Nutrition

The MIND Diet. “Inflammaging” is the age related increase in pro-inflammatory markers in our blood and tissues. You can easily guess many of the culprits that contribute to ongoing chronic stress such as poor diet, stress, smoking, alcohol, sleep habits, excess body fat and dental health. The MIND Diet, a fusion of the Mediterranean Diet and the DASH Diet has been proven to help reduce chronic inflammation. While more research is needed, this retrospective research pulled data on 1,644 dementia-free adults, aged 60+ from the Framingham Heart Study. They were checked every four to seven years for neuro, blood, diet and other factors. Greater compliance to the MIND diet showed a slower pace of aging, as well as lower odds of developing dementia and dying. Upright, independent and faculties intact is the way to go!  https://www.health.com/mind-diet-slow-aging-reduce-dementia-risk-8623073. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/mind-diet-linked-to-slower-aging-and-lower-dementia-risk

PFAS. This week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the final National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for six PFAS- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). PFAS are chemicals that can cause serious health problems if you are exposed to them over long periods, or at critical times like pregnancy and early childhood. While some of the most harmful PFAS have already been phased out due to health and environmental concerns, there are still thousands in use. Since PFAS break down slowly, they can build up in people, animals, and the environment over time. One of my key mantras is to make water your beverage of choice so further reducing PFAS in our water make it safer for all of us humans, animals and the foods we grow. https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas

Exercise

The Best Time to Exercise? The best time to work out is when you’re willing and able to do so. Bonus points are awarded if you enjoy it in the moment as much as the endorphin high afterwards. There are different benefits based on your timing. Morning exercise may provide higher energy, improved focus throughout the day and greater fat burn in the morning. Afternoon workouts might provide for focused, harder training while improving Circadian rhythms, and evenings are potentially less rushed, safer and allow you to destress. https://www.askmen.com/fitness/workout/best-time-of-day-to-workout.html?utm_source=GetShift.net&utm_medium=email

Mental and Brain Health

Social Isolation = Faster Aging. A recent Mayo Clinic Study of over 280,000 adults having received care between June 2019 – March 2022 showed faster aging with greater social isolation. See Table 1 for “Questions of the Survey for Evaluating the Status of Social Connection”. How do you score? What steps can you take to reduce your social isolation or that of family and friends in need? We’re all a bit more challenged to this end with worsened social habits due to remote work environments, technology reliance and forced self reliance that has extended post covid. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772963X24000681?via%3Dihub. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-03-social-isolation-linked-biological-age.html

Recipe of the Week

Fruity Guacamole. Change up your guacamole dip based on the season by adding spring strawberries, summer mangoes, peaches or pineapple and fall figs. https://www.eatright.org/recipes/snacks-and-sides/fruity-guacamole-recipe

Thought for the Week

Categories: Nutrition & Wellness

Tags: Diet, environment, Exercise, forever-chemicals, guacamole, health, mind, pfas, Water