Searching for the Fountain of Youth
All people want to stay youthful. The fear of aging and experiencing some of the limiting and destructive effects of getting older drives humanity to constantly search for a "fountain of youth" answer, often in the form of anti aging supplements. This desire to live forever, to be in an immortal state of youth, is definitely a fantastical idea. While we can not turn back the clock as we age and stay young forever, there are a variety of strategies and ingredients that can be integrated in our daily lives to stay healthy and slow down the processes of aging so as to allow you to enjoy greater well-being and a longer lifespan. Most of the organic ingredients found in reliable anti aging supplements can be acquired through a natural diet.
However, it is often the case that the vital elements that slow down aging by reducing the damage your body receives at the cellular level are significantly lacking in our daily diet. Additional support through anti aging diet supplement can provide the necessary reinforcement and defense against external harms responsible for accelerating the regular aging process, thus allowing you to remain healthy and youthful through a slowed down aging process.
Biological and Environmental Processes of Aging
The inescapable process of aging in individuals occurs at differing rates in people because the settings each of us encounter and the way we combat the harms from the external world are vastly dissimilar. While the reasons for aging are intricately connected to genetics, biological and environmental factors in the form of free radical, inflammation, glycation, and stress. Anti aging supplements target the factors that cause aging.
Free radicals are one of the biggest factors affecting aging in individuals. Extensive research has shown that the act of free radicals attacking our DNA accelerates the process of aging. The best way to protect against free radicals, and thus prevent potentially disastrous effects of aging, is by consuming foods or supplements rich in antioxidants.
A second major cause of accelerated aging is inflammation. While inflammation is regularly considered to be a part of a normal and healthy immune systems response for foreign external harms, chronic inflammation is now thought to be a major factor in bringing about numerous diseases of aging, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. This occurs when the immune system starts to target and attack healthy tissues and cells. Inflammation can be reduced by consuming a diet consisting of whole grains, fatty fish, fruits, vegetables, and monosaturated fats (nuts, avocados, and olives). Other anti-inflammatory foods include spices like turmeric, chocolate, and red wine, which contain the anti-aging chemical resveratrol. However, many of the key ingredients found in such foods that help reduce inflammation are present in relatively small quantities. Getting an adequate amount of anti-inflammatory ingredients to reduce the effects of aging can be supplemented by appropriate natural anti aging supplements. Lastly, proper exercise is another great way to lower inflammation by increasing anti-inflammatory chemicals and preventing weight gain around your stomach area, as abdominal fat produces inflammatory chemicals.
Advanced glycation end products, called AGEs, are believed to advance the aging process by producing free radicals and fostering inflammation. Generally speaking, limiting consumption of sugar-filled foods assists greatly in preventing the ingestion of AGEs foods, as excess sugar tends to bind to protein in your body to form AGEs. In addition to being a major factor in increasing the risk of heart disease, AGEs also plays a role in the formation of diabetes in individuals by causing blood to become sticky and prevent its free flow through capillaries and organs.
A relatively longstanding theory explaining the cause of rapid aging is oxidation. It is generally agreed that there is a correlation between aging and accumulating oxidatively damaged proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Individuals and animals are constantly exposed to different forms of reactive oxygen elements that lead to oxidation of proteins. Oxidatively modified proteins have been shown to increase among individuals as they age. At the same time, factors that decelerate protein oxidation also increase the life span of people and animals. Many diseases and illnesses have been directly associated with raised levels of oxidatively modified proteins, which results from decreases in antioxidant presence and generation in the body, and a reduced capacity to degrade oxidized proteins.
A final major reason for quickened aging, unsurprisingly, is stress. When you are under pressure, your body releases a variety of stress hormones causing your heart rate to increase and your blood pressure to rise. The hormone cortisol, which is released to reduce these bodily effects, leads to problems when it is continuously elevated. Such effects include a decrease in the size of an area of the brain called the hippocampus, which is critical for long-term memory. High levels of cortisol resulting from continuous stress also leads to an accumulation of fat around the midsection, causing inflammation and insulin resistance. Additionally, the increased production of cortisol as a result of high stress can also arise from a lack of sleep. Little sleep has almost the same effect on your body's aging as stress in terms of raised levels of cortisol.
Top Anti Aging Supplements
Knowing the relatively complex nature and processes of aging, comprehensive research has been done to uncover the best anti aging supplements and ingredients. By consuming some of the recommended anti aging supplements and ingredients described below along with appropriate exercise and diet, you can slow down the effects of aging.
One of the top research breakthroughs in antioxidant and anti aging studies is alpha-lipoic acid. Alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful and versatile antioxidant found in anti aging supplements that is key in defending against free radical damage. Lipoic acid works to recycle vitamins E and C to assist in limiting harm done by free radicals. A large portion of aging is marked by a significant decline in the concentration, creation, and recycling of of key antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, Coenzyme Q10, and gluthoine. This reduction in antioxidant function diminishes the ability of the body to guard against highly dangerous free radicals. Without any guard against the effects of free radicals, a significant exposure to the damage done by free radicals leads to increase oxidative damage to DNA, cells, and even organs. Alpha-lipoic acid works to restore and recover critical antioxidants like vitamins E and C to guard against the potential accumulating effects of free radical damage in the form of hindered immune function and increased risk of cancers and debilitating diseases. It is often recommended to take around 300 to 1,800 mg a day of alpha-lipoic acid.
The health benefits of Vitamin C extend far beyond its common uses in fighting against colds. This potent antioxidant is important in supporting the health and cardiovascular system, kidneys, respiratory system, and other areas of the body. Consuming a high amount of vitamin C is effective in preventing and fighting against infections including cardiovascular diseases, which makes the ingredient invaluable in improving immune function. By diminishing oxidative stress, vitamin C increases the lifespan of immune cells and lowering cellular damage. With many individuals failing to consume enough vitamin C in their diet to enjoy its benefits, it is recommended that individuals consume around 75-90 mg of vitamin C in their diet each day.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that comprises a set of compounds called tocopherols. Alpha tocopherol along with other forms of vitamin E are all strong biological antioxidants found in great anti aging supplements. Vitamin E as an antioxidant protects living cells against the harmful effects of free radicals. The natural form of vitamin E, d-alpha-tocopherol, is has more excellent health qualities than the synthetic dl-alpha tocopherol in terms of being retained in the body. However, the synthetic dl form is more commonly found in supplements. A considerable amount of research has demonstrated that vitamin E plays a key role in reducing the risk of getting cardiovascular disease and other cancers, while also enhancing the immune system through its antioxidant properties. Vitamin E safeguards cell membranes from damage brought about by free radicals. As a key anti aging supplement ingredient, it is recommended that individuals should take around 100-800 IU to enjoy the health and anti aging benefits of Vitamin E.
The cell membranes of cells found in young individuals comprises of around 60 to 70 percent phosphatidycholine, which is a key component allowing the cell to function in terms of effectively acquiring nutrients and letting out toxins. The body naturally produces phosphatidycholine slowly over time, but this element in cells diminishes gradually as one ages, causing cell membranes to become filled with inactive and lifeless substances such as fats and cholesterol. This fundamentally causes cells to become brittle as we age, and the efficiency of organs declines. Reversing this aging process by supplemental intake of phosphatidycholine in anti aging supplements is vital for proper cellular repair and growth.
Acetyl-L-carnitine is an additional biologically active ingredient found in key anti aging supplements that has been shown to support and protect the cells in the body against accelerated aging and deterioration. By assisting in the transportation of fatty acids into the cell's mitochondria, acetyl-L-carnitine allows for more efficient conversion of dietary fats into muscle and energy. Acetyl-L-carnitine are found in numerous multiuse anti aging supplements, and the optimum dose range for acetyl-L-carnitine for healthy individuals is around 1000mg to 2000mg per day.
The health benefits of acetyl-L-carnitine as an anti aging ingredient are elevated when it is consumed in combination with coenzyme Q10. As with phosphatidycholine, the body' ability to naturally produce coenzyme Q10 diminishes greatly with increasing age. The vast majority of the cell's energy is produced by the mitochondrial and coenzyme Q10 actively works to slow down the aging process by advancing the cellular organelle's effectiveness in carrying out its intended function.
The liver is a dynamic and vital organ of the body that is principally responsible for ridding the human body of dangerous toxins. In the modern world, we live in environments surrounded by harmful pollutants. The fight against external toxins is largely waged by the liver. The pollutants that can not be successfully eliminated by the liver are stored in fatty tissues in the liver and other areas of the body. N-acetylcysteine is fundamental within anti aging supplements in protecting against modern toxins. Supplementing N-acetylcysteine in your diet helps the body produce glutathione at a higher level. Gluthione is one of the most important antioxidants in the body because it allows cells to neutralize free radicals. The antioxidant activity of N-acetylcysteine helps protect the liver from being exposed to the dangers of toxins potentially entering the body. Unfortunately, N-acetylcysteine can not be gained naturally from any dietary source, and thus supplemental intake is suggested at around 250 to 1,500 mg per day to appreciate its anti aging benefits.
Green Tea has increased in popularity as an anti aging supplement due to more recent findings that confirm its health benefits in slowing down aging. Green tea extracts assist in maintaining cellular DNA and membrane form. The active components of green tea, including green tea extract in anti aging supplements, act as powerful antioxidants in the form of polyphenols and flavonoids, both of which are valuable in fighting against the harmful effects and oxidative damage of free radicals and reducing the rate of aging in individuals. One cup of green tea contains as high as 10-40mg of polyphenols that has an antioxidant value higher than most common vegetables.
As with other key anti aging ingredients, carnosine levels decrease with age, leading to less of a defense against age-related processes such as a decline in muscle mass and function. Maintaining an adequate level of carnosine in your blood and tissues through anti aging supplements is key as one progresses in age so as to ensure proper muscle function and strength.
A wide array of studies of omega-3 fatty acids have resulted in the definitive conclusion that fish oil has the valuable anti aging effect of greatly help in reducing the chances of getting heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids contain triglycerides which reduce heart and blood vessel disorders and allows for healthy blood flow throughout the arteries.
A final supplemental ingredient found in anti aging supplements that does wonders to reduce the aging process is turmeric. The benefits of turmeric can be found in curry products or in daily supplements that provide around 300 to 500 mg in turmeric per dose.
The Power of Anti Aging Supplements
Maintaining youth is a seminal, though also seemingly lofty, goal for all individuals. While it is simple fact of life that we all will age over time and many factors accelerate this process, key anti aging supplements and ingredients work to diminish the damaging effects of toxins and the hazards we face in our environment. Such key anti aging supplements in the form of antioxidants, minerals, proteins, and vitamins have been scientifically proven to reduce cell damage and boost cell growth to ensure a healthy body and active lifestyle as we age, thereby effectively slowing down the development of aging and allowing us to enjoy more out of life. As time continues, current and future research is sure to uncover the true extent of existing anti aging supplements and reveal a wide variety of other natural ingredients that will help us to extend lifespans for years and improve the overall quality of the lives we currently live.
