Latest news with #NaheedAli
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
I'm a longevity expert, here's three things I'm doing that will mean I'm living to 100
After a tiring week at work, a weekend lie in and a slap up brunch seem like a no-brainer—but could a few extra hours and a healthy breakfast do more than simply restore your energy levels? Mounting research suggests that sleeping in on our days off, eating a diet rich in healthy fats and protein, and making time for regular exercise can seriously reduce the risk of developing a number of conditions, from dementia to obesity. Now a leading longevity expert has gone one step further, telling MailOnline that living by these simple pillars could help turn back the biological clock—and even help you reach a very grand old age. Dr Naheed Ali, a Harvard-trained lifestyle expert, believes that living to 100 isn't just down to luck and genetics, and there are easy ways to give ourselves a helping hand to reach our centenaries. 'From a medical standpoint, we encounter three distinct spurts of ageing,' he said. 'Infancy, the teen years and after 60—and each phase carries its own metabolic demands.' As adults, there isn't a lot we can do to influence the first two stages, but we do have the luxury of taking preventative steps to prepare for the final one, and Dr Ali says that it is possible to reverse our biological ages in just six months. The final spurt when we are officially entering old age, comes with an acceleration in muscle wastage, brain shrinkage and skin decline—all things that make us appear older. With this in mind, longevity experts suggest it might be time for us to stop seeing ageing as a steady decline marked by an increasing number of candles on a birthday cake, but rather a series of instalments that can potentially be waylaid. Support for this theory can be found in research published by the Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge. Their scientists found that up until the age of around 70, most people are able to make new blood cells, which are vital for supplying the body with oxygen. But after 70, our blood cell count drops significantly, raising the risk of anaemia, immune disorders and cancer. This is because red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen around the body. Fewer blood cells means there's less oxygen and nutrients being delivered to our internal organs and skin and this causes poor tissue regeneration—triggering visible signs of ageing, like loose, papery, sallow skin and deep facial wrinkles. This age is regarded as a tipping point because it is when our body finally succumbs to the damage which has been accumulating at a cellular level for decades, which is why it's crucial to prioritise our health and reduce this inevitable damage right now. According to Dr Ali, it is possible to reverse biological aging by focusing on neural health—and he says 'it's never too late to start'. 'Protecting the brain starts with blood supply, so I emphasise a Mediterranean-style eating pattern rich in olive oil, legumes and brightly coloured vegetables', he explained. Dr Ali shared this as one of three key tips to help increase your chances of living for a century. He said: 'These foods deliver polyphenols that keep blood pressure in check and maintain the delicate vessels feeding cortical tissue [the outer protective layer of our internal organs].' Polyphenols are a nutrient found in plant foods like fruits, vegetables, dark chocolate and spices which help reduce inflammation and have been found to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. His second tip was to incorporate movement and exercise throughout the day. This could be as simple as switching to a standing desk, or taking the stairs rather than the lift to boost activity levels. It has long been thought that those who get up and move more tend to live longer than those who lead a more sedentary lifestyle. 'This is because movement helps the body respond better to insulin, reducing glucose spikes that can damage cells and tissue in the body,' he said. Frequent or prolonged spikes in our blood sugar levels can lead to the formation of harmful molecules which form when excess sugar binds to protein or fats in the body. These compounds are known to damage cells in the body, especially in sensitive areas like the brain, contributing to ageing and increasing the risk of degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia diagnosed in the UK. Dr Ali added that people should aim for a 'brisk thirty-minute walk five days a week', to ward off the cognitive decline associated with dementia. Experts have previously found that people aged between 45 and 65 who increased their activity levels to around two and a half hours a week were less prone to one toxic protein— amyloid —spreading in the brain. Significant clumps of this protein can form plaques in the brain which are thought to be behind the symptoms of Alzheimer's. The longevity expert added that exercise also helps preserve volume in the part of the brain linked to thinking and memory. 'Good sleep completes the triad,' Dr Ali added. 'Seven to nine hours in a cool, dark room with minimal caffeine after midday allows the body to do its nightly cleansing job.' 'Patients who improve their sleep often notice crisper attention within a fortnight', he added. Studies show that consistently failing to get enough shut eye can increase the risk of obesity, heart disease and even dementia. Some studies have suggested that even just one night of restless sleep can increase inflammation in the body, contributing to the effects of ageing. However, too much sleep can also be bad for you. Researchers now say that consistently sleeping for longer than nine hours a night can fuel brain ageing that leads to memory problems in later life. Concluding, Dr Ali said: 'When someone combines activity, nutrient dense meals, and restorative sleep we often see epigenetic movement markers move in a younger direction within six months. 'This evidence of biological reverse is a powerful motivator and reminds patients that it is never too late to start caring for their nervous system.' More and more Britons are living to 100, and beyond. At the age of 115, Ethel Caterham, from Surrey, is the oldest living person in the UK. Dr Daniel Glazer, a clinical psychologist, agrees, stating: 'In late adulthood, those with a clear sense of purpose often report sharper memory and greater satisfaction than age-matched peers. One of his top tips is finding time to meditate every day. 'Brief daily sessions of paced breathing or mindfulness meditation drop stress levels that erode tissue in the brain,' he said. 'Emotional regulation keeps the biochemical environment hospitable.' Lower cortisol levels—the stress hormone—also helps to reduce inflammation, protecting blood vessels around the body. 'The practice is simple yet biologically potent, giving clients something tangible they can control,' the psychologist added. Physical activity, a diverse diet packed with wholegrains, fruits and vegetables, love, companionship, and a sense of purpose make up the backbone of so-called 'Blue Zones,' or areas of the world where people typically live to 100 and beyond.
Metro
04-06-2025
- Health
- Metro
Doctor says sleeping with a fan on can cause 'hidden stresses' on our bodies
Summer is here and for many people across the Northern Hemisphere it's getting too hot to sleep comfortably at night. So a lot of us may be turning to fans to keep us cool. However, one doctor has said sleeping with a fan on could be causing 'hidden stress' on our bodies (Picture: Getty) US-based medic Dr Naheed Ali, who also has a PhD as an health expert, told LadBible: 'The fan cools the skin by speeding up evaporation, and that steady airflow can leave the nasal passages and throat uncomfortably dry by morning. A dry airway produces thicker mucus, which can trap allergens and irritants close to sensitive tissue. Over time, this may trigger coughing, a scratchy voice, or clogged sinuses that linger through the day' (Picture: Getty) He added that the airflow from the fan could stir up dust from bedding and flooring, and these particles of lint, dander and pollen could reach deeper into your airway as you sleep. People who also have asthma or mild allergies may find themselves with extra chest tightness or sneezing after having the fan on (Picture: Getty) But it's not only your sinuses that could be affected. Dr Ali explains that your muscles exposed to cool air for seven or eight hours can cause a drop in temperature in your tissues, which can lead to stiff neck and aching shoulders upon waking. This symptom will persist until a warm shower or gentle stretching restores the normal blood flow (Picture: Getty) Houses across the UK are not adapted to function well in the heat, so what can you do when it gets too hot? Dr Ali suggested that if running a fan is the only solution for sleeping comfortably then you should try having it on a timer. He recommends to set the timer to last the first sleep cycle which is 90 minutes, so that it switches off after you fall asleep (Picture: Getty) He suggests that you should direct the airflow toward the opposite wall instead of it being aimed straight towards the bed. You should also have a glass of water beside the bed in case your mouth goes dry. He said: 'Replacing bedroom filters and washing sheets weekly will reduce airborne dust. These small adjustments let the fan cool the room without increasing discomfort in the airways or joints during the full night' (Picture: Getty) Those at the Sleep Foundation have suggested some other ways to keep cool at night which include: • Using cool bedding and pyjamas• Using a cooling mattress and bedding• Showering before bed• Cool down the bedroom during the day• Turn on air conditioning (Picture: Getty) Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Daily Mail
30-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Doctor warns of alarming health risks of sleeping with a fan on during a heatwave
Sleeping with a fan on could leave you with a hacking cough, chest pain and agonising muscle aches, a doctor has warned. According to US-based medic Dr Naheed Ali, running the cooling device all night puts 'hidden stress' on the body, including leaving the throat and airways irritated, and restricting blood flow to the muscles. The health risks may be even more significant for those with severe allergies and asthma, as the airflow whips up particles of dust and dirt, which are then inhaled into the lungs. 'People with asthma allergies often wake with extra chest tightness after a night with the fan on,' Dr Ali said. His warning comes as the UK is set to experience a heatwave, with temperatures predicted to reach up to 30°C in some areas of the UK by Thursday, the Met Office reports. Many will no doubt be reaching for the devices to aid sleep, as studies show the optimum room temperature for a restful night is between 16°C and 18°C. 'The steady airflow of the fan can leave the nasal passages and throat uncomfortably dry by morning,' Dr Ali told LADbible. The dry air irritates the airways, causing a build-up of mucus in the nose and sinuses, and phlegm in the throat. Dr Ali said: 'A dry airway produces thicker mucus, which can trap allergens and irritants close to sensitive tissue. 'Over time, this may trigger coughing, a scratchy voice, or clogged sinuses that linger throughout the day'. As for those with allergies: 'Tiny particles of lint, dander, and pollen stay in motion and may reach deeper into the airways while you sleep.' Sleeping with a fan on could also trigger muscle problems. Dr Ali said: 'Cool air against muscles and joints for seven or eight hours can cause a subtle drop in tissue temperature. 'The chilled muscles tighten as a natural defense, and that tension may persist until a warm shower or gentle stretching restores normal blood flow.' However, Dr Ali said, you don't necessarily have to turn the fan off to avoid all side effects. He suggested using a timer to limit running time, washing bedding more regularly to reduce the amount of airborne dust, and facing the fan away from the bed. 'If a fan is the only way to keep the room comfortable, place it on a timer that shuts off after the first sleep cycle of ninety minutes. 'Direct the airflow toward an opposite wall rather than straight at the bed, and keep a glass of water at the bedside to sip if the mouth feels dry.' He added: 'These small adjustments let the fan cool the room without increasing discomfort in the airways or joints during the full night.' According to the NHS, the best way to cope in hot weather is to keep living spaces cool. This can be achieved by closing windows during the day and opening them at night when the outside temperature has dropped. This comes as the Met Office issues a warning that an abnormally early heatwave could break records this week. Pollen levels are also expected to be 'very high' for much of southern England and Wales. Those who suffer from hay fever are advised to keep particles out of their eyes, face and hair by staying indoors where possible, medical charity Allergy said. They are also advised to shower and wash their hair regularly and to remove the top layer of clothing when coming indoors to avoid spreading pollen particles around the house.
Daily Mail
30-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Doctor issues warning against sleeping with the fan on during hot weather
As the warm weather arrives, Britons have been cracking out their fans to stay cool - but a top doctor has revealed why you should stop sleeping with the relieving device on throughout the night. PhD health expert Dr Naheed Ali said running a fan in the bedroom all night can 'create hidden stress on the body'. The physician said keeping the fan all night can dry the sinus and throat leaving you feeling dry and congested in the morning. Running a fan overnight can also make your muscles stiff and stir up dust causing chest tightness and excessive sneezing in those with asthma or allergies. Speaking with LADbible, Dr Ali added that there are remedies those who can't sleep without their fan on can try to reduce the health risks. The doc who is a senior contributor at Vera Clinic explained a fan offers relief in hot temperatures as it cools the skin by speeding up evaporation. Constant airflow through the night can leave the nasal passages and throat feeling uncomfortably dry and cause issues the next day. 'A dry airway produces thicker mucus, which can trap allergens and irritants close to sensitive tissue. Over time, this may trigger coughing, a scratchy voice, or clogged sinuses that linger through the day,' Dr Ali said. 'Continuous airflow also stirs up dust from bedding and flooring. Tiny particles of lint, dander, and pollen stay in motion and may reach deeper into the airways while you sleep. 'People with asthma or mild allergies often wake with extra chest tightness or sneezing after a night with the fan on.' Cool air blowing on muscles and joints for hours at a time can cause a drop in tissue temperature meaning you could wake up with a sore neck and shoulders according to Dr Ali. 'The chilled muscles tighten as a natural defence, and that tension may persist until a warm shower or gentle stretching restores normal blood flow,' he said. If running a fan is the only solution for sleeping comfortably on a hot night, Dr Alli recommends putting it on a timer. He said to set the timer to last the first sleep cycle of 90 minutes so it switches off after you've dozed off. The doctor said not to direct the fan's airflow onto the bed but instead to an opposite wall and to keep a glass of water within reach to relieve a dry mouth or throat. He also added that those who react to dust should replace bedroom filters and wash sheets weekly to reduce the amount of lint, dander and pollen. For those who want to avoid using their fans at night, there are some useful tricks that will help you sleep coolly. Dr Lindsay Browning, a psychologist and sleep expert at And So To Bed, explained why heat is so disruptive to our sleep: 'As we fall asleep, our body temperature naturally drops. When the room is too hot or your covers are too thick, you can struggle to reduce your body temperature, which makes falling asleep much harder,' she said. But while sleeplessness is a common complaint during a heatwave, the warm weather doesn't have to stop you from getting good quality shuteye. Given the fact that only five per cent of houses in the UK have air conditioning, it's necessary to find alternative methods for bringing temperatures down. And while beating the heat requires a little creativity, it's not half as complicated as you would think. Dr Browning has shared some simple hacks for staying cool at night without air conditioning - and one will have you reaching for something that helped you survive the winter weather: your hot water bottle. Freeze your hot water bottle Now, you probably thought you wouldn't be reaching for your hot water bottle again until the winter but the reality is it can also assist with extreme heat in the summer months. Dr Browning advises finding yours and filling it two-thirds of the way up before putting it in the freezer for two hours. Retrieve the frozen hot water bottle half an hour or so before your normal bedtime and place it on your bed to cool it down. So long as you remove it before you get into bed so the bottle doesn't directly touch your skin, you'll be set for a much more comfortable night. Put your socks or pillowcase in the freezer When it's impossibly hot and you find yourself throwing the covers off to try to sleep, it's worth placing your pillowcase or socks into the freezer before you go to bed. By keeping your socks or pillowcases in a plastic bag in the freezer for several hours during the day, you will find that they provide an instant cooling sensation when you put them on. The cool effect can help to bring your body temperature down and, in turn, help you feel more comfortable in bed. Keep evening skincare in the fridge More and more of us have a bedtime skincare routine but did you know that it pays to keep some of your products in the fridge during hot weather? If you do choose to cool your creams in the fridge, you will undoubtedly find your nightly skincare ritual becomes even more pleasurable for its refreshing effects. And, in addition to cooling your skin down, keeping moisturisers, serums and face masks in the fridge can also help to extend their shelf life. Use a water spray at night To help lower your body temperature if you don't have air conditioning, try using a water spray bottle or mister to spritz your face, neck and wrists with cold water. Dr Browning also advises lightly misting your duvet covers, mattresses and pillows to help keep you cool.
