At 79, I have reason to think about aging. I have diabetes and take medication for my heart. I would like to stay active and independent for as long as I can.
As a Christian Scientist, I’m not especially enthusiastic about taking medication. My faith matters to me, and so does the question of what I can do for myself each day.
Recently I watched part of a YouTube video about food and inflammation. Two foods it discussed were extra virgin olive oil and wild salmon. That caught my attention. Could better food choices make a difference as we grow older?
There is some sound advice behind that idea. Inflammation is part of the body’s normal defense system, but inflammation that persists can contribute to health problems. Harvard Health includes olive oil, fatty fish, vegetables, fruit, and nuts among foods that can fit an eating pattern aimed at reducing inflammation.
The American Heart Association also recommends eating fish, especially fatty fish such as salmon, twice a week. Olive oil is a familiar part of a Mediterranean-style diet.
That doesn’t mean one food will cure what ails us. The bigger question is what we eat regularly. A little olive oil on a salad is one choice; making vegetables, beans, whole grains, and other nourishing foods a regular part of meals is a broader habit.
Exercise is already part of my life. I lift weights, swim, and ride a bicycle. I enjoy being able to do those things, and I want to keep doing them. Now I’m thinking more about the food side of the equation.
I do need to be careful about drawing conclusions. I can’t assume every ache or health problem comes from inflammation. And having diabetes and taking heart medication means that major changes in my treatment need a conversation with my health care provider.
Still, I believe daily habits deserve serious attention. I want to understand what my meals and activities can contribute to my health, alongside the care I receive.
Getting older gives me more reason to take those ordinary choices seriously. I still have things I want to do.
Further reading:
Harvard Health: Foods that fight inflammation
Later
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