Top 10 Anti-Aging Developments of 2008
Conventional wisdom dictates that prescription drugs are the easiest way to keep healthy, but this philosophy is slowly but surely disappearing. New research proves that what we eat has a big impact on how we feel. Discoveries are being made by the minute!
With the obesity problem, and more and more young people are getting age-related diseases. The aging process can be slowed, if not reversed, through proper nutrition and supplementation. Here is a list of ten health breakthroughs that have happened in the past year.
10. The Mayo Clinic did a press release that extols the benefits of omega-3 acids for the heart. These benefits are especially pronounced in those with heart disease. Three studies of 30,000+ people showed a reduction in heart issues of up to 45%. These findings suggest that omega-3s should be a part of everyone’s health regimen.
9. Bone health is integral to total body health. Bones generate new cells, and these cells aid in metabolism and immune response. When bone cells get inflamed, it causes bone loss and fat cell multiplication. This could explain why women gain weight after menopause. A study done on a 113-year old man didn’t reveal any “magic gene”, but he had extraordinarily healthy bones. He ate a diet rich in fruit and veggies, and stayed active throughout his life- and did not take bone drugs.
8. Grape seed extracts can prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Brain aging, with its resultant loss of intelligence, mental faculties, and memory can be caused by plaque in the brain. Grape seed extracts stop the formation of plaque not only in the brain, but in the arteries as well.
7. Vitamin D plays a vital role in metabolism, and it is a hormone as well. It regulates the genes, and aids in immune response, thyroid function, and the prevention of diabetes and heart disease. It also improves the mood, and the health of the nervous system. Most people need at least 1200 IU of Vitamin D per day, and in the winter they may need more.
6. Resveratrol has been found to reverse the aging process. Pharmaceutical companies have poured time and money into making various resveratrol formulas, which is ironic- because if resveratrol works as well as they hope it does, people won’t need toxic drugs any more, and the drug companies will be out of business!!
Resveratrol activates the SiRT1 gene, which prevents disease and slows the aging process. SiRT1 is normally active in times of caloric restriction, but in these times of plenty it will prove to be a potent obesity fighter and anti-aging helper. Obviously, resveratrol helps the most when you’re eating well, because it helps the muscles function better on fewer calories. Even those who aren’t overweight can benefit from it.
5. The mapping of the human genome was a huge breakthrough. It gave a wealth of useful information, helping scientists to find out that many of the body’s processes originate in the digestive tract.. Many of the cells in the digestive system are vital to health and can be helpful or hurtful depending on which genes are active. For example, H. pylori and Candida are both considered harmful, but they are a normal part of the digestive system. These inhabitants force the body to produce its own immune response, and they play a role in how much inflammation is present in other parts of the body. Maintaining a balance of these organisms can promote good health.
4. People who worry about their cholesterol have more to think about. Good cholesterol can oxidize and become harmful, like LDL. Cholesterol is vital to the function of the nerves, and its level is lowered by the various “statins” on the market. Keeping an optimal cholesterol level is just as important as heart and muscle health. Fat buildup around the arteries can herald heart disease, and it is correlated with the size of your waist. This plaque can cause inflammation, which decreases nitric oxide levels and raise blood pressure. High triglycerides are harmful, caused by eating large meals, snacking too heavily, and lack of exercise.
3. A molecule called Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor- BDNF for short- is important for the health of nerves. Nerve cells keep everything else running smoothly. Keeping nerves healthy will keep the mind in shape, and probably help you live a little longer. Research has proven that BDNF is essential for brain health. If you are deficient in it, then your ability to handle stress is lowered, and your likelihood for depression and brain inflammation is increased. Having a good BDNF level helps you cope with everyday stress. Blueberries, pantethine, and fish oil all help increase BDNF production.
2. Exercise (like running- it’s great!) is probably the most important step you can take to increase your lifespan. Medical science emphasizes the importance of physical activity as related to longevity. Running is the best way to naturally boost BDNF levels, and it can also strengthen the heart and lower blood pressure. A study on runners over 50 documents that these people had a 50% lower chance of dying early. No drug can boast the same results! Those who run have lower rates of heart disease, cancer, and age-related mental decline. Their joints were also stronger.
1. Thyroid health has recently come to the forefront. Even a slightly out-of-whack thyroid gland can wreak havoc on your health. Thyroid problems are often linked with obesity, but they can afflict those who are of normal weight too. These issues can’t be treated with conventional medicines. Sluggish thyroid can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, Alzheimer’s and premature death. The thyroid sets the pace for the rest of the body, and it can only be helped through better eating, proper nutrient supplementation, and exercise. Do everything you can to improve your thyroid function.
With all these revelations and breakthroughs, it appears that the science of anti-aging nutrition is here to stay. Follow a few simple rules, and you’ll be on a lifelong path to total health and wellness!
Most Frequently Asked Resveratrol Question:
In the past, we've done our best to keep resveratrol products off of this site, but we kept receiving the same emails every day, asking us which resv supplement we recommended.
In light of the massive interest, we felt the need to pull some strings and get with one of the top product suppliers. Thankfully, we found one that was nice enough to offer our visitors a risk-free sample of their high-quality resveratrol product. Supplies are quite limited, and considering how popular resveratrol currently is, they will go fast!
