A recent article in the news talks about Dr. Jeffry Life who endorses a regimen of human growth hormone and testosterone injections for his patients to keep them young…all in the pursuit of longevity. This blog is about a healthy life and longevity, but takes quite a different approach to the matter.
What is our human potential for long life? The longest lived person with proof is Jeanne Calment at the age of 122. The maximum life span of humans throughout recorded history has been 115 to 120 years despite life expectancy continually improving. Dan Buettner has identified so-called Blue Zones, places in the world where people live over 100 years with active lives. What can we do to live over 100 years without having to move to the Blue Zones?
My plan for longevity enlists the power of nature. What we do against nature will keep us from fulfilling our longevity potential. A simple example of this is breakfast cereal. It seems innocuous enough to have a bowl of cereal. People do it everyday for years. But think about it. These flakes or “O”’s in the case of Cheerios are processed and do not readily present themselves au naturel. Then we have the brilliant idea of adding sugar to seal the deal. Sure we may survive this regular consumption of cereal, but for how long? Instead consider eating whole grains, like oats. Bread and noodles, that are not highly processed or full of added sweeteners, are also alternatives for our breakfast starch.
More and more people extol the benefits of “whole foods”. What does this entail? Well, it does not mean simply shopping at a place called “Whole Foods”.
For me, whole food means eating brown rice instead of white rice. It means also eating more a variety of foods rather than habitually clinging to eating patterns to indulge your tastes.
We are somewhat limited by the number of animal meats available for our dinner tables. Of course, there is elk and lion, but they’re not so accessible. The variety of vegetables available easily exceeds the variety of animal foods. Too often people think that a salad is sufficient to keep a balanced diet. No, we should eat a greater variety of vegetables.
I am not one against human invention as is the case of breakfast cereal. I am neither against western medicine especially when my psychiatric practice consists of prescribing many medications. Injections of human growth hormone or testosterone as well have a place. I simply believe that staying closer to the flow of nature will optimize our longevity.
The effects of a particular medication exemplifies nature in action. Yes, the medication is artificial or synthetic but the resulting effect is based on the forces of nature coming together, the medication and the patient’s body. Staying closer to nature takes less of toll on the overall chance for longevity.
A preventive approach of Western medicine to screen for colon cancer at age 50 with a colonoscopy has value. What I emphasize is a lifestyle that keeps you from creating a cancerous situation.
Give some thought to how your lifestyle could be closer to nature and make changes to elicit your longevity potential naturally!