Why Some People Show Signs of Aging Sooner | Moses Dixon

Many people wonder how it is possible to look at two individuals with the same birth date but who look vastly different in age. A combination of factors causes this. Our biological age refers to the state of our internal organs, heart health, immune system, and genetics overall, which can make us look anywhere from 30 to 60 years apart. Science has proven there is a direct link between our internal health with our external appearance. The other influence on how rapidly we age has to do with environmental factors and the choices we make in our daily lives.

Numerous healthy habits should be employed to maintain biological health. The expression you are what you eat was first used in a gastronomy book in the early 1800s, and it continues to accurately describe how strongly our diet affects how we look and feel. Many foods today contain preservatives to provide a longer shelf life. When we consume them, our intestinal tract suffers from the attack on both good and bad bacteria. Losing good bacteria leads to our inability to digest and breakdown food properly, leading to other gastrointestinal issues. Some foods with preservatives carry nitrites and nitrates, which mix with gastric acids to form carcinogenic compounds. In addition, foods with added chemicals or sugar can cause skin inflammation, making us appear older. Experts advise a diet comprised of whole foods found along the perimeter of a grocery store, since items in the middle are generally filler without nutritional substance. These empty calories also contribute to wrinkles. 

People still underestimate the value of a good night’s sleep. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends at least 7 hours per night for the average adult. When we lose sleep over an extended period, we lower our immunity, suffer poor memory, reaction time, alertness, reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making, along with an increase of risk for heart issues and cancer. Appearance-wise, more fine lines and wrinkles appear, along with bags under the eyes and an uneven skin color.

Another way to lower your biological age is through exercise. A physical exercise routine doesn’t have to be strenuous or lengthy. According to the CDC, adults should aim for 75 active minutes per week. The increased blood flow will carry oxygen throughout your body as it removes toxins from your skin. 

This article was originally published at https://moses-dixon.org/