While it may seem like a tall order to make lifestyle changes that vanquish these four horsemen, Bowden says they can be broken into manageable elements by employing an arsenal of healthful weapons: whole foods, nutrients, stress-reduction techniques, exercise, detoxification and relationship improvement. “All of these actually do double duty, battling more than one of the four processes that can effectively shorten your life,” he reports, based on his 25 years of study.
Oxidative Damage Consider what rust does to metal. That’s what free radical oxygen molecules do to cells. Over time, they damage them and cause aging from within. “Oxidative damage plays a major role in virtually every degenerative disease of aging, from Alzheimer’s to cancer to heart disease and diabetes, even im- mune dysfunction,” says Bowden. His recommended key to destroy-
ing free radicals is a diet rich in antiox- idants, including lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and healthy fats, nuts, grass- fed meats and organic dairy products. Avoid environmental free radicals that show up in toxic chemicals by eating as much organic food as possible and avidly avoiding residues of the poison- ous pesticides and herbicides sprayed on crops eaten by people and livestock.
Inflammation
Long-term inflammation is a silent killer because it operates beneath the radar, often unnoticed, damaging blood vessel walls. Like oxidative dam- age, inflammation is a factor in all the degenerative diseases associated with aging, says Bowden. His suggestion: First, get a C-re-
active protein (CRP) test to determine the levels of inflammation in our body. A CRP level over 3 milligrams/liter indicates a high risk of a heart attack. Anti-inflammatorππy foods like onions, garlic, leafy greens, tomatoes, beans, nuts and seeds have all been widely scientifically proven to reduce chronic inflammation.
Glycation This is the result of excessive sugar that glues itself to protein or fat molecules,
leaving a sticky mess that creates ad- vanced glycation end (AGE) products that damage all body systems and are acknowledged culprits in the dreaded diseases associated with aging. Bowden’s basic answer is to mini- mize intake of sugar and simple carbs; anything made with white flour or white rice. Also avoid fried dishes and any foods cooked at high temperatures that actually skip the glycation produc- tion in the body and deliver harm- ful AGEs directly from the food. He advises taking 1,000 mg of carnosine (available in health food stores) daily to prevent glycation.
Stress The long-term effects of physical, men- tal or emotional stress are tremendously damaging to the human physiology. Sustained exposure to the stress hor- mone cortisol can shrink parts of the brain, damage blood vessels, increase blood sugar levels, heart rate and blood
pressure and contribute to chronic inflammation, according to well- established science recorded in the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Bowden warns, “Stress manage- ment is not a luxury.” In its many forms, including prayer, meditation and breathing exercises, it should be part of any agelessness program. Deep, restful sleep is as vital a component as ending toxic relationships, having a nurturing circle of friends and doing familiar, gentle exercise such as yoga or tai chi. Overall, Bowden adds, “Rather than thinking of such endeavors as an- ti-aging, I strive to embody the concept of age independence. I admire former Supreme Court Associate Justice John Paul Stevens, who resigned from the court when he reached age 90 because he wanted to play more tennis.” Bowden recommends embracing the concept of “squaring the curve”, meaning that instead of anticipating and experiencing a long downhill slope of poor health leading to death, “I look at a long plateau of health, with a steep drop-off at the end.” Wellness guru Dr. Michael Roizen,
chair of the Cleveland Clinic’s Wellness Institute, contends that although our chronological age can’t be changed, “Your ‘real age’ [calculated from data he collected from 60 million people] is the result of a wide variety of factors that are within your control. Dietary choices alone can make you 13 years
Tooth by the Lake
Kari Seaverson DDS John Seaverson DDS Dwight Tschetter DDS
HOLISTIC GENERAL DENTISTRY 1401 Mainstreet
Hopkins, MN 55343 952-475-1101
ToothByTheLake.net
Experience healthier dentistry natural awakenings September 2015 17
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