While the rich can afford to receive the best diet and nutrition advice, personal trainers, and dietitians, no amount of money can be traded for good health. While money does help to improve, sustain and lead a healthy lifestyle, once one’s health starts to deteriorate, there's not much that can be done to fix it. Aging is a natural process and, thus, inevitable. And while it can't be sidestepped, it can be slowed, not affecting life as much as it would otherwise.
However, while certain genetic factors that strongly affect aging can't be modified, the environmental factors highly dependent on individual lifestyles can be altered to slow down the signs of aging. Luckily, humanity wasn't born yesterday, and our ancestors passed on their time-tested knowledge in the form of health tips further backed by modern science.
Below, we've compiled a list of science-backed healthy lifestyle tips which may not help you hold a world record for the fastest marathon time aged 90 but will ultimately improve your general health and well-being. What advice on health have you received that significantly affected your life? Do you have a health tip you would like to share with others? Leave it in the comments! Also, check out our recent article featuring mental health tips!
#41
Up your consumption of fish and omega-3-rich foods.
A great source of high-quality protein and good fat is fish.
This is especially true for fatty fish like salmon, which is rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids and many other nutrients.
This is especially true for fatty fish like salmon, which is rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids and many other nutrients.
Research shows that regular fish eaters are less likely to develop illnesses like heart disease, dementia, and inflammatory bowel disease.
7points
#42
Build and nurture your social relationships.
The quality of your social relationships - with close friends, family, and other loved ones - is crucial for your physical and mental health. Multiple studies have shown that people with close friends or good relationships with their family live healthier and far longer lives.
7points
#43
Consider getting rid of excess belly fat for your health, not for appearance.
Visceral fat, or excess abdominal fat, is a rather dangerous form of fat around the belly and is associated with a higher risk of cardiometabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Cutting back on refined carbs, upping your consumption of protein and fiber, and reducing stress (which can lower cortisol, a stress hormone that encourages the accumulation of abdominal fat) are all strategies that may aid in your quest to shed belly fat.
7points
#44
Join the Floor Gang.
Most of us spend most of the day sitting on couches or chairs. You're probably sitting on one right now. However, some individuals prefer to sit on the ground. For example, eating while seated on the floor is a habit, ritual, and wellness practice all rolled into one in countries like India, Japan, and China.
Others favor sitting on the ground due to its supposed benefits. Sitting on the floor is said to improve flexibility and mobility because it allows you to actively extend your lower body. Additionally, it can cause your core muscles to become naturally more stable.
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7points
#45
Switch to more natural household cleaning supplies.
Conventional household cleansers are loaded with hazardous chemicals that adversely affect our health, especially our skin and lungs. You can instantly lower your exposure to harmful chemicals by switching to more natural alternatives.
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7points
#46
Take care of them pearly whites.
Brushing your teeth twice daily is optimally sufficient to maintain oral health and prevent periodontal diseases and caries. However, most people find that their at-home oral hygiene routines are insufficient for removing plaque. Therefore, most dentists recommend scheduling routine dental cleaning twice a year.
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7points
#47
Try "soberlizing."
Try to "soberlize" (socialize soberly) more. For example, suggest eating breakfast or brunch instead of going to a bar, because those meals may not involve as much alcohol intake as lunch or supper. Think of drinking-free socializing as an adventure, a chance to learn something new about yourself, build relationships and recall conversations, and figure out your particular likes and dislikes.
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7points
#48
Brush your tongue.
Your tongue may contain oral bacteria that later travel to your teeth, raising your risk of tooth decay. Dentists advise regularly cleaning your tongue, whether it's to avoid bad breath or just for general oral health.
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7points
#49
Step out without the "ouch!"
As we age, the form of our foot changes. Like other body parts, our skin changes elasticity and, with age, gets thinner, which causes the arches of our feet to widen and sag. As the tissues start to somewhat collapse, arthritis and chronic foot ache can develop. Thus, your feet need constant support, which may require investing in new footwear.
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7points
#50
DJ Turn It Up!
According to research, high-tempo music listeners who exercised had the highest heart rates and rated their workout to be easier. Extensive research also found that exercising while listening to fast-paced music will divert you and make your workouts appear less draining and difficult, ultimately increasing their effectiveness.
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7points
#51
Keep lights dim in the evening.
It's found that exposure to light at night can interfere with the body's naturally occurring increase in melatonin levels, delaying the body's biological transition into sleep. Thus, it is generally recommended to keep the lights dim and avoid using digital screens right before going to sleep.
6points
#52
Use extra virgin olive oil.
Extra virgin olive oil is the least processed sort of olive oil and is frequently considered the healthiest. It has a lot of monounsaturated fats, which are good for the heart, as well as potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. According to some studies, extra virgin olive oil may benefit the heart, because those who use it have a lower chance of passing from heart attacks and strokes.
6points
#53
Eat eggs, yolk included!
It is a common misconception that eggs are unhealthy because of their high cholesterol content. In fact, multiple studies show that they are a great source of protein and nutrients and actually have no effect on the blood cholesterol levels of most people. Furthermore, an analysis comprising 263,938 persons found no connection between egg consumption and the risk of heart disease.
6points
#54
Trip the light fantastic.
Dance step patterns like the foxtrot can strengthen both your feet and brain. Along with being beneficial for your physical health, dancing has several advantages, including boosting self-confidence, facilitating social interactions, elevating mood and attitude, as well as reducing anxiety and despair.
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6points
#55
Avoid artificial trans fats.
Although we should avoid categorizing into 'good' and 'bad' categories, an exception is trans fats, as trans fats are considered the worst type of fat to eat. Trans fats, aka man-made fats, are strongly associated with inflammation and heart diseases.
Avoiding them should be considerably easier now that they are completely banned in the US and many other countries. Be mindful that some foods may still contain minuscule amounts of naturally occurring trans fats, albeit they are less dangerous than trans fats created chemically.
5points