How to Slow Aging

Here are nine tips for how to slow aging. These anti-aging tips are proven ways to look and feel younger.

1. Avoid too much sun exposure. The body needs some sun in order to produce vitamin D, but excessive sun exposure will cause photoaging and increase the risk of skin cancer. Photoaging produces wrinkles, leathery looking skin, saggy skin and premature age spots. If you're going to be out in the sun for an extended period of time, make sure that you wear sunscreen.

2. Don't smoke. In addition to increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke and many types of cancer, smoking is highly damaging and aging to skin. Smoking causes dry, leathery looking skin, premature deep lines and wrinkles.

3. Exercise regularly. Exercise is the closest thing there is to a fountain of youth. Exercise helps prevent cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, stroke and certain types of cancer. Exercise strengthens muscles and bones, increases energy and stamina, helps keep excess weight off, relieves stress, strengthens the immune system, and helps keep skin healthy.

4. Eat a healthy diet. Foods high in sugar, trans fat or saturated fat not only increase the likelihood of weight gain, they also can cause excess inflammation in the body. Excess inflammation has been linked to many things associated with aging, including wrinkles, arthritis, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease and cancer. A healthy diet should consist of a good mix of lean proteins, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats.

5. Take a daily dietary supplement. Many people, even ones who eat a healthy diet, are not getting enough vitamins, minerals and antioxidants from their diet. Antioxidants are especially important when it comes to anti-aging, since they protect the body's cells against the effects of free radicals. Free radicals can cause cell damage that leads to aging. Taking a daily dietary supplement will ensure that your body gets all of the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants it needs to stay healthy and function properly.

6. Reduce stress. Stress causes the release of the hormone cortisol. High levels of cortisol can lead to high blood sugar, high blood pressure, increased abdominal fat, loss of muscle, and a weakened immune system. High levels of cortisol can also accelerate skin aging. There are many ways to reduce stress, with exercise being one of the best ways.

7. Get enough sleep. Sleep is the time when the body rests, rejuvenates and regenerates. The body produces human growth hormone (HGH) during sleep. HGH increases lean muscle mass, decreases body fat, helps keep bones strong and healthy, boosts energy, and helps in controlling blood sugar and insulin levels. The hormone melatonin is also produced during sleep. Melatonin has a positive effect on the immune system and the skin. Individuals vary in the amount of sleep they need, but many experts feel that between seven and eight hours a night is ideal.

8. Drink less alcohol. Drinking alcohol in moderation does have some health benefits, but alcohol is very dehydrating. Dehydration can cause premature aging of the skin. Alcohol also increases inflammation in the body.

9. Drink more water. Water prevents dehydration, carries essential nutrients to the cells of the body, removes toxins and waste products from the body, regulates vitamin and mineral metabolism, and helps the body metabolize stored fat. It's commonly said that you should drink eight glasses of water a day, but this is just a general rule and the amount can vary widely from person to person depending on factors such as age, physical condition, activity level and climate.

In conclusion, these tips for how to slow aging will help you look and feel younger and live a healthier, more vibrant life.

Recommended Resource

Xtend-Life produces their own brand of anti-aging supplements and anti-aging skincare products that are very unique and far superior to mass marketed brand names.

Leave the How to Slow Aging page and return to the Health and Fitness Articles page
Leave the How to Slow Aging page and return to the Home page