I get questions from time to time from some of my readers about longevity and overall wellness. As I have said before (and will say again) I am not a physician nor do I claim to be an expert on the subject. I am however an avid health enthusiast and a pretty adept researcher.
I received a question from a reader with initials "A.G." from The Netherlands recently asking me about longevity. Here's an excerpt from A.G.'s email:
"...I am wanting to find ways to increase my life span. I read a lot of books on this subject and many of them talk about some crazy ways to lengthen your lifespan. There was one book from {name deleted} that talked about only eating fruit grown from volcanic soil will add 5 years (where do I find that?). Another talked about sleeping 18 hours straight once a month for 12 months to add 6 years to your life (I am extremely busy and simply cannot allocate that amount of time!). I read another that talked about working out intensely for 45 minutes one day a week for 90 days to add 10 years (I am up in age now and I don't think my body can take it!).
Please help me with some sensible suggestions that do not involve extremes like the ones I listed.
Sincerely Needing Help, A.G."
Wow....
I decided to write an article on the subject to kind of point "A.G." in the right direction. I hope this will also help some of you who may have had similar questions.
In the stressful world we're inhabiting it's way too easy to neglect your overall health and wellness.
Modern society as a whole is hyper obsessed with meeting deadlines for family, employers, clients, etc. All too often we completely neglect our own well-being. Simply put, if you're not able to function physically due to a lack of nutrients, all those commitments you have to keep are nullified.
Only now does it become apparent why people are worn out and tired.
Did you know there are a handful of simple things you're able to do to enrich your life and lengthen your lifespan?
Drink up!
It's in a glass....
First, a few facts about water consumption and its importance to your very existence:
The USGS Water Science School has an interesting article on water consumption and it's benefits.
It's REALLY no mystery. Just drink 10-12 glasses of water daily you'll notice an immediate surge in your energy level.
Adventures In Veggieland!
Eat your vegetables!
You've probably heard that from your parents at dinner time and may have objected to that simple command. You may have even said that to your own kids. I'm sure they probably had a similar response.
Many nutritionists recommend five servings of vegetables on a daily basis.
The best way to get the vitamins and minerals contained in fresh produce without investing the whole day at stove or perhaps consuming raw celery sticks would be to extract juice from your vegetables and fruits.
It's important to own a high quality juicer (a few juicers expose veggies to high temperature produced by friction throughout juicing, which in time breaks down essential enzymes), try to buy certified organic fruits and vegetables whenever possible.
Juicing requires very little effort and it's virtually hassle-free. Try taking your juice to work perhaps even give some to the little ones for school lunches!
Work Out!
We don't want to do it, but in order to remain flexible and increase strength, we have to do it.
Let me get this point out first:
Exercise is not a four letter word. No matter how you look at it, that is the truth.
There are many ways to get started.
Health clubs used to only offer calisthenics classes coupled with weight rooms. Now you get aqua aerobics, yoga, and even martial arts.
If you've bought one already you can put that trusty elliptical machine you're currently hanging your clothes on to work.
Free weights are good to use as well.
Some mildly challenging housework can help you stay in shape too. As long as you are staying active, you mitigate the risks associated with a sedentary life.
A useful way to go back into a physical routine is to always to begin gradually. This will give your body the opportunity to build up stamina that will help you burn fat. If you rush into a high impact routine, you'll only tire yourself out quicker and may even cause some muscular & joint damage. Just take it easy and then work your way up. You'll be glad you did.
Try this simple routine out for a few weeks:
Weeks 1-3
Walk or ride for five minutes flat daily precisely 5 minutes, no longer, despite the fact that you think you could potentially keep on going. Remember, this is all about conditioning so that you can gradually build up your stamina & subsequently, build muscle mass.
When three weeks are up, move up to 7 minutes.
Use this technique and you'll have a daily workout that you can easily follow.
Meditation.
To change up your daily routine try meditating.
Meditating is great way to alleviate stress. You can use your favorite position to allow for maximum meditative effect or no pose at all. Just clear your mind and focus your breathing throughout your entire body.
These are just a handful of steps you can take today to increase your longevity and ultimately enrich your life!
Special thanks to A.G. for the question that inspired this article.
Got anymore ideas?
Share them in the comments below!
1.) Photo credit: fmgbain via Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND
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** KurtMIND's writers and owner(s) may receive compensation for content-applicable placement of certain products and/or services by your clicking on links posted on this blog.**
I received a question from a reader with initials "A.G." from The Netherlands recently asking me about longevity. Here's an excerpt from A.G.'s email:
"...I am wanting to find ways to increase my life span. I read a lot of books on this subject and many of them talk about some crazy ways to lengthen your lifespan. There was one book from {name deleted} that talked about only eating fruit grown from volcanic soil will add 5 years (where do I find that?). Another talked about sleeping 18 hours straight once a month for 12 months to add 6 years to your life (I am extremely busy and simply cannot allocate that amount of time!). I read another that talked about working out intensely for 45 minutes one day a week for 90 days to add 10 years (I am up in age now and I don't think my body can take it!).
Please help me with some sensible suggestions that do not involve extremes like the ones I listed.
Sincerely Needing Help, A.G."
Wow....
I decided to write an article on the subject to kind of point "A.G." in the right direction. I hope this will also help some of you who may have had similar questions.
In the stressful world we're inhabiting it's way too easy to neglect your overall health and wellness.
Modern society as a whole is hyper obsessed with meeting deadlines for family, employers, clients, etc. All too often we completely neglect our own well-being. Simply put, if you're not able to function physically due to a lack of nutrients, all those commitments you have to keep are nullified.
Only now does it become apparent why people are worn out and tired.
 |
| 1.) |
Did you know there are a handful of simple things you're able to do to enrich your life and lengthen your lifespan?
Drink up!
It's in a glass....
First, a few facts about water consumption and its importance to your very existence:
- The human body is approximately 73% water
- A 5% decrease in essential fluids results in a 25-30% reduction in strength
- A 15% decrease in essential fluids can cause loss of life
- Unfortunately, 66% people do not drink enough water
The USGS Water Science School has an interesting article on water consumption and it's benefits.
It's REALLY no mystery. Just drink 10-12 glasses of water daily you'll notice an immediate surge in your energy level.
Adventures In Veggieland!
Eat your vegetables!
 |
| Photo credit: BaileyRaeWeaver / Foter / CC BY |
You've probably heard that from your parents at dinner time and may have objected to that simple command. You may have even said that to your own kids. I'm sure they probably had a similar response.
Many nutritionists recommend five servings of vegetables on a daily basis.
The best way to get the vitamins and minerals contained in fresh produce without investing the whole day at stove or perhaps consuming raw celery sticks would be to extract juice from your vegetables and fruits.
It's important to own a high quality juicer (a few juicers expose veggies to high temperature produced by friction throughout juicing, which in time breaks down essential enzymes), try to buy certified organic fruits and vegetables whenever possible.
Juicing requires very little effort and it's virtually hassle-free. Try taking your juice to work perhaps even give some to the little ones for school lunches!
Work Out!
We don't want to do it, but in order to remain flexible and increase strength, we have to do it.
Let me get this point out first:
Exercise is not a four letter word. No matter how you look at it, that is the truth.
There are many ways to get started.
If you've bought one already you can put that trusty elliptical machine you're currently hanging your clothes on to work.
Free weights are good to use as well.
Some mildly challenging housework can help you stay in shape too. As long as you are staying active, you mitigate the risks associated with a sedentary life.
A useful way to go back into a physical routine is to always to begin gradually. This will give your body the opportunity to build up stamina that will help you burn fat. If you rush into a high impact routine, you'll only tire yourself out quicker and may even cause some muscular & joint damage. Just take it easy and then work your way up. You'll be glad you did.
Try this simple routine out for a few weeks:
Weeks 1-3
Walk or ride for five minutes flat daily precisely 5 minutes, no longer, despite the fact that you think you could potentially keep on going. Remember, this is all about conditioning so that you can gradually build up your stamina & subsequently, build muscle mass.
Weeks 4-7
When three weeks are up, move up to 7 minutes.
The following three weeks increase to ten and then twelve until you're at a level you're comfortable with. Your ultimate goal is to get up to 30 minutes a day.
It might appear just a little ridiculous, nevertheless it works. Essentially, you fool your body into working out harder without all the stress.
It might appear just a little ridiculous, nevertheless it works. Essentially, you fool your body into working out harder without all the stress.
Use this technique and you'll have a daily workout that you can easily follow.
Meditation.
To change up your daily routine try meditating.
Meditating is great way to alleviate stress. You can use your favorite position to allow for maximum meditative effect or no pose at all. Just clear your mind and focus your breathing throughout your entire body.
These are just a handful of steps you can take today to increase your longevity and ultimately enrich your life!
Special thanks to A.G. for the question that inspired this article.
Got anymore ideas?
Share them in the comments below!
1.) Photo credit: fmgbain via Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND
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** KurtMIND's writers and owner(s) may receive compensation for content-applicable placement of certain products and/or services by your clicking on links posted on this blog.**