“Our bodies often have a remarkable capacity to begin healing themselves, and much more quickly than we did once realize, if we simply make the lifestyle changes that are really the primary determinants of our health and well-being,”
A new study affirms that with good nutrition, exercise and some stress management we can actually effect the aging of our cells. I think we already knew this, but it’s fun to see it in the news and as a study:
The study measured telomere length in two groups of men, one group who were asked to make a number of lifestyle changes and a group who were not. (Telemeres are the part of the chromosome that effects the aging of the cells of our bodies.) Telomere length was measured five years after the men entered the study and were compared to baseline measurements.
Participants were asked to make four types of lifestyle changes including:
- Eating a diet that’s high in plant-based protein, fruits, vegetables, unrefined grains and low in fat and refined carbohydrates
- Doing moderate aerobic exercise for 30 minutes per day, six days per week
- Taking part in stress management activities such as yoga-based stretching and meditation
- Attending weekly social support group sessions
The study also found that the more people positively changed their lifestyles, the longer their telomeres got at any age.
“That is a very empowering finding,” Dean Ornish said. (Ornish has been talking about healthy lifestyle for healthy hearts for a very long time)
He added that the study builds on over 30 years of research showing that with low-tech interventions, our bodies can start to heal themselves
To me this means: It’s never too late to start a healthy lifestyle, and grow young. A little meditation, a walk, eat a salad: Begin today and be younger on your next birthday.
How difficult is it to incorporate this news into your lifestyle? I’d love to read your comments.
Time for oatmeal breakfast with blueberries.
Peace and adventure,
Georgiana