5 healthy habits may be the secret to living longer,
healthier lives, Story by Melissa Rudy
Florida neurosurgeon reveals the average life expectancy in the U.S. has dipped to 76.4 years, according to December data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — but many medical professionals believe people can extend their longevity by adopting certain lifestyle habits.
Dr. Brett Osborn, a board-certified neurosurgeon in West Palm Beach, Florida, is the
founder of a preventative health care and anti-aging facility, Senolytix. He works with patients to help them achieve a healthy weight, adopt better wellness habits and reduce their risk of chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes.
“My motto is, you are never too young or too old for good health,” he said.
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In an interview with Fox News Digital, Osborn shared the five daily health
habits he recommends to his patients to help them live longer, healthier lives.
While it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional as needed, Osborn emphasized that people should listen to their own bodies and identify potential risks.
Dr. Brett Osborn is a board-certified neurosurgeon in West Palm Beach, Florida,
who has 15 years of experience in longevity medicine. © Dr. Brett Osborn
“It is nearly impossible to achieve optimal health without taking intermittent
snapshots of the inner workings of your body to guide you, which can be provided by
laboratory testing that will accurately identify any and all risk factors,” Osborn said.
“Taking these tests early — and taking the results seriously — can save your life.”
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Osborn recommends implementing six blood tests to help prevent
age-related diseases.
1. Lipid Profile. This test provides a rough idea of the ratio of “good” to “bad” cholesterol, he said.
2. Vertical Auto Profile (VAP). This is a cholesterol, lipid and lipoprotein test
that measures all the components of a standard lipid profile and also delves further, segmenting cholesterol into subtypes.
“I would strongly consider VAP testing in lieu of the standard lipid profile if you have
high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of heart disease or stroke,” Osborn said.
“You may be surprised to learn that what was once deemed ‘normal’ in the standard lipid profile is far from it.”
3. C-Reactive Protein (CRP). Patients with obesity and metabolic syndrome
have elevated CRP levels, which is a risk factor for coronary heart disease, hypertension,
type 2 diabetes and atherogenic dyslipidemia, Osborn explained.
4. Homocysteine. “Elevations in homocysteine are associated with a variety of diseases, including heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and osteoporosis,” Osborn said.
5. Hemoglobin A1C. This test measures how well blood sugar levels have been controlled over weeks or months.
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“This test doesn’t lie,” Osborn said. “It is an average, wide-angle lens, not an instantaneous snapshot like a fasting glucose level. You want this level to be as low as possible.”
6. Vitamin D3. There is evidence that Vitamin D3 deficiency is associated with stroke, insulin resistance, Alzheimer’s dementia, coronary artery disease and cancer, according to Osborn.
“Get this tested and intervene, if necessary, as failure to do so will predispose
you to a variety of diseases,” he warned. Although supplements are not to be used as primary treatments for ailments, Osborn said, they can be used as a complement to a
well-rounded diet and exercise regimen.
Osborn is founder of a preventative health care and anti-aging facility, Senolytix,
in West Palm Beach, Florida. “The right supplement regime,” he said, “can optimize your health so that your hard work is maximized to its fullest potential.” © Dr. Brett Osborn
“Supplements will not remedy your elevated blood sugar, blood pressure, gouty
arthritis and hypertension — only you can. There is no easy way out,” Osborn said.
“The right supplement regime, however, can optimize your health so that your hard
work is maximized to its fullest potential, and should be treated as equally important
as the right food choices and fitness routines,” he added.
Although supplements are not to be used as primary treatments for ailments, Osborn said they can be used to complement a well-rounded diet and exercise regimen. iStock© iStock
Deviancies in Selenium and Iodine and Cancer – Bing video
Osborn recommends these top 10 (*my 2) nutritional supplements to help prevent free radical damage, oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, the main factors of age-related disease: Selenium Copper & Zinc Alignment for Immunity – Search (bing.com)
Omega-3 fatty acids
Resveratrol
Green tea extract
Vitamin D3
Curcumin
B-complex
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Magnesium
Probiotics
*Selenium
*Copper & Zinc
The Top 7 Superfoods for Optimal Health and Wellness (msn.com)
Osborn opts to skip multivitamins, he said, because “the dosages of the individual components are fairly low.” Although it’s not a muscle, Osborn emphasized that the
brain benefits from exercise, both mentally and physically.
Osborn works with patients to help them achieve a healthy weight, adopt better
wellness habits and reduce their risk of chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes.
© Dr. Brett Osborn
“Physical exercise and critical thinking both forge neural pathways in the brain,” he said.
“There is a component of learning while exercising or working through mental challenges like puzzles, and this process of learning literally rewires the brain.” “As we age, keeping the brain active through physical activity helps to prevent the progression of age-related atrophy,” he added.
Physical activity helps to form synapses, which are connections between neurons that help to reduce inflammation, reverse age-associated spatial memory loss and enhance learning, Osborn explained. It also helps to prevent diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, he added.
Although it’s not a muscle, the brain benefits from exercise,
both mentally and physically, said Osborn. © iStock
“There is also evidence that augmented blood flow to the brain during exercise promotes neurogenesis (formation of new neurons in the brain),” he added. “Exercise can enhance both learning abilities and memory.” Beyond physical activity, learning a new skill can also “turbo-charge” the brain, Osborn said.
Measuring your food’s glycemic index (GI) is a way of rating the impact it has on blood sugar and insulin, Osborn explained. This knowledge can then be used to find and avoid hidden sugars. Kidney beans, for example, have a glycemic index of 23, peanuts are rated at 7 and white rice is 89.
“Simply put, the sweeter the food, the higher the GI value,” Osborn said.
After eating low-GI foods, glucose increases only mildly, which means there
is less insulin produced.
Measuring your food’s glycemic index (GI) is a way of rating the impact
it has on blood sugar and insulin, Osborn noted. © iStock
“Tight glycemic control is primarily a function of several interrelated factors, such
as ingestion of low-GI foods, lean body mass and daily exercise,” Osborn explained.
“While low-glycemic index carbohydrate consumption facilitates weight loss, eating your daily vegetables has far greater, life-extending effects,” he added.
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7 Realities of Growing Older: The Deep Truths of Aging:
Aging is an inevitable part of life, yet it’s often shrouded in mystery and apprehension. Shedding some light on the realities of growing older, from the physical changes we undergo to the emotional challenges we face, here are the unspoken truths of aging, offering a transparent look into life’s later chapters.
1. Inevitable Loss
Aging is a journey that we all embark on, and along this path, we inevitably
encounter the loss of loved ones. As we grow older, so do those around us,
and the reality of losing a parent, a spouse, or a close friend becomes a part of our life.
This loss can be a profound source of grief and a stark reminder of our own mortality. However, it also underscores the importance of cherishing the time we have with our loved ones and making the most of our relationships while we can.
The Worst feeling in the world is feeling like you are left alone and forgotten.
2. Persistent Body Alerts
As we age, our bodies undergo various changes and start to show signs of wear and tear. It’s akin to a persistent body alert that never goes off, signaling that our physical condition isn’t what it used to be.
We may experience chronic aches, decreased energy levels, or persistent health issues. This can lead to a sense of urgency to accomplish our goals and a desire to make the most of the time we have left. It also underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular medical check-ups to manage these physical changes effectively.
3. Roads Not Taken
As we age, we often find ourselves reflecting on the roads not taken and the opportunities missed. These could be career choices, relationships, or personal goals that we didn’t pursue. This reflection can lead to feelings of regret and a longing for what could have been.
However, it’s important to remember that every choice we’ve made has shaped our lives
in some way. Rather than dwelling on the past, we can use these reflections as a learning experience to make more informed decisions in the future and to seize the opportunities that come our way.
4. Physical Limitations
One of the most challenging aspects of aging is the physical limitations it imposes.
We may find ourselves unable to engage in activities we once enjoyed due to declining health or decreased energy levels. This can be a difficult adjustment and can lead to feelings of frustration and sadness.
It’s essential to focus on what we can do rather than what we can’t. Adapting to these changes and finding new, less strenuous activities to enjoy can help us maintain a positive outlook and continue to live fulfilling lives despite these limitations.
5. Slow Healing
As we age, our bodies’ ability to heal slows down. A minor injury or illness
that would have been a quick recovery in our youth can take weeks or even months to heal. This slow healing process can be frustrating as it can limit our activities and independence. It’s a stark reminder of our bodies’ changing capabilities.
This emphasizes the importance of taking care of our health, avoiding unnecessary risks, and seeking prompt medical attention when needed. It’s about adapting to our bodies’ changing pace and giving ourselves the time and care we need to recover.
6. Burden of Regret
Regret can accumulate over time, leading to a sense of dissatisfaction with our lives.
We may find ourselves dwelling on the “could’ve, would’ve, should’ve” moments, which can lead to feelings of disappointment. But remember that regret is a part of life and a sign of growth.
It shows that we have learned from our experiences and that we understand the value of the opportunities we’ve missed. Instead of letting regret weigh us down, we can use it as a catalyst for change and a guide for future decisions, turning regret into a tool for personal growth and development.
7. Fear of Diminishing Quality of Life
As we age, we may worry about our quality of life diminishing. We may fear losing our independence, our health, and our ability to enjoy life. This fear can lead to feelings of anxiety and uncertainty about the future.
However, remember that aging doesn’t necessarily equate to a lower quality of life. With proactive health management, a positive mindset, and a supportive network of loved ones, we can maintain a fulfilling and vibrant life. It’s about focusing on the aspects of life we can control, embracing the changes that come with aging, and finding joy in every stage
of our lives.
Aging is a journey filled with challenges and opportunities. While it brings inevitable losses and physical limitations, it also offers wisdom and a deeper appreciation for life. Embracing aging with acceptance and resilience can transform this journey into a rewarding experience. Every day is a bonus, and it’s up to us to make the most of it.
Original Article Source: What’s the worst part about aging? : r/AskReddit
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