Diet can help slow aging process
February 24, 2005
Eating nutritiously and moving more can slow down bio-markers
or physical signs of aging, the American Dietetic Association
says.
Some of the bio-markers you might want to pay
attention to are:
Muscle mass and strength. On average, adults lose seven
or eight pounds of muscle per decade.
Body fat. That’s what generally replaces the
lost muscle. It often ends up around the midriff, which
is risky health-wise.
Rate of energy use. For basic work, your body uses
an average 2 percent less energy per decade.
Bone density. It decreases as age increases.
Your "numbers." That includes cholesterol
and blood sugar, which rise with age and increase the
risk for heart disease and diabetes.
Your body’s thermostat. Your sense of thirst
fades with age.
Your aerobic capacity. As you age, the body uses oxygen
less efficiently.
But don’t panic. You can slow some of these changes.
Here’s how:
Stay physically active. Consistent moderate exercise
keeps muscles strong and pumps oxygen to the muscles.
And make sure you’re getting some weight-bearing
exercise to help maintain your bone density.
Eat smart. Enjoy more fruits, vegetables and whole-grain
foods. Eat enough calcium-rich foods and fewer high-fat
foods.
Source:www.herald-dispatch.com
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