Many of us take our five senses for granted, hardly noticing the hard work they do for us each day. However, you should really be taking care of what you have been granted by your body. Here is a guide to keeping all of your senses in tip-top condition.
Sight
The most important thing to realize here is that you can’t reverse damage to the eyes. This is why catching any problems as early as possible is so important. And this is why it is so important that you keep optician appointments.
If you have no known problems with your eyes, you don’t need to go to an optician as much as a dentist. However, you should still get checked regularly. If issues are caught early enough, there are options to slow down or stop the deterioration completely. For example, glaucoma surgery can be very effective if done early. If you’re not yet at the stage of having issues with your eyes, it’s still worthwhile acting now. Ten years of regular vitamin C is said to reduce the chance of cataracts by 60%, for example. Omega-3 rich foods, like fish and walnut, can also prevent dry and uncomfortable eyes.
Smell
Your nasal membranes can be damaged by several different things; smoke from cigarettes and cigars being one of them. Quit smoking today, before this damage gets any worse.
Hearing
Ever been told by an older person that listening to headphones and earphones will ruin your hearing? They weren’t just nagging you unnecessarily, we’re afraid. Too much exposure to loud and intense noise in your youth can damage your inner ear for good. So, turn down that music, podcast or in car radio today, and keep it down. In the long run you’ll still be able to hear high pitched voices and people talking when there is also music or other background noise playing.
Taste
When it comes to the health of our mouths, many of us focus on our teeth. While these are of course important, our tongues are equally important. After all, it is here, and not in our teeth, that our tastebuds are located. So, keep your mouth clean by brushing your teeth, flossing and using mouthwash twice a day. A healthy mouth will allow you to hold onto fully functioning taste sensors for much longer. After the age of around 65, flavors start to fade. Sour tastes and bitter tastes can be the first to go. When this begins to happen, you can add higher quantities of flavorings to your food, of course. But put needing to do so off for as long as possible.
Touch
Nerve fibres in your skin are what allow you to feel things that you touch. As you age, these age too. The aim, therefore, is to keep these fibers in top condition. Doing so means keeping them pumped with oxygen, amongst other things. As with your sense of smell, quitting smoking will help with this, as will a generally healthy lifestyle. So, this includes exercise and a well-balanced diet.
