Below is a list of the most important nutrients, antioxident supplements and hormones for achieving and maintaining optimum health from the inside. Many of them can also be applied topically in ant-ageing skincreams – see Creams & Potions for main brands containing them.
Anti-ageing medicine uses nutrition, dietary supplements and hormones, often in combination with drugs to assist patients in living a longer and healthier life. Improvements in diet and lifestyle have shown that even simple changes to these can delay or even prevent the apperance of serious diseases such as arthritis, Alzheimer’s, cataracts and diabetes.
The recommended doses by manufacturers of supplements do not take into account body weight, health and enviromental factors so you are advised to seek the advice of a qualified doctor who can determine more precisely your needs. A blood test should be part of this assessment – see AntiAgeing Tests in this section of the website.
By using the optimum combination of antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins and minerals you give yourself the best chance of improving your health, from improved memory skills, to better muscle tone, increased libido and healthier skin, hair and nails.
The top 10 special supplements – as recommended by the Life Extension Foundation – are listed and described at the end of this section. LEF is a non-profit organization, whose long-range goal is the radical extension of the healthy human lifespan within the next decade. LEF’s Scientific Advisory Board is made up of pre-eminent scientists and doctors in the field of life-extension research and therapies. LEF products use the highest grade constituents (pharmaceutical grade) and regularly tests products using mass specttrophotometry/HPLC to verify their content and quality. LEF uses its profits to promote life extension research.
TOP ANTI-AGEING SUPPLEMENTS
ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID
A major cause of ageing is the decline in the energy-producing capability of cells which results in reduced metabolic activity and eventually cell death. ALA is a highly potent antioxidant that fights free radicals and it is both water and fat soluable which means that it can penetrate all parts of a cell. This enzyme is found in the mitachondria helps cell metabolism, general vitality and production of collagen. It is usually taken in combination with acetyl-l-carnitine an amino acid that helps transport fat into the mitachondria of the cell.
As an antioxident it is also used topically in anti-ageing skin creams. It helps decrease pore size and lines.
This supplement not recommended during pregnancy or for diabetics who are glucose intolerant. It should not be taken after 5pm as it is a stimulant and could keep you from sleeping. It is also in the following foods – spinach, liver brewer’s yeast, beef and potatoes.
BETA-CAROTENE
Found in carrots and other highly coloured vegetables and fruits. An antioxident that may help fight cancer.
BIOFLAVONOIDS
A chemical found in fruits and vegetables. Found in the following foods: Apricots, plums, blackberries, strawberries, green tea, rosehips, green peppers, green beans, broccoli, red cabbage, grapes, cherries, rhubarb, red wine, lemons,oranges. Quercetin, the most active of the citrus bioflavonoids has anti-inflammatory properties and helps allergic reactions. Also beneficial in diabetes as it helps prevent damage to blood vessels by excess sugar in the body.
Grapes, particularly grapeseeds and red wine are a good source of the bioflavonoids proanthocyanidins. These prevent hardening
of the artery. Butcher’s Broom can reduce inflammation and swelling associated with leg problems as it strengthens the vein and helps blood flow and even mor effective when combined with horse chustnut seed (conker) extract, vitamin C and the flavonoid rutin. The plant, milk thistle contains the bioflavonoid silymarin which promotes cell regeneration and can help repair liver damage from alcohol. This helps the skin and promotes energy.
CoEnzyme Q10
CoEnzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble vitamin-like substance present in every cell of the body. It also occurs naturally in a number of foods, including organ meats, soy oil, sardines, mackerel and peanuts. It is a powerful antioxidant and acts as a coenzyme for several of the key steps in the production of energy within every cell. Low levels of CoQ10 have been linked to several deseases. Low levels are attributed to an insufficient dietary intake combined with an inability of the body to manufacture its own. A number of commonly prescribed medications can also affect levels including statins (used to treat high cholesterol), beta-blockers and tricyclic antidepressants.
CoQ10 has been particularly successful in the area of cardiac health. It is found in fairly high concentrations in healthy hearts. Conversely, low levels are associated with congestive heart failure. It is also thought that low levels may also be the main cause in heart failure. It has also helpful in reducing blood pressure and heart rate and associated conditions, as well as peridontal disease. There is also increasing evidence that the brain can also suffer.
Ageing humans have been found to have 57% less CoQ10 on average compared to that of young adults. Its effect on the mitochondria, the “energy powehouses” of our cells where it regulates the oxidation of fats and sugars into energy, makes it one of the most important nutrients for people over the age of 30.
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS
EFAs are essential to the body and is able to manufacture them aside from two – linoleic acid (omega-6 family) and linolenic acid (omega3 family). Since they must come from the diet they are classified as EFAs.
Omega 3 fatty acids are found in cold-water fish, perilla and flaxseed oils. They contain a substance known as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These are usually lacking in the Western diet which has mainly omega-6 fats supplied in the diet from meat and vegetable oils.
Gamma linolenic acid (GLA) which is found in evening primrose oil, borage oil and blackcurrent oil is an important fatty acid that plays a beneficial role in prostaglandin formation
EFAs interfere with blood clotting so anyone contemplating surgery or suffering from a hemorrhagic disease should consult a doctor before taking them.
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
The supplement DHEA, is a steroid hormone that can slow ageing, prevent disease and improve strength. Its medical uses include the treatment of depression and dementia It is used by some athletes to increase muscle mass and strength, but banned by sporting bodies including the International Olympic Committee and the National Football League. It is classed as a food supplement and has also become popular as an anti-ageing remedy.
Ageing men and woman are invariably DHEA deficient. DHEA is the most abundent circulating hormone in the youthful human body but peaks by the age of 25 and declines thereafter. By the age of 70 most people DHEA has declined by over 80%. DHEA should not be taken by those with existing prostate or breast cancer. Those with liver disease should take dissolve in the mouth tables rather than capsules.
DHEA levels decrease after 30 and it is thought that some symptoms of ageing could be associated with a DHEA deficiency.There has been considerable interest in using DHEA in Alzheimer’s disease. DHEA supplements in menapausal woman have also shown to increase estrogen levels and reduction in hot flushes.
A study by the Univesity of California, San Diego, said that 50mgs a day taken daily over six months increased lean body mass and muscle strength.
Known side effects: DHEA and pregnenolone may cause heart rhythm irregularities and irreversible hair loss.
DMAE
DMAE, or dimethylaminoethanol (chemical name deanol), is a compound found in high levels in oily fish such as anchovies, sardines and salmon. It is also produced in small amounts by the human brain. It is sold as a food supplement to boost brain function and is thought to be helpful in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Doctors are also looking at its role in treating poor memory and Alzheimers Disease, as well as some movement disorders.
The supplement was originally researched as a treatment for ADHD and early studies in the 1970s revealed that it was helpful for children with learning disabilities and behavior problems. This substance appears to increase production of chemicals in the brain essential for short-term memory, concentration, and learning capacity. It is also classed as an “cholinergic” because it is thought to increase levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, one of the chemicals in the brain that enhances mental powers. A decrease in the brain cells that produce acetylcholine is thought to be parlty responsible for Alezheimers. “Cholinergic” drugs, such as tacrine (Cognex), donepezil (Aricept), rivasatigmine (Exelon), and galantamine (Reminyl) are used to treat the dementia of Alzheimer’s disease.
Although there are no conclusive studies it is possible that DMAE has memory-boosting effects. Many nutritionally oriented physicians prescribe DMAE along with another memory enhancer, the dietary supplement phosphatidylcholine.
DMAE supplements won’t work for everybody and are not intended as a cure. But they are safe and may be helpful. They should be taken with meals.
There are no known drug or nutrient interactions associated with DMAE but more needs to be learned this supplement. You should consult a doctor, particularly if you have any illnesses such as epilepsy.
International anti-ageing skin doctor Nicholas Perricone describes DMAE as “the magic bullet” for skin. He prescribes supplements and a diet high in wild salmon – his research documents changes in the skin in only three days. He believes that DMAE is a building-block of the neuro-transmitter acetylcholine which declines with age and causes a deterioration in musle-tone as well as brain function. This diet also has a beneficial effect on weight.
Recommended books by Perricone: The Perricone Prescription and The Wrinkle Cure.
GLUCOSOMINE
Glucosamine is a natural substance in the body known as an amino-sugar which is made in the body as a result of the synthesis of L-glutamine and glucose. Glucosamine stimulates glycosamino-glycans which are important in the formation of cartiliage and joint ligaments. As people age, they lose the ability to manufacture sufficient levels of glucosamine. Cartilage then loses its gel-like nature and ability to act as a shock absorber. Research in The Lancet medical journal which used X-rays to investigate the knee cartilage of volunteers, found those who took glucosamine pills for three years halted the progress of their osteoarthritis. In Spain, Portugal and Italy, glucosamine is the preferred treatment for arthritis. Glucasamine is sold as a supplement and there are also skin patches. It is often sold in supplements with Chondroitin sulfates which help the glucosamine into joints.
HUMAN GROWTH HORMON
HGH is released by the pituitary gland during sleep and is the most important anti-ageing hormone of all. It is produced until around mid-20s to age 30, but continues to decrease as we age. Genuine HGH is synethically made by only two drugs companies mainly for use with children who suffer from growth hormone deficiency. In adults HGH injections are used to increase metabolism and other visible signs of ageing but these are only available on prescrption. Naturapathic HGH, which is widely available on the web, has been criticised as a “scam” by professional anti-ageing experts.
HGH restores muscle strength, stamina and other attributes of youth.
There are also natural ways to encourage HRH production, including exercise. The following are HGH boosters:magnesium, calcium, potassium, zinc and B vitamins found in whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, plus unprocessed nuts and seeds, brown rice, low sugar cereals especially oats, soya-based foods and raisins. A good night’s sleep and regular exercise help increase production of this hormone. People who sleep on average eight hours a night live longer than those who sleep for six hours or less. Also HGH boosters are the amino acids omithine, lysine, arginine and glutamine.
Growth hormone causes the liver to produce ICF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor), a substance which promotes cell growth and repair.
HGH is used by anti-ageing doctors to slow and sometimes reverse ageing.
Known side effects: HGHs hould not be used by those suffering from cancer. There are studies that suggest it may increase risk of cancer, triggers diabetes and joint pain -although supporters dispute this. Although it works to promote healing it has also shown a worsening of outcome when used first at a period of critical illness.
MELATONIN
Millions of people already take the hormone melatonin, which is sold in pharmacies and health food stores in the United States, Thailand, Singapore and on the Internet. Melatonin is a hormone that is produced naturally in the pineal gland in the brain and is released during the night. It regulates sleep patterns and influences other hormones and is useful in relieving jet lag and has anti-cancer properties. In experiments it has been shown to increase the lifespan of animals.
Secretion of melatonin decreases with age. It has been found to increase the qualityof sleep in 60% of users. In small amounts it also causes skin cell growth but in large amounts the opposite occurs.
The anti-oxident vitamins and minerals
Vitamins A, C and E; bioflavonoids and the minerals selenium, zinc and maganese all help to repair and renew cells.
TOP TEN NUTRIENT RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE LIFE EXTENSION FOUNDATION
Life Extension Mix
LEF says that this is the most complete multivitamin supplement in history and recommends it as the cornerstone of an overall health maintenance programme.
Its main constitutients are highly concentrated fruit and vegetable extracts, pharmaceutical grade vitamins, minerals and amino acids at the optimum potencies. It is available as tablets (nine per day), capsules (14 per day) or powder (three scoops daily).
Life Extension Super Booster
This contains nutrients in a soft gel capsule (one per day) that can only be delivered in an oil-base including gamma tocopherol. sesame lignans extract, ginkgo extract, vitamin K, chlorophyllin, Vitamin C, Folic acid, lycopene and four types of selenium.
This supplement should not be taken by those taking a drug called Coumadin because of conflicts with Vitamin K. Also those with Wilson’s disease should not take chlorophyllin supplements. There is a booster formula without these two ingredients.
Although there are no known side-effects its energy boosting properties mean that it can increase the body’s production of free radicals and it is advised that it is taken with other potent antioxidents ( for example Life Extension Mix and/or Life Extension Booster or Gamma E Tocopherol with Sesame Lignans formula).
Mitochondrial Energy Optimise
All of the nutrients in the Mitochondrial Energy Optimiser help restore the integrity of the mitochrondria – our energy powerhouses and contains antioxidents to assist in slowing down the ageing process. These include acetyl-l-carnitine, carnosine, R-lipoic acid, luteolin and SODzyme (sprout concentrate). Four capsules are taken daily.
Cognitex
The active ingredients in Cognitex attack what scientists believe are the main causes of age-related brain decline. It contains pharmaceutical extracts of Nexrutine and 5-Loxin. As well as quercetin, Phosphatidylserine, Alph-glycerylphosphorylcholine and vinpocetine. It is available with or without pregnenolone, a hormone that may be beneficial to the brain. This hormone should not be taken by anyone with existing steroid hormone-sensitive cancers.
Super EPA/DHA with Sesame Lignans
Omega-3 fatt acids, such as those found in cold-water fish, can help reduce deaths from heart disease. This is because fish oils lower triglycerides, a substance that adds to arterial blockage and also help protect healthy blood flow in the arteries. The addition of sesame supresses free radical production in the fish oil itself and helps boost other beneficial fatty acids. Four capsules are taken daily.
Enhanced Natural Prostate(for men)
LEF says this is one of their best sellers. It promotes prostate health with a combination of saw palmetto extract, pygeum and nettle root.Two capsules are taken daily – morning and evening.
Bone Restore (for women)
This contains a potent dose of elemental calcium along with boron and silicon to boost the body’s ability to maintain healthy bone density. Five tablets to be taken daily.
Restoring Youthful Balance Hormones
Youthful hormone balance is critical to maintaining health in all women and men over age 40. Ageing men and woman are invariably DHEA deficient. Many men over the age of 40 have too much estrogen and too little free testosterone. While ageing woman need to balance their progesterone and estergen.
DHEA is the most abundent circulating hormone in the youthful human body but peaks by the age of 25 and declines thereafter. By the age of 70 most people DHEA has declined by over 80%. DHEA should not be taken by those with existing prostate or breast cancer. Those with liver disease should take dissolve in the mouth tables rather than capsules.
Super MiraForte is a supplement for men that contains chrysin, bioperine, urtica dioica and muira puama. It works to help restore more youthful testosterone levels. Two capsules are taken twice daily. It should not be taken by men with prostate cancer or by women.
Natural Estrogen contains natural plant extracts including licorice, black cohosh, dong quai and vitex agnus-castus. Suggested dose is one table twice daily. This supplement should not be taken by anyone with estrogen-dependent cancer.
S-adenosyl-methionine (SAMe)
SAMe a supplement which promotes good mood and bone and joint health should be taken with vitamin B12 and folic acid – both of which are in the Life Extension Mix and/or the Life Extension Booster.
Aspirin
Aspirin has been found to be beneficial in the prevention of heart attacks and strokes because it affects the blood platelets making them less likely to stick together improving blood flow. The HealthPrin brand is coated to minimize stomach irritation.
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