One day, scientists may find a way to alter our genes so that our bodies could have a stronger immune system. Or to slow down our inner biological clock. But until that day comes, we need to take action now.

Aging

It has been the concern of mankind since time immemorial. And this concern has led to a near-obsessive attempt to turn back the clock, so to speak. Thus, the popularity of anti-aging creams and treatments. Spas and beauty centers offer the latest technological breakthroughs to tighten the skin, melt fat, diminish wrinkles.

What many may not realize is that any effort to prolong one’s youthfulness should begin on the inside. Aging, to many new-age health practitioners, is not a biological given, but a disease, and as such must be prevented.  If we could attain today what was once possible, we would all live to the ripe old age of 500, biologically speaking.

Anti-aging regimens include the following:

-Nutritional management

-Exercise

-Hormone replacement therapy and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy

-Stress management

-Supplemental nutrition

It is expected that if one embraces a wellness lifestyle, then the long-term effect is a delay in the aging process. Consider piling up the protective benefits of beta-carotene in your body. So, a carrot a day keeps a wrinkle away. And if you add vitamin C-rich fruits like papaya, guava and citrus, then your skin will have enough vitamin C to stimulate collagen development that will lead to skin elasticity.

To strengthen bones, look into zinc, copper and manganese, because for decades now, nutritionists take these minerals seriously to prevent osteoporosis. Natural food sources: seafood, oysters, lamb, eggs, yoghurt, nuts, seeds, beans, mushrooms, pineapple juice, tea, whole grains and cocoa.

Intestinal support

Good health truly begins in the mouth. But it continues all the way into the digestive system. Nutrients can only be absorbed properly by villi, small finger-like projections lining the intestines that pull in the goodness or “badness” of what we eat and drink.

An amino acid called L-glutamine can protect the intestines from toxic distress caused by chemicals, additives, and pollution. Together with live-culture bacteria contained in yoghurt, it helps guarantee intestinal balance.

Natural intuition

Not all diets are created equal. When it comes to choosing the right one for yourself, follow you inner voice. But make sure it’s giving you the right advice.

Teresa’s story: “All day long, I am a good girl, ever careful with what I eat, I select only the healthiest of foods, limiting my small meals to four times daily. However, late into the evening, I give in to my cravings by consuming a full and heavy after-dinner, pre-bedtime snack. This includes my craving for sweets. I indulge myself because I believe I have earned it. After three months of following this regimen, I gained 15 lbs. Please help me.”

The case of Teresa is a classic one. What went wrong here? If she had stuck to her four, even five small meals daily, she would never have had a weight problem. The emphasis is on the word “small.” By evenly distributing her food intake, Teresa’s body would only take in the available supply of calories required by her body to turn into energy. While she was doing fine all day long, her after-dinner cravings were her downfall. In short, her health gains during the day turned into actual weight gain at night.  The help she seeks can only come from herself.

And this spells discipline, plain and simple. She should, however, reprogram her mind about diets and indulging. Up to now, she has not looked upon her chosen healthy diet as a plus, rather, a minus. And that explains her feelings of deprivation, much like pain and reward.

Healthy bath soak

1 c Epsom salts

1 c baking soda

1 tubful of hot water

Daily or weekly, this is a safe and relaxing bath to ease away a stressful day.

Today’s affirmation: “I am whole and complete.”

Love and Light!