Early aging has become a common phenomenon nowadays. With increased level of pollution, stress, lack of physical activity and junk foods, people are experiencing problems which were not as prevalent earlier and that includes early aging.
No doubt we are getting old with every passing day and aging is something natural, various genetic and environmental factors however speed up this process to a certain extent. It becomes quite important to know the reason behind early aging to analyze the problem and stay young for long.
Signs of Early Aging
Symptoms of aging can sometimes be very prominent and can create a negative effect on self confidence. Early graying hair, thinning of skin and dark spots, wrinkles and crow’s feet on the skin particularly in the face, hair loss and baldness, menopause, loss of hearing, loosening of skin, far sightedness and other physical and mental changes are indications of early aging.
These problems are hard to cure and get deteriorated with age. Most people will find a combination of one or two of these symptoms which is an indication of early aging.
Causes of Early Aging
There are many factors responsible for early aging. The information stored in your DNA is the main factor which will determine how fast you will age. Also many environmental factors also decide the rate of aging of your body. The main factor however which is responsible for early aging is the sun.
Exposure to sun’s rays can cause a considerable amount of damage to the skin and cause early aging. Also factors such as high pollution, high stress because of work, unhealthy diet, frequent weight loss and gain, smoking, high consumption of alcohol, lack of exercise etc. can lead to early aging. These factors combine together to create more havoc for your body and hence lead to early aging.
How To Control Early Aging
Although it is not possible to stop aging, one can however make sure that he or she is not aging too fast. Following are some tips to prevent early aging:
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day. Increase the quantity in summer and if you lead a very active life.
- Control stress and take frequent vacations. Also laugh a lot.
- Go for a brisk walk, do aerobics and other exercises.
- Take a proper and nutritious diet. Avoid taking fast food and pack a lunch every time you go out.
- Start a new hobby or learn new things. Solving mathematical problems is also good way to keep your brain sharp and young.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
- Apply a good sunscreen (preferably SPF 50 or more) every time you go out irrespective of the weather.
- Sleep for at least 6 hours every night.
- Eat fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidant like blueberries, orange, red grapes, Spinach, Broccoli etc.
First signs of aging can be quite scary to some people, but worrying about it can only aggravate the problem. Instead one must learn to gracefully embrace the changes and instead lead a healthy and fit lifestyle to delay aging.
The author has written numerous blog posts on heath related topics including prevention and treatment of acne, hair loss, exercise, early aging, environment and its impact on skin. She is a passionate blogger and works for HGHWorks.com.
Credits: Photo courtesy of Nathalie Babineau-Griffiths.