Read these 15 Anti-Aging Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Vitamin tips and hundreds of other topics.
Some of the most common anti-aging nutrients may already be in your bathroom medicine cabinet. Vitamins B, C, and E are all anti-aging nutrients that are common in many foods and vitamin supplements. In fact, most anti-aging nutrients are found naturally, either in our bodies or the foods we eat, so we just have to "pump them up" as we age to gain the full benefits they offer.
Beta-carotene, antioxidants, amino acids, and many other nutrients have also been identified as anti-aging nutrients to add to the diet. Remember, if you want to get the most from any anti-aging therapy, you need to combine your anti-aging nutrients with a healthy diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meat, and exercise, too. You can really add to that healthy lifestyle when you combine it with anti-aging nutrients, as well.
Alpha-lipoic acid, known as
Because it is fat and water-soluble, alpha lipoic acid can access all parts of the body's cells. ALA acts as a powerful anti-aging substance by combating the two major factors responsible for reducing healthy cells -- free radical damage and glycation. It also increases antioxidant protection by helping the body recycle Vitamins C and E, CoQ10 and glutathione.
Studies have suggested that alpha lipoic acid may eventually be used to treat physical and mental conditions associated with age including heart disease, stroke, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. In addition, studies of adults with Type 2 diabetes showed ALA helped improve their diabetic neuropathy (a complication of diabetes in which the nerves that allow you to feel hot, cold, or pain are damaged). ALA is even being studied as a possible treatment for HIV and multiple sclerosis.
Although alpha lipoic acid may become a standard supplement in the future, it is too soon for doctors or scientists to make specific recommendations about which dosage might be beneficial for specific medical conditions. But, for example, a daily dose of a supplement such as Lindberg Alpha Lipoic Acid (available in 100 milligram and 300 milligram capsules) may promote good health by reducing cell damage. The recommended dose for diabetes or other disease conditions is typically around 800-900 mg. You can increase your ALA with food, but if you don't eat much red meat, a supplement is a more effective way to increase your ALA.
Even if you enjoy a healthy diet with plenty of nutrients, chances are you're not getting all the nutrients your body needs with the foods you eat, no matter how hard you try. You'd have to eat so much each day that it would be nearly impossible. That's why you need a combination of anti-aging natural supplements to enhance your diet and help you age gracefully. Don't use just one anti-aging natural supplement. Instead, combine the anti-aging nutrients you need, such as antioxidants and amino acids that your body needs.
Men and women have different health needs as they age. Women need more nutrients geared to pre- and post-menopausal symptoms, while men need nutrients that support good prostate health. Work with your doctor or nutritionist to discover just what anti-aging natural supplements are right for you, and then blend them with a healthy diet and lifestyle to help you slow down the aging process.
The body's natural levels of DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) decline with age (usually after age 30) and it is possible that supplementing with DHEA may delay or reduce some signs of aging by boosting the body's immune system function.
DHEA supports natural testosterone production because it is a precursor to testosterone, which the body can convert into testosterone through several steps. The body produces DHEA naturally, but it declines with age, so you will have less at age 60, 70, and 80, than you had at age 20 and 30. Research has shown that DHEA levels at age 40 are only 50 percent of what they were at age 20. By age 65, DHEA drops to 10 to 20 percent of optimum levels, and by age 80, DHEA can fall to less than 5 percent of optimum levels. Supplemental DHEA can often help bring low testosterone levels into a normal range.
DHEA offers a range of anti-aging benefits, in part by promoting weight loss and increasing muscle mass. But it has also been associated with promoting healthy brain cells (which may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease) and with preventing bone loss (which may reduce the risk of osteoporosis). DHEA is an anti-aging multi-tasker—it can improve erectile dysfunction, chronic fatigue, and even skin aging.
In addition, people with end-stage kidney disease, Type 2 diabetes, adrenal insufficiency, and anorexia have shown low levels of DHEA, and DHEA has shown some scientific promise as a treatment for patients with dysfunctional adrenal glands.
Dihydroxyepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a naturally-occurring substance in the body's bloodstream and brain cells. As with many other naturally-produced substances, as we age, this substance diminishes in our bodies. Studies indicate that adequate DHEA levels are capable of slowing the body's aging process, which is why it is such an interesting anti-aging supplement.
As with any supplements, there are certain limitations to who should take DHEA. Before you begin any supplement program, you should check with your doctor and advise he or she of any other medications and supplements you might be taking.
Anti-aging supplements help us remain more youthful in body and mind by containing antioxidants. Antioxidants are important organic substances that our body makes naturally, but their production slows down as we age. They work by destroying harmful free radicals in the body. Free radicals can destroy cells and genetic materials in the body, and this can lead to many different diseases. Antioxidants fight against these destructive forces.
Studies indicate that antioxidants may be effective in preventing strokes, cancer, heart disease and many other disorders associated with aging. In addition, the body does produce antioxidants, but production decreases as we age, so anti-aging supplements are a good idea for anyone over the age of 50.
Many vitamin supplements claim to have anti-aging properties. The term “anti-aging” is general and so there are many types of anti-aging supplements. Remember that aging is a complex process, and the best way to promote good health and healthy aging is to be sure that you are getting adequate amounts of a variety of nutrients.
Steer clear of anything that sounds too good to be true—don't buy something that says it will cure disease or eliminate every wrinkle with one dose.
Instead, if you are seeking anti-aging supplements, focus on those that contain vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids that are known to have health benefits.
For example, vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is important for overall health, but it is also an antioxidant. It has been used to prevent and treat medical conditions including those associated with aging, such as heart attacks and cancer.
Other components of anti-aging supplements are alpha lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), DHEA, human growth hormone secretagogue (HGH), glutamine, melatonin, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), and various other antioxidants.
Some of these ingredients are less familiar than others, but all have shown some potential to in helping to reduce the effects of aging.
To highlight a few:
-Human growth hormone secretagogue (HGH) is produced naturally in the body by the pituitary gland. HGH secretion steadily declines with age, and supplements of HGH can improve immune function and increase energy and muscle strength.
-Glutamine promotes muscle growth and overall health in a number of ways. It is also important for brain and immune health.
-Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is relatively new on the anti-aging scene, but it may protect against heart problems. Research has shown CoQ10 supports a healthy cardiovascular system and immune system functions. It is also vital to energy production and cellular renewal. CoQ10 levels in the body decline with age, and skin may begin to show the signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles and loss of elasticity. Supplementing with CoQ10 may help defend your body against this aging process.
-N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a precursor to the production of glutathione, which is the body's primary cellular antioxidant. Glutathione helps ward off infection and aids in the production of many digestive enzymes.
Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that the body produces naturally, but we need to add as a supplement if we want to enjoy the full benefits of this nutrient. This nutrient is believed to treat or prevent many diseases related to aging, such as heart disease, stroke, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease. It can also aid in other age-related problems such and energy and muscle strength decline, brain function, and immunity. It is also being studied to see if it helps treat HIV/AIDS and multiple sclerosis.
Many health professionals do not recommend using too much alpha-lipoic acid as a supplement, because it is very potent, and the long-term side effects are not known, especially in high doses.
The stereotype of the sour-faced woman reaching fifty or the foolish guy in the middle of a mid-life crisis? Not you. Or you hope not. You've heard antioxidants can help you from becoming like Auntie Sore Joints or Uncle New Porsche. Vitamin A, C and E as well as alpha lipoic acid and L-carnitine will save you from sagging skin, but you have to smile and laugh in addition! Amino acids such as glutathione will help you flex your muscles instead of your credit card to impress women. Plus, the antioxidants will sharpen your brain so that you know how to listen--which women value more than that Porsche. Taking hyaluronic acid will help you bounce back, as will getting rid of an acid temper. You need to put the attitude in the antioxidants--but when you feel better, you have a better outlook. You'll even be cheerful enough to put up with your aunt and uncle at Thanksgiving.
Think of antioxidants as Superman: indestructible, able to make you feel as though you leap tall buildings, etc. So where's the kryptonite in these anti aging supplements? Actually, some people argue that Superman's weakness is Lois Lane, but that's another story. Sharp perspicacious news-hound that she is, Ms. Lane will tell you that aging is tough even if you're Superman, and that a reporter who hooks herself up with such a guy needs her hyaluronic acid (great skin for those press parties) and sea kelp or seaweed (salt deficiencies slow you down when battling supervillains.) Actually, there is no real source of kryptonite where antioxidants in supplement form are concerned. Of course, Superman doesn't smoke, which could cause him to huff, puff and wrinkle. Ms. Lane doesn't smoke either. She also remembers to replenish her vitamin C after lying on the beach during a well-deserved retreat from reporting the news and, in many cases, making it. She eats well and doesn't strive to be model-thin, because as Dr. Nicholas Perricone says, a certain amount of fat does keep you looking young and radiant. You'll be able to foil an international jewel thief when you're in your 60s if you stick with the Man of Steel, er, antioxidants.
Would you want to have a treadmill that worked great because you hadn't used it in ten years? Oops -- did we hit a nerve? Your mind and body are treadmills, machines, that need to be well-maintained with brain nutrients. Of course, your spirit and soul make you more than a combined machine. Your determination to make aging your friend, not your enemy, and to greet life with optimism is a big step -- and speaking of steps, get on that treadmill. But not before you get some anti aging supplements. Studies have shown that the life expectancy of people with Alzheimer's and dementia drops -- which may be a blessing, because most people don't want to live with diminished mental and physical function. Not if they can do something about it. You can do something about it. Hyaluronic acid can loosen your joints so that you attack that treadmill (active relaxation helps longevity), while taking chlorophyll in the form of sea kelp, seaweed, chlorella, alfalfa, wheatgrass, spirulina, and other "green" anti aging supplements help you to grow, like plants, healthy and strong. Cleansing your system with green anti aging supplements is like giving that treadmill a tune-up. Don't forget the omega 3, garlic and coenzyme-Q10, which unclog your heart. Blockage in the heart usually leads to the brain, and ages your body prematurely anyway. Now that you've taken all your anti aging supplements, get back on that treadmill -- no, wait a minute, make that a bicycle. Heck, why not attempt the Tour de France? You've got the body and mind for it, at 40, 50 and 60!
Do use antioxidant creams. Don't use antioxidant creams -- they don't work. Take antioxidants and anti aging supplements instead of using topical anti-inflammatories for anti aging effectiveness. Arrgh! It's enough to make you cover up and stop doing aging prevention. Actually, Dr. Nicholas Perricone recommends both. You can use antioxidant vitamin C cream and take vitamin C with your blue-green algae, sea kelp and seaweed capsules. Many experts caution that anti-aging concoctions applied to the skin contain low amounts of antioxidants, and that vitamin C creams are difficult because vitamin C oxidizes quickly in the sun (which is why vitamin merchants usually package vitamin C in brown bottles to filter out the sun). When it comes to creams versus vitamins in the wealthy anti-aging industry, maybe it's best not to rely on one or the other. Take vitamin C and apply vitamin C cream. Also, hyaluronic acid production, which can slow down aging, seems to be linked to diet, so keep taking vitamins as well as hyaluronic acid supplements and slathering on hyaluronic acid cream. So don't cover up that figure that still looks good after two kids and the stress of running a household (we do have it, right?) Pack your swimsuit, creams and vitamins when you go on that long-deserved long-awaited trip to Hawaii.
You've heard of an 80-year-old mind in a 15-year-old body, or just the reverse. You want both your body and mind to be vital and active. Is there a youth formula that can magically accomplish both? Sorry, but if you believe in a magic anti-aging pill, you might as well grab a pacifier even though you're thirty. Unfortunately, quacksters try to make you believe that there is one magic solution. You're smarter than that. Dr. Nicholas Perricone doesn't single out one anti-aging formula...neither do the other real experts. The best youth formula comprises many anti aging supplements, such as SAMe, antioxidants, sea kelp and seaweed, hyaluronic acid, ginkgo biloba, omega-3, and the ABCDE vitamin formulas. It's elementary...and you feel like a kid in elementary school, childlike, but wise and street-smart. Your body and your mind are exactly where they need to be.
You've heard of the Perricone Prescription. What is the Perricone Prescription for aging? Is Perricone one of the new anti aging supplements that you can take? In a sense, yes. In THE PERRICONE PRESCRIPTION, Dr. Nicholas Perricone suggests anti-inflammatory vitamins such as:
You're on a low sodium diet--welcome to the joys of aging. You're discovering the wonderful world of cooking with spices, and cooking healthily with RealAge or Dr. Perricone. But your blood actually needs the iodine in salt. What do you do? In addition to hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and other anti aging supplements and dietary changes, you now find yourself being initiated into the joys of sea kelp and seaweed. They're green and they look like vegetables, but you don't want to eat that nori nosh. Problem solved! You can take sea kelp and seaweed supplements that restore your iodine levels without you reaching for the salt shaker you threw in the trash. Take 100 mg a day and be "salty" in your advanced age. Not to mention spicy and sparkling.
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