THE LIFESTYLE CHANGES THAT APPEARED TO REVERSE AGING
- Kathleen Clemens
- Nov 13, 2023
- 2 min read
The results from a study conducted by the American Nutrition Association and Virginia Commonwealth University are astounding! See the table below that supports the potential reversal of biological age from simply following an 8 week methylation-supportive diet and lifestyle program.
ABOUT THE STUDY: Six females in the 46-65 age range followed an 8 week long program focusing on positive alterations to diet, sleep, and exercise. As well they were given nutritional coaching, relaxation techniques and phytonutrient supplements. The study was published this past March in the medical journal, Aging. Noteworthy results demonstrated a reduction in biological age of up to 11 years in five of the six women, with the average participant experiencing a 4.6-year decrease.
CHRONOLOGICAL VS. BIOLOGICAL AGE
Simply put, chronological age means how many years you have been alive, while biological age means how old your cells are. Another term you may hear to describe the latter is your “epigenetic age”. The epigenome contains chemical compounds that modify the genome (the entire set of DNA instructions found in a cell). One of my favorite descriptions is that it is a “vast, churning sea of chemical changes that determine where and when different parts of the genome are turned on or off”. Essentially, while the genes our parents gave us are a fixed variable, we can improve the way our bodies use them through epigenetic modifications. What is fascinating is that this study supports the idea that we can do so through healthy lifestyle choices. How empowering is that!?
ACCORDING TO THE STUDY, HERE ARE THE LIFESTYLE CHANGES THAT APPEARED TO REVERSE AGING:
(What made me smile ear-to-ear was reading this quote in the study discussion as it supports my 80/20 rule, “None of the women completed all tasks all days, and that’s okay, researchers wrote. Improvements in biological age were seen among women who adhered to the program an average of 82% of the time.” What we do 80% of the time makes up our health – aim for progress, not perfection!)
In summary, this is proof of what I preach – how we live truly does affect how long we live!! I’m excited to share this information, as the changes emphasize food and movement as medicine. They are accessible to all, affordable and easy to adhere to. I hope you consider implementing one or two changes into your daily routine. Stay well and be kind to yourself.
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