Efficacy of lifestyle changes in modifying practical markers of wellness and aging.

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy of asking people to add fiber, exercise, and stress management to their lifestyles to enhance markers of wellness and aging. METHODS: A 10-week, randomized control study conducted in a wellness center in St Petersburg, Florida. Participants were adults aged 21 to 65 years who exercised fewer than 3 days per week. Fifty-six subjects were randomized to a control or an intervention group. Subjects followed a diet with > 30 g of fiber and 24 who exercised 5 to 6 days/week lost 4.8 kg and 4.1 kg in body fat. Also, in the intervention group, several of the cognitive scores showed statistically significant improvements from baseline: mental speed (4.6%, P = .014), reaction time (4.5%, P = .023), and cognitive flexibility (11.7%, P = .019), but none of these cognitive changes was significant with independent t testing when compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: A diet high in fiber and low in saturated fat combined with strength training, aerobic activity, and stress management activities improves fitness and several markers of wellness and aging.