Does Exercise Age Us?
Natural Medicine South Africa|Natural Medicine South Africa - May 2017

We all know that exercise is good for us, but can we do too much? Perhaps even so much that we age our bodies quicker? Ian Craig takes a look at this intriguing question.

Does Exercise Age Us?

I recently had a client who, when he entered my office, I pinned as being around five years my senior. From his previous phone call, describing his athletic activities, I was expecting a superhero athlete type, so I immediately placed him in the Masters category. From what he was about to tell me, fit he certainly was but healthy I wasn’t too sure about, and when I first got a glimpse of his date of birth on the questionnaire in front of me, I realised that he was three months younger than me.

He had been very successful at a 2 400 km mountain bike race across South Africa, starting near Durban and finishing in Cape Town – not a stage race, but rather one that you need to try and complete in the shortest amount of time possible. With varying sleep strategies, participants will regularly ride through the night to try and gain maximum competitive advantage. The record for this amazing journey is 10 and a half days and, for the past two years, my athlete had been aiming to complete it in a supposedly attainable 10 days. But he had come unstuck health-wise due to a chronic virus problem, pulling out of the 2012 competition after one day of racing and only entering the short version race in 2013.

THE ANTI-AGEING IDEALS OF EXERCISE

When I was a young athlete, I had the same ideals as my Mr Endurance Man – train hard, be fit and you will be healthy into old age, and, I thought, maybe even live longer. As a student of exercise in those days nothing existed to dispel my myth. That was 25 years ago and I still have to hunt hard to find contrary information. 

Denne historien er fra Natural Medicine South Africa - May 2017-utgaven av Natural Medicine South Africa.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra Natural Medicine South Africa - May 2017-utgaven av Natural Medicine South Africa.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA NATURAL MEDICINE SOUTH AFRICASe alt
A-Z For Healthy Winter Skin
Natural Medicine South Africa

A-Z For Healthy Winter Skin

It’s winter time and, believe it or not, your skin needs just as much care, if not more, as during the summer. Dr Leila Sadien offers comprehensive advice on how to keep your skin glowing and healthy throughout the chilly months ahead.

time-read
5 mins  |
July 2017
Ear Disease In Dogs
Natural Medicine South Africa

Ear Disease In Dogs

Dr Alex Niven outlines the causes, symptoms and treatment of outer ear infection in dogs so that you can be prepared if your best friend is afflicted with this common condition.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2017
That Burning Feeling
Natural Medicine South Africa

That Burning Feeling

Cystitis is an unpleasant condition usually caused by a bacterial infection that needs prompt medical attention. Following simple steps to promote bladder health can reduce the risk of recurrence of infection.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2017
Yoga For Thight Hips
Natural Medicine South Africa

Yoga For Thight Hips

Your hips don’t lie but store and bury emotions. Yoga can unlock the secret to tight hips.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2017
Say No To Nasties In Cosmetics!
Natural Medicine South Africa

Say No To Nasties In Cosmetics!

The many beauty products available to us come in pretty packaging, but don’t be fooled – wise up and check those labels for the chemical nasties lurking in the ingredients that will only do long-term harm to both you and the environment.

time-read
3 mins  |
February 2017
The Reasons We Over-Eat
Natural Medicine South Africa

The Reasons We Over-Eat

Our sedentary, food-abundant circumstances may be a byproduct of our ‘success’ as a society, and our nutrient, emotional and spiritual deficiencies a result of our hectic lifestyles – but they clearly create imbalances, gaps and voids in our lives, often leading to overeating and obesity.

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2017
Miracle Versus Law
Natural Medicine South Africa

Miracle Versus Law

DR JOHN DEMARTINI, BSC, DC. www.drdemartini.com info@DrDemartini.co.za He is a leading inspirational speaker, authority on human behaviour, teacher and author. His knowledge and experience are a culmination of 35 years of research and study of more than 28 000 texts in over 200 disciplines ranging from psychology, philosophy, metaphysics and theology to neurology and physiology. 

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2017
Beauty From Within
Natural Medicine South Africa

Beauty From Within

ANDREA DU PLESSIS, BSC DIETETICS, MPHIL EXERCISE SCIENCE. Twitter@andreaduplessis Andrea is a registered dietician. Following her initial career as a consulting dietitian, she furthered her studies in the field of sports nutrition with a Master’s degree in Sports Science. As nutrition expert, she has a passion for healthcare through nutrition, natural remedies and an active lifestyle. 

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2017
The Case For Marijuana As HIV Medicine
Natural Medicine South Africa

The Case For Marijuana As HIV Medicine

Support for medicinal marijuana has reached an all-time high in many parts of the world, especially among medical practitioners. Over 70% of the elite community are in favour of the use of cannabis to lessen the effects of a large number of chronic medical conditions.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2017
Vegan Athletes Reach Peak Performance
Natural Medicine South Africa

Vegan Athletes Reach Peak Performance

Plant-based foods prove their mettle as well-known athletes go vegan and reach peak performance levels.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2017