Health
8 bad habits that make you age faster, according to experts
We can’t slow down time — but we can slow down its effects on us, according to experts.
The key is to make healthier choices in the areas that we can control — and that starts with breaking bad habits.
“One of the primary hallmarks of aging is accumulated cellular damage that leads to organ dysfunction and, ultimately, death,” Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurologist and longevity expert with Senolytix, told Fox News Digital.
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“The key to staying healthy is minimizing cellular damage by not throwing accelerants into the fire, which is unfortunately what most Americans do.”
Doctors shared with Fox News Digital the eight most common unhealthy behaviors that speed up the aging process — and tips on how to avoid them.
The key is to make healthier choices in the areas that can be controlled — and that starts with breaking bad habits, experts say. (iStock)
1. Smoking
Smoking has been proven to shorten life expectancy.
Researchers from Action on Smoking and Health in the U.K. have reported that a 30-year-old smoker can expect to live for about 35 more years — compared to 53 years for a non-smoker.
“Smoking speeds up aging by exposing you to harmful chemicals, reducing oxygen supply, breaking down collagen and increasing oxidative stress,” Dr. Dawn Ericsson, an obstetrician/gynecologist and medical director at AgeRejuvenation in Tampa, Florida, told Fox News Digital.
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“The harmful effects of tobacco extend beyond lung health, accelerating skin aging and increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth loss.”
Smoking introduces toxins that impair skin elasticity and collagen production, which leads to wrinkles, Osborn added.
“The harmful effects of tobacco extend beyond lung health, accelerating skin aging and increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth loss,” an expert said. (iStock)
“Free radicals in smoke damage lung tissue – inducing cancer – and the walls of your blood vessels,” he told Fox News Digital.
“The incidence of heart attack, stroke and brain aneurysms is significantly higher in smokers relative to nonsmokers.”
The quickest fix is to quit smoking immediately, the experts agreed.
“The incidence of heart attack, stroke and brain aneurysms is significantly higher in smokers relative to nonsmokers.”
To increase the chance of success in quitting, Ericsson suggested setting a “quit date,” avoiding triggers and seeking support from friends, family and health care providers.
Some also get results with nicotine replacement therapy or medications like bupropion and varenicline, she said.
2. Excess sun exposure
An excess of sun exposure can lead to aging by damaging the skin’s DNA, causing wrinkles, sagging skin and dark spots, Ericsson noted.
Osborn agreed, also warning of an increased risk of skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and melanoma, the latter of which can be fatal.
An excess of sun exposure can lead to aging by damaging the skin’s DNA, causing wrinkles, sagging skin and dark spots, a doctor said. (iStock)
“Regularly using sunscreen with a high SPF, wearing protective clothing and avoiding sun exposure during peak hours can protect the skin,” Osborn advised.
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Other protective strategies include covering up with hats, sunglasses and protective clothing, and seeking shade during the sun’s strongest hours (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.), according to Ericsson.
Staying hydrated and using antioxidants like vitamins C and E can also help protect the skin.
3. Poor diet
A nutrient-deficient diet has been shown to accelerate aging, experts agree.
“A diet high in processed foods, sugars and unhealthy fats can cause inflammation, damage collagen and accelerate skin aging,” Ericsson warned.
Diets high in processed foods and sugars can cause inflammation and free radical damage, Osborn added.
A nutrient-deficient diet has been shown to accelerate aging, experts agree. (iStock)
“The induced insulin-resistant or pre-diabetic state places you one step closer to the dreaded ‘metabolic syndrome’ — a gateway to diseases such as coronary artery disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease,” he told Fox News Digital.
To reduce aging signs, the experts recommend eating a balanced diet rich in low-glycemic index fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and anti-inflammatory fats (omega-3 and omega-9).
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“Antioxidants in these foods combat free radical damage, as do antioxidant supplements like vitamin C, green tea and omega-3 fatty acids,” said Osborn.
Other tips include pre-planning meals and snacks — with a focus on focusing on whole, unprocessed foods — to avoid impulsive unhealthy choices, according to Ericsson.
Cooking at home, controlling portions and staying hydrated are also good ways to improve nutrition intake, she added.
4. Lack of exercise
“Lack of exercise contributes to aging by causing muscle loss, bone density reduction, weight gain and cardiovascular issues,” Ericsson told Fox News Digital.
Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining muscle mass, circulation and cognitive health as we age, she advised.
Regular physical activity, particularly strength training, is foundational to health and longevity, doctors agree. (iStock)
Osborn is also an advocate of staying active, noting that “our bodies are meant to exercise.”
“Our bodies are meant to exercise. It benefits the body and the mind.”
“Exercise turns over 100 genes associated with longevity, so don’t skip it! It benefits the body and the mind.”
Regular physical activity, particularly strength training, is foundational to your health, according to Osborn.
“This means you must lift weights and breathe hard during your workouts,” he said.
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On “off days,” Osborn suggests doing 45 minutes of lighter endurance training, like walking, rowing, swimming or jogging, which will improve your cardiovascular fitness while allowing you to recover from heavy bouts of strength training.
To sustain a long-term exercise routine, it’s important to find activities you consistently enjoy, set realistic goals, stay flexible and “listen to your body,” said Ericsson.
5. Excessive alcohol consumption
Alcohol dehydrates the skin and can lead to liver damage and cognitive impairment, Osborn warned.
“It also causes problems with blood sugar regulation and is intimately associated with obesity,” he said. “As alcohol is a cellular toxin, it accelerates the aging process.”
Ericsson agreed that excessive alcohol consumption accelerates aging by causing dehydration, nutrient depletion, inflammation, liver damage and collagen breakdown.
“Aim to eliminate habitual drinking within the next 6-12 months,” a longevity expert advised. “You’ll feel better and save a lot of money in the long run.” (iStock)
“Chronic drinking can dehydrate the skin, damage the liver and increase the risk of cognitive decline,” said Ericsson.
As with smoking, the fix is to eliminate alcohol consumption, experts agreed.
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“I’m not saying to quit cold turkey, but aim to eliminate habitual drinking within the next six to 12 months,” Osborn advised. “You’ll feel better and save a lot of money in the long run.”
Other tips to stop drinking include avoiding triggers, staying busy with healthy activities and seeking professional help if needed, according to Ericsson.
6. Chronic stress
While some degree of stress is normal and healthy, chronic high stress levels can shorten telomeres, which are DNA protein structures that “play a central role in cell fate and aging by adjusting the cellular response to stress and growth stimulation on the basis of previous cell divisions and DNA damage,” according to the National Institutes of Health.
“Chronic stress can also exacerbate skin conditions and impact mental health, accelerating aging,” Ericsson added.
Stress management techniques like mindfulness, meditation, therapy and regular physical activity can alleviate stress, according to experts. (iStock)
Long-term stress affects the body’s ability to repair itself and can lead to premature aging, according to Osborn.
“Aging is a state of heightened inflammation — and once the body’s ability to temper inflammation via cortisol production has been exhausted, it reigns unchecked,” he said.
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Stress management techniques like mindfulness, meditation, therapy and regular physical activity can alleviate stress, Osborn said.
“Strength training also reduces cortisol production (several hours post-workout) — and, by virtue, facilitates sleep, which is critical to stress reduction.”
7. Inadequate sleep
Lack of sleep accelerates aging by reducing skin health, increasing inflammation and causing hormonal imbalance, Ericsson noted.
“Inadequate sleep also hampers cell repair and affects cognitive function,” she said.
Sleep is crucial for the body’s regenerative processes, Osborn noted.
Lack of sleep accelerates aging by reducing skin health, increasing inflammation and causing hormonal imbalance, according to a doctor. (iStock)
“If you don’t sleep, you’ll have difficulty shedding that spare tire, as significant fat-burning occurs during sleep,” he said.
“You’ll also set yourself up for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.”
Memories are also formed during sleep, he noted.
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“Sleep cannot be hacked — it is an essential part of health and well-being.”
To optimize sleep health, Osborn suggested establishing a regular schedule, creating a restful environment and avoiding stimulants before bedtime.
“Also, minimizing consumption of carbohydrates within several hours of bedtime can facilitate sleep induction,” he said.
“Sleep cannot be hacked — it is an essential part of health and well-being.”
“In a similar context, ditch the cell phone, laptop and tablet as early as possible to minimize blue light’s interference with the production of melatonin, the body’s sleep hormone.”
Manage stress and seek professional help if needed, Ericsson added.
8. Poor oral hygiene
Poor oral hygiene accelerates aging by causing gum disease, tooth loss, stained teeth and bad breath, Ericsson warned.
“Gum disease and tooth loss not only affect oral health, but also impact overall well-being, contributing to an aged appearance,” she added.
Optimal oral hygiene requires regular dental check-ups, proper brushing and flossing, and use of an antimicrobial mouthwash. (iStock)
There is also a link between heart disease risk and the incidence of coronary artery disease and gingivitis, Osborn noted.
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“Inflammation is not only occurring in the mouth — it’s a systemic problem,” he said. “So, if there is a state of accelerated aging in the mouth, you better believe it’s elsewhere, let alone your entire gut.”
Optimal oral hygiene requires regular dental check-ups, proper brushing and flossing, and use of an antimicrobial mouthwash, Osborn said.
Limiting sugary and acidic foods, avoiding tobacco products, staying hydrated and chewing sugar-free gum after meals can also help with mouth health, Ericsson added.
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Americans are popping more supplements – and fewer multivitamins – than ever before, a new study found.
Research published in JAMA Network Open, led by researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, looked at 25 years of U.S. dietary supplement use data from 1999 to 2023.
This included more than 63,000 adults over the age of 20 who reported their supplement usage.
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When tracking patterns over time, the analysis revealed that overall supplement use increased from 51% of U.S. adults to 60%. The largest rise – from 62% to 78% – was identified in adults 65 and older.
Supplement use was found to be more common in women, people with a higher income or education, and those with insurance.
Supplement use was found to be more common in women, people with a higher income or education, and those with insurance. (iStock)
During the same period, multivitamin use decreased from 35% to 31%, while intake of vitamins and minerals outside of multivitamins increased.
Some of the largest increases in intake were seen in vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, vitamin B12 and turmeric. Other emerging supplements include ashwagandha, elderberry, collagen, hyaluronic acid, probiotics and prebiotics, according to the research.
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The later post-pandemic period saw an influx of immune support-based products, like zinc and vitamin D (outside of multivitamins).
The rise in supplement use aligns with the longevity movement, as more people seek products tailored to specific health goals, such as immune support, inflammation, gut health, skin health and joint health.
The study only shows that people are taking more supplements, but does not prove that they’re effective for these uses, the researchers noted.
Those on a GLP-1 medication should factor in a multivitamin to counteract the risk of nutrient gaps or deficiencies, an expert recommended. (iStock)
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Los Angeles-based registered dietitian nutritionist Ilana Muhlstein gave her take on the emerging supplement movement.
“I love that people are getting more educated and more intentional – I just wish they were being advised by more doctors and dietitians and less by ‘wellness influencers’ who are likely not doing the due diligence on the quality and efficacy of the supplements they’re promoting,” she said.
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Muhlstein expressed concern that all-in-one-multivitamin use has “slipped,” despite the rise in GLP-1 weight-loss medications.
“A multivitamin is where I think people should start as the foundation to help bridge nutrient gaps, especially for people on a GLP-1 who are eating about 15% to 30% less, and therefore likely consuming 15% to 30% less vitamins and minerals,” she said. “I recommend that everyone on a GLP-1 medication [should] take a multivitamin daily.”
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A daily probiotic, magnesium and vitamin D3 are also “smart for many of us,” the nutritionist added. She also recommends elderberry as an effective supplement for boosting the immune system when fighting a cold.
A nutrition expert cautioned against taking supplements that have not gone through third-party testing for safety and quality. (iStock)
Collagen has also been shown to benefit the skin and joints, which Muhlstein said is “worth considering as we get older.”
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“My real concern is the unregulated market,” she cautioned. “I can’t tell you how many calls I’ve received over the years of people pitching me new supplements … because the margins are high and the market is huge.”
“That’s why I’m extremely picky about what I take and what I recommend to my family and clients.”
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Muhlstein warned against taking a supplement that hasn’t gone through third-party testing for safety and quality.
“The best ones go further and test for pesticides, arsenic and heavy metals, especially for protein powders,” she said. “If a product has many ingredients, I like to see that they do testing on each individual ingredient.”
Bipartisan push to invest in US national parks
Bret Baier moderates a discussion with Representatives Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Jared Huffman (D-CA) about the ‘America the Beautiful’ initiative. This bipartisan effort seeks to modernize national parks ahead of America’s 250th anniversary, investing $1.9 billion annually. They emphasize national parks as common ground, beloved by all Americans, and crucial for our shared heritage.
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As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, many Americans are taking extra notice of all the things the country has to offer.
One such case is our access to vast wilderness. Today, the nation’s national parks are bustling tourist attractions, but they may also serve as vital resources for public health, experts say.
The most immediate health boost comes from physical movement.
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Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that regular physical activity is crucial for reducing obesity, improving sleep quality and lowering the risk of chronic illnesses.
The nation’s public lands include parks, trails and open spaces that encourage outdoor recreation and physical activity.
Beyond physical fitness, national parks contribute to documented mental health benefits. (iStock)
A review by the Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) found that implementing park, trail and greenway infrastructure directly increases physical activity across communities.
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When people walk, hike or bike through national parks, they are actively lowering their blood pressure, boosting immune function and reducing overall mortality, data shows.
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Beyond physical fitness, national parks may contribute to documented mental health benefits.
Previous research has demonstrated that direct exposure to nature significantly reduces physiological stress, lowers heart rates and decreases levels of stress hormones, like cortisol.
Engaging in educational activities and lifelong learning preserves brain function, improves memory and helps stave off age-related cognitive decline, research shows. (iStock)
This research also shows that natural environments boost attention span, combat mental fatigue and improve cognitive performance.
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Parks also act as natural venues for mindfulness and social connection.
Research shows that practicing mindfulness in quiet outdoor spaces lowers stress and mitigates feelings of loneliness and social isolation.
Research highlights that practicing mindfulness in quiet outdoor spaces lowers stress and mitigates feelings of loneliness and social isolation. (iStock)
Additionally, because parks protect cultural and historical resources, they can inspire lifelong learning.
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According to the data, engaging in educational activities and lifelong learning preserves brain function, improves memory and helps stave off age-related cognitive decline.
The National Park Service was established in 1916 to conserve the nation’s natural and historic resources for future generations, according to the organization.
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Today, that mission has expanded, as parks are recognized not only for their scenic and cultural value, but also the opportunities they provide for recreation and physical activity.
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Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins discusses USDA’s response to the New World Screwworm outbreak in Texas and New Mexico, assuring safe food supply on ‘The Bottom Line.’ VI LONG DEK: Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins addresses the alarming resurgence of New World Screwworm in Texas and New Mexico, emphasizing USDA’s aggressive containment efforts. She confirms the food supply remains safe while highlighting the administration’s focus on domestic fertilizer production, investing billions in new plants and infrastructure projects. Rollins celebrates 250 years of American agriculture and its vital role in national security.
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Doctors thought a 60-year-old man had metastatic brain cancer after scans revealed multiple tumors – but further testing revealed a shocking diagnosis.
The Spanish man, who was not named, was found to have a parasitic tapeworm larvae lodged in his brain — a case of neurocysticercosis, a parasitic infection of the central nervous system caused by the pork tapeworm (Taenia solium).
The patient, a lifelong resident of Castellón, Spain, had not traveled to any regions where the disease is endemic, according to the case report published in the CDC journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.
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The man had initially come to the hospital after suffering two weeks of progressive headaches and mild behavioral changes.
Radiologic findings from a study of autochthonous neurocysticercosis brain lesions mimicking metastatic disease. (Emerging Infectious Diseases)
CT scans showed multiple abnormal spots that looked like tumors that had spread from cancer elsewhere in the body, leading doctors to suspect advanced brain cancer.
However, whole-body scans, a colonoscopy and specialized imaging failed to identify cancer anywhere in the patient’s body, the case report stated.
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When doctors performed a more detailed MRI, they discovered several fluid-filled cysts in the brain, some of which contained the head of a tapeworm. A blood test confirmed the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis.
The man was treated with a combination of albendazole and praziquantel (two antiparasitic medications), as well as corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. He successfully recovered with no complications, according to the case report.
CT scans (not pictured) showed multiple abnormal spots that looked like tumors that had spread from cancer elsewhere in the body, leading doctors to suspect advanced brain cancer. (iStock)
The authors suggested that the patient may have gotten the infection after accidentally ingesting microscopic tapeworm eggs years earlier.
The exposure may have occurred while working a construction job with migrant coworkers from regions where neurocysticercosis is endemic.
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People can catch the pork tapeworm in two different ways. Eating undercooked infected pork usually leads to an intestinal tapeworm, but accidentally swallowing the parasite’s eggs — typically through food or water contaminated with feces — can send the larvae into the bloodstream, where they may form cysts in the brain and other organs. This can cause the disease the patient in the case report acquired.
A photomicrograph shows histopathologic features in a brain tissue specimen from a case of neurocysticercosis caused by the pork tapeworm Taenia solium. The image documents pathological changes associated with this parasitic infection. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
As this was just a single case, the source of transmission could not be proven, the researchers acknowledged, and the findings cannot be generalized to a wider population. The report shows that there is a possibility of local transmission in non-endemic settings, but cannot establish how often this occurs.
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In the United States, less than 2% of neurocysticercosis cases are considered domestically acquired, according to the case report.
A prior systematic review identified only 18 confirmed locally acquired cases in Western Europe between 1990 and 2011.
The authors suggested that the patient may have gotten the infection after accidentally ingesting microscopic tapeworm eggs years earlier. (Associated Press)
In some cases, NCC can cause serious symptoms, including seizures, stroke, neurological deficits and cognitive decline.
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“Our case emphasizes that the absence of travel history should not preclude NCC from the differential diagnosis of multiple ring-enhancing brain lesions, even in regions where metastatic cancer is statistically much more likely,” the researchers concluded in the case study.
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Detecting the worms earlier could have prevented “unnecessary invasive oncologic procedures and led to prompt, targeted antiparasitic therapy,” they added.
Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for comment.
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