Page 28 - Summer2014

The most important characteristic of age-related gut dysbiosis is the One of the most important strategies to
decline in the abundance, diversity and adhesive properties of Bifidobac- healthful aging and long life is to maintain a
terium species, which have important anti-infective and immunomodula- healthy immune system via the gut. Centenar-
tory functions. Lower levels are associated with an increased susceptibil- ians studied have healthy immune factors and
ity to gastrointestinal and systemic infections as well as inflammatory the portion of healthy Bifidobacterium species
conditions. This status leads to a decline in immunological function ranging from 53 to 87 percent compared to 40
accompanied by an increase in inflammation, called “inflamm-aging,” a percent found in healthy younger people.
characteristic of many chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, “ Bifidobacterium strains isolated from
Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and cancer. Aging is healthy centenarians have been shown to en-
also accompanied by a decrease in innate as well as adaptive immunity, hance both immune function and intestinal func-
termed “immunosenescence,” which relates to an increased susceptibility tion in healthy mice following oral administra-
to infections and autoimmunity. tion. These findings provide tantalizing evidence
that healthy centenarians are characterized by

WAYS TO PROMOTE HEALTHY, HAPPY AGING

• First and foremost, avoid all industrial fats and oils, such as margarine, spreads, artificial whipped cream, commercial
dips and cooking oils. Use butter liberally, cook with animal fats and use olive oil in salad dressings.

• Take it easy on the sweets, and use only natural sweeteners.
• Make sure foods are easy to digest, using bone broths and proper cooking techniques. Eat lacto-fermented foods daily.

• Raw whole milk can be a senior citizen's best friend; it is a full nutritional package that is very easy to digest.

• Avoid all pharmaceutical drugs, especially the cholesterol-lowering statin drugs.
• For healthy catalase production, favor foods with lots of healthy sulfur like eggs, garlic, and crucifers. Avoid food addi-
tives, artificial flavorings and sweeteners, and products made with them as they create oxidative stress in your body.
• Avoid genetically modified foods like corn, soy, cottonseed oil (in many snack foods), sugar beets, and papayas. GMO
feeds cause rampant inflammation in the pigs and cancerous tumors in laboratory animals.

• Avoid fluoridated water by using reverse osmosis filtration or spring water, and don’t ingest instant teas, conventional
grape juice and wines, which all contain high levels of fluoride.

• Make it a pleasurable priority to search out organic, local and biodynamically grown fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs.
Even better, grow at least some of your own!

• Make sure you get plenty of fat-soluble vitamins from grass-fed butter and egg yolks, organ meats, fatty fish and cod
liver oil.

• Exercise, walk, and maintain a happy, grateful mood during the day. Relaxation exercises and yoga lead to higher mela-
tonin production.

• Eat only enough to satisfy hunger, savor your meals in relaxed surroundings with good company, and avoid excess
calories and stress-related eating.
• Get enough good quality sleep regularly.

• Selenium, vitamin C ascorbates or natural vitamin C formulations, omega-3 fatty acids, and natural sources of vitamins
E and K are great antioxidants.

• Pure water is healthful and delicious. Avoid diuretics such as coffee or tea, which flush out minerals.

• Maintaining an active social life and friendships is good for mental health.
• Intellectual and cultural activities such as attending opera or theater, reading and writing keep your mind young.
28 Wise Traditions SUMMER 2014 Wise Traditions

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