Top Secret: To Health & Longevity

Fountain Of Youth

For centuries, human beings have searching for the fountain of youth. Based on changes in life expectancy over the past century, one would think we were well on our way towards uncovering this mystery. After all, it was only in 1900 when the average life expectancy in the United States was 47.3 years. By 2010 the number had soared to 78.2, but at what cost?

Although we now live longer, we are not necessarily living healthier lives

What is the added value of having an extra 10-20 years if they’re spent in a wheelchair, laying in bed, or in a nursing home. Life is meant to be enjoyed, and wouldn’t it make much more sense to spend those last years engaging in activities you love and enjoy? Unfortunately, the former is a reality for many individuals, but does it have to be?

Okinawa Study

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perhaps one of the most intriguing long-term studies on aging comes from the island of Okinawa off the southern coast of Japan. The Okinawa Study, started in 1975, is an ongoing study of Okinawa’s centenarian population. They’ve become well-known for having the highest ratio of centenarians in the world, almost 50 per 100,000 people, which is three times higher than in the US. However, it’s not just their longevity that’s intriguing, but the quality of their lives that is most tantalizing. The citizens of Okinawa can be seen engaging in physical activities well into their 80’s and 90’s. They also boast a much lower incidence of heart disease, cancer, dementia, and osteoporosis than other countries, including the US. So what is the secret to this fountain of youth?

Biochemistry Is Not Fixed

For years science has pointed to genetics stating that our genes our biochemistry is fixed and cannot be changed. However, recent research provides an overwhelming amount of evidence pointing to the contrary. Epigenetic’s, the study of environmental impact on genes, has proven that how we live our lives has a very powerful impact on how our genetic code is expressed. This is no more evident than in the Okinawa culture where the three lifestyle factors of low stress, diet, and exercise play a pertinent role in healthy aging.

The Okinawa study also conducted research on their hormone levels

Okinawan elders were found to have much higher levels of critical hormones, such as testosterone, estrogen and DHEA; than their American counterparts. As they age, Okinawan’s maintain above average levels of these critical hormones, once again showing us the importance of adequate hormone levels for healthy aging.

Although we have uncovered some of the secrets to living longer, we have not necessary figured out how to live better.  The Okinawa Study provides us with insight into how we may be able to achieve this goal. The good news is that we can have control over our life expectancy and quality of life, and it’s never too late to start taking action.

To find out how you can take a step in the right direction, contact Vitali-T Medical Clinics today, so can help you achieve overall wellness!