Discover the 7 golden rules that can help you live longer and enjoy a healthier, more vibrant life. Start implementing these rules today for a brighter tomorrow.Longevity may not only be a jackpot in the genetic lottery, but also the result of a combination of factors. The following 7 rules are for those who are ready to take care of their health from a young age, without relying on a lucky chance.
Limit food contact with plastic
Microplastics are a real problem, not a conspiracy theory. And we need to take it seriously, scientists say. Researchers have found that the presence of microplastics in carotid plaques increases the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, or death from any cause. And the more there is, the more serious the threat. Today, we should at least avoid heating food in plastic containers and try not to use bottles and cutting boards made of this material. It is unknown what other alarming discoveries await us in the future.
Engage in physical activity regularly
You may not be aiming to become a bodybuilding star, but almost any exercise will do for your health. It is believed that people begin to gradually lose muscle mass as early as age 35, so exercising now will be a valuable investment in your fitness decades from now. Movement is especially important for those who have sedentary jobs or spend most of their time indoors. Even just walking and climbing a few flights of stairs a day will allow you to notice a difference in your well-being over time.
Don’t forget about vegetables and fruits
If you previously had a minimum of plant foods in your diet, try to follow a simple rule to start: let vegetables and fruits be present at every meal. According to the recommendations of the World Health Organization, vegetables and fruits should be consumed every day – this way the body gets enough fiber and is less prone to non-communicable diseases and heart disease.
Take care of your mental health
The least you can do is consciously minimize the number of stressful situations. Short-term nervous tension is the body’s natural reaction to irritants. But chronic stress can lead to many health problems. Experts associate it with cardiovascular diseases, as well as problems with the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, stress accelerates aging.
Be an example
A good trick for those who have children: think about what kind of example you are setting for the younger generation. Do you feel sorry for yourself? Have pity on your heirs – after all, they will take all the basic health habits from you. This is not only the absence of bad habits and, say, jogging in the morning – it is important how the family eats. If proper nutrition is the norm, you care not only about your health, but also about the health of future generations.
See the same doctors
Unless it is important to get a second opinion on important medical issues, it is advisable to see the same general practitioner and specialist. The fact is that the appointment time is not enough to delve into the history of your diseases. The doctor will focus on current symptoms and complaints and may miss important context. Moreover, you should not change doctors during treatment – some medications cannot be stopped abruptly. And new prescriptions may be incompatible with previous ones.
Strengthen your relationship
According to research, loneliness increases the risk of death from all causes, including cancer. According to the World Health Organization, loneliness is a global threat to older people: the lack of social connections increases the risk of dementia by 50%, coronary heart disease and stroke by 30%. For natural reasons, the social circle usually narrows significantly over the years – so active communication and maintaining connections in youth can be considered an investment in future health.