Eating a healthy, balanced diet and being active has several benefits. This can help people develop more energy and have a healthier weight.
But being active and eating healthily can significantly benefit our immune system, reduce the risk of contracting diseases and, as a result, live longer.
Chief physician of The Slimming ClinicDr. Charlotte Norton is an expert who helps people lose weight and live healthier lives.
The doctor shared his top four tips for people to live longer.
Cutting back on ultra-processed foods is one way to improve your longevity
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Reduce your cholesterol
High cholesterol poses many risks to your health. The doctor said: “High cholesterol can lead to a range of health problems that can reduce your life expectancy, including blocked arteries, increased risk of heart attack and stroke, coronary heart disease and damage to artery walls. »
To combat this, the doctor said: “Take steps to lower your cholesterol levels, such as reducing your intake of fatty foods, especially those that contain saturated fats. Saturated fats are generally found in foods such as butter, palm and coconut oils, cheese and red meats. »
Reduce ultra-processed foods
Dr Norton advised: “Research suggests that people who eat large amounts of ultra-processed foods are more likely to die from heart disease and diabetes. To reduce this risk, take steps to reduce your consumption of ultra-processed foods.
“These are industrially manufactured foods that contain many ingredients and additives, for example sweets, fried snacks, processed meats, cakes and biscuits. All of these foods are high in energy but low in nutrients. “
Change your mindset
The doctor explained that people need to change the way they view food. Dr Norton said: “Many people use food as a treat or comfort, but by taking steps to change your mindset, you can start to view it as fuel and nutrition for your body.
“This will help you make positive changes to what you put into your body, to maintain a healthy body and prevent weight gain.”
Move more
Dr Norton advised: “Incorporating regular cardiovascular exercise into your daily lifestyle will enable the heart to pump faster and harder and, as a result, oxygen-rich blood will move more efficiently through the body, reaching organs and tissues.
“Exercising regularly will not only help you live longer, but also improve your mental health, as it releases feel-good hormones, or endorphins, and also helps improve sleep.”
A Simple Walk Can Help You Live Longer
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The doctor said consistency when first attempting these lifestyle changes is key. She said people should check their body mass index (BMI) online.
Dr Norton said: “A BMI between 18.5 and 25 is associated with the lowest risk of dying from a disease. »
Another doctor recently spoke of the best exercises people can do to help them live longer.
Dr. Alan Mandell urged people to “start walking” and listed the myriad benefits this activity can bring.