ARE YOU CELEBRAGEING?

A calorie-restricted diet is a diet that provides all the nutrients necessary for a healthy life while minimizing the energy (calories) supplied in the diet. This type of diet increases the life span of mice and delays the onset of age-related chronic diseases such as cancers, heart disease, and stroke in rodents.

There are also hints that people who eat a calorie-restricted diet might live longer than those who overeat. In addition, calorie-restricted diets beneficially affect several biomarkers of aging, including decreased insulin sensitivity (a precursor to diabetes).

But how might caloric restriction slow aging? A major factor in the age-related decline of bodily functions is the accumulation of "oxidative damage" in the body's proteins, fats, and DNA. Oxidants-in particular, chemicals called '*free radicals"-are produced when food is converted to energy by cellular structures called mitochondria. One theory for how caloric restriction slows aging , is that it lowers free-radical production by inducing the formation of efficient mitochondria.

In the last couple of years I've undergone all the maintenance, checkups and tests you're supposed to do when you have this much mileage. Gynecologist, Cardiologist (stress test), Internist, Ophthalmologist, Gastroenterologist (colonosocopy), Bone Density Test, Blood Work and Chiropractor (after my mare dumped me).

And I'm thrilled to report I have great bones, heart and lungs, "amazing" (according to my opthamologist) vision, nothing suspicious in my colon, high good cholesterol, low bad cholesterol and a very rapid healing rate. I'm not perfect though. My systolic BP is high but I discovered that tequila takes it right down. (That's not a recommendation.)

Again and again I heard that I just wasn't "normal". I was told I was 20 - 25 years younger than my chronological age and was capable of living to 100. Why was this the case and how did I get here?

I think I've found some answers and I'm going to share them with you.

I spelled it "Celebrageing" because I wanted to see "rage" in there...to remind myself - and you too - to not take it lying down.

Forget about aging gracefully!

Celebrate today and be grateful for every breath you take; for every day you breathe is another miraculous opportunity to change yourself...mind, body and spirit.