Here are the seven key habits for longevity: 1. A Balanced and Nutritious Diet Nutrition is one of the cornerstones of longevity. Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and healthy fats help slow down the aging process. Plant-based diets are also effective in reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. 2. Regular Physical Activity Physical activity supports not only physical health but also mental health. A daily 30-minute walk, yoga, or light exercises improve heart health, maintain muscle mass, and strengthen mental well-being. Staying active also helps preserve mobility in old age. 3. Supporting Mental Health Stress can accelerate the aging process, so managing stress is key to a long life. Practices like meditation, breathing exercises, and mindfulness help support mental health and contribute to longevity.4. Building Social Connections Strong social relationships prevent loneliness and depression, improving overall health. Studies show that socially active individuals tend to live longer, healthier lives. Friendships, family bonds, and community activities help strengthen mental health.5. Adequate and Quality Sleep Sleep is a process during which the body renews and heals itself. Regularly getting 7-8 hours of sleep strengthens the immune system, protects brain function, and reduces the risk of illness. Quality sleep is one of the most important factors for longevity.6. Continuous Learning and Keeping the Mind Active Mental flexibility and learning new things help maintain brain health and prevent age-related cognitive decline. Engaging in activities like learning new hobbies, reading, or solving puzzles contributes to a longer life.7. Regular Medical Checkups Regular medical checkups are essential for staying healthy and living a long life. Annual health screenings, blood tests, and early diagnosis can prevent or treat many diseases early on. Preventive healthcare is one of the most effective ways to ensure a long and quality life.As we can see, living to 100 years old is no longer just a dream. While genetics play a role in longevity, lifestyle habits have a significant impact on how long we live.According to Professor David Sinclair, who has written extensively on genetics and aging, aging is another disease that humans need to overcome. However, achieving this doesn&#x27;t require medications but rather a willingness to step out of your comfort zone.

The Seven Secrets to Longevity

Abraham Lincoln once famously said, &quot;In the end, it&#x27;s not the years in your life that count. It&#x27;s the life in your years.&quot; While the quality of your years on earth is likely important to you, there are many who also care about the quantity. Scientists have studied the habits of people who live long lives to determine which factors contribute to a healthier and longer lifespan.

Are You at Risk? There are a number of known risk factors for both pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes. If you have one or more of the following risk factors, you should consult a specialist immediately:<ul><li>Being overweight or obese (BMI 25 or higher)</li><li>Sedentary lifestyle</li><li>Family history of diabetes (especially first-degree relatives)</li><li>Low HDL or good cholesterol (less than 35 mg/dl or 0.9 mmol/l) and high triglycerides (more than 250 mg/dl)</li><li>High blood pressure (sustained 140/90 mmHG or higher)</li><li>History of cardiovascular disease</li><li>History of gestational diabetes</li><li>Diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)</li><li>Giving birth to a baby weighing more than 4 kg</li><li>Previous haemoglobin A1c test result of 5.7 or higher </li></ul>What are the Precautions to be Taken?Changing nutrition and lifestyle habits is the most important step to be taken in the treatment of diabetes. With the changes being made, the development and progression of diabetes can be stopped or even reversed. Nutrition and lifestyle changes include:<ul><li>Personalised nutrition plan</li><li>Being active</li><li>Losing weight</li><li>Avoiding long periods of inactivity</li><li>Getting enough sleep</li><li>To apply stress management techniques</li></ul>

The Epidemic of Our Age: Type 2 Diabetes

Today, type 2 diabetes has become an epidemic. It is estimated that more than 500 million adults worldwide suffer from diabetes. And this number is increasing day by day. But pre-diabetes (hidden diabetes) is a much more common problem than full-blown diabetes. It occurs when blood sugar starts to rise and indicates that the amount of insulin produced cannot manage blood sugar levels. If no action is taken, this leads to type 2 diabetes. And unfortunately, many people do not even realise they have pre-diabetes. Timely diagnosis of pre-diabetes is important because organ damage occurs in approximately 20 percent of people diagnosed with diabetes. At the same time, various health problems such as visual impairment and risk of heart attack occur.The disease is no longer limited to middle-aged and older adults; children and young people are increasingly being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Their risk of developing many other chronic diseases during their lifetime also increases significantly. This is because diabetes is a metabolic disease and affects the whole body negatively. What are the Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes?It may include one or more of the following:<ul><li>Thirst, dry mouth and frequent urination</li><li>Tingling or burning sensation in the feet, legs, hands or other parts of the body</li><li>Weakness and fatigue</li><li>Blurred vision</li><li>Sudden feeling of hunger</li><li>Sudden attacks of anger and rage</li><li>Increase in body weight</li><li>Frequent or recurrent infections (urinary tract infections, fungal infections)</li><li>Slow healing of cuts and wounds</li></ul>What are the Possible Complications of Type 2 Diabetes?<ul><li>Cardiovascular diseases</li><li>Neuropathy (nerve damage)</li><li>Diabetic nephropathy (permanent kidney damage)</li><li>Retinopathy (eye damage)</li><li>Diabetic foot</li><li>Skin diseases</li><li>Hearing impairment</li><li>Alzheimer&#x27;s disease</li><li>Depression</li></ul>

So, what are the things that negatively affect the circadian rhythm?Having an irregular sleep schedule: The body likes consistency when it comes to sleep. If you go to bed and wake up at different times each day, your circadian rhythm and subsequently your energy levels will be negatively affected.Use of electronic devices late at night: The use of electronic devices and bright light, especially before sleep, suppresses melatonin and disrupts your circadian rhythm.Being stressed: Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight), which causes the release of the stress hormone cortisol. High cortisol levels at bedtime can disrupt your body&#x27;s internal clock, causing you to stay awake.Presence of dysbiosis: Dysbiosis is the name given to the imbalance that develops in the ratio of beneficial and harmful bacteria in the intestines. This imbalance increases inflammation in the body and is the root cause of many diseases. In addition, it can significantly reduce sleep quality. Studies have shown that sleep apnea, insomnia, and narcolepsy are linked to certain imbalances in the microbiome.Lack of exercise: Sleep and exercise have a bidirectional relationship. Exercise improves sleep quality, while quality sleep improves physical performance. Conversely, however, lack of exercise can negatively affect sleep, and insufficient sleep can reduce physical performance. In order for you to sleep better at night, your body must be tired during the day and have lost a certain amount of energy. When you don&#x27;t have a regular exercise routine, you are likely to experience sleep problems.Eating large meals before bedtime: Eating larger meals earlier in the day and choosing smaller meals late at night are known to improve sleep quality. It is very important that the feeding ends 3-4 hours before going to sleep and that the body has now done the digestion work.

Circadian Rhythm and Factors Affecting Rhythm Negatively

The circadian rhythm is your internal clock that determines when you wake up, when you sleep, and how your energy fluctuates throughout the day. Just as there are things you can do to support your body&#x27;s internal clock, you may be doing or experiencing things that cause it to malfunction.

Which foods should not be consumed during the diet?1. Histamine Rich Foods Histamine levels are high in long-stored or ripening foods.Fermented alcoholic beverages, especially wine, champagne and beerFermented foods: pickles, vinegar, mayonnaise, soya sauceProcessed meats: salami, sausage, bacon, sausageDried fruits: apricots, plums, figs, grapes, mulberries, dried fruits and pulpsCitrus fruitsAged cheeses including goat cheeseSome nuts (such as walnuts, cashews, peanuts)AvocadoSmoked fish and some varieties of fish: mackerel, tuna, anchovies, sardines 2. Histamine TriggersIn addition, certain foods cause the release of histamine in the small intestine. These foods are called histamine releasers.Alcoholic drinksCheese, fondueChocolateCow milkSome vegetables (tomatoes, spinach, aubergines, aubergines, potatoes)Some fruits (papaya, pineapple, banana, strawberry, kiwi)Shellfish, fish saucesWheat germMost food additives and food colourings 3. Foods that Block DAO EnzymeAlcoholEnergy drinksBlack teaMate teaGreen Tea 4. Foods that are both high in histamine and block the DAO enzyme:Alcoholic products (beer, wine, champagne)Free FoodsMangoPearWatermelonMelonAppleGrapeBlackberryApricotPlumRokaBeetrootAsparagusBroccoliBrussels sproutsCarrotCauliflowerGarlicLettuceOnionGarlicQuinoaBuckwheatRiceFresh meatsPeasLentilMint, Thyme, Sage, RosemaryTurmericGingerCoconut milk/oilAlmond milkCoconutStinging nettleSweet potatoEgg (controlled)Fresh big fishChestnutHerbal and fruit teasOlive/olive oilGheeSesameHow often should foods be added during reintroduction?All eliminated foods should not be included at the same time. When adding, it should be started with foods that are thought not to harm the person. Foods should be given to the body little by little.In the reintroduction phase, the selected food should be introduced for one day and waited for three days. If the body reacts after the banned food is tried, the transition period to another banned food should be at least one week. If the body does not react, another banned food can be introduced after three days.During the reintroduction phase, a food diary can be kept to identify foods that cause a reaction. This makes it easier both to check the findings and to act according to the results.

Histamine Intolerance: All You Need to Know

Histamine is a product of the breakdown of histidine, an amino acid that participates in many reactions in the body. When histamine, which acts as a neurotransmitter in the immune and digestive system, cannot be eliminated from the body quickly enough and &#x27;histamine intolerance&#x27; develops. Histamine intolerance occurs when the histamine taken into the body cannot be broken down and accumulates in the body and causes allergic reactions in people.This condition usually develops when the DAO enzyme is deficient. This enzyme is the main enzyme responsible for the breakdown of histamine and determines the rate of histamine breakdown. When the DAO enzyme is insufficient and the body cannot break down histamine, health problems begin to appear in the person. Physical reactions may be exacerbated if the diet is high in histamine or rich in foods that cause histamine release. Although the symptoms are similar to allergies, unlike allergies, they are long-lasting and do not appear suddenly. It is also very difficult to diagnose with blood and allergy tests.Symptoms of Histamine Intolerance:DizzinessFatigueHeadacheFlushing, especially of the head and chestNasal congestion, difficulty breathingConstantly runny or itchy noseHerpesFrequent sneezingItchingDry or scaly skinAtopic dermatitisDigestive problems (stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, indigestion, gas, constipation and diarrhea)Heart palpitationsTinnitusRed itchy or watery eyesMenstrual irregularityIrritabilityAnxiety What are the Causes of Histamine Intolerance?-Genetically, some people produce less of the enzymes involved in the breakdown of histamine.-Inflammation of the intestinal lining can disrupt the release of the DAO enzyme. Histamine is therefore broken down more slowly.-If inflammation causes the intestinal lining to become permeable, food sensitivities can develop, which can lead to histamine release.-Certain types of bacteria, which are usually present in a healthy intestine, not only reduce histamine release but also reduce the sensitivity of histamine receptors, lowering their activity. In the presence of SIBO, bacteria that are normally found in the colon pass into the small intestine, which can cause excessive histamine release.-Chronic stress and irregular sleep promote high histamine levels.-Some medical drugs such as aspirin increase histamine release.-High levels of ongoing stress and irregular sleep cause high histamine levels.Certain nutrients are needed for histamine-degrading enzymes to work. These include magnesium, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. How Is Conventional Treatment of Histamine Intolerance Performed? Anti-histamine drugs are designed to reduce the effects of histamine by preventing it from binding to histamine receptors. However, these drugs do not reduce histamine levels, they only block its effect.What is the Histamine Diet, How is it done? The main purpose of the histamine diet is to balance its release in the body by eliminating histamine-rich foods for a while. A low histamine diet should be done for 2-4 weeks to eliminate symptoms. The duration of the diet varies according to the symptoms in the body. With the calming of the symptoms, the foods removed from the diet are reintroduced to the body. This period is called &#x27;reintroduction period’.

The Seven Secrets to Longevity

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