7 Habits To Have And Not Have For A Youthful, Healthier Life

Everyone wants to stay young and healthy for as long as possible, but many don’t realize that this takes a conscious decision to make better lifestyle choices. If you’re really serious about staying fit and youthful for as long as possible, you may have to give up some of your favorite vices.

This short list can help you start on a path that will help you stay healthier for a longer period of time.

Drink More Water

Even if you think you’re drinking enough water, it’s unlikely that you’re getting a sufficient amount to keep your body hydrated. While getting eight glasses of water each day has been the traditional rule of thumb, doctors are now recommending a sliding scale based on body weight. According to this system, you should be drinking between a half and one ounce of water for each pound you weigh. This will help flush toxins out of your body, moisturize your skin, boost your energy levels, and help you control hunger cravings.

Eat More Plant-Based Foods

At least half of each meal should be comprised of fruit and vegetables, while meat, poultry, and fish should be eaten in smaller servings. This will help you control overeating, because you’ll fill up on natural foods and you’ll feel satisfied for longer. The vitamins and nutrients in fresh produce also help you stay young and healthy by boosting your immune system. Particularly, vitamin C and D, helps keep the skin healthy and smooth, while the antioxidants in many veggies and fruits help fight against cancer and other degenerative diseases.

Get Enough Exercise Every Day

At a bare minimum, you should be getting thirty minutes of moderate to high intensity exercise every day. However, if you don’t exercise at all, working your way up to a more intense workout is recommended. This can include bicycle riding, hiking, or jogging. As your body becomes accustomed to the activity, you can increase the duration and the level of intensity. Getting more exercise into your daily routine will benefit you by alleviating stress and the signs of mental illness. Your physical health will be benefited as well. Your immune system will grow stronger, protecting you against cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Additionally, your blood sugar levels will be better regulated and you’ll build up muscle and bone strength.

Don’t Continue Smoking

While you may know that smoking significantly increases your risks of developing cancer and heart disease, it also has other negative effects on the body. Dr. Bill Andrews from Siorai.com says that one way to prevent premature aging is to avoid smoking. This is because the nicotine in cigarette smoke narrows blood vessels throughout the body. One of the effects this narrowing of blood vessels has is to dry out the skin and deepen fine lines and wrinkles. Nicotine keeps essential vitamins and nutrients from reaching the epidermis, which is the outer layer of the skin.

Don’t Spend Too Much Time Tanning

Tanning and outdoor activities expose you to a paradox in that you do need the vitamin D that sunlight provides, but the sun’s UV rays also increase your risks of developing skin cancer. Dermatologists recommend getting 20-30 minutes of sun exposure each day and suggest wearing sunscreen with a rating of at least 30 SPF. If you’re going to be outside for long, or if you’re going swimming, you should reapply your sunscreen frequently. In addition to raising the risks of skin cancer, too much exposure to direct sunlight can soak up moisture and cause the skin to prematurely age.

Don’t Overcook Your Meat

Many of us love the taste of charred or slightly overdone meat, but new studies have found an increased danger to eating meat prepared in this way. When meat is overcooked or burned, it promotes a chemical process that results in the creation of carcinogenic compounds. As a result, eating overcooked meat can expose you to a greater risk of developing various types of cancer. There is good news from the study as well. The National Cancer Institute shared the research and revealed that adding lemon juice to meat cooked over an open flame can inhibit the formation of these carcinogens.

Practice Good Oral Care Habits

Brushing twice per day and flossing daily is important to maintaining strong teeth and healthy gum tissue. These habits will help rid your mouth of the harmful bacteria that can eat away at the enamel on your teeth. While protecting against cavities and bad breath may be the primary reason for brushing and flossing, it can also protect your overall physical health. Cavities and gum disease can provide access to the rest of the body, allowing bacteria to get into the bloodstream and affect heart health.

Implementing these practices into your daily life can help you stall the aging process and can protect you against disease. While these lifestyle changes will have a cumulative effect, you’ll also observe more immediate benefits. In addition to helping you stay young and healthy over time, you’ll start feeling better about yourself almost immediately. Those good feelings will encourage you to continue following these practices, so you’ll be able to enjoy your new lifestyle.