PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — I've been documenting my personal recovery journey following shoulder surgery in January, dedicating months in the gym alongside therapists and trainers in pursuit of mobility and vitality. Today, I'm seeking advice from Dr. Harold Bafitis, a seasoned surgeon based in Jupiter, to uncover key tips for optimal healing, and looking and feeling younger.
"Well, the first one, without question, which has so much science behind it, is nutrition," Bafitis explained.
With over 30 years of experience in Palm Beach County, he emphasizes the importance of addressing inflammation.
WATCH: Surgeon's secrets for living healthier
"We're significantly inflamed. The food that we have is highly acidic, it could potentially bring about swelling and inflammation," Bafitis explained, "and possibly cancer."
When Bafitis speaks of “eating cleaner,” he refers to opting for hormone-free, antibiotic-free meats and incorporating a rainbow of colorful foods into our meals. He advises cutting out refined sugars and limiting seed oils, noting that there’s no age limit to start making cleaner dietary choices.
Next on his list is exercise, particularly resistance training.
"You’ll lose muscle before fat, which is why resistance training is vital as you age," he insisted.
Bafitis also strongly recommends supplements due to the chronic depletion of nutrients in our soil.
"I would recommend a good methylated B vitamin. I would recommend vitamin D, even though we're here in Florida, we don't get enough vitamin D," he said. "I would say magnesium, magnesium glycinate at night. 80% of bodily reactions need magnesium, so supplements are important."
With your physician's guidance, he also suggests considering hormone replacement therapy in your 40s and 50s.
"The studies have shown, without question that it's safe, it's efficacious," Bafitis said, "and if you want to fight the clock and feel as good as you can feel, then I would recommend hormone modulation."
Finally, he points out the importance of stress management. While it’s not always easy, finding ways to lower stress levels can be advantageous at any age. Dr. Bafitis' ultimate recommendation for combating the effects of time is mindfulness.
"What we have in the medical literature is replete with over 2,000 articles on the benefits of meditation," he said. "But there are other ways, you could have an awake meditation just by being grateful in the morning, by just looking at what you have and not what you don't have."
With these insights, we can take proactive steps toward recovery and enduring vitality.
