ReZoom

Internationally known wellness expert, Dr. Mark Houston, rolls his anti-aging expertise into a convenient nutshell: Take a look at his top 7 suggestions on how ReZoomers can prolong life while keeping fit in both body and spirit.

1. Eat an anti-inflammatory diet. Reduce refined carbohydrates and foods that spark a sudden surge in blood sugar levels. Consume 10 servings of relatively uncooked fresh fruits and vegetables per day – ideally, six vegetables and four fruits of multiple colors, especially a variety of dark berries and grapes. Reduce saturated fats, inflammatory omega 6 fats and eliminate all trans fats. Eat more high-quality vegetable animal protein, such as cold water fish, wild game and grass- or range-fed meat.

2. Take resveratrol. Found naturally in grapes and berries, resveratrol shows promise as an anti-aging nutrient. Most scientists recommend the equivalent of 150 mg per day for an average adult. Since a bottle of red wine contains only about 1.2 mg of resveratrol, supplements are necessary in order to consume a recommended dose. Designs for Health as well as other neuraceutical companies now offer resveratrol supplements.

3. Drink water. Consume at least 100 ounces of filtered or bottled water — from glass, not plastic. Plastic may contain toxic chemicals that get into the water over time. Add some fresh lemon or lime to each glass.

4. Avoid all tobacco products. Both active and passive smoke will undo what efforts you are making towards longevity.

5. Exercise for at least one hour per day. Your regimen should include a combination of aerobics, resistance training, and flexibility and agility exercises. The good news is that hour per day doesn't have to be continuous – you can divide the time into 15 or 30 minute segments. Start slowly, with less time and less strenuous exercises and increase the duration and level of exercise over several months. Exercise your mind as well with reading, crossword puzzles, math, memory tests and other mental exercises.

6. Take stock of your emotional well-being. Maintain an optimistic attitude and be a positive thinker. Be adaptable and forgiving. Have a lot of love in your life and maintain friendships – social, family and intellectual connections. Reductions in stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenalin levels, help to reduce blood pressure and heart rate, while they improve immune function and brain function. Consider having a pet.

7. Monitor alcohol consumption. Consumption of small amounts of alcohol per day may increase your life span and reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Although any alcohol may be effective, red wines — especially those with high resveratrol — may be the best. A six-ounce glass of red wine per day is optimal. More is not better and has detrimental health consequences.