Author: BalanceGenics Longevity Research Team (How100.com)
Embrace These 5 Foods to Fight Aging and Live Longer
Meet Dr. Gladys McGarey: The Mother of Holistic Medicine
Meet Dr. Gladys McGarey, a pioneering figure in medicine who, at the impressive age of 102, continues to inspire with her holistic approach to health. Often hailed as the mother of holistic medicine, Dr. McGarey’s philosophy emphasizes the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.
Pioneering Contributions
Dr. McGarey’s achievements in the field of holistic medicine are noteworthy. She co-founded the American Holistic Medical Association and the Academy of Parapsychology and Medicine, significantly advancing holistic health practices. Throughout her career, Dr. McGarey has been a beacon of innovation and dedication. Even at 102, her spirit remains unyielding. At the age of 86, she traveled to Afghanistan to support women during childbirth, a journey marked by riding a donkey with the assistance of a local woman. Her commitment to sharing her wisdom continues, as evidenced by the recent publication of her new book, The Well-Lived Life: A 102-Year-Old Doctor's Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age.
Overcoming Personal Adversities
Dr. Gladys’s life has not been without its challenges. She has battled thyroid and breast cancer, experienced a divorce after a 46-year marriage at the age of 70, and faced the heartbreaking loss of a child to breast cancer. Despite these hardships, she maintains an unwavering resilience, finding joy in everyday activities like riding her tricycle around her home in Arizona. Her continued work as a consulting doctor and writer demonstrates her dedication to her life's mission and her boundless energy.
Secrets to Health and Happiness
Dr. Gladys’s approach to longevity begins with a mindful diet, staying hydrated, and choosing foods that contribute to her well-being. She emphasizes the importance of personalized dietary choices, acknowledging that what works for one person might not be suitable for another. This individualized approach to nutrition is a cornerstone of her health philosophy.
A Glimpse into Her Daily Routine
Dr. Gladys starts her day with a simple routine that sets a positive tone for the day ahead. She begins with a morning prayer, embracing the new day with gratitude and intention. Following this, she enjoys a nourishing breakfast of Raisin Bran and prune juice, both of which offer significant health benefits.
Nutritional Benefits of Raisin Bran and Prune Juice:
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Raisin Bran is rich in dietary fiber, which is crucial for maintaining digestive health and helping to prevent conditions such as colon cancer. The fiber content in Raisin Bran supports regular bowel movements and helps keep the digestive tract healthy.
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Prune juice, made from dried plums, provides a natural source of energy and is packed with essential nutrients. Prunes have a low glycemic index, which means they release sugar into the bloodstream slowly, preventing rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. Additionally, prunes are an excellent source of potassium, an electrolyte essential for various bodily functions, including digestion, heart rhythm, nerve impulses, muscle contractions, and blood pressure regulation.
Maintaining a Balanced Routine
Dr. McGarey begins her mornings with a cup of coffee and follows a straightforward routine that includes engaging activities and social interactions. Her lunch is typically a balanced meal, often consisting of a fresh, vibrant salad or a more substantial dish. After lunch, she takes a restful nap, which helps rejuvenate her body and mind. Her evening meal is light, usually soup, ensuring she has a peaceful and restful night’s sleep. She values a consistent sleep schedule, going to bed at 8 PM, understanding that restful sleep is crucial for overall well-being, even as we age.
Individualized Diet Approach
Dr. Gladys values the importance of a healthy diet but does not prescribe a specific eating plan for everyone. She enjoys a variety of foods, including occasional treats like chocolate cake and hamburgers. She believes in the significance of finding what works best for each individual and that enjoying food without strict dietary restrictions can contribute to overall happiness and well-being.
Importance of Hydration
Throughout the day, Dr. McGarey remains vigilant about staying hydrated. She understands that proper hydration is vital for maintaining cognitive function, preventing memory problems, and avoiding confusion. Her commitment to hydration reflects her holistic approach to health, recognizing that every aspect of well-being is interconnected.
Staying Mentally and Physically Active
At 102, Dr. Gladys keeps her mind sharp and hands busy with various activities. Knitting is one of her cherished hobbies, allowing her to create simple yet thoughtful gifts for her loved ones. Although her eyesight no longer permits intricate patterns, she finds joy in knitting smaller items. By engaging in such activities, she minimizes her time on the cell phone, avoiding the potential tension it can cause. Her dedication to staying mentally active extends to her continued work as a consultant, where she emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to medicine that she helped popularize in the 1970s.
Leisure and Social Engagement
In her leisure time, Dr. McGarey enjoys listening to audiobooks and engaging in meaningful conversations with friends. She recently underwent a stem cell infusion, which she believes has positively impacted her vitality. While the scientific community continues to study its effects on aging, Dr. McGarey remains optimistic and enthusiastic about its potential benefits.
Daily Exercise Routine
Dr. Gladys aims to achieve 3,800 steps each day, using a walker for support. She finds solace in wandering around her cherished home, embracing the comfort of familiar surroundings. Her daily routine includes riding her tricycle, which adds an element of fun and delight to her day.
In addition to her physical activities, Dr. Gladys incorporates a weekly full-body massage into her wellness regimen. She appreciates the profound benefits of massages, which go beyond physical relief to provide nourishment for the mind and soul. She strongly believes in the power of human touch and the importance of warm, comforting embraces with those around her. These interactions contribute significantly to her sense of well-being and happiness.
Creating a 10-Year Plan
Dr. Gladys advocates for creating a 10-year plan, which she believes is crucial for healthy aging. She discusses and refines her plan with her friend Rose every morning, focusing on a central purpose that brings fulfillment and meaning to life. Her current mission revolves around promoting better ways for people to live and care for one another.
Dr. McGarey emphasizes that having a long-term plan keeps the life force activated and provides a sense of direction. She encourages others to think about their future aspirations and to work towards achieving them, regardless of age. Her philosophy is that life is too short for dwelling on past regrets, and it is essential to focus on what is coming next.
"About your 10-year plan, I think the world needs a village for living medicine, a place where people who believe in love and life can heal through all things. A 10-year plan makes space for everything," she wrote in her book. "It's a far enough reach that it keeps our life force activated, yet it's close enough that we can achieve it, dust ourselves off, and plan anew."
Dr. Gladys doesn’t worry about how many years she has left. Instead, she is committed to her work and continues to look forward with optimism and determination.
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References
- Tang, W. H. W., et al. (2013). "Intestinal Microbiota Metabolism of l-Carnitine, a Nutrient in Red Meat, Promotes Atherosclerosis." Nature Medicine, 19(5), 576-585.
- Morrison, D. J., & Preston, T. (2016). "The Role of Gut Microbiota in the Metabolism of Dietary Nutrients." Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism.
- Schugar, R. C., et al. (2017). "The TMAO Hypothesis: A Potential Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease." Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 4, 1-10.
- Kumar, A., & Gupta, A. (2020). "Microbiota and Cardiovascular Disease: A Review." Heart Failure Clinics, 16(3), 363-375.
- Cleveland Clinic. (2017). "High TMAO Levels Linked to Increased Cardiovascular Risk." Cleveland Clinic Newsroom.
- Wu, H., et al. (2015). "Dietary Patterns and Cardiovascular Disease: A Review." Nutrition Reviews, 73(8), 547-558.
- Zhang, A., et al. (2019). "Gut Microbiota and Cardiovascular Disease: A Review." Journal of Cardiovascular Translational Research, 12(3), 235-245.
By following these principles and maintaining a positive outlook, Dr. Gladys McGarey shows that age is just a number when it comes to living a fulfilling and healthy life.
