As we get older some of us spend a lot of time trying to avoid external signs of aging like wrinkles and gray hair, but what about what’s happening beneath the surface? Part of the aging process depends on things we can’t control (like genetics), but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other things you can do to support your body as it goes through the aging process. Here are four steps you can take to ensure your body stays healthy and strong as you get older:
1. Get Your Hormone Levels Tested
Hormones are the control centers of our bodies, affecting everything from our mood to our ability to fight infection, and aging is no exception. Taking good care of your body by exercising and eating well is a great choice, but if you want to take your health to the next level, it’s important to know how healthy your hormones are. Hormone levels can be determined with a simple blood or saliva test. It’s quick, minimally invasive, and will give you a very accurate inside look at your health. If your hormones are not in a healthy range, there’s no need to worry: they can often be corrected with non-invasive treatments like dietary changes, supplements, or other lifestyle changes.
2. Get Enough Vitamin D
The sunshine vitamin is a crucial weapon in your immune system’s anti-illness arsenal, and it also helps regulate your thyroid, which has a big impact on how your body ages. To increase your Vitamin D intake, make sure you get a little extra sunshine, eat plenty of Vitamin D-containing foods like fish, egg yolks, and mushrooms, and add a Vitamin D supplement to your routine.
3. Listen to Your Body’s Stress Signals
When your nervous system is calm and centered, cortisol levels drop and your body actually slows down the aging process. Your body has lots of creative ways of telling you when it’s too stressed out. Back pain, difficulty sleeping, weight gain, low libido, intense junk food cravings, stomach issues, anxiety/depression, and increased susceptibility to colds and other illnesses are tell-tale signs that your cortisol is out of control.
4. Prioritize Stress Management
Prioritizing things that bring you joy and make you happy can literally add years to your life. Destressing your body is so important, especially if you have a demanding job or stressful family members. Stress management looks different for everyone, so don’t be afraid to try new things! Trying yoga or meditation, or taking up a calming hobby you enjoy like painting or gardening can be the simple but effective change you need in your life.
Get in touch today if you want to find out more about hormone testing, need help choosing your next supplement, or want to schedule your first virtual consultation with Dr. Jones at https://www.eohinfo.com/schedule-appointment.
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