Learning how to age healthier with herbs can make a big difference as we get older.
With worldwide concerns over viruses, it becomes even more important to look after our overall health as we age.
The virus has hit the older generation hard, so those who look after their health are in a better position to prevent and fight disease.
There is much focus on immune health, but that is only part of the picture of good health as people age.
People often think they have to give up certain things as they get older, or blame the lack of functions on age.
But Sylvia Graber, nutritionist and functional medicine practitioner, says that’s simply not true.
“There is a preconception certain things come with age,” she says.
“It’s not true. It’s bad habits that accumulate in the body.”
Graber says there are things people can do to deal with or reverse things that happen with age.
“There’s a lot you can do to reverse things. I’ve seen huge changes even with people in their 60s.”
What Can Be Done?
“Avoid smoking and drinking too much of anything that does a number on your gut because that can affect everything else,” says Graber.
Practice Good Gut Health
Gut health has been in the headlines in recent years and is getting more recognized for its importance in overall health. Good gut health affects and is affected by immune health, hormone health, stress and more.
Avoid Stress
The stress hormone cortisol is particularly important in gut health. Stress is experienced through the adrenal glands, which respond by creating a flood of stress hormones including cortisol.
This affects both the digestive system and immune health, of which 80% is located in the gut.
So controlling stress and looking after gut health are two big concerns to deal with as one ages.
Both stress and gut health can be improved with a healthy diet.
Adding herbs to the diet can further improve gut health. This includes herbs like ginger, cumin, garlic, cloves, cinnamon, fennel, peppermint and slipper elm.
To alleviate stress, use herbs like lemon balm, chamomile, lavender and bergamot.
These herbs can be drunk as a medicinal tea or used as an essential oil – either in massage, by inhalation or in the bath.
Whole Foods and Hydrating
“Hydration is a big one, a whole food diet is important,” says Graber.
Drinking enough water or herbal tea helps keep the body hydrated. Chlorophyll is a supplement to drink on a daily basis that acts as a gentle detox, improves digestion and gut health and helps energize the body.
For a whole foods diet, focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, nuts and seeds and healthy fats like avocado and extra virgin olive oil.
Avoid packaged and processed foods, fast foods, deep fried foods or any other foods that are harmful to the body.
Avoid Inflammation
Healthy aging can be accomplished by avoiding inflammation.
Inflammation is the biggest culprit in degenerative diseases like arthritis, colitis, heart disease and many other ‘lifestyle’ diseases.
One of the best ways to cut back on inflammation is to avoid foods that cause it. These are foods like sugar, high fructose corn syrup, animal products, excessive alcohol intake, deep-fried foods, sodas, potato chips, cakes, cookies and muffins made with high-glycemic ingredients.
Consuming a whole foods diet is best along with regular exercise.
Exercise
Regular exercise 30 minutes a day is important as one ages.
But weight bearing exercises are also very important as muscle loss accumulates with age.
Weight bearing exercises don’t have to be difficult – using simple free weights 3 times a week can make a difference.
Current research shows strength training can combat weakness and frailty while building muscle strength and mass and preserving bone density, independence and vitality.*
Exercise machines at home or going to the gym to use machines can also make a big difference.
Hire a personal trainer or nutrition coach if needed to make sure you are doing it right.
