5 Simple Habits That Accelerate Body Aging

Illustration of lack of sleep can accelerate body aging. (Freepik)

JAKARTA - Many people are unaware that the aging process is not only influenced by age, but also by daily habits.

Unhealthy lifestyles ranging from lack of movement to messy sleep can accelerate cell damage, increase inflammation, and make the body "age" faster than it should.

Without realizing it, it is this small routine that is done continuously that has a big impact in the long run.

Heart surgeon, Jeremy London, M.D., revealed through his Instagram post that there are five common habits that play a major role in accelerating body aging.

In his interview quoted by Eating Well, he explained that these habits can affect mood, damage cells, trigger inflammation, and put additional pressure on the heart over time.

Here are five habits to watch out for:

1. Smoking and vaping

This habit is one of the fastest ways to accelerate aging. Toxic substances that enter the body can increase oxidative stress and damage DNA. This condition occurs when the body is no longer able to balance cell damage with natural repair processes, so it has a negative impact on vital organs, including the heart.

2. Less movement (sedentary lifestyle)

The human body is designed to be active. When it is too often silent, the body's ability to distribute nutrients decreases, and the function of the energy-producing mitochondria of the cell also weakens. Jeremy emphasized, "If you don't train it, you will lose that ability." This means that regular physical activity is very important to keep the body's functions optimal as you get older.

3. Ignoring chronic stress

Stress that continues to be left without treatment not only affects mental conditions, but also has an impact on the cellular level. Chronic stress can increase inflammation, disrupt DNA regulation, and shorten telomeres of chromosomes that are closely related to the aging process. This condition is also associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

4. Lack of sleep

Sleep is not just a rest, but an important process for the body to repair itself. Lack of sleep or poor sleep quality can interfere with various body functions, from daily energy to heart health. Jeremy emphasizes that sleep is a basic need, not something that can be ignored.

5. Unhealthy eating patterns

Unbalanced food consumption, especially those that trigger the accumulation of visceral fat (fat around the organs), can increase inflammation, insulin resistance, and metabolic disorders. All of these contribute to accelerated aging and increased risk of chronic diseases.

As a preventive measure, maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and managing stress well can help slow down the aging process and maintain heart health in the long term.