As the years fly by, I’ve recently become obsessed with discovering how to live them even better. It’s not about the number of years I have; it’s whether I live them fully and in robust health. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to keep my mind, body, and spirit as young as I can for as long as I can. Facing one’s mortality is, shall we say, not for sissies and provides a very powerful motivator!
I spent my first 40 years doing all the wrong things, although I didn’t know that then. I ate lots of gluten and did very little exercise, which led to severe digestive issues and other complications.
Confession: I owned a bakery in the late 80’s where I served up, and consumed, copious amounts of over-the-top delicious muffins, cinnamon rolls, and scones. I cringe now when I think about how much sugar I peddled back in those days.
I “found nutrition” in my early 40s and fell in love with this dynamic and burgeoning field, where mysteries are still unfolding. I love that I will never fully comprehend the human body, although I’m a lifelong devotee of study. The application of this knowledge to each individual’s unique, biochemical individuality provides both endless challenge and fascination. Hopefully my second career, where I serve my clients and students as a functional nutritionist, is absolving me of the sins of my past!
Now in my sixtieth decade, the clock is ticking just a little louder. I can no longer defer maintenance. Which brings me to my current infatuation with vibrant longevity. What can I do now to ensure that I stay healthy, vital, and resilient for as long as possible?
Of course it starts with a clean diet, lots of water, and plenty of exercise. I am an avid hiker and Pelotoner and spend a good 5-6 hours a week in a hard workout. My body feels better than it ever has.
I also focus on ensuring my sleep is solid, my environment is free of toxins, and I am surrounded with people who have similar values. None of these factors in and of themselves will make or break our health but they carry cumulative weight and all contribute to the whole. Toxins, for example, are now implicated in dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease as a primary cause.
Of late, my research has taken a deep dive into the functioning of the brain and genetics. Looking at one’s genetic propensities does not portend one’s destiny but can reveal potential ancestral landmines to which I can either remain oblivious, or I can actively do my darnedest to avoid. It’s my lifestyle, my epigenetics, that determine whether or not those detrimental genes turn on or not.
For example, my genetics indicate a susceptibility to high oxidative stress, which is the equivalent of rust in the body. This is something I can monitor with targeted blood work and in order to circumvent this becoming my reality, my diet is high in phytonutrients and antioxidants and I supplement with these nutrients as well.
My genetic make-up also indicates a predisposition for cognitive decline. As scary as it is to see this on paper, my ultimate response has been a definite “Oh hell no, not on my watch!!” I’m confident I can keep my brain fully functional by maintaining glycemic control, eating healthy fats, avoiding toxins, learning new things, exercising daily, and doing my very best to keep stress low.
Through understanding my genetic propensities, I can empower myself to monitor and stay on top of how my brain performs. Our genes do not determine our destiny – they show us where we need to focus.
Another genetic predilection tells me I am at higher-than-average risk for diabetes and high cholesterol, two health factors over which I have tremendous control through my diet and lifestyle. And because I’m devoted to fueling with a nutrient-dense, low starch diet, I have no problem with these issues.
Our genes do not determine our future but knowing our potential areas of weaknesses can enable us to do all we can to overcome them. Armed with the awareness of my ancestral risks, I’m able to strengthen those weaker areas to ensure they don’t become my reality. Knowledge truly is power and I’m determined to age like Benjamin Button as best I can!
If you are interested in the brain and genetics, Level 4 of the Institute of Restorative Health’s curriculum includes how to use the power of genetics and optimize neurological function in your practice. It premieres in April 2021. Learn more here.
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FAQ
The following frequently asked questions expand on the key concepts in this article and provide additional context for practitioners interested in healthy aging, genetics, and lifestyle-based prevention.
Who can benefit from a proactive approach to healthy aging?
Anyone can benefit from adopting healthy lifestyle habits before significant disease develops. The article emphasizes that healthy aging is built through consistent daily practices that support long-term vitality, resilience, and quality of life rather than simply extending lifespan.
What does it mean to age well from a functional nutrition perspective?
Aging well means supporting lifelong vitality through nutrition, movement, sleep, environmental health, and other lifestyle factors. According to the article, these habits work together cumulatively to promote physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being over time.
Why is lifestyle considered so important for healthy aging?
Lifestyle influences many of the factors associated with long-term health. The article highlights a clean diet, regular exercise, quality sleep, adequate hydration, toxin reduction, and supportive relationships as foundational contributors to healthy aging.
Do genetics determine whether someone will develop chronic disease?
No. The article explains that genetics reveal potential susceptibilities rather than predetermined outcomes. Lifestyle and epigenetic influences help determine whether those genetic tendencies are expressed.
How can genetic testing support personalized health strategies?
Genetic testing can help identify areas where additional monitoring and lifestyle support may be beneficial. The article describes using genetic information to prioritize targeted nutrition, lifestyle interventions, and appropriate laboratory monitoring.
What is oxidative stress, and why is it relevant to aging?
Oxidative stress is described in the article as the equivalent of “rust” in the body. The author discusses monitoring oxidative stress with targeted blood work while supporting antioxidant defenses through a phytonutrient-rich diet and appropriate supplementation.
How does glycemic control support healthy brain aging?
The article identifies maintaining glycemic control as one strategy for supporting long-term cognitive health. It is presented alongside healthy fats, regular exercise, stress management, toxin avoidance, and continued learning as part of an overall brain health strategy.
What lifestyle habits may help support cognitive function as we age?
The article suggests that several lifestyle habits may support healthy brain function, including:
- Maintaining glycemic control
- Eating healthy fats
- Exercising regularly
- Continuing to learn new skills
- Managing stress
- Reducing exposure to environmental toxins
These habits are presented as ways to support brain health despite genetic predispositions.
What role do environmental toxins play in healthy aging?
The article identifies minimizing toxin exposure as one component of a healthy aging strategy. It notes that environmental toxins have been implicated in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease and emphasizes creating a healthier living environment as part of an overall wellness plan.
Can diet and lifestyle influence the risk of diabetes or high cholesterol?
According to the article, diet and lifestyle can significantly influence these health risks, even when a genetic predisposition exists. The author describes using a nutrient-dense, low-starch dietary pattern alongside healthy lifestyle habits to support metabolic health.
Why is biochemical individuality important when developing longevity strategies?
Biochemical individuality recognizes that each person’s health needs are unique. The article explains that applying nutrition and lifestyle strategies within the context of an individual’s genetic tendencies allows for a more personalized approach to healthy aging.
How can practitioners use genetics to personalize client care?
The article suggests that genetics can help practitioners identify potential areas of vulnerability and prioritize prevention strategies. Rather than predicting disease, genetic information can help guide individualized nutrition, lifestyle, monitoring, and long-term health planning.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anne Fischer Silva’s journey in the field of functional nutrition over the last 23 years began in a functional medicine practice, where she learned the power of objective testing. From there she opened her own business, A New Leaf Nutrition, where she built a wait-list distance practice. Anne has taught nutrition courses in Washington, Hawaii, and California, and hosted a radio show, “Health-Wise”, for 3 years. She helped develop the original curriculum for the Nutritional Therapy Association, was a lead instructor with NTA for 8 years, and she continues to lecture nationally on a variety of health topics. Anne founded the Institute of Restorative Health in 2013 with the sole purpose of training other nutrition professionals how to address complex issues with their clients and achieve the same stellar results she gets in her practice.
The core principles Anne built the Institute of Restorative Health upon are the importance of nutrient-dense foods and balancing biochemistry. From there, she looks for the deeper underlying issues by utilizing a variety of testing techniques and customized healing methods to restore optimal function and health.
Anne received her certification in functional nutrition from Advanced Integrated Medical Institute in Washington, DC in 2000 and she is a Master Restorative Health Practitioner and Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner.
*In 2022, Anne decided to pursue new and different aspects of holistic wellness and left the Institute of Restorative Health in the hands of her dear friend and business partner, Margaret Floyd Barry.
