Elements of Aging and Herbal Healing: Aging and Eating

By Staff
Updated on December 12, 2017
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(This is the second in a series of articles on some common physical changes women may experience, such as varicose veins or age spots, as they age and how these changes can naturally be reduced or minimized)

Our Aging Bodies

As we get older, our bodies start to show the wear and tear that we have put it through.  We have control over some of these changes, but some we don’t.  What we eat has a huge impact on how we age.

Elements of aging include: age spots (also known as liver spots), skin tags, wrinkles, varicose veins and more.

This article will be focusing on foods that can help you age gracefully, and are healthy for you too.  Watch for future articles to feature other elements of aging.

Our Metabolism Slows Down

As we get older, especially once we turn 40, our metabolism starts to slow down.  We can no longer eat the way we did when we were 18 years old.

The foods we once ate with no problem, are now creating a little extra weight around our waistline.  At this stage in our life, we begin to lose muscle, which is our body’s main calorie-burning tissue.

You Are What Your Body Absorbs

As we keep eating, the food has to go somewhere because it is no longer being “burned up” as quickly as it once was.  For most of us, it sticks to our midsection.

But we can counter-act that “fat build-up” by eating foods that are more healthy and wholesome for our aging bodies. Below are some foods to focus on and how they can benefit you.

Turmeric

Turmeric has been used for over 6000 years as a culinary spice and herbal medicine.  It is known as a powerful anti-inflammatory food, which is great for chronic age-related diseases caused by inflammation.  Turmeric is also taken to fight cancer, treat heart disease, arthritis, Alzheimer’s and depression.

Turmeric, in extract form, provides the highest levels of curcumin per dose.  The curcuminoids help the body synthesize antioxidants that protect the cells from free-radical damage.

Avocados

Avocados are one of those healthy fats that our bodies need to stay healthy. This means that avocados will help maintain a healthy cholesterol level and lower the risk for heart disease.  In addition, avocados contain high amounts of boron which helps increase bone density and improves the absorption of calcium.

Fun fact – avocados are actually berries!

Wild Caught Salmon

Wild caught salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and known as one of the healthiest foods in the world (farmed salmon is different).  Research has shown that a regular intake of omega-3 can help prevent osteoporosis.  Its anti-inflammatory properties can help keep bones healthy.

The omega’s found in wild caught salmon can also help prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s symptoms.  It can also reduce systemic inflammation and the risk of developing atherosclerosis, hypertension and stroke.

Eating wild caught salmon can also provide better eyesight and healthy skin, and one serving provides more than a day’s worth of Vitamin D.

Collagen

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies.  It is in our muscles, bones, skin, blood vessels, digestive system and tendons.  It provides the elasticity in our skin, tendons and joints.

Collagen also helps with bone and joint health, making you feel better and able to move better.

Chaga

Chaga is used worldwide as an anti-aging tonic.  It is known as the “King of Mushrooms” because it stands out as an incredible antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immune booster and much more.

You can take chaga as a tea, tincture, or use as a skin care product.

Sustainability – please find out where your chaga comes from and that it is being harvested sustainably.

Fermented Foods

Good health starts in the digestive tract.  Maintain a healthy gut flora by consuming probiotic foods, which help with digestion.  This in turn will help the body better absorb food.

Some of the best fermented foods include raw sauerkraut, kimchi, fermented beets, fermented pickles, greek yogurt, kombucha and other vegetables.  Even a glass of wine is a fermented food!

In Addition to Eating

In addition to eating well, make sure you are getting enough exercise, especially some form of cardio.

Your body will burn more calories if it is hydrated, so get plenty of fluids.

More Coming Soon

Watch for future articles to feature more elements of aging, such as age spots (liver spots), wrinkles, skin tags, etc., and natural ways to deal with them.

Past Articles in this Series

You can find the past articles for this series at the links below:

Part 1: Elements of Aging and Herbal Healing: Varicose Veins

*Statements herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and are not intended to treat or diagnose any disease or health condition. It is also recommended that patients check with their doctors before taking herbs, to ensure that there are no contraindications with prescription medications.”

References:

http://lambshoppe.com

http://foodfacts.mercola.com/avocado.html

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-22422/6-supereasy-ways-to-boost-your-metabolism-after-40-yes-its-possible.html

https://draxe.com/8-salmon-nutrition-facts-proven-health-benefits/

https://wellnessmama.com/2245/fermented-food-benefits/

White Rabbit Institute of Healing fact sheets (turmeric)

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