Anti-aging sounds like something you’d read on a topical cream. For many, the term is nothing more than a marketing ploy – and an effective one. Mid-life crises, heart disease, diabetes, and the increased risk of comparable conditions give people nightmares as they progress through adulthood and into their 50s and 60s. This is simply not true.
Functional Medicine
People experiencing symptoms generally attributed to “aging” tend to take one of two actions: lifestyle changes, like a new diet or exercise, or a medicinal strategy – taking pills, more supplements, or new prescriptions to treat chronic problems. The truth, though, may be far simpler.
It’s entirely possible for a 55-year old man or woman to never experience the health problems that surprise so many. Hypertension, obesity, diabetes and similar conditions aren’t set in stone; there are plenty of preventative actions you can take to embrace a better quality of life.
I should know – this is the proactive approach I have followed. Starting with testosterone replacement therapy supplemented with a new exercise program (including weight training five times per week), a high protein/low carb diet, and changes to sleep habits and alcohol consumptions, I’ve managed to avoid the common problems of aging. This is an approach I pass on to those patients I serve through functional medicine.
Each day I work with patients to help them understand how functional medicine works by targeting their unique physiology and biochemistry. Think of functional medical like taking a car in for a tune up. Instead of looking for the symptoms, I take a proactive strategy of measuring urine, saliva, or blood to gauge an individuals’ health and how his or her body uses these components in a chemical reaction. I am able to take this information to restore the body’s optimal metabolic function.
Four Steps to Improve Overall Health
I believe the best approach to personal health is one taken on a personal level. Do you feel stressed? Are you gaining weight, feeling bloated, or struggling with memory or retention? Changes to strength or libido may be considered “normal” for our age, but this is not true. Knowing how to make the right changes, whether it’s turning off electronics two hours before sleep or only drinking a half glass of wine once or twice a month, is best left to a conversation between you and a physician. There are general steps the average person can take though to improve his or her health over time:
Drink plenty of water. I can’t stress that enough.
Take essential supplements. Omega 3 and fish oil (from a reputable, mercury-free brand) are beneficial to everyone. Vitamin D is crucial.
Consider decreasing your caloric intake. Modify your diet with fruit, vegetables, and protein.
Focus on being happy. Stress is a major factor in a person’s overall health.
Age is no excuse not to pursue your happiness! Reconnect or pursue new relationships, set new financial, spiritual, or personal goals, and never stop learning. If you’re unhappy, you have the power to change that. By chasing these dreams, the body will respond positively.
Dr. Ferdinand Cabrera has 33 years of experience as a General Internist. He is the founder and president of Genesis Health Institute which specializes in Functional and Anti-Aging Medicine. He can be reach at 954-561-3175, or via the Internet at www.ghinstitute.com.