Omar not only eats a balanced diet, watches his weight, takes regular exercise and does community work but also manages his family business himself at the age of 88. He controls stress through family interaction and hobbies.
Is he overworking or overstressing himself? No, because he enjoys everything that he does. He planned a lifestyle that used moderation in all daily habits. When asked his age, he replies, “I feel I am 25.”
Omar, with his balanced daily habits, has succeeded in prolonging his prime, improving the quality of his health and life and probably increasing his life-expectancy.
His lifestyle is not a race against time but living and aging gracefully with time. According to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), “And you have an obligation toward your body, too.” Yes, you, I and owe it to ourselves to remain healthy, well and energetic — but how? I shall mention some points to include in your daily schedule that will improve performance, fitness and vitality both physically and mentally.
The first step is to take care of your body with all the nutrients required for health and well-being. Plan your meals to include proteins, good fats, whole carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. To nourish your cells, I suggest you focus on the last two nutrients which provide you with antioxidants. Food sources of these powerful nutrients are vegetables and fruits.
They should be abundant in your daily diet in order to counteract cellular damage from oxidized cells or free radicals. Antioxidants restore impaired cells before they can cause illness and speed the aging process. They are the ammunition against free radicals. A study conducted by the National Cancer Institute found that women who followed a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meat and low-fat dairy products reduced their risk of dying from any disease by 30 percent.
Antioxidants are loaded with such vitamins as A (carotenoids), C, E and the mineral selenium which protects your skin, brain cells, heart, immune system and others.
Soybean rich in isoflavones and phytosterols contains potent cancer-fighting and cardiovascular-protecting phytochemicals. Aim to increase your intake of soy and its byproducts.
Other cancer fighting substances come from some mushrooms, such as maitake, shiitake, and reishi grown in Japan and China. Maitake is known for its healing abilities which boost immunity and prevent tumors. Shiitake is believed to strengthen T cells which are important in maintaining immunity. Reishi, an antiviral agent, lowers both cholesterol and blood pressure.
Garlic also has anti-aging properties that strengthen the cardiovascular system. Remember a sedentary life will lead you to obesity and its related illnesses.
Inactivity accelerates aging clock bone loss, vascular disorders and susceptibility to depression, weight gain, and disease. Preempt this chain reaction by planning a daily fitness routine because this is the way to long active and healthy years and slower aging. If, however, you are older, remember to be kind and gentle to your body by switching from high intensity sports to low intensity ones such as walking, swimming, and cycling.
Along with an unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle, mental and emotional stress are our worst enemies. Make a special effort to relax; have massage therapy or practice some form of meditation. Bvitamins can also lessen stress. Remember, excesses can burn you and your body out. According to the Arabic saying, “He who abuses his body today will feel the abuse tomorrow.”
Why should illness be inevitable or aging a source of misery if you care for your health and body properly? Caring for your body today may prove to be a solid foundation for a healthy and happy tomorrow. Quality health should offer you the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual balance and harmony to last you long and healthy years. Be smart and seize the opportunity. It is all yours.
(Mariam Alireza is a holistic science specialist. Send comments to [email protected].)
