Today, while browsing through Instagram, I stumbled upon the profile of a fit-looking girl. As I scrolled through her pictures, I couldn't help but admire her lean physique and watch some videos showcasing her hard work at the gym. However, one particular post caught my attention: "Why I Do Not Do Keto." In that post, she confessed her love for carbs. It got me thinking: this girl seems to be in her early 30s or maybe even younger. What advice would I give to my younger self? What did I do in my 30s that has negatively impacted my health now that I'm in my 50s?
#1 Maintain the level of Vitamin D
Check your vitamin D level often – every six months. That way, you will ensure you have >100 nmol/L, vital for maintaining adequate bone density. In 2017 my level was 30 nmol/L, and my bone scan showed that one of my hip bones became thinner. Do not take contraceptive pills. Studies show that vitamin D absorption is compromised in the presence of chemicals from the drugs.
#2 Avoid cheap sunscreen
Do not use sunscreen containing chemicals you cannot pronounce. Your skin will thank you for that. Instead, practice a common-sense approach – do not fry yourself under the sun. Cover yourself with light cotton clothes. If you need sunscreen, choose one containing zinc or titanium oxides.
#3 Consume fewer carbohydrates
Reduce consumption of carbs – you will not get a sunburn, trust me. I chose to reduce carbohydrate consumption in 2010. As weird as it sounds, I can sit under the sun for 2-3 hours without getting a sunburn. Ditch the carbs for another important discovery of mine - your energy will go through the roof. Bye-bye craving!!
#4 Include good fat in your diet
Do not be afraid to eat meat with fat. I would have had fewer wrinkles by now. Never buy Canola oil. The seeds must be heavily processed to extract this oil from rapeseeds. You will be disgusted to read the chemicals' names used in its manufacturing.
#5 Get enough sleep
Fix your sleeping habits and stop using an alarm clock. You will never be reactive and emotionally unbalanced. How often did you regret that you snapped at someone dear to you or made an impulsive decision?
It's sad to realise that young people are not learning from mistakes made by previous generations. Please share with us what would be your advice to your younger self.
References
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2. Rylander, C. (2013). Oral contraceptives and vitamin D status. Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 136, 95-101.
3. Wang, S. Q., & Lim, H. W. (2011). Sunscreen safety: A review of recent developments. Current Opinion in Pediatrics, 23(4), 455-462.
4. American Academy of Dermatology. (2019). Sunscreen FAQs. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/media/stats/prevention-and-care/sunscreen-faqs
5. Rhonda, P. P., & Holick, M. F. (2019). Sunlight, UV radiation, vitamin D and skin cancer: How much sunlight do we need? Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 1268, 1-18.
6. Asserin, J., Lati, E., Shioya, T., & Prawitt, J. (2015). The effect of oral collagen peptide supplementation on skin moisture and the dermal collagen network: Evidence from an ex vivo model and randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 14(4), 291-301.
7. Wang, S., & Zhao, M. (2019). Natural antioxidants and their applications in fruits and vegetables' processing. Food and Bioproducts Processing, 115, 125-139.
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