Don't rely on Good Genes to keep you healthy

Don't rely on "Good Genes" to keep you healthy

Smart lifestyle choices will free you from nagging health woes and worries

Researchers estimate longevity and health is 80% determined by lifestyle factors. Even if our parents and grandparents lived to a ripe old age - or died incredibly young - your life span is not completely determined by genetics.

Look at the long life of our 39th president, James Earl Carter. President Carter was born in 1924. He'll be 82 years old when this VitaJournal is published. All three of his siblings died before their 65th birthday. Gloria died at age 64, Ruth died at 54 and Billy died at 51. Today, President Carter is actively doing good works through Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center in Atlanta.

What explains the difference between these four siblings? They were raised in the same home, had the same parents, yet three of the children in this family died much earlier than the national longevity average, (about 77).

Poor lifestyle choices can contribute to lifestyle-related illnesses. Although we can't speak to the habits of his siblings, we know that President Carter had robust health during his presidency - even running a marathon in his mid-50's.

People who make healthy lifestyle choices not only live longer, they live better. They have a higher quality of life, with fewer years of disability and many more vibrant, active years. If you're not one of those with abundant good health - wouldn't you like to be?

You can be healthy
Minimizing stress, eating a balanced diet, exercising and getting enough peaceful sleep all contribute to keeping you healthy and illness-resistant.

Stress ruins health
Stress is considered by some experts to be a major contributor to illness. When you're stressed, free radicals are created. They wear down your body systems - especially your immune system - which leaves you vulnerable to illness.

Recent research by Dr. Elizabeth Gould at Princeton University finds that stress has another very serious consequence - it stops brain cells (neurons) from regenerating. Neurons in our brain die off naturally, but stress may increase the rate at which they fail. Because neurons die faster and don't regenerate during prolonged stress, your thinking, mood and learning will be impacted.

Fortunately, neurons can be regenerated with brain exercises. When stress levels are reduced and we nourish our brains with the right foods, (see page 17), a healthy brain will begin replacing its brain cells again.

How do you minimize stress?
Whether we're aware of it or not, stress is always around. Your body reacts to stress caused by air and water pollution, when you care for an elderly parent, or try to find the funds for an unexpected bill.

Exercise is a great stress-buster and studies show that it may boost immune health.

Spending quiet time alone in prayer or contemplation seems to help reduce some of the indicators of high stress - like elevated blood pressure and heart rate.

Eat healthy
Antioxidants support the immune system and are abundant in fresh fruits and vegetables. Aim for seven servings if you're a woman, nine if you're a man. Fresh antioxidants help counteract the damage caused by stress.

Lean proteins and vegetable proteins support muscle growth. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids help to reduce inflammation and naturally, the illnesses that inflammation help cause, like coronary heart disease. Avoid fried foods. Check your labels to help you eliminate trans fats and high sodium foods from your pantry.

Drink lots of water to help flush unnecessary waste from your body. Limit juice drinking - it's a concentrated form of fruits and vegetables with higher calories with less beneficial fiber than eating the fruit or vegetables. And, if you're over 50 or concerned about bone density, it's best to avoid carbonated soft drinks altogether.

Enjoy activity
There are all kinds of studies that confirm the benefits of exercise; so you know that exercise is a good thing. It helps your entire body stay

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Our breakthrough formula includes adaptogens. These plants help the body return to normal when faced with stress. Antioxidants in Adaptogen 10 Plus protect us from free-radical damage. Aloe vera is added to the formula to help the absorption of stress-fighting nutrients.

healthy - from your lungs, your skin, your joints, everything.

Increased oxygen helps deliver nutrients throughout your body; which nourish and support each organ and body system. Exercise also helps to relieve stress and eliminate toxins through deep breathing. Keep moving - and stay healthy.

Sleep peacefully
Sleep is rejuvenating. Like exercise, it affects every part of your body. Brain cells, muscles, blood cells, tissue, bone, everything is regenerated while you sleep. A lack of sleep affects our thinking and mood - but it also interferes with your body's ability to repair itself.

Avoid the irritation and potential health problems of missed sleep with these helpful tips:

• Don't drink caffeine after noon
• Turn off your television and computer half an hour before bedtime
• Pray or spend time in quiet contemplation before bed
• Listen to soothing music
• Extinguish all sources of light in your bedroom Nurture good health for a lifetime

Healthy habits must be done consistently. You can't decide to eat healthy 2-3 days a week - although it is better than none. For the best results, nourishing habits should be done every day. Commit yourself to a lifetime of healthy living and your body may reward you with a lifetime of health!

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