When people are young, they are less likely to take into consideration the way their choices will affect their health in both the present and the future. The question is, are you actively looking after your health? Or do you believe there’s no reason to? Here are five reasons why you should protect your health during your youth.
1. A Strong Defense Against Illness and Disease
Exercising and eating a balanced diet when you are young seems like a chore rather than a necessity. However, there are many health benefits related to doing so.
Healthy habits also boost our immune system, making it easy for us to fight against illnesses and recover quickly. People who eat healthily have stronger bones and teeth, reduced risk of cancer and better mood regulation than those who did not.
2. An Easier Old Age
Maintaining your health in your youth may save you a lot of problems in your old age. Healthy youths are more likely to stay healthy even in old age, avoiding lifestyle diseases such as stroke, high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.
A diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and lean protein enhances brain health. A high intake of leafy greens may provide some form of protection against Alzheimer’s disease while also slowing down brain degradation.
3. Slow Down the Aging Process
Young people who avoid bad habits such as smoking or drinking, avoiding processed sugars and deep-fried and processed foods may age much slower than those who do not.
People who exercise regularly enjoy stronger bones and high energy levels, even in old age. A study published in the Journal of Preventive Medicine showed that cell turnover for adults who exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes daily was on par with people nine years younger than them.
4. Less to Worry About When You Are Old
Even as we maintain our health and practice good eating habits, we know that the future can still be uncertain. A good way to look after your health is to get health insurance.Getting a plan now will translate into greater savings for you later on in life. Even while you are young, you will be secure in the case of unexpected health crises such as cancer or accidents.
5. It’s not all about physical health
Mental health is also an aspect of general health and not taking care of your physical health may impact on it. Exercising and laughing regularly stimulates the release of endorphins (your feel-good hormones).
Getting adequate sleep, meditating and exercising also stimulates the release of dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that has been linked to motivation and memory. Both dopamine and endorphins create a sense of well-being and happiness.
So, instead of thinking about the terrible day you have had, get on a treadmill and release some endorphins. Or eat some yoghurt, blueberries, bananas, leafy grains or whole grains, foods good for your body and mind.
As you age, it is inevitable that your health won’t be what it used to be. However, the better care you take of your health when you are young, the more like you are to age well. So, get out there and get started on taking care of your health.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
