The path to longevity is precarious with chronic diseases and health problems lurking at every corner.
According to Dr Eric Berg, if you can eliminate the reasons why people die, you can extend their lifespan.
The doctor explained that a good way to start your longevity journey is by looking at the number one cause of death worldwide which is heart attacks.
While high cholesterol is often cited as the top driver for cardiovascular problems, Dr Berg shared that there’s one factor that poses even a greater risk – insulin resistance.
In fact, he explained that insulin resistance can hike your risk of heart attacks by a whopping 540 percent.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Dr Berg said: “This blows me away because I don’t even know if doctors look at insulin resistance as a biomarker or risk factor at all.”
The doctor explained that insulin resistance doesn’t only lead to diabetes but a whole host of health problems, ranging from high blood pressure to metabolic syndrome.
Therefore, if you want to reach the ripe age of 100, you need to tackle this problem.
The doctor added: “If you want to live longer, all you have to do is improve insulin resistance. Make your insulin more sensitive, less resistant, stabilise your blood sugars.
“That is the most important action out of anything you can do.”
Fortunately, there are five easy lifestyle tweaks that can help you achieve this.
1. Low-carb diet
Dr Berg explained that the “biggest way” to start is by going on a low-carb diet, also known as the Ketogenic diet.
While carbs in the form of whole grains are often touted for their health benefits, they still increase your blood sugar, the doctor warned.
2. Intermittent fasting
Another tip Dr Berg offered is implementing intermittent fasting into your daily routine and cutting out snacks.
While there are many different approaches to this popular dietary regimen, one includes eating all your food within an eight-hour window each day.
3. Don’t restrict cholesterol
While you might be tempted to keep your cholesterol levels low in order to prevent developing the number one cause of death worldwide, the doctor shared that high levels of LDL cholesterol, also known as “bad” cholesterol, could actually be beneficial.
Dr Berg said: “When your LDL is low, you don’t live as long as when your LDL is higher. When LDL is higher, it can extend your lifespan. This is probably new information for you.”
Cholesterol is involved in a whole host of processes, ranging from the production of vitamin D to making cortisol, which is the hormone you need to counter stress and get rid of inflammation.
Therefore, the doctor explained you shouldn’t try to go lean with your proteins or lower your cholesterol. “Don’t be afraid of cholesterol in your natural foods like eggs, meat, cheese, and things like that,” he said.
The reason why you shouldn’t do this comes down to lean proteins triggering your insulin “the most”.
4. Eat plenty of vegetables
Another surprising thing that the doctor revealed is the negative effects of fruit on your body. Dr Berg explained that fruits are packed with fructose which can drive up your blood sugar levels and eventually create insulin resistance.
Fortunately, vegetables can also offer beneficial vitamins, minerals and fibre without increasing your blood sugar.
Plus, they are “loaded” with magnesium and potassium, which are two “key” minerals that can help the insulin resistance problem, Dr Berg shared.
5. Exercise
The expert added that exercise as an action can “greatly improve” your insulin resistance.
“The combination of all these things I’ve mentioned will guarantee that you definitely live longer,” the doctor concluded.