Age is something we all do: From the moment of conception it is a continual process that follows each breath we take. Women regularly enter my natural health practice looking for a way to slow down or minimize the changes associated with old age such as mental confusion, memory loss, wrinkles, sagging skin, muscle loss or balance problems. There is an old saying "you are only as old as you feel." So the big question on everyone's mind is how to go about feeling younger and more vibrant. It is important to know that you can slow down the mental and physical deterioration that often accompanies diabetes, high inflammatory markers, anemia, liver, kidney, thyroid, immune system or heart dysfunction if you can find and fix the problem before it becomes a pathology or disease.
THE PROCESS of AGING
Every cell in the body is pre-programmed to reproduce and die. In seven years every single cell in our body has been completely renewed. Accelerated aging can come from free radical damage, hormonal impacts, toxins found in the air, food, water and other environmental challenges. Metabolic aging results from all of the processes that are required of our cells such as eating, metabolism, elimination and energy creation. Because we have suboptimal diets, often the new cells are not as vital as they should be resulting in progressive decline of function. It must be remembered that our body favors short term survival over long-term health. It is more of a priority for the body to favor the functions that are absolutely necessary for survival. Therefore, micro-nutrient deficiencies could lead to increased neural (brain cell) decay, aging and the risk of cancer, while still maintain the body's critical energy production to protect the vital organs like the brain and the heart.
DRUGS AND AGING
Drugs may be used for crisis intervention or to avoid premature death. For example, blood pressure medications are used to avoid having a seizure today. Drugs are rarely prescribed to treat the cause of the original condition and as an extra hazard have added side effects that must be taken into consideration when considering what is the long term consequence to your health and the quality of your life. Long term use of prescription drugs is generally considered a risk to long term health and longevity; just ask any health insurance or life insurance company!
VITAMINS TO SLOW THE AGING PROCESS
Vitamin D
Studies have shown the older people with lower levels of Vitamin D may be an at increased risk of dying from heart disease, increased risk of type 2 diabetes and decreased risk of metabolic syndrome. Vitamin D must be in the active form known as Vitamin D3 and not ergocalciferol or Vitamin D2 as found in milk. Vitamin D has been shown to be essential in bone health, mood, cancer, immune system function, decreased chances of auto immune disease and more.
CoQ10 or Ubiquinol
CoQ10 is found in every cell in the body and is crucial for energy production. It has been clearly demonstrated that statin drugs deplete the production of CoQ10 and are responsible for the muscle aches and fatigue that have been listed as a side effect when taking statins medications. Even without the use of statin drugs, coQ10 levels tend to decrease with age.
B12/ Folate
Anemia is often linked with the aging process, but is not an inevitable result of getting older. Both B12 and folate are B vitamins that are dependent on adequate intake and the absorption rate in the stomach. It is necessary to have both nutrients for adequate production of both the white and red blood cells in our body. There are many medications that deplete B vitamins. A fascinating study done in 2008 demonstrated that those subjects with a higher B12 level were six times less likely to experience brain shrinkage.
This information should not be considered personalized health care advice. Any health care recommended in this letter should be made only after consulting with your Doctor and licensed Health Care Advisor.
If you would like some more natural tips and tools for living your life with greater health and vitality, I would like to offer you a FREE download of my "Power Up Your Day" morning routine to get your day off to the right start and live the life of your dreams at http://www.vibrantboomerwoman.com/. As a bonus you will be subscribed to my complementary inbox magazine and receive a timely weekly message focusing on the health and empowerment of Women of Wisdom.
Dr. Doreen Borseth, DC is a Holistic Chiropractor and Health Coach who has specialized in natural Body-Mind medicine focusing on the health and empowerment of women for over 25 years.
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