Flexibility For A Lifetime ~ Healthy Happy Me

Flexibility For A Lifetime

Usually starting around the age of 30, the body will start with subtle changes. These changes usually are very minute and the individual will not even be aware of them. There are processes occurring that are at the forefront of these changes. Two of the most common changes are the oxidation processes that occur in the cells, and the hormonal changestaking place within our body. Not everyone will go through these changes at the same pace or with a greater impact on the body. For some individuals the changes start at an earlier age, for some it can be later, but make no mistake, everyone is prone to it and will undergo it. A better term for what it means is "aging".

Oxidation, or bringing oxygen to the cells is what keeps the cells alive and healthy. As in very process, there are by-products, and in this instance they are called "oxygen free radicals". This means the oxygen free radical is a molecule that has lost an electron. Oxygen has two electrons, and after oxidation occurs, only one electron is left. When oxidation occurs in machinery, the result on the metal parts is called "rusting". In speaking with patients about certain difficulties and symptoms they were experiencing, and their problems with such mundane tasks as simply getting up from a sitting position, or bending over to put their socks and shoes on and tying their shoelaces.

It is the free radicals that are causing this aging (rusting) process to occur in our body. The cells that have lost an electron will literally try to steal an electron from other cells. This creates a chaotic condition within the cells of the body, and the result is oxidation. The foods we eat, smoking, water and air pollution, x-rays, the suns uvb rays and a slew of environmental factors also produce these free radicals. As we advance in age, the body will start a reduction in certain hormone levels, and a rise in others causing an imbalance in the normal scheme of things. An example of such a change is the reduction of the human growth hormone (HGH). This hormone is a factor in the growth of all of our body's organs, and as it decreases, we age more rapidly. There are many more hormones that play a role in this aging process and thus impact the flexibility of our body. However, we may discuss that in the future as the aging process. Suffice to say, this will give you an overview of why we undergo lose of flexibility. So, how do we combat this insidious process? Read how in the health hints below.
Health Hints:

If you smoke-STOP!
Drink enough water and make sure it is free of contaminates.
Eat a diet of fruits, vegetables, fish, whole grains and poultry. Eat a minimum of red meat. Do not eat fried foods, foods high in salt or sugars.
Take a multivitamin and mineral supplement daily.
In addition, be sure you are getting enough of the antioxidant vitamins C, E and beta carotene. Most individuals will not get enough in the foods they eat, and should take them as a supplement in addition to the multivitamin.
Watch your posture. Stand and sit tall, keeping your head up, shoulders back, and your back straight.
Do not be a couch potato. Walk and move all through the day. Walk instead of driving whenever you can. Also walk steps.
If you are not doing an exercise program regularly, start one now. It's never too late.