The Synergy of Physical Activity and Nutrition on Longevity
Physical activity is a fundamental component of a healthy lifestyle resulting in a variety of mental and physiological benefits. Engaging in regular training sculpts the body, but more importantly, has been consistently linked to a multitude of positive outcomes, including improved cardiovascular health, strengthened muscles and bones, enhanced mood and reduced risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and certain cancers. Moreover, research has demonstrated a clear correlation between physical activity and longevity. Studies have consistently shown that individuals who maintain an active lifestyle tend to live longer, healthier lives compared to their sedentary counterparts. This effect is thought to be mediated through various mechanisms, including improved heart function, better metabolic health and enhanced immune function.
While physical activity lays the foundation for longevity, the importance of a health-promoting nutrition cannot be overstated. Food serves as the fuel that provides the energy needed by our bodies through the demands of exercise. The right nutritional choices can significantly impact performance, recovery and overall health.
A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients is the basis for an optimal physiological function. Carbohydrates and fat are the energy sources needed for exercise, while proteins are essential for skeletal muscle repair and the maintenance or increase of skeletal muscle mass. Triggering the fat metabolism is of ultimate importance for health retention. Additionally, adequate intake of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants plays a crucial role in supporting immune function and reducing inflammation, both of which are essential for sustained physical activity.
For individuals looking to maximize their longevity, it's essential to adopt a comprehensive lifestyle strategy that includes continuous physical training and mindful eating habits. This should involve incorporating a variety of physical activities into your daily live, such as aerobic exercise, strength training, stretching and coordinative training.
Moreover, paying attention to the quality of nutrition is of great importance: The nutritional needs of your body while practising an active lifestyle including training should mainly be provided by unprocessed natural food rich in nutrients, while highly processed food rich in sugars should be minimised. In the quest for a long and healthy life, the synergy between physical activity and nutrition is essential by incorporating regular exercise into our lives and fueling our bodies with wholesome, nutritious foods, we not only enhance our immediate well-being but also set the stage for a vibrant and fulfilling future. Ultimately, longevity is not just about adding years to our lives but about adding life to our years. By prioritising physical activity and nutrition, we can optimise our health span – the period of our lives spent in good health – and enjoy all that life has to offer for years to come.
Besides all the existing knowledge in the field, there is far more to be discovered regarding the complex and partially also individual aspects of optimising activity-nutrition programmes for the future. At the FNL Institute we are committed to build the scientific platform that enables the generation of knowledge and its transfer into actionable products with the industry. Nature’s kingdom is rich in substances which may support the interaction of physical activity and nutrition on health. Examples are polyphenols, ecdysteroids, saponins, unsaturated fatty acids and many more. The identification of substances and the investigation of their potential beneficial effects is one central element of research for the FNL Institute.