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By Judy Gaman, BSHS,brMSPS
Are you the picture of health? Even if you answered thatbrwith a “yes” you're probably wrong. Outward appearances can be deceiving. Somebrof the healthiest looking people are often falling apart on the inside. Thebrdamage is being done, but it may take years to become apparent. This is whybrgetting a good physical examination, not the ten minute type, is so important.brIt gives you and your healthcare provider an opportunity to look at the body onbra cellular level.
Epigenetics is all the rage in the medical and research community.brWe now know that bad genes are onlybrexpressed when they are turned on. The good news is that these genes may neverbrbe turned on. Good lifestyle choices can also mean improving your chances for abrlonger and healthier life. Not only is it possible to be healthy on thebroutside, but also to be healthy all the way down to the chromosomal level.
Tip #1 - Avoid Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners are everywhere, not just in dietbrsodas, but in chewing gum, mints, and even some toothpaste. Symptoms frombrartificial sweetener use range from migraine headaches, weight gain, memorybrloss, to chronic inflammation. A recent study conducted by researchers at thebrWeizmann Institute of Science's Department of Immunology shows that artificialbrsweeteners actually manipulate our gut bacteria, attacking our important gutbrbiome, causing diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The study showed a change inbrglucose tolerance shortly after exposure to the artificial sweeteners. Otherbrstudies have linked artificial sweeteners to serious neurological changes inbrthe body. Since even more studies show that the genetic makeup of the gut biomebris changed with the introduction of artificial sweeteners, why risk changingbrour own epigenetics?
Tip #2 – Incorporate Seven Servings of Vegetables per Day
Say goodbye to packaged and processed foods and make roombrfor fresh and steamed vegetables. This will change your body from a state ofbrinflammation, which is linked to heart disease, cancer, diabetes, andbrAlzheimer's disease to a state of anti-inflammation and internal repair. Keepbrin mind that not all vegetables are created equal and be sure to choose thosebrwith lots of color and that have been farmed organically. Also, if you arebrinteresting in looking younger, there are a few items that should be on yourbrlist, such as avocados. Avocados have good fat that helps boost plumpness ofbrskin cells reducing wrinkles. Kale isbranother great super food. It has iron, vitamin K, and high levels of antioxidants.brKale also has anti-inflammatory properties so it helps prevent disease. Andbrbecause kale has fiber and sulfur, it also helps detox the body.
Tip #3 – Protect and Grow Your Gut Biome
The bacteria in our gut is not just important for goodbrdigestion, research now shows that it is linked to just about all the functionsbrof our body, including the aging process. Ninety percent of bacteria isbractually good for us and is vital for a healthy body. Improving your gut healthbrcan be easy. Start with a good pharmaceutical grade probiotic. IncorporatebrGreek yogurt into your morning routine. Avoid things like artificial sweetenersbrand don't be too quick to use antibiotics. In the event you need to usebrantibiotics, be sure not to miss your probiotics and increase your yogurtbrintake.
About the Author
Judy Gaman, BSHS, MSPS is part of the expert health team atbrExecutive Medicine of Texas. She is a published and award-winning author. Herbrlatest book Age to Perfection: How tobrThrive to 100, Happy, Healthy, and Wise is co-authored with Mark Anderson,brMD and Walter Gaman, MD both of ExecutivebrMedicine of Texas. She can bebrheard nationally on the Staying YoungbrRadio Show and through her Stay YoungbrMedical Minutes. To learn more, visit www.stayyoungamerica.com