Revealed: Taking a vaycay could prolong your life

A 40-year study has found that taking vacations could help prolong life.

No matter what your age, you have the power to help change many of the variables that influence how long you live. Our health experts have shared their top tips to help you achieve a healthier and longer life.

Stop the fad diets

Don’t be fooled, a healthy diet involves healthy decisions, rather than following a fad diet. “Stop dieting and don’t count calories, otherwise your body will think there’s a famine which it perceives as a stress and this makes you store and hold on to fat,” explains Dr Marilyn Glenville, the UK’s leading Nutritionist (www.marilynglenville.com) and author of Natural Alternatives to Sugar. Choosing the correct foods to eat is key to a healthy diet, “Turning away from processed foods and favouring 'real' foods and our 5 a day of vegetables and fruit can make a huge difference,” adds Nutritionist and Fitness Instructor Cassandra Barns.

Put down that bev

 “Alcohol prevents the release of glucose from the liver and can cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels). This drop in blood sugar often produces a craving for foods, especially foods that raise blood sugar, such as alcohol or sugar – not good for anyone, especially those concerned about weight gain. Alcohol also prevents the body’s ability to digest fats properly, potentially causing excessive amounts of fat accumulating in the liver,” explains Cassandra.

Exercise is a must

Cassandra explains, “Exercising is an appetite suppressant. It stimulates the release of feel good hormones – the same ones, which are released by sweet or ‘junk’ foods, stopping the need for the food you are craving.” Dr. Glenville adds, “Exercise or physical activity has never been more important. If you have fat around the middle of your body then exercise must become one of your priorities.” Dr Wendy Denning, working in association with CuraLin Diabetic Supplement, advises “30 minutes of exercises, five times per week.”

Consume more superfoods

We are all guilty of needing a little boost whether that’s prior to a workout, or to overcome the 3pm slump. Rather than reaching for the coffee opt for a natural food supplement such as, Sense* for Busy Lives Superfood Powder. (RRP: £6.99 for 35g, Boots). “From the antioxidant rich acai berry, to beetroot, which is associated with boosting exercise performance, to guarana providing a natural way of getting your caffeine hit. Sense* for Busy Lives is a targeted multivitamin that provides you with essential daily nutrients, to help you feel less overwhelmed and ready to face the challenges when trying to keep up with life’s demands,” explains Accredited Nutritionist MSc/BSc at Sense* (www.senseproducts.co.uk), Dimitra Sentelidou. Simply stir into your favourite smoothie and enjoy! 

 

Just keep walking

An analysis of over 50,000 walkers found a faster pace is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality.^[ii] “The obvious thing to do when meeting a mate is sit in a coffee shop or bar. Could you go for a walk instead? Walking increases creativity so you could end up having a more interesting conversation as well as getting a few thousand steps in. And it’s perfect for a first date, avoiding any awkward silences staring at each other over a drink,” explains Cassandra.

De-stress from the inside out

One of the largest studies conducted on humans found a potential link between healthy ageing and a healthy gut. Researchers found that the gut microbiota of exceedingly healthy elderly up to 100 years old was very similar to the gut microbiota of healthy 30 year olds!^[iii] To help support a healthier gut and a healthier ageing process try the Natures Plus GI Natural Powder (£33.75,www.naturesplus.co.uk). “GI Natural powder contains glutamine which promotes mucosal lining growth and repair, probiotics which helps provide healthy flora, digestive enzymes which optimize digestion and reduce discomfort, superfood prebiotic fiber for maximum probiotic effectiveness as well as very specific ingredients such as ginger, turmeric and Serrapeptase, helping to protect the gut from inflammation,” explains Nutritionist at Natures Plus, Martina Della Vedova.

Don’t smoke

We’re often bombarded with health stats and pictures of dying lungs to remind us smoking is bad for our bodies, so this one may not come as a shock that if you don’t smoke it can help to add to your lifespan. What may be more shocking is that smoking can make it harder for a woman to conceive and also has an affect on men’s sperm, reducing fertility and increasing risks of birth defects and miscarriage. Lastly, smoking prematurely ages you! Not only does smoking stain your teeth, fingers and fingernails, it also dehydrates your skin, which can lead to wrinkles!^[iv] So even if you’re one of the lucky ones and smoking doesn’t decrease your lifespan - the life you have left will be spent looking less attractive!

Deal with your diagnosis

For a healthier ageing process make sure you’re keeping on top of your diagnosis. “Being diagnosed with type-2 diabetes has a major impact on your life. It will involve major changes in your current diet and lifestyle to help bring your blood glucose level down to the target agreed with your doctor. If you don’t take steps to control your blood glucose levels, then you are at risk of serious long-term health complications, including loss of vision, heart disease, kidney disease, leg ulcers and even amputation. Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition that needs to be controlled. Lifestyle advice include following a healthy, more plant-based diet (low fibre, low-glycaemic index with only healthy carbs such as wholegrains, pulses, fruit and vegetables), low-fat dairy products and oily fish,” explains Dr. Sarah Brewer, working in association with CuraLin Diabetes supplement (www.curalife.co). For extra support that can be taken alongside your medication, try CuraLin (£59.00, www.curalife.co). CuraLin is a nutritional supplement made from a mixture of eleven natural ingredients, which are derived from Ayurvedic medicine, that work with the body to help balance blood sugar levels of those suffering from Type 2 Diabetes.

Listen to a happy customer: Gerry Martin, Accountant, 61 from Ireland explains how CuraLin helped to give his body a reboot – making his elderly years healthier. "I was diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes 19 years ago, when I found out, it was a shock to the system. In January 2018, I came across an advert for CuraLin on Facebook. I decided to get a sample and since then I have never looked back.

"I never miss a daily reading and take 6 CuraLin supplement tablets a day. I have cut my prescribed medicine gradually and I am now only taking 50% after just 6 weeks and the results have consistently been improving. My quality of life has changed and I now have a lot more energy, sleep better and most of all, my bladder control is normal.”