How to Stay Healthy Over 40

Staying healthy over 40 isn’t necessarily more complicated than when you were 30. It’s just that you want to start or continue with prevention, rather than wait for a cure to a disease that could have been avoided in the first place. Here are a few things:

1. Add B12 to your daily supplements.

B12 supports healthy nerve and blood cells and is needed to make DNA. Older adults are at a greater risk for B12 deficiency, but adding the vitamin to your diet in a supplemental form can help prevent symptoms.

2. Cut back on salt.

The older we get, the more likely we are to develop hypertension (high blood pressure) because our blood vessels become less elastic as we age. Having high blood pressure puts us at risk for stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease and early death.

Aim for 1500 mg or less sodium per day, which is about ½ tsp. You can start adding herbs in place of salt when you cook at home. Many herbs provide anti-cancer benefits as well; oregano, thyme, and rosemary are all high in antioxidants.

Salt can be “hidden” in foods you would not expect so be careful and read labels as well.

3. Look into increasing your calcium and vitamin D intake.

Due to gastric and hormone changes, D levels and calcium absorption tank around age 40. Furthermore, evidence shows that postmenopausal women have an increased risk of osteoporosis because of their lack of estrogen. To make matters worse, after 50, the body will break down more bone than it will build. This puts women over 50 at risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures.

It’s ideal to consume adequate calcium before age 30, but it’s never too late to increase rich calcium sources in your diet.

There you have it! 3 ways to stay healthy or become healthier if you’re over 40. If you’re a little younger, it’s still worthwhile to keep these tips in mind. Contact our clinic to find out about how you can live your life in the healthiest ways possible!