6 Surprising Things That Are Aging You
1. Cola
While it is not so surprising sugary soda raises the risk of obesity and chronic disease states, the hazards can run bone deep… The Framingham Study shows the intake of cola lowers bone mineral density and raises the risk of osteoporosis. And while all can benefit from drinking less soda, individuals are further encouraged to increase calcium and vitamin D intake, stop smoking, limit alcohol use, exercise, and for women, consider the status of menopause for potential estrogen us to support bone density and reduce osteoporosis risk.
2. Chronic Stress
Though day-to-day stress may be inevitable, ongoing and chronic stress may be aging you. In fact, researchers have found chronic stress and anxiety increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, with severity showing to pose a greater likelihood. Manage stress through exercise, yoga, meditation, and any other technique or practice that lowers your sense or feeling of stress and anxiety.
3. Sleepless Nights
While dark, puffy eyes display an older appearance, people may not realize the long-term, age-related consequences of lack of sleep. According to a study commissioned by Estée Lauder, sleep deprivation is linked to aging skin. In fact, the study demonstrated inadequate sleep increases the signs of skin aging and slower recovery from a variety of environmental stressors such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Inadequate sleep can also plummet energy levels and cause hormones to go haywire, which may also accelerate the process of aging.
4. Happy Hours
Regular happy hours may not lead to the happiest outcomes when it comes to the health of your body. Though we may be attributing the heaping load of nachos, chicken wings, and other half-priced appetizers during happy hour to advancing age, the alcohol paired with it may just be doing so, too. First off, alcohol is a diuretic, leading to dehydration not long after its intake and growing the likelihood of breakouts and premature wrinkles. Prolonged and excessive use of alcohol can exacerbate the aging process and lead to a plethora of other health risks.
5. Not Wearing Sunglasses
While the importance of sunscreen is well-known, we must not disregard the need for protective sunglasses. Sunglasses protect eyes from the ultraviolet (UV) rays, ultimately lessening the risk of cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s lens that may lead to blurred vision; macular degeneration, a result from damage to the retina that destroys central vision; and pterygium, a tissue growth over the eye’s surface. According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), look for sunglasses that block out 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB radiation.
6. Environmental Exposures
Driving to and from work may surprisingly be aging you… Especially if rushed in the morning or tired following a long day, there is great risk of resorting to highly processed, innutritious foods from drive thrus. Additionally, major roadways contain an extensive supply of air pollution. In fact, “Over the last 30 years, growing numbers of studies have shown that smaller particulates emitted by trucks and cars barreling down our nation’s highways can promote heart disease and strokes” reports Tufts Now. To lessen such synergy of harmful factors, consume a well-balanced and convenient breakfast such as overnight oats, practice meal prepping for evening dinners, and lessen transportation of major roadways as much as possible.
