The Anti-Aging Advisor

Supplementing a Healthy Diet

As we age, our bodies require nutritional supplements to stay active and feel younger.

In the diet and exercise posts, we’ve outlined a regime to stay young longer and even reverse some of the effects of aging. The regime is, basically, a healthy lifestyle that would be appropriate at any age. You’ve increased your activity level and modified your diet with a concentration on nutrient-rich foods and eliminated or reduced calorie-rich foods. You should be getting all the vitamins and minerals you need from your diet, but chances are you need to add some supplements. Unless you grow your own vegetables with a full complement of cool and warm weather crops, you’re not getting everything you need. As we age, we process foods differently, which affects the amount of vitamins and minerals we’re able to absorb. And, let’s face it — a certain percentage of us can’t gag down brussel sprouts or cauliflower even if they’re smothered in cheese sauce.

If you’ve been watching the news shows, you know there are nutritional supplements that simply augment what is readily available in foods. Then there are controversial supplements that replace or mimic hormones our bodies produce at lower levels as we age. In some cases, there’s a fine line between the two and we’ll try to maintain that line.

The following is a list of some anti-aging nutritional supplements readily available at health food stores:

• Antioxidants like vitamins A, E, C, Lutein, Lycopene and bioflavonoid help reduce visible signs of aging, lower high blood pressure and relax muscles in the cardiovascular system. In addition, vitamin E helps with heart health, protects against illness and relieves muscular soreness.
• Beta Carotene converts to vitamin A, has antioxidant properties, helps repair skin cells and boosts the immune system.
• Coenzyme Q10 regulates the oxidation of fats and sugar to energy, increasing energy and lowering blood pressure.
• Echinacea, Green Tea and Ginseng help treat infections, boost the immune system and increase energy.
• Selenium helps to protect the body from ultra violet rays that damage skin and lead to skin cancers.
• Maganese is a trace mineral that clears toxins and contaminants out of our systems.
• Calcium improves bone, muscle and digestive health.
• Zinc is a necessity for several enzymes in the body. Each of these enzyme groups has a different function, such as carbon dioxide conversion, maturing proteins or breaking down alcohol in the body.
• Polyphenols have antioxidant characteristics that reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Omega-3 fatty acids improve brain function and coordination.
• Wheatgrass juice has been called an anti-aging super serum that cleans the blood, detoxifies the organs, regenerates the blood and organs.
• Aloe vera juice has antiviral, analgesic and antibacterial properties that work with the immune system. Plus, the juice is high in amino acid and mineral content and helps with joint and bone health.
• Resveratrol, found in the skin of red colored grapes, stifles tumor development and contains antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Resveratrol can be found in red wine or natural red grape juice.

It’s important that your physician and/or pharmacist knows what herbal or natural supplements you take as there may be interactions with prescribed medications.