Aging is seen as incurable. While this is true, it is possible to prevent or minimize the effects of aging. Many activities we do in our daily life put our health at risk. These actions that we do unconsciously can lead to irreversible consequences. In order to prevent premature aging, it is necessary to stay away from harmful habits, eat healthy and exercise regularly. According to the news in The Sun newspaper, 7 habits that affect your health can cause diseases and death.
7 HABITS THAT CAUSE YOU TO AGE EARLY
DRINK
A study by the University of Oxford found that alcohol damages DNA, particularly the telomeres that line the ends of chromosomes. Shorter telomere lengths are associated with a variety of age-related diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and coronary artery disease. Oxford Population Health scientists found that drinking more than 10 beers or wines a week ages a person’s DNA by up to two years.
The most obvious aging is visible. Sun exposure causes premature aging of the skin, including wrinkles, pigmentation and sagging. It is estimated by a Japanese study that UVA and UVB rays account for 80 percent of all external aging; this is aging that is a result of lifestyle or environmental factors as opposed to genetics. UV rays are also behind the development of skin cancer. For this reason, experts recommend using SPF (especially on the face) every day, even if it is cloudy, to prevent aging of the face.
SIT TOO MUCH
The NHS says sitting all day is linked to being overweight and obese, type 2 diabetes, some types of cancer and premature death. A 2017 study found that of 1,500 older women, those who sit the most during the day have cells that are biologically eight years older than their actual age. However, the researchers said the harms could be offset by as little as half an hour of exercise each day.
TO SMOKE
The effects of smoking on aging are some of the most obvious. Tobacco smoke contains thousands of toxic chemicals that can damage your skin cells. This leads to deeper wrinkles, especially around the mouth and eyes. Smoking plays a role in many age-related diseases such as dementia, osteoporosis, erectile dysfunction, hearing and vision. Fatal conditions such as heart attacks and strokes are several times more common in smokers than nonsmokers. According to Bupa, smoking shortens your life expectancy by 10 years.
BAD NUTRITION
Malnutrition can lead to death by causing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Experts say a nutritious, balanced diet is one of the key prevention tools for Alzheimer’s, with dozens of studies showing beneficial links. A recent study published in the American Academy of Neurology found that snacking on ultra-processed foods can shorten your life, putting you at the highest risk of lethal dementia. Ultra-processed foods are high in added sugar, fat and salt, and low in protein and fiber. Some examples of highly processed foods include biscuits, soft drinks, and chips.
According to studies, stress can cause many diseases such as type 2 diabetes.
VITAMIN DEFICIENCY
You may find it unimportant to take supplements. But it is vitamin D, or the sunshine vitamin, that you should take especially seriously. A King’s College study of more than 2,000 women found that low vitamin D levels were associated with shorter telomeres.