For many, the pursuit of longevity is synonymous with regular exercise, quitting smoking, and abstaining from alcohol. While these factors are undoubtedly significant, Nobel laureate Elizabeth Blackburn and her colleagues have identified a more nuanced path to a centenarian life — hormones.
Their research suggests that a balanced diet accounts for 25 percent of longevity; other factors make up another 25 percent, but a staggering 50 percent is attributed to psychological balance. It turns out that maintaining a balanced mindset is akin to holding the golden key to health.
The hormones of happiness
When you experience joy, your brain releases beneficial hormones like dopamine. These hormones relax your mind and bring pleasure, creating a state of well-being that harmonizes and balances your bodily functions, promoting health. In stark contrast, the stress hormones produced during bouts of anger can be lethal to mice, earning them the moniker toxic hormones.
Modern medicine has discovered that 65 to 90 percent of human diseases, including cancer, arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, peptic ulcers, and menstrual disorders, are linked to psychological stress. These conditions are known as psychosomatic diseases. If a person is constantly anxious, angry, or tense, elevated stress hormone levels can suppress and damage the immune system and make the cardiovascular system especially vulnerable due to overexertion.
How do we encourage the secretion of happy hormones?
Recent studies have shown that a strong sense of purpose benefits health. Whether you have pursuits in life can determine your mindset and, consequently, your physiological state. Engaging your brain often can promote cerebral metabolism and slow down aging. Retirees can enroll in courses for older people to learn calligraphy, dancing, singing, painting, and more to keep their brains active.
Researchers have found that providing material help to others can reduce mortality by 42 percent, while offering emotional support can reduce it by 30 percent. Acts of kindness can generate an indescribable sense of pleasure and pride, lowering stress hormone levels and boosting the secretion of beneficial hormones.
A 20-year study by two American psychology professors found that interpersonal relationships are the most critical factor affecting lifespan. Harmonious family relationships and pleasant friendships are one of the secrets to longevity.
When you smile at others, they often smile back. This kindness includes praise, humor, respect, courtesy, flexibility, tolerance, forgiveness, empathy, loyalty, and listening. Poor mood and anger can also affect liver function, leading to qi stagnation. In a competitive world, the resulting stress can lead to negative emotions that frequently impact health.
Beyond these objective conditions, seniors can also incorporate “happy elements” into their diet. Certain nutrients can directly or indirectly affect mood, neurotransmitters, hormones, and more, increasing happiness and satisfaction.
Six nutrients associated with happiness and longevity
- Folic acid: Found in leafy greens, legumes, and citrus, folic acid is essential for metabolism, cell division, and the synthesis of DNA and RNA. It also promotes the production of serotonin, improving mood and sleep quality.
- Sugars: Sugars are the body’s primary energy source, found in fruits, honey, chocolate, etc. They fuel the brain, enhancing energy and cognition and stimulating the release of dopamine, which brings happiness and satisfaction. Note: Sugar intake should be moderate to avoid adverse effects.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: These are beneficial fats found in fish, nuts, and flaxseed; omega-3s improve brain function, memory, and learning and prevent dementia.
- Zinc: A trace element, zinc is essential for the immune system, wound healing, and taste. It is found in oysters, red meat, and dairy. Zinc protects brain neurons from oxidative stress and maintains neurotransmitter stability.
- Tryptophan: This is an essential amino acid and precursor to serotonin. It is found in turkey, eggs, and cheese and regulates mood, sleep, and appetite.
- Tyrosine: A non-essential amino acid and precursor to dopamine and adrenaline, found in cheese, yogurt, and bananas. Tyrosine boosts brain alertness and attention, memory, and the ability to handle stress.
Embracing a balanced life
In conclusion, the journey to a long and healthy life is about physical health and nurturing our psychological well-being. By setting goals, helping others, fostering harmonious relationships, and extending kindness, you can significantly enhance your quality of life. Additionally, incorporating critical nutrients into your diet can support your emotional health, further unlocking the secret to longevity. Remember, the golden key to a centenarian life may very well lie within the balance of your mind and the happiness hormones you cultivate.
