The 3 Secrets to Living Longer
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted May 5, 2018
If there is one question I get asked all the time, it would be: How can I live a long life?
We all want to live to experience anniversaries, the births of grandchildren, and all of the other special moments our senior years have to offer.
I started studying nutrition when I was a 16 years old, and have followed that passion my whole life.
So I’ve spent lots of time contemplating this question.
And here’s what I’ve found – adding years to your life really comes down to just a few things.
Can it really be that simple?
It is. Let me prove it to you.
I always say that it is not how long you live, but how long you live a healthy life.
Your health-span is much more important than your life-span.
Collecting diseases (diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, etc. ) as you age leaves people sitting on couches and watching television for the last decade or two of their lives.
And that is no way to live.
The ideal situation is to live a long, healthy life, where you do everything you want to do, and one day peacefully pass away in your sleep.
There are people who live this way, and studying them has led to some interesting findings about what works:
#1 Regular Exercise: Exercise is something everyone should do, but we should also widen our idea of exercise to include doing dishes, cleaning the house, gardening, walking and more! People who live long lives incorporate exercise into their day: they walk to do errands, bike to a friend’s house, etc.
#2 Eating Plants: Anyone who knows me knows I eat a fair amount of meat and think meat is an important part of good health. I generally choose grass-fed and free-range meats. But here is the thing — I’ve almost never had to tell someone to eat more meat. What I’ve had a problem with is getting people to eat enough vegetables. So, focus on vegetables because they contain fiber and plant nutrients you need.
#3 Mental Health: Keep your brain in shape by keeping stress under control, developing strong relationships (friends, church, work, etc.), and getting enough good quality sleep. These keep your brain sharp.
The last key is to supplement when needed. When our bodies are missing nutrients they need, then they don’t work well.
Here is what you should take to protect your long-term health:
- Fiber keeps our bowels regular, but also removes toxins from our bodies.
- Antioxidants, especially those found in colorful fruits and veggies. If you don’t get enough vegetables in your diet, make sure you supplement. I like vitamin E, selenium, CoQ10, Alpha lipoic acid, astaxanthin, and curcumin.
- Fish oils are essential fatty acids that most people don’t get enough. Make sure you supplement if you are not eating fish two to three times a week.
- Polyphenols are phytonutrients that are found in fresh fruits and vegetables. Most people are not getting enough of these either.
Health and Happiness,
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Ed. Note: Please send your feedback: feedback@livingwelldaily.com – and click here to like us on Facebook.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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