A doctor has revealed there are tell-tale signs that are a dead giveaway you're probably aging terribly.
It happens to every single person on planet, no matter how much we try to appear otherwise.
Lotions and potions, or even the odd aesthetics beauty treatment now and then, are a tale as old as time when it comes to trying to reverse the clock - and work at least on the surface.
We all know by now that the key to longevity is a healthy lifestyle - made up of a balanced diet, regular exercise and steering clear of some nasty habits like smoking and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.
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However, a doctor has lifted the lid on the five warning signs you shouldn't be ignoring.
Dr Mitch Ghen, a medical director of physician education at Access Medical Labs, is a specialist in anti-aging and holistic medicine and told The New York Post most of the signs are related to physical movement.
Recovery time from sickness
If your immune system is starting to lag, you might suffer with longer illnesses and recurring infections.
Dr Ghen says a key indicator of health is being to recover from viruses - and within 10 days, too.
Aside from feeling run down a lot, one way to check you might be plagued with persistent inflammation is by looking in your mouth.
"Check your gums — they should not bleed or be inflamed with regular flossing or brushing,” he told the outlet before advising to reduce inflammation through natural compounds, curcumin and EGCG, found in tumeric and green tea.
Grip strength
Ghen said: "Stronger grip strength correlates with better muscle mass, cardiovascular health and longevity," yet as we get older, we tend to get weaker and lose muscle strength.
However, no need to waste away as your grip strength can actually be measured at a doctor's office with a dynamometer. It only takes a few seconds but can be pretty tough.
Alternatively, you can put your strength to the test at home with just a tennis ball, clenching it as hard as you can, or by wringing out a wet cloth.
Ghen said any signs of joint pain, stiffness and muscle weakness should be ringing alarm bells that your muscular system is aging.
Hormones and libido
As we age, our hormone levels naturally decline and can go through several periods of adjusting, during which you might feel a little out of sorts with mood swings, hot flushes, mental fogginess or even hair loss and trouble sleeping.
Low libido is also a sneaky sign, particularly for women going through the menopause.
Testosterone therapy can benefit both men and women in this regard, as can pregnenolone and DHEA supplements as Dr Ghen says they 'keep hormones at youthful levels.'
Forgetfulness
Feeling more confused or forgetful than normal, or perhaps struggling to concentrate, is another sign of aging.
At the more serious end, changes in your personality may also occur, all of which suggests your cognitive function is on the decline.
The goods news is the brain can be trained and strengthened just like any other muscle.
The doc says to keep challenging your brain with mental games or tasks, and to prioritise sleep which includes keeping your bedroom dark, don't take your cellphone to bed with you, turn off the Wi-Fi and avoid sleep medication.
Exercise
Keeping fit is of utmost importance for your health with experts recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week, plus dedicating at least two days to strengthening muscles.
If you feel dizzy a lot or become out of breath after doing very little activity, it could be a sign your heart is struggling to pump blood as effectively as it once did.
Topics: Fitness, Health, Mental Health, Science, Community
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