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It’s not about fewer wrinkles
Although it seems hard to believe that our own body would conspire to cause us to wear out and set us up for a life threatening disease, the fact is, it does. Why? The simple answer: as far as nature is concerned, once we’ve lived long enough to reproduce the species, and raised our children to look after themselves, like all other species, we’ve served our biological purpose on the planet.
Though we’ve evolved, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually, biologically we haven’t evolved much. Embedded in our genes are the blueprints for age-related changes, which beginning at age 35 will ultimately over time encourage the body to degenerate and decay.
This may manifest as loss of muscle and bone mass leading to fractures, crippling degenerative arthritis, heart disease, powerful infections, brain degeneration, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, cataracts, and cancer. A healthy diet and exercise alone are not enough to prevent or reverse the changes that could lead to these outcomes.
Wait! Don’t fret, there’s hope
According to experts from the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and the Academy of Anti-Aging Research, if you really want to slow the aging process and provide added insurance against many degenerative diseases then after 35 you simply have to add some anti-aging supplements to your wellness regime.
Achieving & maintaining optimal health
1. This recipe begins with a diet low in animal fat, high in protective nutrients and dietary fibre from fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains; remaining at, or near your ideal body weight; maintaining good cardiovascular fitness; and avoiding or limiting exposure to known carcinogens.
2. Many anti-aging experts, including myself, recommend a daily high potency multivitamin and mineral supplement that’s antioxidant-enriched, contains a B-50 complex and at least 400-500 mg of elemental calcium; an essential fatty acid supplement (EFA); and two tablespoons of flaxseed powder, during adult life to optimize your health.
Evidence supports the opinion that antioxidants help reduce the risk of many degenerative diseases and slows the aging process. It shows that B-50 is important for brain function and reduces the risk of heart disease. Calcium helps to reduce risk of osteoporosis, high blood pressure as well as colon and rectal cancers.
The use of an EFA supplement to optimize synthesis of prostaglandin hormones to help suppress inflammation, reduce cancer and heart disease risk (1200mg capsule, containing 400mg each of borage seed oil, flaxseed oil and fish oil).
Ground flaxseed contains a unique substance, which gives rise to the estrogen-like compounds enterolactone and enterodiol. Once absorbed into the bloodstream, they help to protect reproductive organs; reduce the risk of gallbladder disease; lower blood cholesterol; and improve large bowel function. Include two tablespoons daily in your diet.
Anti-aging and disease prevention
3. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a vitamin-like substance found in every cell of the body. This essential nutrient enables cells to convert food into ATP-energy, the energy used by the body’s cells to power its biological machinery. If cells are deficient in CoQ10 it may accelerate aging, heart disease, brain function decline, weaken the immune system and heightened cancer risk. More recently we’ve seen this deficiency as a key underlying cause of Parkinson’s disease, congestive heart failure and high blood pressure.
Our bodies make optimal amounts of CoQ10 up to age 20 then there’s a significant decline by 35-40. Although some foods contain CoQ10, it’s not enough for the body’s needs. Studies suggest that 30mg of CoQ10 daily is required after 35 for general anti-aging/disease prevention purposes.
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In addition international studies on hawthorn supple-mentation have shown that it reverses congestive heart failure, lowers blood pressure and improves cases of angina by enhancing ATP-energy production. By taking 30mg of CoQ10 and 37.5mg of hawthorn they work synergistically to help prevent aging associated with degenerative disease conditions.
4. A strong immune system is key for preventing cancer and reducing susceptibility to infection by viruses, bacteria and other micro-organisms. The ability to neutralize toxins and other contaminants through detoxification is vital to optimal health and long term survival.
Boost and support your body’s immune and detoxification systems daily with a high potency multi-vitamin and mineral supplement along with a supplement combining 100mg astragalus, 30mg reishi mushroom extract, 150mg milk thistle and 25mg indole-3-carbinol twice a day.
5. Glucosamine is a raw material your body uses to make joint cartilage. Around age 35-40 the body loses its ability to manufacture adequate amounts. This decrease promotes cartilage erosion and the possible development of osteoarthritis. Since the early 1980’s, more than 300 scientific studies and over 20 clinical trials have shown that a glucosamine sulfate supplementation can improve osteoarthritic symptoms; halt cartilage destruction; and regenerate new cartilage. Widely accepted for arthritis treatment it is extremely safe and effective.
After 35, supplement your daily diet with 500-1,000mg of glucosamine sulfate, in combination with 100mg of MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane) and the anti-inflammatory and cartilage support enzymes quercetin and bromelain to prevent cartilage degeneration and osteoarthritis.
6. Approximately 6-8% of the population over age 65 has Alzheimer’s disease. These numbers double every five years, as a result 47% of people age 85 and older have Alzheimer’s disease. Two main contributing factors: first, cumulative free radical damage of brain cells that forms the amyloid protein facilitates the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Recent studies show that individuals taking antioxidants have a reduced incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and better cognitive performance. The second factor is the age-related de-crease of the memory chemical acetylcholine. The good news taking two capsules of these natural supplements combined in a complex beginning between 50 and 60, helps support brain levels of acetylcholine: 50mg CDP-Choline and 50mg Phosphatidylserine also good for the nerve cell membranes; 150mg Acetyl-L-Carnitine increases the concentration of a vital nerve cell; and 50mg Ba-copa Monnieri enhances nerve transmission and provides antioxidant protection to brain cells.
7. Prostate support for men is extremely important after age 40. For the facts, science and recommendations please go to “Ask the nutrition expert” on page 74.
Key lifestyle strategies
Optimize your health and reduce disease risk through diet and regular exercise. Supplement with a high potency multivitamin and mineral; an EFA; as well as flaxseed powder daily, your entire adult life. After age 35 use supplements that are targeted to significantly slow down aspects of the aging process engineered into your genetic blueprints. Providing your body with these supports will help to preserve your quality of life as you grow older.
H&L
Dr. James Meschino is a Fellow of the Academy of Anti-Aging Research; teaches internationally on nutrition, natural medicine and anti-aging to health care practitioners; product formulator for NutraTherapeutic supplements. Recently authored The Meschino Optimal Living Program 7 Steps to a Healthy, Fit, Age-Resistant Body (2004). |
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