However accelerated ageing isn't and is largely avoidable! A lot of my friends of a similar age (I’m 51, how did that even happen?!) tell me how ‘brain fog’ is a real thing, weight gain is because they are peri-menopausal and their aches and pains are due to age. Yes they are right in that these are the effects of the ageing process, but lifestyle factors largely influence whether or not these symptoms are experienced and to what extent. I can hand on heart say I have none of the symptoms associated with ageing whatsoever (other than those pesky laughter lines that life wouldn't be the same without!) I have no aches or pains, unless it's due to a full day in the mountains, and no 'brain fog'. This isn't because I'm one of the lucky ones (although I am grateful for what I am able to do and achieve) but is very much down to lifestyle choices... eating whole foods, healthy fats, using chemical-free household and toiletry products and exercising regularly outside as much as possible doing the things that I love. However it hasn't always been this way for me. At the tender age of 45 I was in so much pain I could barely stand upright after sitting down for a period of time at work and found myself barely able to step up a curb when out and about. I certainly didn't have the strength to spend all day out in the mountains, my legs would have undoubtedly given way beneath me. Simple weekend walks in the countryside would leave me with complete and utter muscle fatigue, unable to even turn myself over in bed that night and with shooting pains down my thighs keeping me awake. After blood tests and scans for arthritis, etc. my GP told me there was nothing wrong. Er, I begged to differ! So I took myself off to see a private physio who, within 5 minutes, had pinpointed that I have hip hyper-mobility, that the excruciating pain was down to everything being out of alignment and the lack of strength in my legs was down to sheer muscle exhaustion as the wrong muscles were being used. Having always leaned towards the holistic/alternative approach in life I took matters into my own hands. I started daily yoga practice, which helps massively with keeping everything aligned as well as building core strength, which is central to 'glueing' me together. But more importantly, I kept on walking. Further and further, constantly pushing myself to get stronger and fitter. Despite my physio's advice to stay away from uneven ground, within a year I completed the London Moonwalk, a trek to Everest Basecamp and picked my way over crevasses to summit Gran Paradiso. I now live a largely pain-free life, fitter and stronger than ever and spend every weekend out in the mountains... use it or lose it as the saying goes. If I stop moving the pain slowly but surely comes back. Personally I would rather have to keep moving than live in pain. Daily yoga, lunchtime walks and a whole food diet - not only does this address my physical needs, but is also extremely good for my mental health, which in our pandemic times is a priority. I also have a very long held belief that nutrition can support the body in both a preventative and management capacity when it comes to chronic disease, something the NHS and GPs are now embracing. As a qualified Health Coach I am able to work with you on your journey to better health, working alongside your GP if required.
