Anti-aging vitamins and tricks. Staying healthy in your later years
Mark Wong
There are certain benefits to old age: wisdom, a relaxed style of life, a lifetime of memories and in some states, free bus passes. These pleasures are balanced on the negative side by the fact that as you grow older, things stop working as they once used to. This is a sobering thought, but you may take solace in the fact that older people are leading better lives than they ever have done before. In part, this has been achieved through huge advances in our knowledge of human nutrition and longevity and this well researched information is freely available.
We all know what is good for us in terms of nutrition but unfortunately for the aged, statistically, older people get fewer nutrients and certain vitamins are a necessity. A gradual loss of appetite caused in part by lowered physical activity and in part by the side effects of drugs. It is a grim reality that nearly 50% of Americans aged 65 and over are on 3 or more prescription drugs. Additionally, as time goes by, the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and liver are less able to process and replete the nutrients that the body receives through food.
Most of the diseases that we associate with aging such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, digestion problems, depression, sexual dysfunction and fatigue; are all preventable to some degree or other without recourse to science fiction. Simple nutritional supplementation can help people live longer and more importantly, better.
Researched Components to Help You Stay Healthy Longer
The formula outlined below is focused on controlling cellular oxidative damage with antioxidants as well as addressing total nutritional health. A variety of commonly used traditional and modern constituents have been included for their protective and health enhancing properties.
* Vitamin B Complex 50 is a group of B vitamins that are important for brain function and can help against Alzheimer's disease.
* Spirulina is a natural source for vital nutrients, also good for progressive mental diseases.
* Green Tea is a potent antioxidant and a detoxifier, and research is ongoing into its benefits against a variety of cancers.
* Flaxseed is needed for healthy cell function and replication as it contains vital acids.
* Garlic has been shown to benefit the immune and cardiovascular systems and is now a regular prescription against arteriolosclerosis.
* Siberian Ginseng can help the body adapt to mental and physical stress and supports the immune functions.
* Ginkgo Biloba has antioxidant properties and is used for circulation and memory problems.
* Cordyceps has been shown to be effective against fatigue and premature aging. Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Ester C, and Vitamin E are powerful antioxidants and they work synergistically to protect cell membrane from free radical damage.
* CoQ10 is a strong antioxidant and can also aid cardiovascular function, protecting against heart disease and heart attacks.
* Reishi Mushroom Extract may boost the immune function and can help the body absorb other nutrients.
* Ashwagandha the "Indian ginseng" is a potent tonic for the body.
* Asian Ginseng has historically been used for anti-aging and is considered to have anti-cancer effects.
* Ginger is an excellent digestive aid and it is also beneficial for blood clots and anti-inflammation such as in arthritis.
* Milk Thistle Extract promotes liver health.
All the ingredients, as well as the vitamins as complexes, are available separately at your local health store, vitamins shop or online resource.
However, it is worth noting that you should check to find out if any of the ingredients interact with your prescription drugs and you should first and foremost tell your doctor and pharmacist what you are taking. Unfortunately, there is not a high level of understanding in the medical or pharmaceutical world into herbs and nutraceuticals although some research has been conducted into vitamins and the popular herbs such as St. John's Wort, Ginseng, Gingko, Cayenne, Saw Palmetto and Valerian.
A dietician may have better knowledge than your doctor but there are also a number of sources of information concerning prescription drug-dietary supplement interactions on the internet. A free drugs/vitamins interaction checker is available at mitamins.com, a company that sells custom vitamins.
The Merck Manual is a comprehensive resource of up to date medical information and has some good primers on interactions as well as in depth analysis.
The National Institute of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements has a number of good fact sheets on different supplements
About the author:
Mark is a nutritionist and qualified chemist and currently works
as a consultant for a Californian nutraceutical laboratory - Mitamins. Mitamins have
developed formulas for hundreds of complaints and diseases and
provide custom multivitamins with your choice of vitamins, minerals or herbs
in one bottle.