Exploring Functional Medicine: A Guide to Aging Gracefully

Why do some people look much younger than they are, and others look much older than their actual age? Graceful aging is sometimes the result of outstanding genes or excellent luck. However, most people put a lot of time and effort into how they look, and it shows in their appearance.

From the moment a person is born, they begin aging. This is simply a fact of life. However, the years are less visible for those who use functional medicine for aging. People often believe that aesthetical interventions are responsible for these individuals’ outstanding looks. While they play a role, they only focus on the individual’s exterior. Functional medicine takes a more holistic approach so the person looks and feels youthful and energetic inside and out.

An Aging Population

Experts predict that 20% of Americans in 2030 will be 65 or older. Many of these individuals will have a chronic condition such as diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis. It is predicted that 95% of these individuals will have at least one chronic condition, with 80% having two or more. Alzheimer’s disease impacts seven million Americans now, and that number is expected to almost double by 2050. 

Healthy Aging

These numbers can be wrong. In the coming years, individuals must focus on healthy aging and functional medicine principles to prevent physical, mental, and emotional disorders. What steps can they take to remain healthy and active as they age?

Exercise

Exercise is beneficial at any age. Physical activity has far-reaching consequences. It helps the body down to the cellular level while combating the effects of aging. The impact of exercise extends far beyond physical fitness. Exercise also influences brain function. A person who gets regular exercise will have a better memory, improved mood, and prolonged attention span.

Regular exercise helps the brain form new neural connections to enhance learning and mental agility. When a person exercises, insulin levels decrease, and glucose metabolism improves. Individuals should engage in both aerobic and resistance training for overall health and wellness.

Sleep

Sleep is also essential for good health. Functional medicine practitioners outline how good sleep can help a person look and feel young. Sleep deprivation leads to oxidative stress and a higher risk of cardiac events. A lack of sleep leads to a boost in cortisol levels. Excessive cortisol breaks down collagen and removes the youthful glow from a person’s skin. Not getting enough sleep can also lead to wrinkles, sagging skin, and increased dehydration.

Stress 

Stress can lead to many mental and physical conditions. Hypertension, dementia, and IBS are some conditions a chronically stressed person may develop. Telomeres naturally shorten with age. These protective caps are found on the ends of chromosomes, and stress leads to their premature shortening and faster cellular aging. Men and women who are under significant stress are more at risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Stress also releases hormones, including cortisol, which can cause inflammation. This inflammation harms tissues and organs in the body and can bring about cognitive decline and arthritis. Low-grade chronic inflammation brought on by the aging process is now referred to as inflammaging. 

Diet

Men and women who want to slow aging need to nourish their bodies with healthy foods that optimize their cellular function. Nutrient-rich items such as fruits and vegetables are ideal. A person should also include lean proteins and healthy fats in their diet.

Antioxidants protect the shields from damage, so they should be a part of every person’s diet. Berries, nuts, and seeds are excellent sources of antioxidants, and leafy greens are another option. Furthermore, men and women should focus on their gut health and ensure their gut microbiome is balanced.

Functional medicine focuses on more than treating symptoms. It takes a holistic approach to health and well-being. Today, individuals turn to functional medicine for graceful aging because they can see and feel the results. Every person should try this option to see if it benefits them; the overwhelming majority will find it does. 

Joshua White is a passionate and experienced website article writer with a keen eye for detail and a knack for crafting engaging content. With a background in journalism and digital marketing, Joshua brings a unique perspective to his writing, ensuring that each piece resonates with readers. His dedication to delivering high-quality, informative, and captivating articles has earned him a reputation for excellence in the industry. When he’s not writing, Joshua enjoys exploring new topics and staying up-to-date with the latest trends in content creation.

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