Every living species appears to have a
genetically-programmed maximum lifespan. Scientists and geneticists believe that
the human lifespan should be around 120
years. For as technologically advanced as modern medicine is, one wonders
why we still have so many "incurable" diseases and why the average life
expectancy in the US is still only 70 years. (According to the World Health
Organization, The United States rated 24th in the world for life expectancy; an
average of 70.0 years of healthy life for babies born in 1999).
This means that most people aren't even reaching 2/3 of
their life expectancy! And for many, even a significant number of those "70-ish
years" are spent in poor health and decreased capabilities.
A lot more is known about slowing the aging process than
you'll ever hear from conventional medicine. Remember, conventional medicine is
in business to sell drugs and surgery to "band aid" disease, not prevent
disease, cure disease (especially chronic disease) or slow the aging process.
There are many life-extending scientific findings that
never find their way into mainstream medicine. The following are some of the
most well-researched anti-aging and longevity measures you can take to slow the
aging process and enjoy more years of good health.
Top Anti-Aging Supplements and Herbs
Multi
Vitamin/Mineral Formula - Not a "once per
day" pill (they don't contain enough of anything to have any effect except
preventing severe deficiency disease). A complete anti-aging multiple should
include optimal doses of antioxidants like vitamin C, E and carotenes, B complex
vitamins, minerals such as zinc, selenium, calcium and magnesium. Here is a list
of the optimal daily doses of vitamins, minerals and trace minerals that should
be included in your daily anti-aging multiple vitamin.
If you only
take ONE NUTRITIONAL FORMULA for your health, a quality Optimal Multiple
Vitamin/Mineral such as Maxi Multi should be
The One.
CoQ10 is a
naturally-occurring antioxidant produced in the human body. It is vitally
involved in energy production. CoQ10 functions as an "energizer" to
mitochondria, the body's energy producing units. Mitochondria, which produce
about 95% of the body's energy, require CoQ10 to "spark" their production of
energy units (ATP). Muscles, and the heart in particular, have high requirements
for CoQ10.
CoQ10 is essential to the functioning of the
mitochondria and many age-related diseases have been linked to lower
mitochondrial function. Since CoQ10 production typically declines by about 50%
with age, most longevity specialists consider it one of the most important
anti-aging nutrients to supplement.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
(ALC), a derivative of the amino acid L-carnitine, is a vitamin-like
compound that transports fatty acids ("fuel") into cells. It has been approved
in Europe as a "drug" to treat heart and neurological disease. It also acts as a
powerful antioxidant in the brain. The acetyl form of L-carnitine (ALC) was
found to be substantially more active than L-carnitine in brain cells.
Alpha Lipoic
Acid, a Neurological Antioxidant and Energy
Transporter, improves mitochondrial function (the "energy producing units" of
the cell) and works well in combination with CoQ10 and Acetyl-l-Carnitine to
enhance energy production. A decrease of mitochondrial function is believed by
many researchers to be one of the primary causes of aging. Lipoic acid is also
involved in the conversion of carbohydrates to energy
Vitamin D
increases calcium absorption. Deficiencies of Vitamin D are associated with
osteoporosis, rheumatic pains, and dental disease. Higher intakes of vitamin D
have been shown to protect the body from cancer, especially prostate and breast
cancer. Many authorities are recommending that the recommended adult daily dose
should be raised from 400 IU to 1,000 IU. Doses of 1,000-2,000 are not only
safe, they may be needed for disease prevention.
DHEA
is a steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal
glands. It is a precursor (“master hormone”) for many other steroid hormones
including male and female sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone) and
corticosteroids. DHEA levels often decline dramatically with age.
Low DHEA levels in the brain and blood are thought to contribute to many of the
problems associated with aging including age-related memory and mental decline,
decreased strength and muscle mass, lowered immune system response, heart
disease and atherosclerosis, and age-related weight gain.
Melatonin,
a hormone manufactured by the pineal gland, is best-known as an aid for
insomnia. Beyond it's use as a sleep aid, melatonin is also a powerful
antioxidant that crosses the blood/brain barrier and helps protect the central
nervous system against injury, disease, and aging. Melatonin levels decrease
with age, and this reduction in melatonin levels results in many age-related
concerns and complaints: sleep difficulties, an increased susceptibility to
stress-related diseases, reduced immunity, and increased susceptibility to
damage and disease caused by free radicals. Many researchers consider melatonin
to be one of the most powerful anti-aging substances available.
Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy
(estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, pregnenelone) Both women and men appear
to benefit from natural hormone replacement therapy after age 40. By "natural,"
I mean using hormones that are identical to what the body manufactures and in
amounts that a healthy body produces in early adulthood. This is a very
different type of hormone replacement from the semi-synthetic forms and doses
used in conventional medicine.
Male
hormones: testing and replacement
Female
hormones: testing and replacement
Ginkgo
is one of the most well-studied herbs for age-related memory changes. It is also
a potent antioxidant. Ginkgo increases circulation to small-diameter blood
vessels (such as those in the brain and extremities) and inhibits platelet
aggregation (decreases blood "stickiness"). Ginkgo also has anti-allergy
effects. Ginkgo is one of the best-selling natural remedies worldwide. Many
alternative physicians and researchers feel that ginkgo should be part of the
Longevity Protocol for everyone over age 50.
Vinpocetin
is derived from the periwinkle plant. More than 100 studies have shown that
vinpocetin increases cerebral circulation (blood supply to the brain) AND
improves brain energy production (ATP) and oxygen use. The potential benefits of
vinpocetin include treatment of stroke, inner ear problems that result in
dizziness, hearing loss, vision loss, neurological disorders, memory loss.
Glucosamine Sulfate
is the only form of glucosamine proven by over 300 scientific investigations and
20 double-blind studies to stimulate joint repair and relieve pain.
Glucosamine is a molecule manufactured by the body.
Inside the joint, it stimulates the production of glycosaminoglycans (GAG's)
which are the main structural material of joints. Studies suggest that a decline
of the body's manufacture of glucosamine may be the primary cause of
osteoarthritis.
Grape Seed Extract
(OPC's) is an antioxidant that exhibits 50 times more antioxidant power than
vitamin E and 20 times more than vitamin C. OPC's from Grape Seed Extract easily
cross the blood-brain barrier and prevent free radical damage to the brain and
nervous system. Grape seed extract also improves blood viscosity (the same
"magic" as red wine but without the calories, carbs or liver toxicity).
Grape Seed Extract (OPC's) binds to collagen and helps
increase elasticity of skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Many people take
grape seed extract as part of their skin rejuvenation program. Grape seed
extract (OPC's) has been proven by over 25 years of clinical studies to be
useful for stroke prevention (grape seed extract helps keep blood viscosity
normal), skin rejuvenation and/or wrinkle prevention (strengthens collagen),
arthritis and musculoskeletal complaints (antioxidant and strengthens collagen),
blood clot prevention (improves blood viscosity), respiratory allergies
(antihistamine), food allergies (antihistamine), asthma (antihistamine), ADHD
(many cases are allergy-related), longevity and rejuvenation programs (blood
viscosity and collagen-strengthening effects)
Other Anti-Aging
supplements include
lutein, SAMe, fish oil,
green tea extract, and
COX-2 Support. Maintenance of a normal body weight is the single most
important dietary/lifestyle measure associated with longevity and good health.
To learn more
about specific protocols for age-related topics, please visit specific health
concerns here:
Age-Related Cognitive
Decline (Dementia, Alzheimer's, Senility)
Age-Related Vision Loss
(Cataracts, Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma)
Atherosclerosis
Arthritis-Osteoarthritis
Arthritis-Rheumatoid
Blood Pressure - High
Cancer Prevention
and Cancer Treatment
Male Pattern Baldness
Menopause, Female
Menopause, Male (Also
called "Andropause")
Neurological Disease (ALS, MS, Parkinson's)
Osteoporosis
Prostate Cancer
Prostate Enlargement
Stroke
