Pollution, lifestyle and diet are key factors in how we age and stay healthy. The main effect of pollution on our bodies is an increased production of free radicals in our bodies, which weaken the immune system. As a result we have a greater risk of premature ageing and developing chronic diseases such as asthma and cancer. Antioxidants mop up free radicals and can be found in certain fruits and vegetables, or can be taken as a dietary supplement. Smoking is another key factor in premature ageing. Look at your friends and family members who smoke, and compare how they look against non smokers of the same age. Smokers generally have more facial lines and wrinkles, and their teeth may be discoloured.

Drinking plenty of water, especially between meals, helps to flush toxins out of our system. It also helps to keep the skin clear of imperfections, and can prevent hangover headaches caused by dehydration, and of course water is free of calories!

Take regular exercise to keep the heart and lungs healthy and boost your metabolic rate. A brisk 30 minute walk every day will burn off calories and help to build strong bones. Break up the day with a half hour walk in your lunchtime, and you could lose the equivalent of one stone in weight per year. Do you really need to drive to work or the supermarket? Help reduce pollution caused by car emissions by walking or cycling if possible. Get out and about and explore your local area. There may be lovely walks in local parks or along canal paths. Ask the neighbours or look for footpaths and bridleways on an Ordnance Survey map.

A diet rich in antioxidants will help to reduce the impact of pollution on our health. Some health experts believe that free radical damage is the cause of premature ageing. Most of us know that we should protect our skin from the sun by using a UV blocker, in order to reduce the ageing effects of the sun. But how many of us consider the aging effects that pollution may be having on our complexions? Healthy foods which are naturally rich in antioxidants include beetroot, blueberries, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cherries, cranberries, grapes, plums, peppers, raspberries, spinach, strawberries, sweet potatoes and tomatoes. Nutritional supplements which contain antioxidants to help protect against damaging free radicals include Co-enzyme Q10, Lipocarn, Lycopene, Pycnogegol and Selenium. These can be purchased from health food stores.

Key ways to avoid the ageing effects of pollution and remain healthy and look younger than your age include:

• move to an area with less traffic and pollution generating industrial areas.
• give up smoking and avoid close proximity of other people smoking.
• eat a well balanced diet rich in antioxidants.
• take a nutritional supplement containing antioxidants.
• drink plenty of plain water, especially between meals.
• exercise for at least 30 minutes per day.

When you are a teenager you do not think about getting old, but once we approach middle age and see friends and family with various ailments, it makes us more aware of our own health and our appearance as facial lines and wrinkles start to appear. No-one wants to get older, although the thought of retiring and giving up work may be appealing! So a few changes in diet and lifestyle can act as insurance against ill health and looking older, and set you up for a long and healthy future.