Research: Cutting calories by 25% may reverse aging.

According to The Sun: Now is the perfect time to make lifestyle changes that can help you stay young for years to come. New research from Columbia University in New York, funded by the National Institute on Aging in the USA, has shown that reducing calorie intake by 25% may halt the aging process and add years to your life.

'One of the questions I get asked most often is, 'How can I stay young?'. Aging is a natural process that we cannot escape. But we can improve our chances of not aging prematurely by making some changes in our lives, and now is the perfect time for that,' says Dr. Jeff.

Ten tips from Dr. Jeff for a younger appearance

• 1) Quit smoking: Smoking is one of the most harmful substances to our bodies, impacting everything from cancer risk to chronic lung diseases, and on a more subtle level, causing premature aging.
• 2) Change fats: Focus on reducing saturated fat intake (butter, cakes, and fatty meats) and increase intake of Omega-3 fats (fatty fish, nuts, and seeds), which help slow down a key biological process that leads to tissue damage and visible signs of aging.
• 3) Exercise: Staying fit is true medicine. It improves heart function, lowers blood pressure, enhances metabolism, hormone production, and releases endorphins.

It supports gut health and reduces the risk of cancer. The benefits vary throughout life - for instance, it helps prevent arthritis more in older people than in children, but every age group can benefit from moving more.

• 4) Stimulate your brain: Treat your brain like a muscle, because it is one. Be sociable and avoid stress.
• 5) Sleep: Those who think they can get by on just a few hours of sleep per night risk facing disastrous health issues later on. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep and disconnect for an hour before bed.
• 6) Get a medical check-up: Hormones, nutrients, and organs decrease with age, but they can be tested and restored if necessary.

Talk to your doctor or visit your hospital pharmacy for advice.

• 7) Limit alcohol consumption: Government recommendations are now reduced to a maximum of 14 units per week for both men and women. But they are likely to decrease even further.
• 8) Increase protein intake: This is necessary to promote the growth of every cell in your body. You should try to consume a small amount of high-quality protein at every meal.

Studies show that older people who consume higher levels of protein are less likely to lose 'function' - such as the ability to dress themselves, get out of bed, climb stairs, and remain independent.

• 9) Reduce calories: This can have a noticeable effect on the risk of diseases and conditions associated with aging - including diabetes, arterial clogging, heart attacks, and strokes - and may also prolong your life.
• 10) Balance your hormones: They can affect almost every aspect of our health and well-being, and an imbalance can ultimately lead to chronic health issues.