Anti Aging Vitamins

Knowing Your Vitamins and Minerals Facts

Can anti-aging vitamins be considered the next "Fountain of Youth"?  Research have shown that not everyone ages at the same rate. If reseachers can discover what really causes aging, we will have found the secret to living a healthier, longer, and more youthful life. While aging is inevitable, you can slow down the process and the resulting rate of aging.  Are anti-aging vitamins really part of the answer?

While there is a myriad of theories on aging, there are two basic theories that are commonly accepted by many medical researchers.  They are Oxidation Reactions and Sub-optimal Hormone Levels.

The Oxidation Reaction Theory of Aging

An oxidation reaction occurs when life essential oxygen combusts and produces by-products referred to as oxygen free radicals. When an oxidation reaction occurs in metals such as iron, "rusting" occurs. When this process occurs in people, it is called aging.

Free radicals are incomplete molecules that have lost an electron. When an oxygen molecule loses an electron, it is called singlet oxygen because only one of its electrons is remaining. Oxygen in this state is highly unstable. To restore balance, the free radical either tries to steal an electron away from, or donate its remaining electron to a nearby molecule. In doing so, the radical creates "molecular mayhem" that damages, disrupts, and destroys nearby cells. If DNA is involved, the problem intensifies and cell mutations may occur (a theory for the common cause of cancer). Over time, free radical damage builds in the body, thus causing aging.

Free radicals are not only produced from within our bodies, but are also ingested through smoking, eating certain foods, air and water pollution, x-rays, sun exposure and a variety of other poisons we are exposed to on a regular basis.

The Sub-Optimal Hormone Level Theory of Aging

The other generally accepted theory for aging is that it is caused by sub-optimal hormone levels. As we tend to grow older, some hormones begin a steep decline that strongly parallels the beginning of many visible aging signs and symptoms. These hormones include juman growth hormone, melatonin, DHEA, androstenedione (made famous by Mark McQwire), testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone.

On the other hand, insulin levels tend to rise, causing adult-onset diabetes in many aging people. A significant rise in cortisol, the stress hormone, is also common.

Interestingly, the thyroid hormone doesn't generally decline with age. However, many anti-aging doctors insist that slow thyroid function is common and can hasten aging and heart disease.

Human growth hormone, commonly called HGH, is responsible for stimulating the growth of our tissues. Growth in our internal organs, skin, muscles, nerves, and bones is stimulated by levels of HGH. As levels of HGH slow down as we get older, we also slow down.

DHEA is the building block from which estrogen and testosterone are made, after being first converted to androstenedione. DHEA also boosts our immune system and brain.

Testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone serve many important purposes. These hormones provide sex drive; help build muscle, skin, and bone; keep our minds sober and sharp; provide protection for our hearts; and help us feel and be physically attractive.

Thyroid hormones help to keep our bodies energetic and trim. This specific hormone also helps us burn fat. The "spare tire" that forms around our bellies at middle age is linked to declining hormone levels. This is often one of the main reasons why many diets do not work.

As referenced earlier, higher than normal insulin levels associated with aging may cause diabetes, pre-diabetes, and what many people refer to as "Syndrome X." When insulin no longer moves sugars properly, referred to as insulin resistance, both insulin and blood sugar eventually rise. Consequently, the excess blood sugar is forced into the body's tissues, damaging them with "advanced glycation end-products" known as "AGE." Unlike many other hormones, cortisol levels don't decline with age. Excess levels of this stress hormone are catabolic and literally eat you up inside.
 

Your Anti-Aging Program

You now have a basic understanding of some of the major factors that cause aging.  Aging supplements helping in antioxidant prevention should be considered key in any anti-aging program.   Based on this information, here is an overview of a rational anti-aging program with tips that include the incorporation of anti-aging vitamins:

• Despite your age, fill your body with an abundance of antioxidants, while doing your best to avoid oxidant poisons. This is done through establishing a good, healthy diet and consumption of anti-aging vitamins and supplements.
  
  
• Limit sugar imbalances, Syndrome X, diabetes and the accumulation of advanced glycation end products by maintaining a good diet, complemented by regular exercise and vitamin supplements.
  
  
• Reduce stress and increase your ability to handle stress by developing a balanced healthy lifestyle and by supplementing with anti- aging vitamins and herbs designed to minimize stress.
  
  
• Finally, restore your hormonal levels.  More specifically, restore your HGH levels closer to levels that you maintained when you were younger.  This can be done by exercising, getting enough sleep, eating plenty of protein and taking anti-aging vitamins. Today, many people can afford to do this safely and cost effectively.

So, if you are wondering if anti-aging vitamin supplements are still beneficial for seniors, the answer is a resounding "YES".   Of course the earlier in age that you start your anti-aging program, the greater the benefit you will receive.