7 Lifestyle Tips to Support Healthy Aging: A Functional IV Therapy Toronto Guide
POSTED BY TORONTO FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CENTRE
Indeed, lifestyle modifications can help elongate the lifespan. When these changes are integrated with allopathic and functional medicine, IV therapy from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre (TFMC), and other treatments, they could potentially support long-term health goals.
Aging can contribute to the formation of chronic diseases. But an article from The Lancet has reported that, “Previous decades have shown that we are now on the cusp of being able to intervene in the aging process, probably allowing us to decrease overall mortality and morbidity rates…” The Lancet article further explains how tailored health care may contribute to today’s anti-aging effects, especially with the help of functional medicine.
At the TFMC, we adhere to the functional model to treat each patient as a unique entity. A tailored treatment plan from us – which may embrace functional-based conventional treatments, naturopathic medicine, holistic nutrition, hormone therapies, etc. – aims to tackle your unique cellular functioning, heart health, and more. This article discusses lifestyle factors to consider as you age. These practices may potentially help manage inflammation, skin quality, and mental health, while helping to improve liver detoxification and nutrient deficits.
Lifestyle practices to help optimize long-term health
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- Lessen toxin exposures: Chemical exposures, such as environmental pollutants, can promote unhealthy aging. They can heighten the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body, which can lead to DNA and cellular damage. In turn, the body becomes susceptible to early aging effects, which may weaken collagen levels, cause wrinkles and possibly allergic dermatitis. So, wear daily sunscreen and eat detoxifying foods (i.e. leafy greens).
- Adopt stress management techniques: Now’s the time to explore various stress relieving techniques, such as acupuncture, meditation, somatic breathing, etc. Chronic stress is linked to premature aging in the body. Frequently undergoing stress forces the body to pump out additional “stress” hormones, which has been correlated with cardiovascular disease, poor cognitive function, and weakened immune health.
- Embrace fresh natural ingredients: The Western diet consists of processed items, which can lack essential nutrients and contribute to nutritional deficiencies. To help prevent discomforts linked to these shortcomings (i.e. constipation), try adopting the Mediterranean Diet. According to a study of American men and women between their mid-forties and early eighties, scientists “…found that a Mediterranean-style diet combined with regular exercise, a healthy weight, and not smoking protected against early heart disease, slowed the build-up of plaque in artery walls, and reduced risk for an early death by 80 percent.”
- Consider intravenous and oral supplementation: As we age, different parts of our health may weaken (i.e. muscle function) – these changes impact our nutritional needs. Oral supplements can help sustain nutrition but for some individuals, the absorption of nutrients may be declining due to low amounts of stomach acid and chronic inflammation. Try combining daily supplements with intravenous infusion drips. This treatment modality provides a rapid absorption of nutrients without using the digestive tract. IV vitamin drips insert a solution into your vein and blood stream for immediate use, and may be suitable for general health concerns, such as supporting cellular functions and energy production.
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5. Exercise regularly: “The attenuation of the deleterious effect of aging can be accomplished through physical exercise (essentially resistance training and aerobic training),” confirms a piece from the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. Consult with a personal trainer to tailor your exercise regimen. Or, if you don’t have access to a personal trainer, ask a local gym for recommendations.
6. Get good-quality sleep: The human body may produce low amounts of melatonin with aging, and this hormone is needed for supporting sleep. Take a look at your current sleep routine and see what needs to improve. For instance, alter your dinner time so that you stop consuming a heavy meal four hours (minimum) before bedtime.
7. Embrace your friendships: According to a BMJ Open article, “Social isolation has detrimental effects on health, having been identified as a risk factor for all-cause morbidity and mortality with outcomes comparable to smoking, obesity, lack of exercise and high blood pressure.” Meet new people in a community class, schedule regular chats with family members, or go for walks with new neighbours!
If these lifestyle changes seem overwhelming, we’re here to help! Our TFMC functional health team includes a naturopathic doctor, registered nurses, medical doctors and nurse practitioners. We provide ample time to discuss your mind-body needs, especially for fostering longevity. We believe in your innate potential to reach optimal health and functioning – connect with us now.
Support healthy longevity with our approach to wellness
When it comes to enhancing your quality of life, different core components should be considered, such as genetics, environmental exposures, lifestyle factors, medical history, daily diet, etc. As we practice integrative functional medicine, our private downtown clinic aims to target your chief health concerns with customized therapies.
During your initial visit, expect a hearty chat between our clinicians and yourself – this is to comprehend your current health issues. We may also utilize lab testing services, which can help us scrutinize the state of your current condition, hormone imbalances, mineral deficiencies, etc. Then, we use these results to adapt treatment modalities for your needs. We encourage readers to read our previous post on how our Toronto IV therapy lounge may apply functional medicine testing to assess adrenal functioning.
Intravenous therapy is administered in our Toronto IV Lounge, which is inside the TFMC. We welcome patients to relax and reflect on their health needs with tailored doses of vitamins, minerals and major antioxidants. IV therapy drips are blended in-house with functional medicine principles, and we offer a range of key ingredients, including a medley of amino acids, trace minerals, and custom formulations (i.e. post-surgical drip, anti-aging IV drip). Along with healthy lifestyle practices and formal health interventions, intravenous drips may support optimal hydration and functioning.
It’s not too late to make healthy changes! If you’re concerned about longevity, our functional medicine may offer new insight into your daily living. Becoming a new patient is simple – just click here to request your initial visit for IV therapy at the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media.
References
“Aging and Sleep” from the Sleep Foundation, posted on September 19, 2023, viewed on June 15, 2024.
American Chemical Society. “Environmental pollutants could impact cellular signs of aging.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 1 May 2019. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/05/190501082004.htm>.
Bischof E, Scheibye-Knudsen M, Siow R, Moskalev A. Longevity medicine: upskilling the physicians of tomorrow. Lancet Healthy Longev. 2021 Apr;2(4):e187-e188. doi: 10.1016/S2666-7568(21)00024-6. Epub 2021 Mar 12. PMID: 36098117.
Garatachea, N., Pareja-Galeano, H., Sanchis-Gomar, F., Santos-Lozano, A., Fiuza-Luces, C., Morán, M., Emanuele, E., Joyner, M. J., & Lucia, A. (2015). Exercise Attenuates the Major Hallmarks of Aging. Rejuvenation Research, 18(1), 57-89. https://doi.org/10.1089/rej.2014.1623
Kassis, A., Fichot, C., Horcajada, N., H. Horstman, A. M., Duncan, P., Bergonzelli, G., Preitner, N., Zimmermann, D., Bosco, N., Vidal, K., & Donato-Capel, L. (2022). Nutritional and lifestyle management of the aging journey: A narrative review. Frontiers in Nutrition, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.1087505
Landeiro, F., Barrows, P., Musson, E. N., Gray, A. M., & Leal, J. (2017). Reducing social isolation and loneliness in older people: A systematic review protocol. BMJ Open, 7(5). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013778
Lopes, V., Horta, J., & Andrade, R. (2022). Therapeutics That Can Potentially Replicate or Augment the Anti-Aging Effects of Physical Exercise. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(17), 9957. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23179957
Maldonado E, Morales-Pison S, Urbina F, Solari A. Aging Hallmarks and the Role of Oxidative Stress. Antioxidants. 2023; 12(3):651. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12030651
Pandics, T., Major, D., Fazekas-Pongor, V. et al. Exposome and unhealthy aging: environmental drivers from air pollution to occupational exposures. GeroScience 45, 3381–3408 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-023-00913-3
“Take Your Diet to the Mediterranean” from John Hopkins Medicine, viewed on June 15, 2024.
Tatineny, P., Shafi, F., Gohar, A., & Bhat, A. (2020). Sleep in the Elderly. Missouri Medicine, 117(5), 490-495. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7723148/
Yegorov, Y. E., Poznyak, A. V., Nikiforov, N. G., Sobenin, I. A., & Orekhov, A. N. (2020). The Link between Chronic Stress and Accelerated Aging. Biomedicines, 8(7). https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines8070198
