Bad daily habits to quit if you don't want to age fast
Illustrative photo (Freepik)
We can't turn back time, but we can certainly slow its effects on us. To stay youthful, it's essential to ditch a few bad habits, citing the New York Post.
Why we age
"One of the primary hallmarks of aging is accumulated cellular damage that leads to organ dysfunction and, ultimately, death," says Dr. Brett Osborn, a neurologist from Florida and longevity expert.
The key to preserving health lies in minimizing cellular damage.
Habits to Ditch for Slowing Aging
Smoking
Smoking has been proven to shorten lifespan. Researchers at Action on Smoking and Health in the UK reported that a 30-year smoker can expect to live roughly 35 years less compared to 53 years for a non-smoker.
"Smoking speeds up aging by exposing you to harmful chemicals, reducing oxygen supply, breaking down collagen and increasing oxidative stress," says Dr. Dawn Ericsson, an obstetrician-gynecologist.
Smoking introduces toxins that worsen skin elasticity and collagen production, leading to wrinkles.
The best solution is to quit smoking immediately.
Excessive sun exposure
Overexposure to the sun can lead to aging by damaging the skin's DNA, causing wrinkles, skin sagging, and dark spots.
Regular use of sunscreen with high SPF, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding sun exposure during peak hours can protect the skin. Moisturizing and using antioxidants like vitamins C and E can also help protect the skin.
Poor diet
Experts agree that a nutrient-deficient diet accelerates aging. Diets high in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats can cause inflammation, damage collagen, and accelerate skin aging.
Diets high in processed foods and sugar can cause inflammation and damage from free radicals.
Excessive alcohol consumption
Alcohol dehydrates the skin and can lead to liver damage and cognitive disorders. Experts concur that, like smoking, the solution is to quit alcohol consumption.
Chronic stress
While some level of stress is normal and healthy, chronic high stress levels can shorten telomeres, which are DNA-protein structures that play a central role in cell fate and aging, regulating the cellular response to stress and stimulating growth based on previous cell.
Chronic stress can also worsen skin condition and affect mental health, accelerating aging.
Lack of exercise
Lack of exercise contributes to aging by causing muscle loss, decreased bone density, weight gain, and cardiovascular problems.
Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining muscle mass, circulation, and cognitive health with age.
