Five habits to stop to help reduce disease risk and boost longevity
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Most of us want to live as long as we can, but we want to do so free of diseases. Living longer is one thing; prolonging decrepitude is another. Habits can greatly impact a person’s risk for deadly diseases and the ageing process. Studies and health experts strongly recommend reducing or better yet stopping these five habits which may boost your longevity.
Smoking
When thinking of bad habits that age a person faster and increases their risk for a multitude of diseases, smoking often comes to mind.
Cigarette smoking causes premature death and speeds up the ageing process.
In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that life expectancy for smokers is at least 10 years shorter than for nonsmokers.
The CDC found that by quitting smoking before the age of 40 a person can reduce the risk of dying from smoking-related disease by about 90 percent.
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Dehydration
Multiple studies have confirmed that there is a correlation between optimal hydration levels and an increased lifespan, which means that drinking the correct amount of water for their body weight each day is one way that an individual can boost their longevity as well as their overall health.
Being hydrated helps to flush out harmful toxins and waste products out of the body would otherwise retain, which means that greater hydration levels equal greater detoxification.
This in itself leads to a longer and healthier life, since living with the symptoms of dehydration will only have negative effects on the overall health of the individual, even if they are living an otherwise healthy lifestyle.
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Processed meat
There is ample evidence to suggest that red meat can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and overall mortality.
Scientist have linked red and processed meat to a range of diseases with the World Health Organisation classing them as a cause for cancer.
Research published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) found a link between eating substantially more red meat and processed meat, such as bacon and ham and a raised risk of dying early.
Researchers found that by cutting back on red and processed meats and eating more fish, chicken, vegetables and nuts, a person can significantly reduce their risk and boost their longevity.
Sedentary lifestyle
Dr Emeka Okorocha from Feeletics said: “People should stop thinking about exercise as only a means to weight loss and instead see it as one of the most effective health tools available for a happy, healthy and longer life.
“Being sedentary can lead to some serious physical health risks such as a slower metabolism, muscle weakness, obesity and raised cholesterol levels.
“By keeping your muscles active your body will pump more blood around your body, and thus oxygen and nutrients that your body needs to stay healthy.”
Less stress
The impact of stress on our overall health is huge, so reducing stress is one way to lower our risk of many deadly diseases.
A study from the University of California found that chronically stressed women had significantly lower levels of klotho, a hormone that regulates the ageing process.
Another study found stress increased the risk of heart attack and stroke.
By finding ways to help reduce your stress including exercise or meditation you could increase your lifespan and help with the ageing process.