Aging is something that happens to us all, and there is nothing we can do to stop it from occurring. What we can do, however, is to lead a healthier lifestyle, slowing down the signs of aging. We’re still getting older, but we won’t look like it quite so much. Here are some ways to do it.
Load Up with Anti-Oxidants
Every day, no matter what we do or where we go, no matter how careful we are, we are exposed to toxins and chemicals. These toxins damage our cells, meaning that our skin can lose its elasticity; this is how wrinkles form. If we want to stop this damage from occurring, we need to load up with plenty of anti-oxidants to protect our cells. Anti-oxidants include Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as beta-carotene. Vitamin C is particularly important because without it age spots and wrinkles form easily.
Eat More Protein
When it comes to protein, there are lots of differing opinions about how much is too much or whether we should cut it out of our diet at all. Whilst this debate rages, it’s important to know that protein does help to slow the build of insulin and keeps your blood sugar levels at a stable level. This, in turn, keeps you less stressed and reduces the amount of cortisol, the stress hormone, you are producing. Cortisol damages the collagen in our skin, reducing its elasticity and causing wrinkles.
Stop Smoking
Smoking is a habit that definitely causes the aging process to speed up. This is due to a number of reasons, the main reason being that oxygen flow is restricted due to the nicotine in your body. Your cells need oxygen to regenerate, andif they’re not getting enough they can’t do a good job at growing, and wrinkles appear. Smoking of any kind will have this effect, including smoking marijuana. Due to this, and the fact that those who smoke have a much higher chance of developing cancer, heart disease, and lung conditions, it’s time to quit. This can be hard, though, so be good to yourself while you’re learning to give up. If you find that you can’t quit smoking marijuana, there are weed rehab clinics that can help you.
Sleep Well
When you don’t get enough sleep, your hormones will be out of balance, and that can have devastating effects on your body, especially if your lack of sleep is chronic. The hormone aforementioned, cortisol, is one of the most affected due to not sleeping, or not getting enough sleep – in fact, just one missed an hour of sleep can cause a tenfold increase in cortisol levels and this has a seriously negative effect on your skin’s elasticity. When you get enough sleep, your body has the time it needs to repair and regenerate itself, ridding itself of toxins. Without enough sleep, those repairs are not completed to a high standard, and the body will feel it the next day.