How to Slow Down…or Reverse…Your Body’s Clock

When someone asks how old you are, the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think.

It’s true that when someone asks this question, they’re probably asking about your chronological age.

But there are three ways to assess age:

1. Chronological
2. Physiological
3. Cognitive

These last two ways of assessing age compare your physical and cognitive health to that of the overall population.

If you’re physical health and mental acuity surpass that of your peers, your physiological and cognitive age will be lower than your chronological age. On the other hand, issues with your physical or cognitive health could leave you feeling older than your chronological age.

What Factors Affect Your Physiological or Cognitive Age?

Unlike your chronological age, your physiological and cognitive age can be affected by numerous factors, including:

• Genetics:
  Did your parents (and their parents) live longer than average? Did they remain mentally sharp well into their senior years?Alternatively, does your family have a history of ailments affecting cognition such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s? Or physical conditions such as cancer or heart disease?If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, your physical or cognitive age could be affected by your genetics.
• Environment:
  Toxins in the environment can damage cells in your body and in your brain. The result can be accelerated aging in terms of your physical wellbeing or your mental acuity.
• Diet:
  A healthy diet that is rich in healthy fats, vegetables, and lean protein reduces risk factors for many illnesses and that can affect your physical health and your mental acuity.On the other hand, a diet filled with sugar and unhealthy fats can increase your risk for developing cancer, heart disease, and some neurological disorders.
• Immune System Health:
  Your immune system is your body’s primary defense against illness and disease.A healthy immune system helps your body to avoid illness. It also helps you to recover more quickly from illnesses. A weak or compromised immune system can make it harder to stay healthy.
• Hormones:
  Hormones control every process in your body. That being the case, it should be no surprise that properly balanced hormones play an important role in slowing physical and cognitive aging.Some hormones have specific benefits in this regard. Estrogen, for example, has anti-inflammatory and immune system-boosting properties.
• Lifestyle:
  Your habits have a big impact on your physical and cognitive age.Unhealthy habits like smoking can cause premature aging. In contrast, good lifestyle choices like regular exercise and sufficient sleep can protect you from age-related conditions.

How Can You Turn the Clock Back…or Slow it Down?

Your body is a fine-tuned machine. With proper care and maintenance, you can slow physical and cognitive aging…or even reverse damage caused by previous lapses in good judgement.

Here are some of the things you can do to turn back the clock:

1. Know Your Family History
   You can’t change your genetics. But you can use this information to your advantage.If your family has a history of specific health conditions like cardiovascular disease or diabetes, you can make lifestyle choices that will minimize that risk.
2. Make Sleep a Priority
   Your mind and body use sleep to repair damage. Don’t shortchange yourself in this department.
3. Avoid Toxins and Pollutants
   Hazardous substances in your surroundings can damage the cells in your body. Wherever possible, avoid them. Counteract what you can’t avoid by getting plenty of antioxidants from your food or from supplements.
4. Eat Well to Live Longer
   A healthy diet will reduce risk factors for many illnesses. It will also help you to maintain a healthy body weight.
5. Keep Your Immune System Healthy
   Support immune system health by getting enough sleep and eating a diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
6. Make Good Lifestyle Choices
   Avoid bad habits like tobacco and alcohol. Focus on maintaining good habits like a healthy diet and regular exercise.
7. Get Your Hormones Checked
   Hormones send the messages that control all the processes in your body. This means balanced hormones are critical for extending your physical and cognitive lifespan.Hormone testing, coupled with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, can turn back the clock on physical and cognitive aging.

Whether you need bioidentical hormone therapy, supplements, or lifestyle coaching…Renew Youth is here to help you find the solutions that are right for you.

Want to learn more? Call us today at 800-859-7511 or use our convenient contact form to schedule your free consultation.