Dos and Don’ts to Live Longer

If you want to enjoy life and live it for as long as you can, here are some tips you will want to put into practice.

Do's

The first two items on your “to-do” list for a long life are to eat healthy and exercise. Eating healthy not only gives your body and internal organs the vital nutrients they need to survive and thrive, but it helps keep obesity at bay, which has become the second leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Aim to eat whole foods and drink plenty of water. Nuts are also a great addition to your diet. They are rich in fiber, protein, and antioxidants. They pack a punch of vitamins and one study found that participants who consumed 3 servings of nuts per week had a 39 percent lower risk of early demise than their counterparts.

Staying physically active will also increase your longevity. One study found that as little as 15 minutes of exercise per day could add up to 3 years onto your lifespan. Exercise helps improve the heart, lung, blood pressure, circulation, and many other systems. Although you could do the bare minimum, results have shown that human longevity can be exponentially related to exercise. Meaning the more physical activity you do, the longer you will live.

Dont’s

If obesity is the second leading cause of preventable death in the US, what is the first? The answer is smoking. Smoking kills. Electronic cigarettes are no substitute and will take years off of your life just like smoking a traditional cigarette will. Even if you have been smoking for years and were to quit today you would still dramatically improve your life quality and outlook. Your heart rate drops to a more normal rhythm within 20 minutes of quitting, the carbon monoxide levels in your blood normalize in 2 weeks, and in 15 years your risk of heart disease will be equal to that of a nonsmoker.

You should also avoid alcohol and stress. Alcohol consumption can lead to serious kidney and liver issues and chronic stress could increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.

The Takeaway

Not all methods of extending life are strictly biologically based. One study found that pessimistic people have a 42 percent greater risk of dying early than those who are optimistic. Negativity, stress, anger, these all take a toll on the human body, and by keeping them at bay you can significantly increase your chance of not only living a longer life, but a happier one as well.

Longevity continues to be an expanding area of science. As new methods for preservation and innovation take place, the future is promising.