Aging refers to the gradual decline in physiology and physicality of the human body in its life span. While it is an inevitable part of life, several factors can accelerate and decelerate this complex process.
Aging is irreversible, but premature aging is not. However, many people are facing it nowadays due to certain external and internal factors. Our body, organs, and cells are not made to live forever, but you can still live a prolonged life and achieve longevity by protecting them from biological and chemical damage.
According to the board-certified pathologist, Dr. Shiping Bao, aging and health are mainly influenced by four factors:
- Genetics
- Environment
- Mental state
- Personal behavior
If you’re hitting your forties soon or still in your youth but plan to live a fulfilling life, you must learn about these factors quickly. Let’s discuss them to help you make some lifestyle amendments and reverse premature aging early.
1. Genetics
Usually, premature aging and natural deaths before forty years old are caused by genetic mutation or diseases passed down by ancestors. Genetics influence many physical, chemical, and physiological processes in the human body, disrupting essential cellular functions and predisposing individuals to conditions that compromise their longevity.
People with inherited genetic mutations may have a shorter life span, such as people with BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations have higher chance of developing breast cancer. However, this can be controlled, and the risk can be minimized by having a clean diet, monthly health checkups, and immediate treatment upon diagnosis.
2. Environment
Environmental factors also play a significant role in premature aging. Indoor and outdoor air pollution, UV rays, and oxidative stress affect how your body changes physiologically. Occupational hazards, work stress, noisy neighborhoods, and inadequate living conditions can also contribute to premature aging and psychological implications.
While you cannot control all of them, minor changes such as adding indoor air purification and minimizing contact with UV rays, toxins and chemical pollutants can help mitigate these risks.
3. Mental Health
Psychological stress harms your body by disrupting its immune responses, increasing the risk of infections and chronic inflammatory diseases. These conditions not only improve the onset of aging but also increases the risk of chronic health diseases such as type 2 Diabetes, Dementia, and Cancer.
Since people with mental health issues struggle with daily tasks, it can be difficult for them to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They may be less likely to engage in regular physical activity, have poor dietary habits, and also develop unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse, all of which can contribute to premature aging.
4. Personal Behavior
This refers to lifestyle choices, hobbies, and diet and is the only manageable factor.
Diet is the first and foremost factor related to premature ageing. Junk and processed food with loads of sugar does not help your organs sustain a long time. Your kidneys need water instead of chugs of soda and energy drinks. A balanced diet daily gets your body enough nutrients and fluids to replenish and fulfill all the internal deficiencies.
Hobbies and lifestyle come after diet. A study found that sedentary living have been associated with increased mortality rates and premature aging regardless of physical activity. Furthermore, lack of activity is not the only thing that causes health decline. Poor sleep schedules and doom scrolling are second and third on the list of harmful behavioral factors.
Dr. Bao’s The New Concept of Longevity explains how these things affect the people of the modern age and the anomalies they’re causing in the human body. Authored by board-certified pathologist Dr. Shiping Bao, who established the new concept of longevity based on Hyperglycemia & hyperinsulinemia Syndrome, this book teaches ways to combat aging through diet and lifestyle.
It’s empowering to know that by using this book and some conscious effort, you can potentially counteract the effects of premature aging and can live up to a hundred years old!
Learn all about it in The New Concept of Longevity, now available here!