By Joy Stephenson-Laws, JD, Founder

Today marks the 25th anniversary of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court, and Ruth shows no signs of slowing down.

Not only is Ruth Bader Ginsburg a true trailblazer in the women’s rights arena, but she also has been a blinding beacon of light for human rights advocates for decades. There is no denying her tenacity and drive. Ginsburg’s streaming list of accomplishments even inspires her most staunch critics.

While her health has been a hushed topic of concern for years, Ruth is now chiming in and reassuring all of us that she isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

So where does that seemingly endless spring of energy come from?

What keeps the queen bee of justice fiercely marching forward?

The answer lies in both a purposeful existence and a dedication to good health and nutrition.

Having recently turned 85, Ginsburg still projects the regal wisdom of a sitting queen. Her polarizing presence is only overshadowed by her willingness to fight for the fair treatment of all people, no matter class, creed, color, gender or sexual orientation. In recent years, Ruth Bader Ginsburg has developed a bit of a cult following. People are openly offering up their organs to keep Ruth seated firmly atop her perch.

This passion for all things ethical has led to a purpose so profound that it fuels her spirit forward. Ginsburg is quoted as saying: “One lives not just for one's self but for one's community."

Ruth is clearly equipped with a quick wit, determination and sharp intellect. But how does that explain how a woman of 85 manages to stay so energetic and productive?

Nutrition, Hydration, Exercise, Repeat

Ginsburg is a fighter in more ways than one. Ruth had a bout with colorectal cancer back in 1999. Only to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 10 years later. She met both life-altering obstacles with the same discipline, determination and ferocity that she brings to the bench.

Having overcome such grave illnesses, today Ruth pays added attention to her health, making it a top priority.

One of the best ways Ginsburg maintains optimal health is to make sure she is getting an adequate amount of nutrients. Being nutritionally balanced includes having the right amount of the six basic nutrients our bodies need to be healthy. Water, protein, carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins and minerals, like potassium, all work to strengthen, energize and improve cognitive health.

And as we get older, the body is less efficient at absorbing nutrients like vitamins and minerals from the foods we eat. So older people have to be especially proactive about making sure they get an adequate intake of nutrients.

RBG’s trainer and confidant, Bryant Johnson, has recently written an exercise book about her workout routine. Ruth’s appetite for good health and exercise should inspire people of all ages to get off their couches and get busy.

Bryant Johnson also recommends hydrating often. "As we get older, adults don't always drink as much as they should. When you drink water, it clears out the impurities in our bodies." As for food — he recommends that RBG snacks on bananas since the potassium helps with muscle cramps that can occur when you're not well hydrated. 

Pumping Iron - The Ginsburg Way

On The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Ginsburg drummed up laughs by inviting the politically overt host to work out with her at the Watergate Hotel. RBG attributes most of her newfound longevity to her personal trainer Bryant Johnson. Being a ruthless advocate for exercise, the pair has been happily bench pressing together, twice a week, for the past 20 years. The Justice claims that Johnson is one of ‘’the most important people’’ in her life.  

What Motivated RGB to Be So Dedicated to Working Out?

After undergoing surgery and multiple rounds of chemo and radiation, the always headstrong Ginsburg decided that if she wanted to get her strength back she’d have to get serious.

Her workout is an impressive, full body strength-training routine that target arms, chest, legs, back, shoulders, glutes and abs.

“Squat, lift, kick, curl: Justice Ginsburg's workout is tough, and it left me exhausted,” according to one reporter

"Exercise will not necessarily make you live longer, but it will improve your quality of life," her trainer says. Her physical activity has resulted in the increase of her bone density.

All you’ll need to get started is a resistance band. Keep in mind that the notorious RBG has worked her way up to these exercises. Don’t let the fact she’s 85 fool you. Remember to pace yourself.

The CDC reports that only 23% of Americans are getting the proper amount of exercise. With such dismal percentages, it makes Ruth look like Arnold Schwarzenegger. Government guidelines recommend leisure-time exercise at least twice weekly. People should engage in “moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity for at least 150 minutes per week” or “vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity for at least 75 minutes per week,” or any combination.

The Healthy Takeaway

Whether you are 40, 50 or still cruising along at 90, nutrition is vital to improve quality of life as you age. It is extremely important to determine whether you are absorbing adequate amounts of nutrients such as vitamins and minerals from the foods you eat. Your body’s ability to absorb nutrients decreases with age. You also need the proper fuel for your body to perform workouts as well as recover from them.

One of the best ways to determine whether you have any nutrient deficiencies is to obtain a nutritional test. If you discover you have any nutrient imbalances, you can work with a competent healthcare professional to possibly tweak your diet and/or take good quality supplements.

Finally, whether you agree with Ginsburg’s opinions or not, there is no denying that she is one of the Supreme Court’s most healthy octogenarians. She has managed to extend her judicious discipline to encompass all aspects of her life, including personal health, which has served her well. Beating out cancer twice and continuing to thrive, RBG is a great example of what routine exercise and living a life of purpose can do for a person’s longevity.

Enjoy your healthy life!

The pH professional health care team includes recognized experts from a variety of health care and related disciplines, including physicians, attorneys, nutritionists, nurses and certified fitness instructors. This team also includes the members of the pH Medical Advisory Board, which constantly monitors all pH programs, products and services. To learn more about the pH Medical Advisory Board, click here.