Introduction- Aging is a long journey that every single one of us has to undergo, but each of us is going to get affected in many different ways. Some of us associate the term ‘aging’ with looking older in real life, having a smattering of white hair on the head, greying facial hair, dealing with wrinkles and sagging skin, pigmentation related issues, an uptick in body aches - both in severity and frequency, having to eat less, not being able to move freely and so on. While these are obviously true, there are so many other signs that show aging is not exactly a linear process and that there are signposts littered along the way- giving you fair warning. These are what we call ‘signs of premature aging’. Let us look at what they are and how they can be slowed down.
Natural Methods To Prevent Premature Aging
The best ways you can influence aging and try to slow it down include focusing on a nutritious diet, getting enough sleep every night, knowing when you are stressed and then to effectively destress, exercising regularly every week, taking good care of your skin and not drinking, smoking or consuming any substance that is harmful for you. If you follow this everyday, you should be able to see a drastic improvement in your energy levels and you’ll feel way better and look amazing too!
Not really following these pointers is pretty normal too- this is because it does involve a particular level of commitment to eating properly- going food shopping and then planning meals everyday of the week is not super easy either. Important diet related tips include- eating many different kinds of veggies and fruits daily, in multiple servings, not using a lot of sugary additives, eating enough carbohydrates and fats but not too much and not giving in to cravings every single time. The more colorful your plate looks, the better- this is because all those pigment molecules are essentially antioxidants and can help prevent cellular damage at the most basic level. Drinking a lot of water is also a total no-brainer and needs no explanation.
Effective Natural Antioxidants To Slow Down Aging-
There are tonnes of natural antioxidants available, and they have mostly always been around too. There is no need to get fancy and invest in expensive stuff either. The best compounds are - Vitamins C, E, carotenoids and polyphenols from plants which give fruits, veggies and flowers their vibrant colors, resveratrol which directly impacts cellular damage pathways and Coenzyme Q10.
Conclusion
Some lifestyle changes to prevent natural aging of skin include not getting out in the sun too much and even if you have to- by using sunscreen generously. The sun sends all sorts of rays- X-rays and UV rays especially, which can damage your skin and this happens even if it is a cloudy day. You should also make it a habit to eat good quality food, drink clean water and get regular health checkups. That way, you find deficiencies faster and can treat them with supplements. Some herbs and supplements that help prevent premature aging include curcumin from turmeric or haldi, vitamins and minerals from food, resveratrol, NMN, Apigenin, trimethylglycine, Coenzyme Q10, collagen, keratin, biotin, quercetin etc. among many others.
FAQs
1. Which foods should I include in my diet to help slow aging naturally?
Foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, fatty acids and antioxidants are good for you- and not just for your skin. Water by itself is a fantastic ingredient that can help hydrate your body and help your skin look better than ever.
2. What daily habits should I adopt to maintain youthful skin?
You need to cleanse and moisturise very well everyday, no excuses. But, use gentle cleansers because if you use harsh chemicals, then you can damage the skin barrier. You need to eat well and hydrate well too. You should never go to sleep with any makeup on. You should also focus on getting enough sleep, every night, because that is the time the repair mechanisms in your body work really well.
3. How does sun exposure influence premature aging and what natural protection methods can I use?
Sunlight is composed of rays of different wavelengths, of which the most well known are UV and X-rays, which can damage cells, cause DNA mutation, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, age spots and loss in elasticity in general. This is why using sunscreen is so important.
4. Can hydration impact the aging process, and how much water should I drink?
The age old adage of drinking at least 3 litres of water everyday is going to save you now and always. Dehydration has been linked to a higher risk of developing certain chronic conditions like degenerative diseases, causing your skin to look sad and dull and also affecting how your heart and brain function, as these 2 organs are highly dependent on ions like sodium and potassium for their proper survival.
5. How does stress contribute to premature aging and what natural methods can help manage it?
Chronic stress can cause increased levels of inflammation in the body, which means your body is always trying to achieve equilibrium and is failing to do so. This means a massive waste of resources and the higher possibility of developing diseases which will last for a lifetime, caused due to ‘inflammaging’. So, it is important that you manage stress actively- by doing whatever it takes to destress.


