United States: As claimed by experts, there exists nothing that can stop time but it is possible to stop the bio effects of time from us.
As Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurologist and longevity expert with Senolytix, said, “One of the primary hallmarks of aging is accumulated cellular damage that leads to organ dysfunction and, ultimately, death,” as the Fox News reported.
Moreover, he added, “The key to staying healthy is minimizing cellular damage by not throwing accelerants into the fire, which is, unfortunately, what most Americans do.”
According to the Fox News reports, the health experts have shared the five most common unhealthy behaviors that contribute to speeding up the process of aging and given tips to avoid them.
1. SMOKING
As pointed out by the researchers from Action on Smoking and Health in the UK report, the life expectancy of a 30-year-old smoker will decrease by 35 years, which is a lot when compared with the 53 years of life expected from a non-smoker.
Dr. Dawn Ericsson, an obstetrician/gynecologist and medical director at AgeRejuvenation in Tampa, Florida, said, “Smoking speeds up aging by exposing you to harmful chemicals, reducing oxygen supply, breaking down collagen, and increasing oxidative stress,” as the US News reported.
He added, “The harmful effects of tobacco extend beyond lung health, accelerating skin aging and increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth loss.”
2. Excess sun exposure
Too much exposure to sun leads to fast aging and damage to skin’s DNA, which further leads to wrinkles, saggy skin and dark spots, according to Ericsson.
Osborn gave advise, “Regularly using sunscreen with a high SPF, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding sun exposure during peak hours can protect the skin,” as Fox News reported.
3. Poor diet
It’s been pointed out by Ericcson that “Sharp/compounds like sugar and saturated fats set off inflammation internally, eat collagen, and speed up aging.”
It has been determined by experts that diets which are rich in sugar as well as processed foods can contribute to inflammation as well as free radical damage.
“The induced insulin-resistant or pre-diabetic state places you one step closer to the dreaded ‘metabolic syndrome’ — a gateway to diseases such as coronary artery disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease,” said Osborn.
He said, “Antioxidants in these foods combat free radical damage, as do antioxidant supplements like vitamin C, green tea, and omega-3 fatty acids.”
4. Lack of exercise
Ericsson said, “Lack of exercise contributes to aging by causing muscle loss, bone density reduction, weight gain, and cardiovascular issues.”
As advised, Regular physical activity is a must for maintaining muscle mass, circulation, and cognitive health as you grow older.
5. Excessive alcohol consumption
Osborn said, “It also causes problems with blood sugar regulation and is intimately associated with obesity,” and, “As alcohol is a cellular toxin, it accelerates the aging process.”
“Chronic drinking can dehydrate the skin, damage the liver, and increase the risk of cognitive decline,” said Ericsson.