Antioxidants are the body's natural defense system against the free radicals that cause oxidative stress, which is thought to be a cause of aging. Free radicals are unstable, oxidized molecules that steal electrons from other molecules, causing a chain reaction of damage to the cells of the body. They are thought to be an underlying cause of wrinkles, cancer, and heart disease. Each day we are exposed to billions of free radicals generated by air pollution, cigarette smoke, fried and fatty foods, toxic chemicals, and ultraviolet rays. Supplementing with antioxidants may be one way to strengthen the body's defense against free radical attack and to repair the damage that has already taken place.
Antioxidants
The human body naturally produces several antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase. Supplements of these enzymes are also available for oral administration. In addition, many vitamins, minerals, and a few amino acids also act as antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, lutein, lycopene, vitamin B-2, and cysteine. Several herbs may also have an antioxidant effect, such as grape seed extract, ginkgo, and green tea. Antioxidant spices include oregano, sage, rosemary, celery, and cloves.
Coenzyme Q-10
Coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ10) is a vitamin-like nutrient present in every cell of the body. CoQ10 stimulates immune system activity and supplies the biochemical spark for ATP, the basic energy required for life. CoQ10 is involved in controlling the flow of oxygen within cells, making it an especially important nutrient for the cardiovascular system and brain. The body's manufacture of CoQ10 lessens with age and at some point may stop altogether. A 25 percent drop in CoQ10 may result in disease. Besides age, other factors known to decrease CoQ10 levels include cholesterol drugs (which can reduce levels by as much as 40 percent), cancer, and malnutrition. According to Peter H. Langsjoen, M.D., F.A.C.C., the antioxidant properties of CoQ10 have clear implications in the slowing of aging and age-related degenerative diseases (see Reference 1).
DHEA
The adrenal hormone DHEA is the most abundant hormone in the human body. In women, DHEA increases estrogen, progesterone, estrone, and estradiol to youthful levels. In men, it increases testosterone and androstenedione levels. It may also improve memory, sleep, and mood; lower stress; and has reportedly reduced hair loss and restored natural hair color in some cases. DHEA is generally safe and has no known negative side effects. It is important to note, however, that the body should produce sufficient amounts of DHEA up until age thirty. For this reason, DHEA supplements are not recommended for those under thirty years of age.
Melatonin
Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain, is reputed to be one of the best antioxidants for slowing the aging process. It affects sleep patterns, metabolic rate, immunity, calcium levels, and may protect against radiation-induced cancers. Melatonin levels naturally decrease with age, which may cause the to accelerate. Melatonin is non habit-forming and non-toxic. Because melatonin is naturally designed to work in harmony with the body's natural rhythm, it should be taken within an hour of bedtime.
Marine Phytoplankton
Marine phytoplankton contains a powerhouse of nutrients including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, essential fatty acids, chlorophyll, and antioxidants, all in a small enough form to penetrate the cells of the human body. Phytoplankton is the base of the food chain and also responsible for more than 75 percent of the earth's oxygen. When taken as a food or supplement, it similarly brings oxygen into the body and supplies basic life-giving elements. Oxygen is a key factor for repairing the damage done by free radicals. When buying marine phytoplankton, be sure to buy "pure" marine phytoplankton. The process of harvesting and purifying phytoplankton for human consumption is quite expensive; therefore, some companies sell phytoplankton products that contain mostly useless filler material, while containing only a very small amount of phytoplankton.
Warning
Not all supplements and health products are the same. Consult with a health professional prior to using any of the anti-aging supplements recommended here. There are no guarantees with any anti-aging method. Genes and lifestyle choices have a huge impact on our aging patterns; therefore, anti-aging supplements may work better for some than they do for others, or may not work at all. Keep in mind that we can never stop the aging process! It starts the moment we are born.
Tags: aging process, human body, against free, amino acids, anti-aging supplements, body natural
