice, the benefits of fasting continue to pile up.

When it comes to the aging process, fasting has been shown, as published in Cell, (5) to boost the ability of your immune system, protect and support brain health, and make you look physically younger. This happens in two ways:

Fasting triggers many of the same physical processes that are activated while in sleep: in other words, your body’s cells begin to repair themselves. Without the stressful process of digestion to worry about, your body can focus on healing wounds, detoxifying cells, and transporting nutrients to where they are most needed.

Fasting also promotes the release of your body’s growth hormone, which is a known, and much sought after, anti-aging hormone. When your body receives a boost in its natural supply of growth hormone, the result is an improved immune system and more efficient cognitive abilities. Overall, this is a two-hit combo to the aging process that costs you nothing but a little effort.

4. INCLUDE SUPER FOODS IN YOUR DIET

A hot topic term that has become a household favorite is super foods. Super foods are defined by the Oxford Dictionary (6) as “a nutrient rich food that is especially beneficial for health and well being.” Despite over exaggerated claims and naysayers, many super foods have been shown in research and clinical trials to be a powerful tool for feeling and looking young.

Resveratrol, found in red wine, is a special type of antioxidant known as a phytoalexin. As demonstrated in a research paper by Dr. Julian Walker, (7) this is one mean and efficient antioxidant. It hunts down free radicals, quickly disposing of them. It also acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, protects the body from oxidative stress, and promotes cell health and replication.

Packed with powerful vitamins and minerals, garlic is one super food to take notice. As reported by Dr. Heather Keller, (8) garlic plays an important role in preventing many age-related diseases. It also improves blood pressure, acts as a natural anti-biotic, and fights off the common cold.

Other super foods that are readily available and cost effective include the following:

•    Apple cider vinegar (raw, unfiltered)
•    Leafy greens (broccoli, kale, spinach)
•    Honey (raw)
•    Goji berries (raw)
•    Cacao nibs (raw)

CONCLUSION

Aging has long had a negative aura and association attached to it. While it’s no walk in the park to watch your body go through the aging process, there are things you can do to slow or even reverse it. Don’t skimp on sleep, enjoy the nutrients of powerful super foods, fish, and krill oil. Finally, take time to give your body the break it deserves. Making these natural and easy methods a part of your daily routine may result in a dramatically positive difference in how you look and feel.