As we age, the ability to keep our youthful looks and energy is challenged by the everyday lifestyle choices we make. Fortunately, keeping or regaining your natural youth and vitality doesn't have to be complicated, time consuming or expensive. Here are some great natural health practitioner strategies that will help.

If you fit these simple tips into your daily routine, you'll not only feel better, you'll look great and as a bonus, live longer!

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Tip 1 - Fill Up On Antioxidant Rich Foods

You'll have better weight control and reduced risk of disease with antioxidants from whole foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables which offer superior protection for your body against the effects of inflammation.

There is growing scientific evidence confirming chronic inflammation in the body is a result of consuming highly refined foods such as white sugar, flour, processed oils and packaged foods.



Research also points to stress, sleep deprivation and exposure to free radicals which insidiously change our cells little by little.

We are bombarded by free radicals from pollutants, microwaves, herbicides, pesticides, preservatives and chemicals on and in our foods. As we age, it is much more difficult for our body to process these free radicals resulting in a weakened body and increased signs of aging. Shop the perimeter of your grocery store!

Tip 2 - Take Charge Of Your Stress Levels

A recent telomere research study at the University of California, San Francisco, showed that "chronic stress can accelerate aging as much as 10 years". Cortisol is a corticosteroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that is involved in the response to normal stress; elevated stress levels can lead to increased blood pressure, blood sugar levels, may cause infertility in women, and suppresses the immune system.



You can easily control stress by finding a favorite activity and making it a part of your day. Yoga, Pilates, deep breathing, walking and any moderate exercise all reduce the body's stress levels. In a stressful situation unwind with a 10-15 minute walk; you'll return calmed and refreshed, with a new point of view.

Tip 3 - Get Good Sleep, It's The Great Healer

The demands of today's lifestyle are never ending but you should covet your sleep time. Sleeping, eating, and sex help control aging by counter-acting the effects of stress, giving our bodies time to recover.

Sleep is "the great healer". Research at the National Institute of Health in Washington, D.C., shows that less than an average of 9.5 hours of sleep at night causes premature aging. The science of circadian rhythmicity (light-and-dark cycles) explains how sleeping controls eating and stress. The hormonal changes caused by sleep deprivation and more free radicals translate to faster aging.

Avoid premature aging by establishing a regular, restful sleep cycle even if it's only 6 or 7 hours. Adopt a relaxing routine 20-30 minutes before bed time e.g. a bath, herbal tea, reading and go to bed at the same time every day. Don't eat 2-3 hours before bedtime as it impairs digestion & sleep - avoid caffeine after 11 am.

Tip 4 - Indulge In Lots of Good Quality Water

Your body relies on water to detoxify properly and water is also essential for supple, younger looking skin and bright eyes. Good quality water is either distilled or reverse osmosis Consider this formula a guideline to calculate your personal water needs throughout the day as essential, add more if your consume coffee.

Number of 8 oz. Glasses Every Day = (Your Weight in pounds divided by 2) divided by 8 (oz.)

Tip 5 - Make Good Fats and Good Sodium The Rule

Many people are deficient in the essential fat called omega-3-6-9. Youth is often recognized by supple and smooth skin, shiny hair, nails, joints and muscles. You'll feel and look well when your daily food consumption includes cold-water fresh fish, raw nuts and seeds (not roasted or salted), avocado, good quality olive, flax or hemp oil, organic or free range poached or soft-boiled eggs.

Drop the salt habit. Your body can't use the sodium from inorganic table salt or other similar inorganic sources. Instead get your sodium from foods such as celery, cabbage (red), apples, asparagus, beets, greens, carrots, chickpeas, kale, parsley, turnips, dates, fish and lentils.



Tip 6 - Laugh Often and Laugh Well

The Time Jan. 17, 2005 issue stated "It's no joke: laughing may be one of nature's cleverest tricks for keeping us healthy and safe". Laughter, happiness and optimism have been linked to our aging process and have been shown to block pain and reduce stress levels.

So laugh often and laugh well, every day of your long youthful life.