(literally rusty cells); infl ammation; glycation (excess sugar, metabolic syndrome); and stress. “Collectively, they damage cells and


DNA, wear down organs and systems, deeply damage the vascular pathways that deliver blood and oxygen to the entire body, and even shrink brain size,” explains Bowden. 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, detoxifi cation 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 immune dysfunction,” says Bowden. His recommended key to destroying


free radicals is a diet rich in antioxidants, 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 poisonous pesticides and herbicides sprayed on crops eaten by people and livestock.


Infl ammation Long-term infl ammation is a silent killer because it operates beneath the radar, often unnoticed, damaging blood vessel walls. Like oxidative damage, infl ammation is a factor in all the degenerative diseases associated with aging, says Bowden. His suggestion: First, get a C-reactive protein (CRP) test to determine the levels of infl ammation in our body. A CRP level over 3 milligrams/liter indicates a high risk of a heart attack. Anti-infl ammatory foods like onions, garlic, leafy greens, tomatoes, beans, nuts and seeds have all been widely scientifi cally proven to reduce chronic infl ammation.


Glycation This is the result of excessive sugar that glues itself to protein or fat molecules, leaving a sticky mess that creates advanced 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 minimize intake of sugar and simple carbs; anything


Compute Your Real Age


Lifestyle choices can make our bodies older, or younger, than our number of orbits around the sun, according to Michael Roizen, a doctor of internal medicine and author of This is Your Do-Over: The 7 Secrets of Losing Weight, Living Longer, and Getting a Second Chance at the Life You Want. “Seventy percent of aging is in the simple things you do or don’t do,” he maintains.


Here are a few sobering examples:


n An unresolved major life stressor, such as a divorce, being sued, the death of a close relative or other traumatic events, can add up to 32 years to chronological age. Managing the stress adds a relatively insignifi cant two years.


n Swap out saturated fats (cheese and meat) for monounsaturated fats (olive oil, nuts and avocados). Subtract 2.5 years from chronological age.


n Get up out of the chair every 15 minutes and also take a 10-minute walk every two hours. Subtract 2.1 years from chronological age.


n Have close friends. Subtract 2.1 years from chronological age. Take the Real Age test at ShareCare.com/RealAge.


PAJAMA PARTY with Chef Olive


DEHYDRATING FOOD RAW-TREAT Join us for a Leisurely, Fun-Filled Weekend September 19-20


Sat 8:30 am – Sun 3:00 pm


Learn how to preserve foods by dehydrating fl owers, herbs, nuts, seeds, etc. You can store and re-hydrate them for delicious meals, and/or use them to make medicinal herbs, poultices, tinctures, facials, foot soaks, too.


Early Bird Special: $249.95 Or if space available: 279.95 after 9/15/15


The weekend includes:


5 Meals, 3 Classes, Activities and Lodging at Pine Lake Retreat Center


PLUS LOTS OF FUN! For more info and to register:


www.meetup.com/Central-Florida-Raw- Food-Connection/events


or call Chef Olive at 407-923-9653 or email: fortheloveofraw@yahoo.com


HAVE SOMETHING TO SELL OR DONATE?


Reach sophisticated, health-conscious readers! E-mail to:


naturalawakenings@earthlink.net or fax your listing to 877-753-4302. Cost=$1.00 per word.


Mail check to: Natural Awakenings P.O. Box 2230 Winter Park, FL 32790


September 2015 19


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40