May 2, 2025: How long we live is influenced by our DNA; and testing for toxins

Happy Friday! Each week, I’m sharing two nano health habits, a lesson, and an inspirational quote to ponder on your health journey.

No one’s yet discovered the elixir of youth. There is no one fix for a longer, healthier life. What we do have, though, are nano or micro habits that together make all the difference.

Two Nano Health Habits

Test for toxins in your body. Some elements are toxic, including lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium. Even tiny amounts can negatively affect our health; for example, by drinking water that’s delivered through old lead pipes.

If you suspect you have been exposed, you can test for levels in your body with a toxic metals test. Ask your doctor.

Use third-party-tested supplements. Supplements are not regulated to the same high standards as pharmaceutical products in the US. Supplements are generally recognized as safe by the FDA, in the same category as food.

So, it’s important that a third party has checked that the supplements actually contain what they claim to contain. If the product HAS been tested by a third party, it will be indicated on the packaging.

One Lesson

How long we live is influenced by our genes: Research shows that our age at death is partly due to our DNA. About 40% of the length of our life is down to what we inherit. The other 60% is determined by how we live: what we eat, how much we exercise, how we manage stress, and whether we get enough sleep.

Check the evidence: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8836117/pdf/ijms-23-01499.pdf

One Quote

“Don’t be too timid or squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson