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Age-Proof Your Body (Part III): 5 Proven Ways to Look and Feel Younger and Healthier with Fitness and Nutrition

By Dan Cardoza

Stress Less For Hormonal Harmony

It is becoming more widely understood that stress from everyday lifestyle factors (i.e. work, finances, relationships) is the single greatest threat to our health and wellness and is the root of most all premature aging and age-related diseases.

But there is something that can be done to manage our stress and effectively put the brakes on premature aging once and for all! The key lies in understanding the metabolic and hormonal triggers that cause the stress response.

You might be surprised to learn that there are specific diet and exercise habits that you can implement right away that can help you minimize the affects of a stressful lifestyle, effectively putting the brakes on the aging process. Let's begin there.

How Does Stress Contribute to Premature Aging?

Stress is a normal part of life. That's a fact. But genetically our bodies are only equipped to deal with stress in short bursts until the stress trigger is removed. But in today's society, our stress triggers are not temporary. Today, our stress comes from our busy schedule, fast-paced lifestyle, rush hour traffic, a demanding boss, or financial pressures. These types of prolonged, low-grade stress are harmful because they create a persistent state of hormonal imbalance that leads to accelerated aging and age-related diseases.

Cortisol: The Age-Accelerating Hormone

Cortisol has gained a reputation as the "stress hormone". But, believe it or not, cortisol is actually an anti-stress hormone whose purpose is to mobilize the body for action in the face of threat. And while this fight-or-flight hormonal response may be useful in the face of a life-threatening situation, it is less useful when we are stuck in traffic or upset with a co-worker.

Persistently elevated levels of cortisol eventually disrupt our body's inner balance and cause the following underlying problems:

These symptoms, if left unchecked, result in accelerated premature aging!

What Can You Do To Manage Stress?

There's no avoiding stress altogether, but there are steps you can take today to minimize the effects on your body and your health. Here are 3 simple strategies that you can put into practice right away to better prepare your body to manage stress:

  1. Practice Conscious Breathing

    This advice might sound overly simplistic, but it is actually quite profound. Conscious breathing is an exercise that has the power to re-establish balance in our autonomic nervous system. And the best part is that you don't need any special equipment to do it and there's no fancy technique involved. Just take the time and focus 100% on breathing fresh air in through your nose and slowly exhaling out through your mouth. Try just a few minutes of conscious breathing three times per day, focusing on making your breath longer, slower, and deeper You'll be amazed at the results!

  2. Get Fit For LIfe

    The primary goal of any exercise program is to make sure it is enjoyable. Otherwise, working out can act to create stress in your life rather than to reduce it. The ideal anti-stress workout will include moderate aerobic activity, progressive resistance training, flexibility training and possibly even a form of mind-body exercise such as yoga or Pilates. By getting physically fit, your body becomes physiologically more capable of managing the lifestyle stressors that come your way. You'll feel great and look great too when you get fit for life.

  3. Increase Antioxidant Consumption

    Antioxidants (such as vitamin E, vitamin C, etc) are micronutrients that act to buffer the stress response and minimize the damage caused by hormonal imbalance. Most major health organizations agree that everyone should at least be taking a high-potency multi-vitamin/mineral supplement. In coming years, you will also begin to hear the same thing being said about Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acid supplements. Physically active individuals may want to explore a more comprehensive supplement plan that includes meal replacement shakes and post-workout recovery drinks.

Conclusion: There's no avoiding stress altogether. But there are several lifestyle factors that can help minimize the age-accelerating damage of stress. Try the 3 powerful suggestions above and you will be amazed at the results.

About the Author:

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Dan Cardoza is a fitness & nutrition expert in Toronto Canada who specializes in creating custom programs designed for your unique metabolism, body type and personal goals. Visit Dan today at www.BodyBalanceCoach.com and be sure to request your FREE BODY BALANCE INSIDERS REPORT.