5 Primal Methods For Aging Gracefully

Megan Pickup
Sep 17, 2024
4 min read

September is "Healthy Aging Month," it's a time to focus on the positive aspects of aging and promote personal responsibility for health. As we age, it's important to adopt primal methods that align with our human biology. Let's explore five primal healthy aging factors and how they contribute to the aging gracefully!

Movement

Our early ancestors relied on certain movements to survive and thrive. These movements included crawling, climbing, lifting heavy thing, and stretching. Incorporating these types of movements into our daily routine can help improve flexibility, strength, and overall mobility.

● Crawling is an excellent exercise for core strength and coordination. It engages multiple muscle groups and promotes stability in the spine. Bear pose, or knee hover, is an excellent way to mimic this movement.

● Climbing exercises, such as rock climbing or tree climbing, challenge our upper body strength and improve grip strength. You can also try a plank with mountain climber leg movements.

● Stretching and lengthening exercises, like Pilates, enhance flexibility and promote joint health (which also greatly helps alleviate chronic pain - Pilates has been the best thing I've found to help with the constant pain I experience from living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome).

By adding these ancestral movements into our daily routines, we can maintain a strong and agile body as we age.

Skincare

Taking care of our skin is essential for maintaining a youthful appearance. Primal skincare methods focus on natural techniques that support skin health from within.

● Fascia rolling is a popular technique that involves using a roller to massage the fascia, the connective tissue that runs the entirety of our bodies beneath the skin. This practice helps improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote collagen production. Here are two options that I utilize: a foam roller with grids and a handheld one.

● Non-toxic skincare products such as tallow and oils are an effective skincare method that has been shown to alleviate redness and inflammation. This is the tallow balm that I use daily on my 45 year old face.

● Gua sha is an ancient technique rooted in primal wisdom that stimulates circulation, reduces tension, and enhances lymphatic flow. Gua sha can promote a radiant complexion.

By incorporating these primal skincare techniques into our routine, we can improve skin elasticity and promote a youthful glow.

Primal Foods

The food we consume plays a significant role in our overall health and aging process. Primal foods are those that align with our ancestral diet and provide essential nutrients for optimal health. Protein, fats, and fruits are key components of a primal healthy aging diet:

● High-quality proteins, like grass-fed beef, wild-caught fish, and free-range poultry, supply the amino acids necessary for muscle repair and maintenance. It's important to note that as we age, a higher protein intake is necessary as it takes more protein just to preserve the muscle mass we have. If you are working out, you will need even more.

● Healthy fats, such as butter, tallow, coconut oil, avocados, nuts, and olive oil, provide essential fatty acids that are necessary to support brain health and reduce inflammation.

● Fruits rich in antioxidants, such as berries and citrus fruits, help protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals.

Incorporating these foods into our diet can nourish our bodies with the nutrients they need to maintain optimal health.

Hydration Tips

Proper hydration is crucial for overall health. Primal hydration tips focus on consuming mineralized filtered water or spring water instead of plain tap water AND getting adequate electrolytes.

● Tap water often contains added in chemicals like fluoride and other contaminants that can affect hormone balance and accelerate the aging process.

● Mineralized filtered water or spring water, on the other hand, provides essential minerals that support cellular function and hydration.

● Electrolytes are minerals, that once dissolved in the body, carry an electric charge. They help regulate key physiological functions such as fluid balance, muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and pH levels. Common electrolytes include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride. They are crucial for overall health and proper bodily functions. Here are the three brands of electrolytes that my family use: LMNT, Wake Up Water, and Buoy.

By opting for mineralized filtered water or spring water and adding electrolytes, we can ensure proper hydration while minimizing exposure to harmful added chemicals that may contribute to premature aging.

Supplements

In addition to a healthy diet, certain primal supplements can support the aging process and promote overall well-being. Here are three examples:

● Omega-3s are essential fats that have been shown to reduce inflammation, support brain health, and improve heart health. They can be obtained through salmon oil supplements or by consuming fatty fish like salmon or sardines.

● Collagen is a protein that provides structure to our skin, hair, nails, and joints. Supplementing with collagen peptides can help improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and support joint health.

● Protein can also be supplemented in the form of whey. I'm not a huge fan or protein shakes (there are good quality protein shakes and shake mixes available, it more of a texture thing for me), so I use a clear whey to make sure I get enough protein each day. My favorite way to drink it is to mix the Lemonade or Watermelon flavor with black tea.

● Resveratrol is a natural compound found in grapes. It has antioxidant properties that help protect against cellular damage and promote longevity.

By incorporating these primal supplements into our routine, we can provide our bodies with additional support for healthy aging.

Adopting These Methods For Aging Gracefully Can Have a Significant Impact on Our Overall Health and Well-Being.

By incorporating ancestral movements, practicing natural skincare techniques, consuming healthy foods while prioritizing protein, making sure to be properly hydrated, and considering supplements, we can embrace the aging process with vitality and grace!

Yours in joy & wellness,