Graceful Aging

The "Fountain of Youth" is what we are all looking for - right? Has anyone really discovered the secret to Agelessness? Well modern medicine, nutrition and the development of mind/body medicine is certainly helping us get closer to finding the elixir. I have always said "you get old when you stop going for it no matter what your age". It means stay active both in mind, body and spirit.

Many of us nearing our 40s and 50s are thinking about decline - seeing our parents succumb to debilitating diseases requiring a multitude of medications and hospital stays. We scream "no no - that's not for me - I know better I am going to take of myself"! afterall the baby boomers believe they invented spas and leisure time although we clearly have also created a living breathing example of high stress. Isn't simplicity less stressful on us overall? Well boredom can cause decline as well.

Many adults want to get back to what they were in their 20s and 30s. I also know some people over 50 who are actually in better shape now than when they were younger. Whether its fear of aging, losing function, feeling it may be your last chance or having more time and income, taking better care of yourself can start today. Whatever the reason its never too late to start the healthy habits and perhaps reverse the ravages of time.

Neuroscientists are now discovering, contrary to popular belief, that the brain is actually capable of expanding as we age - making us not only much smarter as we get older but also our brain capacity is also increased in the areas of creativity, mood stabilization, etc. and yes even memory.

Healthy Eating

This cannot be overemphasized we are not only what we eat but what we digest. Fruits and vegetables should be your mainstay - at lease 6-9 ½ cup servings per day. You must also add a good amount of high quality protein - fish, chicken, turkey, eggs, some dairy and red meat.

Appropriate daily amounts are often determined by body weight and exercise levels. Include good healthy fats and foods that contain them daily - olive oil , nuts and seeds, avocados. Missing meals or eating too much in one sitting is not an option if you want to stay healthy and ageless.

Balance your blood sugar and stress hormones throughout the day by eating 3 meals a day and 1 or 2 healthy snacks. Try and maintain a healthy weight as well. Extra weight can affect how you look and feel inside and out. Avoid fad diets that cause you to gain and lose, gain and lose.

Exercise

Choose something you enjoy. Dancing, golf, Even horse backing, scuba diving you name it. Case in point: Sister Marion Irvine of San Raphael started running at 47. She was overweight and smoked two packs a day and took up running looking for a way to relax. In 1984, she qualified for the US Olympic Trials in the marathon by running 2:51 at the age of 54, becoming the oldest to ever qualify. We hear these stories all the time . Why not take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves to us - joining the running club, start a yoga practice or getting your husband off the couch or out of the office and take to the ballroom floor.

Antioxidants and other Essential Nutrients

This will help with your healthy aging goal. Although anti aging connotes we are against aging - no aging is inevitable - its healthy aging we are after. Antioxidants like CoQ10, NAC, Vitamin C, E and Alpha Lipoic Acid. All are very important powerhouses of nutrients that help our cells stay healthy despite the daily potential of damaging free radicals which oxidize (age) our cells and tissue.

Calcium a good microcrystalline source which is more easily used by the body and Vitamin D are essential to health. Don't forget lubrication for those healthy bones and joints - how about a wonderful Omega 3 Fish oil supplement? Make sure your fish oil is a high quality one that you can purchase from your nutritionist or your health care provider.

A good probiotic and digestive enzymes are also helpful in maintaining proper digestion. And for poor bowel function try using a magnesium supplement alone, not combined with other minerals such as Calcium, to help with bowl function. Or you can try an auyvedic herb combination called Triphala which also proves beneficial for good bowel function. When we age we often begin to feel sluggish a proper detoxification program helps the body function better - sort of like getting and oil change and tune up.

To help support brain wellness Phosphatidylcholine and Phosphatidyl Serine, gingko and fish oil are well known for their effects on brain function and memory. As we age we also increase our stress which takes a toll on our mind and body. A good B complex and adrenal support formula which often contain ginseng and licorice may be helpful.

Healthy Thoughts

Healthy, energized and youthful thinking helps the brain stay young and active. We often see older people who are bitter, worn out and extremely negative. Even younger people who have a negative view on life often age sooner than they should - physically and mentally. Learn to stay mentally active - reading, taking courses, socializing with positive, uplifting people. Try and stay away from the news - most of it is depressing and negative. Norman Cousins - journalist and well known pioneer in positive thinking - diagnosed with heart disease was able to alleviate his pain and subsequently prolonged his life by watching funny movies. Now there's a thought - can laughing make us healthier? You bet. Much research is also presently being done on the positive effects of prayer on health and healing.

About the expert:

Award winning clinical nutritionist and weight loss expert Monika Klein is the "Compassionate and Practical Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach." Monika delivers simple, healthy and long term ways for women to not only lose excess weight and improve their health, but also enhance self esteem, self confidence and self acceptance. Teaching women how to truly take care of themselves in every way. Moving away from underserving to deserving their heart's desire.

For free articles, free resources and to sign up for her free audio mini-seminar "7 Quick and Simple Tips to Healthy Weight Loss, Self Care and Freedom" visit http://www.coachingforhealth.com

Learn more visit my website http://www.coachingforhealth.com

Monika Klein, BS, CN.