Coffee Klatch Redemption
New research from the Harvard School of Public Health confirms that drinking two or three cups of coffee a day can help deal with the following risks later in life. Alzheimer’s – may slow or stop the formation of beta-amyloid plaque. (University of South Florida, Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease) Cancer – antioxidant properties
may lower the risk of hormonally relat- ed cancers like endometrial, aggressive prostate and estrogen-negative breast cancers. (University of Massachusetts, Nutrients)
Diabetes – helpful for short-term blood glucose control; long-term use increases the body’s level of adino- pectin, a hormone that assists in blood sugar control and insulin pro- duction. (Kyushu University, Japan, Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine)
Heart attack – moderate use has been associated with a slightly lower risk in women. (Tohoku University, Japan, The Journal of Nutrition) Stroke – up to four cups [maxi-
mum] a day may lower the risk of stroke. (Kyung Hee University, Korea, meta-analysis, Korean Journal of Fam- ily Medicine)
Caveat: Excessive amounts of caf- feine can also cause health issues, especially as we age. Consult with a health professional to determine us- age appropriate to the individual.
Prevent Disease
A proper diet is a good place to start to take control. Ganghu recommends largely plant-based diets, like the Mediterranean, to keep common re- percussions of aging at bay. Teitelbaum contravenes traditional
medicine’s stance and says that most people don’t need to worry about salt intake, even if they suffer from high blood pressure, noting, “Research shows that people that follow the national guidelines for salt intake tend to die younger. Instead, it’s important to keep magnesium and potassium levels up by adding 200 milligrams of magnesium and 500 milligrams of potassium to your supplement regimen every day.” To prevent and control diabetes,
Teitelbaum emphasizes, “Avoid sugar; it causes premature cell aging that affects all body systems.” He explains that excess sugar and its byproducts age and stiffen cells. Dozens of studies directly link sugar and aging, including a PLoS Genetics study from the Univer- sity of Montreal. (Also see
Tinyurl.com/ GlycationExplained.)
Reproducing cancer cells typically
don’t die as other cells in the human body are programmed to. Recent re- search by Baylor University and others based on the Human Genome Project strongly suggests that curcumin taken as a dietary supplement (400 mg a day or more) can persuade cancer cells to commit suicide and stop their wild and potentially fatal reproduction. Ganghu further recommends limiting exposure to environmental toxins from sources such as common garden and household chemicals and agricultural spraying (choose organic for safety).
Weight Control A large body of research from institu- tions such as the National Institute on Aging and the International Longevity Center shows that avoiding obesity and managing weight is paramount for lon- gevity, as well as for preventing many of the diseases associated with aging. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that people with a body mass index (BMI) over 35 are
22 San Diego Edition
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Dry Brushing Dry brushing stimulates oil pro- duction, circulation that tightens skin and lymphatic drainage for detoxification and improved im- mune function. It also exfoliates. Using a moderately stiff brush with a long handle, start with the feet and vigorously brush eight long, smooth strokes in each of the listed areas, always brushing toward the heart:
Whole-Body
Soles of the feet Tops of the feet Calves Shins
Both sides of lower legs Upper thighs Inner thighs Backs of thighs Buttocks Lower back Sides (love handles) Belly
Breasts (very gently) Chest Palms of hands Forearms, front and back
Upper arms, inside, outside and back Upper back and shoulders Neck (brush toward the face in this instance only)
Face (use a softer cosmetic brush or similar device)
Source: Teresa Tapp, an exercise physiologist and nutritional coun- selor, in Safety Harbor, FL
at an 18 percent higher risk of earlier death from all causes than those that maintain a normal body weight (BMI of 25 or under).
Hormones can be a factor in weight gain for perimenopausal and menopausal women, says Ganghu, so it is important to be tested. She also notes, “A loss of muscle mass due to aging can affect weight because muscle tissue is metabolically more active than fat tissue, creating a vicious circle.”
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