The Importance of Diet and Exercise in Healthy Aging

benefits of diet and exercise

Two things are important for vibrant, long-term health. These are diet and exercise – two simple things!

Exercise

Regular exercise has untold benefits. Several medical experts confirm that exercise helps to fight off colds and flu, reduce the risk of certain cancers and chronic diseases, and slows the aging process. A growing body of research shows that regular exercise can boost the body’s immune system, increasing the circulation of natural killer cells that fight off viruses and bacteria, as well as combat the ongoing damage done to cells, tissues and organs that underlies many chronic conditions. Several other studies have also found that exercise can lower blood pressure, reduce bad cholesterol, and cut the incidence of Type 2 diabetes. In fact, medical experts say that inactivity poses as great a health risk as smoking and contributes to heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, depression, arthritis and osteoporosis.

Regardless of your age, exercise can provide enormous benefits for your health, especially if you happen to be over 40. At this age, it is especially important to either start or step up your exercise program. This is the time of life when physical strength, stamina, balance and flexibility naturally start to decline.

Diet

A second component of healthy aging is diet. No one needs a Ph.D. in biochemistry to know that food is fuel to the body and that it affects our energy levels. Before thinking about hitting the gym, it is best to take the time to sit down and evaluate what you’re eating. Making simple changes to how and when you eat can make a huge difference on how you look and feel. Healthy eating starts with learning new ways to eat, such as adding more fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and cutting back on foods that have a lot of fat, salt, and sugar – known has processed foods. A change to healthier eating also includes learning about balance, variety, and moderation.

With the rampant and increasing rates of chronic illnesses, it is wise to take the necessary steps to gain good health and vitality. It is as simple as eating the right foods and exercising.

It’s really that simple, and it’s only a decision away!

Dr. Nicoline Ambe’s website is www.nicolineambe.com

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