Age happens when our body produces cells that are weaker than the cells they replace. Various factors contribute to either a rapid breakdown in these cells or in actively encouraging a healthy regeneration of cells so that we age gracefully.

The idea is to do everything you can to encourage optimal cellular regeneration and at the same time to help your body mitigate the damage of the natural breakdown of body waste and free radical damage.

Let's begin by understanding the basics of anabolic and catabolic activity.

There are two major actions or directions of metabolism. Anabolic activities are those that build. The growth and repair of tissues are examples of healthy anabolic actions which occur in the appropriate conditions. On the other hand, catabolic activities are those that break things down. The digestion of food is an example of a healthy catabolic action.

Each of these aspects of metabolism can become disturbed. A tumor growing is an example of anabolic action gone awry. The breakdown of tissues and organs is evidence of overly catabolic activity.

Aging occurs when catabolic activity becomes dominant.

There are several things we can do to mitigate the damage of catabolic activity and encourage optimal metabolic activity

1. Change our eating habits. The basics hold true here. We want to eat a diet rich in vegetables and whole grains. Give up processed foods. Eliminate refined sugar and artificial sweetener such a aspartame. Reduce or eliminate caffeine.

2. Free our lives from chronic stress. Constant chronic stress just ads fuel to the catabolic activity of our body resulting in accelerated cellular breakdown. I suggest learning a simple technique called EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique).

3. Supplement our diet with quality anti-aging products. Huge breakthroughs are being made in the nutrition field with natural foods and anti-aging products. Choose products that are or high quality and backed by cutting edge scientific research.

4. Enjoy life and laugh often.

Cynthia Rose Adams www.ManageStressNaturally.com

Cynthia has over 20 years experience as a Licensed Massage Therapist. Natural Living and personal growth have always been a passion and she enjoys sharing her knowledge with others.

Visit her web site for a free introduction email series on foundational nutrition and a free video series about EFT and Stress Relief.