Aging.

The quality of our lives is what is most important. We all want that inner glow that shows health of body, mind and spirit. Grey hair and wrinkles can be a crown of maturity demonstrating that lifes’ hardships have been endured. They do not necessarily indicate poor health.There is a lot you can do to slow the effects of aging on your body.

“The silver haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness” (Proverbs 16:31)

The first key to aging is that the person be reasonably happy and aware. Age is not the enemy, disease is! The power to rejuvenate your body is available to you at any age. Aging is not an illness, but it does increase ones chances of developing certain health problems. Constipation, depression, diarrhoea, dizziness, heart palpitations, heartburn, indigestion, and weight gain are some of the common complaints that accompany aging. Successful aging requires some knowledge and skill at dealing with the health challenges that accompany aging. Detailed information on these and the more severe ailments such as arthritis, memory loss, cancer and many others will appear under ailments in this website in time. Diet, lifestyle, stress levels and environment are vital. There are many theories on aging and its causes. Here is a list of some of them.

-DNA/genetic theory. Note that you are not helpless in this department. Any gene that expresses itself can also be switched off. Most people are not aware of this and think that they are at the mercy of their genes. You are really at the mercy of what you have been programmed to believe about genes. Like most other factors, it is up to you what you believe and what you choose to do about it. Without action, all the theoretical information in the world is not necessarily going to help you.

Neuroendocrine theory.
Free radical and oxidative stress theory.
Cross linking theory.
Immune theory.
Telomere theory.
Stem cell theory.
Cell metabolic theory.

These or a mixture of these impact people,especially those over the age of sixty. Even the emotional scars or wounds that individuals carry effect aging. Researchers of longevity have found that there are a few major causes of premature aging. First is enzyme depletion from poor diet and lowered enzyme production. Second is an immune system that is either lowered or that is attacking itself. Third there is cell and tissue damage from free radicals, viruses, bacteria, moulds, fungi and radiation All of the above factors increase the nutritional needs of the individual. Older people need ever increasing nutrients in order to withstand the aging process. Nutrients are not as well absorbed and used in the aging body. This applies mostly to food sources of nutrients and to a lessor degree to supplemental sources.The body’s systems slow down, become less efficient and need the help of detoxification as we age. Extra nutrients are needed for the repair and regeneration of the body’s cells.

Anti-aging Self Quiz:

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, that is confirmation of certain signs of aging. An answer of no is ideal, or else it is really time to take anti aging measures.

Do you battle to lose weight as you age?
Have you noticed that you have lost height?
Is your skin drier or thinner?
Have you more moles, bruises or cherry angiomas (like red blood blisters)?
Does it take you longer and longer to recover from colds and flu?
Is your circulation slowing down?
Is your hair suddenly going very grey?
Do you have increasing digestive issues, heartburn and gas after meals or constipation?
Do you have increasing brown spots on the back of your hands or around your nose and eyes?
Do you have insomnia?
Do you get palpitations or chest pains?
Is your eyesight deteriorating?
Is your hearing getting worse or do you have ringing in your ears?

Top Nutrient:

Water! Keeping well hydrated helps every body system to work better. It helps in the removal of toxins and hence alleviates arthritic pains. It helps transport vitamins, minerals and proteins around the system. It keeps the body at its peak. A minimum of 2 liters a day is necessary all year round and more in very hot weather or when working out and sweating a lot.

Supplement Support:

Each of the factors mentioned below need to be checked out. Do not just line up and swallow all the supplements that I mention. That can cloud issues or at least be a waste of money. Only supplement those things which are deficient or that are not being properly absorbed by your body. I pinpoint what is needed first and monitor the process as time goes by.

5HTP. Important neurotransmitter. Helps combat insomnia.
Vitamin A +betacarotene and carotenoids.Vital to the function of the mucous membranes. Function as antioxidants.
Acidophilus and Bifidus. Friendly bowel bacteria. There are many others as well. The greater the number of colonies, the better.
Aloe Vera gel or extract. 100 mg or 50-100 ml.
Alpha-lipoic acid. A protective antioxidant. Aids proper blood sugar balance, prevents metabolic syndrome and diabetes and good for liver function.
Bee Pollen,propolis and or royal jelly.
B Vitamins. Vital for digestion of nutrients and healthy cells.
Benfotiamine.100-600mg daily. Protects against diabetic neuropathy or retinopathy. Blocks absorption of excess glucose into cells.
Boron.3-6mg daily. For bones, brain and testosterone.
Calcium. For bones, muscle and heart function. Bisglycinate is a good form of calcium. Supplementation is not needed all that often. Ignore all the advertising. Check your numbers first.
Carnosine. 500-1000mg daily. Offers protection against glycation (cross-linking) that creates AGE’s. Combines very well with B1/ benfotiamine, taurine, and luteolin.
Chromium Picolinate. 400-1000mcg per day. Improves insulin efficiency and cellular function.
CoenzymeA. Supports the immune systems detoxification of many dangerous substances.
Co Enzyme Q10. Aids circulation, improves cellular oxygenation and protects the heart.
DHEA or the 7 Keto form of DHEA.
Dimethylglycine(DMG). Improves cellular oxygenation. Boosts mental energy and enhances the immune system. The sublingual form is best absorbed.
D3. A vitamin that is often deficient. It is vital to many of the bodys functions like the immune system. Most people do not get enough via sunshine.
Digestive Enzymes.
E. An antioxidant vitamin that fights cellular aging by protecting cell membranes. Take as mixed tocopherols together with tocotrienols. The mixed forms of vitamin E make it effective, not high amounts of one or two kinds.
Germanium.
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate. Important for formation of bones, connective tissue,joints, skin, nails, heart valves, digestive and urinary tracts.
Glutathione. A major detoxifier with many other benefits.
Inositol hexaphosphate.(IP6). Antioxidant.
Amino Acids. The L forms of Arginine, Carnitine, Glutamine, Lysine, Methionine, Ornithine, Taurine, Tyrosine and NAC. These protein building blocks each have various important jobs to do. Shortage of any of them will cause body malfunction.
Lutein.
Melatonin.
NAC.
Omega3 essential fatty acids. Fish oil.
Phosphatidyl serine and or Phos Choline.
Pycnogenol or Grape Seed Extract.
Raw thymus glandular or various other raw glandulars.
RNA and or DNA. Do not use if you suffer from gout.
SOD- superoxide dismutase. Potent antioxidant.
S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe). A number of uses for the aging body.
Vitamin C with bioflavanoids. 4000-10000mg per day depending on bowel tolerance.
Silica.
Zinc. Increases antibodies. Protects eyes. Prostate health.
HERBS:
Astragalus.
Echinacea.
Bilberry.
Burdock.
Curcumin: 1500-2000 mg daily. Standardized extracts are best. Liver cleanser and general system aid.
Dandelion.
Garlic.
Ginkgo.
Ginseng.
Green Tea.
Licorice Root.
Nettle leaf and root.
Noni.
Passiflora flower.
Pterostilbene: 50 mg daily. Find standardized extracts. Anti aging.
Red Clover.
Resveratrol: 100 mg daily. Look for standardized extract, not just powdered herb. Anti aging!
St Johns Wort.
Valerian.Sleep difficulties.
Balanced diet for the individual.
Proper exercise and relaxation for the individual.