Habits to help you live longer

BY JULIE SEAMER
TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2008

Control stress

Stress costs. If dealing with chronic stress, the impact is not only on our time, relationships, work and sense of self. Stress also directly impacts health on all levels – compromising digestion and immunity, disrupting metabolism and hormones and potentially affecting weight. While most of us are aware of the importance to manage stress, time constraints, family commitments and financial pressures often put this on the back-burner. For a simple beginning try sipping Healtheries Be Happy tea daily. Containing St Johns wort (a herb traditionally used for its calming and restorative properties), Be Happy is a safe and gentle way of nurturing your nervous system whilst also hydrating the body. For optimal nutrition and thus an optimal body, consider a daily multi-vitamin from Healtheries Omega Advanced range which is available in several unique products tailored for Men, Women, the 50+, and the sports active.

Be aware of toxin exposure

Toxin exposure comes from pollution, pesticides and insecticides, chemical-based cleaning products, personal items (eg. hair dye) and smoking (cigarettes are the greatest threat to longevity & only 26% of smokers live to 80 years compared with 57% of non-smokers). Radiation is another source – mobile phones, computers, television and other electrical equipment. While it is almost impossible to avoid all these things, again, small changes can have a big impact on your health. Wherever possible, try purchasing organic produce for chemical-free, high-quality, nutrient-rich food choices, especially staple products that you consume every day, such as Abundant Earth's
Organic Bircher Muesli. Turning off the phone, computer and TV on the weekend, and going outdoors in the fresh air is also important – to unplug and replenish your body and mind amongst nature. This can be achieved in a city park or a out bush – the choices are endless.

Control blood sugar levels

Consuming excess refined carbohydrates wreaks havoc on our blood sugar levels causing a sudden rise then vast dip in blood sugars and energy levels. This roller-coaster is a very common sensation to most of us, however low GI foods and a protein-rich diet will not only help stablise and prolong our energy reserves, it will go a long way in reducing fat stores, improving sensitivity to insulin and reducing susceptibility to diabetes and obesity. Aussie Bodies protein powders such as Time Release offer a convenient low-fat option for supplementing your daily protein intake while also delivering added vitamins and minerals. Perfect Protein Natural is another choice – being pure 100% whey protein concentrate it's the ideal means for increasing protein intake whilst being low in carbohydrates and fat.

Exercise regularly

Every time you exercise insulin sensitivity is improved for over 24 hours, thus avoiding insulin resistance. This equates to a healthier metabolism for weight management and greater longevity in our busy days and lives. It is now common knowledge that resistance exercise helps promote stronger bones and reduces risk of osteoporosis. It is also beneficial in preventing Sacropenia – a muscle wasting disease common with the ageing process. Additionally, cardiovascular exercise is a key factor in improving mood and cognitive function, whilst reducing inflammation, and consequently our speed of ageing. Healtheries Be Charged tea with ginseng and licorice tonic herbs is a lovely tasting way of avoiding caffeine and replenishing the body. Musseltone with Omega 3 is a natural supplement designed to improve lubrication and circulation for stiff and aching joints. It is suitable for muscles, tendons, and ligaments for recovery after sports and exercise to help maintain cartilage health. Drinking Aussie Bodies Low Carb Protein Revival will offer post exercise recovery with it's amino acid-rich ingredients, and is easy to digest for those on the run.

Boost Defence

A healthy balanced diet goes a long way in promoting robust immunity. Still, supplementation of key defender components is often necessary. Healtheries offers a renowned antioxidant in Gingko Biloba, which improves circulation, memory and mental performance. Combined with Healtheries Be Clean tea and an Omega 3 supplement, Gingko represents a possible preventative option in ensuring your cells are primed and receptive to nutrients, to help avoid compromised immunity. Other options include Healtheries Be Well tea which is rich in vitamin C, echinacea, lemon and rosehips. Healtheries Olive Leaf 3500 also enhances protection against virus and bacteria and supports the cardiovascular system. For the immune deficient Aussie Bodies Colostroid is a consideration because it is rich in immunoglobulins for increased immunity.

Get a good night's sleep

Essentially an anti-ageing activity, adequate sleep is crucial for functioning properly. Most people need 7-8 hours sleep however research shows, on average, we sleep 2 hours less than we did 100 years ago. If you experience trouble maintaining a restful sleep, Healtheries Valerian 2000mg could be helpful for you. Valerian is a natural herbal sedative that may be beneficial during times of stress and restless sleep caused by nervous tension. It would also pay to sip Healtheries Be Sleepy Tea in the evening and after your night-time meal. Be Sleepy is a caffeine-free blend of tranquil, comforting herbs and is gentle enough for children if diluted with cold purified water.

* before beginning supplementation of herbal remedies it is recommended to speak with you Health Practitioner to avoid any contra-indication with medication and to ascertain your individual needs regarding dose

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