Anti-aging Supplements For Health And Dna Repair

According to Phyllis Balch and James Balch, M.D., in their book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," a lot of recent research is pointing to free radicals as one of the biggest contributors to aging. This idea is known as the free radical theory of aging. The Balches explain that free radicals are groups of atoms that are highly reactive. When they are present in large amounts, they begin to attack the body's DNA.

Free Radical Theory of Aging

According to the free radical theory, aging is nothing more than the accumulation of damage that results from attacking free radicals. Elson Hass, M.D., says in her book "Staying Healthy With Nutrition" that antioxidants help to prevent the creation of free radicals in the body. Theoretically, then, antioxidant supplements should help slow down aging by neutralizing the free radicals in the body before they do any damage.

Vitamin C

Hass states that vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. She says it helps prevent and treat many diseases, maintain healthy blood vessels and make and maintain collagen, which is essential for youthful-looking skin. The Health Guide website states that collagen is an important part of the skin, required to regenerate dead skin cells. Unfortunately, as you age, collagen decreases. This leads to wrinkles and sagging skin. Vitamin C may help reduce the onset of wrinkles by supporting collagen growth.

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is a well-known anti-aging and antioxidant supplement. CoQ10 is overhyped, however, and it is no "fountain of youth." Nevertheless, a lot of research suggests that it may play a supporting role in many processes that keep the body feeling young and healthy. The Nutritional Supplements Health Guide website states that it may be helpful for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, low energy and inflammatory disorders. In addition, Dr. Balch states that CoQ10 supports the liver, and a healthy liver is vital to minimizing free radical damage to all of the body's tissues. If taken in high doses, however, you may experience restlessness and insomnia.

Colostrum

According to NaturalNews.com, colostrum is a milk-like substance that mammals produce soon after giving birth to jumpstart a newborn's immune system. It explains that colostrum contains immune-boosting substances, iron and antioxidants, and bovine colostrum can now be bought in health food stores as a supplement. Some supporters think colostrum is the ultimate anti-aging supplement. Colostrum helps to reduce certain hormones that contribute to aging and damage the DNA and immune system. Complete-Health-Guide.com states that colostrum contains active forms of the growth hormones IgF1 and IgF2; these two substances contribute to the growth and repair of the body and can potentially slow the aging process. It also states that colostrum may help to heal or prevent a variety of age-related diseases, such as osteoporosis and cancer.

Considerations

Aging is inevitable; however, you can slow the process and help maintain a healthy body through a balanced diet and lifestyle. Talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement.