By Dr. Nick Marini
I recently celebrated my 40th birthday with a fantastic party surrounded by family and friends. As I mingled with everyone, my mischievous cousin jokingly asked me, "How does it feel to be old now?" While I knew he was teasing, it got me thinking. At 40, I didn't feel much different from how I felt at 30. I pondered why popular culture often portrays turning 40 as the start of everything falling apart. Despite not being a perfect example of health, I manage pretty well, and I've come up with six tips that I live by to age gracefully and stay vibrant.
Keep moving: I've always believed that "motion is medicine." Staying physically active helps the nervous system work better and strengthens the immune system. I prefer using a pool for exercise, but everyone has their own preference. What type of exercise do you enjoy?
Healthy diet: While I'm not advocating extreme measures like adding wheatgrass to every meal, avoiding overly processed foods, fast foods, and simple sugars can do wonders for your body. Besides limiting or eliminating obvious offenders, paying attention to how you feel after eating certain foods can give you valuable insights into what is favorable or unfavorable to your body. Remember, your body knows best.
Supplementation: While our diet ideally should provide all the nutrients we need, that's only sometimes the case. Supplementation fills in the gaps. A multivitamin, omega-3 fatty acid supplement, and a probiotic are essential for everyone. Individual needs for other supplements vary. Dr. Rosenthal and I are always happy to provide recommendations. Please visit our Fullscripts dispensary for more information about the core nutritional supplements we recommend.
Stress reduction: Managing stress is easier said than done, but it's a crucial factor in aging gracefully. We all experience stress, and finding activities that help you de-stress, like hobbies, rest, exercise, and chiropractic adjustments, is important. For me, it's music, swimming, spending time with my family, and exploring new things. What helps you de-stress?
Sleep: Quality sleep is essential for overall health. Men need at least 6-7 hours, while women require 7-9 hours. Improving sleep hygiene, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and creating a comfortable sleep environment, is essential.
Get adjusted: Last but not least, getting adjusted is vital. It helps reduce inflammation, manage stress, enhance exercise, and improve sleep quality. Overall, it positively affects all five recommendations above. Chiropractic adjustments also enhance the functioning of the nervous system. While relieving pain is important, optimizing the body's ability to function, repair, and grow is essential for healthy aging and overall well-being.
