If You Don’t Have the “X Factor,” Antioxidants Aren’t Doing You Any Good

Blueberries. Pomegranate. Cranberries. Cherries.

Loads of research shows that antioxidants in fruits like these can help give you energy… keep your brain sharp and alert… and even keep skin looking young.

However, there is a big problem…

You can load up on antioxidants all you want… But they won’t do you a lick of good. Unless, that is, you have the “X Factor."

Made up of two nutrients, the “X Factor” is a component that unlocks your body’s ability to get the most out of antioxidants.  It can help enhance your health, boost your energy levels, and fight the signs of aging. Find out what it is – and how you can get it in a new blend of the most powerful anti-aging nutrients ever discovered – by reading on right here.

The Age-Defying Power of Antioxidants – Part Four

Enjoy the Energy of Childhood!

I went to the park the other day and was perplexed by what I saw. The park was full of people enjoying summer: couples sprawled against each other; boys riding bikes; girls out jogging; a serious-looking man reading a novel under the shade of a tree; and grandparents watching young ones run and play.

It’s a sight we’ve all seen many times: a simple sunny day in the park. It’s a scene we all accept as natural and normal.

But that day it struck me as odd.

There was something wrong with the picture. There was a pattern to it… young people being active, older people being sedentary. And I realized that a theme straight out of conventional wisdom was playing out in front of me… the acceptance that, as we get older, we slow down.

This struck me as particularly strange because of what I do each day. I spend my time researching scientific studies and talking to leading experts in the medical field. And from all that digging, I’ve found no reason that “old” should mean “tired” or “slow.”

In fact, I’ve uncovered multiple studies that show solid, scientific proof that antioxidants boost your energy. And one antioxidant in particular can give you child-like energy well into your 60s and beyond.

This compound adds a spring to your step and even enhances sports performance. In fact, it’s so reliable, world-class sports gurus use it. I’m talking about an antioxidant called quercetin.

Claim the Power of the Olympians

Quercetin is a safe and effective anti-inflammatory agent that boosts energy and the immune system. In fact, it even fuels the cells that power your muscles and brain.

“It’s so reliable; Olympians and serious exercisers are flocking to it for help during strenuous workouts,” says THB panel expert Dr. Al Sears. “It’s only recently that researchers discovered its power to boost energy.”

There’s plenty of research to support quercetin. One study showed that it boosted the timed trial performance of a famous cyclist team by 3.1 percent. No wonder quercetin is a favorite of world-famous cyclist Lance Armstrong!

But it doesn’t just make cyclists pedal faster… And it isn’t just good at enhancing sports performance. Studies show that it can work for regular people living everyday lives.

Quercetin has good applications for everyday usage, too. For instance, it can make the difference between springing through your day and slouching through it.

A study by the Arnold School of Health at the University of South Carolina showed that quercetin can really make a difference to all of us. The study showed that it increases energy and endurance in all active, healthy adults.

That’s because it’s a powerhouse antioxidant that effectively fights oxidative stress. It fights flu and boosts brain power and “tops up” all-around good health. That makes it a powerful antioxidant that you’ll want to incorporate into your diet.

An Apple a Day…

So where can you get quercetin and how much should you take? Dr. Sears offers advice and guidance on dosage and servings.

“For general health purposes, I recommend 15 to 40 mg per day,” he says. “And you can get it simply by eating a few servings a day of fruits and vegetables that are rich in quercetin.”

Quercetin occurs naturally in many foods. You can find it in good amounts in simple, everyday apples. But it’s also found in:

• Black Tea
• Broccoli
• Capers
• Cherries
• Citrus fruit
• Cranberries
• Leafy green vegetables
• Onions
• Raspberries
• Red grapes
• Red onions
• Tomatoes

You can also get quercetin from easy dietary supplements. Your local health food store should stock all-in-one supplements loaded with vitamins, minerals, and quercetin. But it’s important that you take the right amount.

“For peak performance, I suggest 500 mg twice a day,” says Dr. Sears. “For therapeutic purposes, you’ll need to take higher dosages, and only under professional supervision.”

Combine Antioxidants to Boost Benefits

You can maximize your energy levels by combining apples and raspberries with green tea. That’s because green tea also contains a powerful energy-boosting antioxidant.

People have known about the wide benefits of drinking green tea for years. It can support your immune system, fight aging, and promote healthy brain and liver function. But recent studies also show that it can boost energy and athletic performance.

One such study was published just this year by Maastricht University in the Netherlands. It revealed that catechins in green tea not only helped maintain weight, but also increased energy.

A second study from this year – conducted by the Waseda University in Japan – showed similar results. The study authors found that green tea does more than just enhance fat metabolism. They showed that it increases energy during exercise. And they came to one final simple conclusion: Exercise and green tea increase energy and fat burning levels.

The most up-to-date studies speak very clearly. Antioxidants can put that spring back in your step – no matter what your age is. Even better, they’ll deliver a whole host of other health benefits too. And you can claim all of these benefits by simply enjoying a bowl of cherries and a mug of green tea!

To your health,

Ian Robinson,
Managing Editor, Total Health Breakthroughs

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The Age-Defying Power of Antioxidants – Part Three

Wipe Away Wrinkles

The older you get, the more wrinkles you “earn.” That’s what conventional wisdom tells us.

But you don’t have to resign yourself to living with sagging, wrinkled skin for the rest of your life. In fact, there are people who are over 60 with absolutely wrinkle-free skin. My father has a close friend who’s well into his 60s and doesn’t look a day over 45. He’s been around so long that we call him “Uncle Jon.” But he’s never changed since the day I met him. His face is tan and free of lines. And he’s sharp and in shape.

Scientists have been trying to figure out why some people – like “Uncle Jon” – don’t seem to age like the rest of us. And there is emerging evidence that a class of proteins called sirtuins are the cause.

The evidence is clear: if you know how to activate your sirtuins, you too can turn back the clock.

Slowing the Hands of Time

Sirtuins send signals to our cells that work to combat the effects of aging. They slow down the process of cell death and give your body more time to repair DNA damage.

Studies show that the critical catalyst in this process is a compound known as resveratrol.

Resveratrol activates a gene that “turns on” our sirtuins. And once that’s activated, you don’t have to accept wrinkles. In fact, you can lose facial lines with each passing year. The trick is making sure your body gets the resveratrol it needs.

“Drinking red wine is one way to benefit from resveratrol,” says THB panel expert Dr. Al Sears. “I also recommend adding foods rich in resveratrol to your diet. It’s found in plums, grapes, blueberries, and cranberries.”

Resveratrol is an antioxidant which science shows beats the aging process like no other. If it were man-made, it would be a miracle drug. But it’s not… because it’s 100 percent natural. And it’s also safe and effective. In fact, a recent study shows it has 17 times more anti-aging power than man-made CoQ10.

Wave Goodbye to Crow’s Feet

Study after study show that resveratrol makes you look younger. Medical experts are keen to promote its age-defying properties. But resveratrol doesn’t just battle the aging process by activating sirtuins… it’s loaded with other anti-aging benefits.

So why can resveratrol turn back the clock so much better than man-made CoQ10? Because it is more effective at removing free radicals that damage skin cells. It’s those damaged skin cells which lead to wrinkles and dull skin. Not just that… it breaks down collagen to give your skin that healthy, youthful glow.

Dr. Richard Baxter – a board certified plastic surgeon and leader in the field – authored one study of resveratrol.

“A couple of years ago, I tested a skin care product containing resveratrol,” says Dr. Baxter. “Prevage had tested their formula against all other antioxidants out there: alpha lipoic acid, vitamins, you name it. Prevage announced that it was the strongest antioxidant on the market.”

However, Dr. Baxter and his team were convinced that “there [were] better antioxidants out there.” They began studying resveratrol in a series of tests. And their studies revealed some surprising results.

“Using a standard antioxidant test called ORAC we found that the resveratrol product was 17 times stronger,” he says. Dr. Baxter’s study blew those older claims out of the water. Resveratrol became the most effective antioxidant in the pack.

His findings also convinced him that natural foods are the best source of antioxidants. “It makes the most sense to just eat whole foods with antioxidants already in.”

He recommends the following foods as good sources of resveratrol:

• pigmented berries
• pomegranate juice
• acai
• red wine

Dr. Baxter’s study proved that resveratrol can help turn back the clock. And he recommends you begin that process by enjoying a glass of red wine!

Dr. Sears points out another easy way to get resveratrol… through supplements.

“A good dose is 10 mg per day,” says Dr. Sears. “It has never been associated with any worrisome side effects. You can take it any time of day, with or without food.”

Topical Benefits of Resveratrol

Further research shows something else: applying resveratrol directly to your skin speeds up its anti-aging effects.

“If you just take it as a supplement, you’re missing out on what it offers your skin,” says Dr. Al Sears. “Rub resveratrol directly on your face, and it quickly goes to work.”

Several studies support this idea. One study, conducted by the University of Wisconsin, showed that resveratrol protects your skin from daily aging.

“In this study, we evaluated the effects of resveratrol,” said study author Professor Nihal Ahmad. His findings “clearly suggest that resveratrol… is absorbed in the skin and activates a protective cascade. On the basis of our work, it is conceivable to design resveratrol skin-care products.”

A second study reinforced these findings. Its authors noted that topical resveratrol improves skin tone and reduces wrinkles.

A Topical Solution

So, science supports the age-defying properties of resveratrol. And a topical lotion may help deliver even better results.

“But you can’t just add resveratrol to a cream and then expect your skin to start looking younger,” says Dr. Sears.

He notes resveratrol has limited stability and water solubility. That’s a problem when applying it to skin. The trick is making a topical form that can be applied as a lotion.

And that just what Dr. Sears has done.

“After doing some research with ourWellness Research Foundation, I found a unique way around that,” he says. “We discovered a novel process that not only makes topical resveratrol usable, it makes its benefits more powerful.”

This new kind of resveratrol is called “metrabiotics resveratrol.” It goes deep into your skin and activates your body’s built-in skin rejuvenator. Dr. Sears has made it available to you in an easy lotion called Silk.

According to Dr. Sears, this new lotion really combats aging. It can reduce wrinkles, smooth lines, lift skin, and improve skin tone. And it can do all that quickly, safely, and effectively. If you’re interested in learning more, read on here.

To your health,

Ian Robinson,
Managing Editor, Total Health Breakthroughs

People Will Try CRAZY Things to Lose Weight…

Weight loss drinks, powders, and pills… Calorie counting… Tummy tucks… Crazy fad diets… Hours of cardio at the gym…

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The Age-Defying Power of Antioxidants – Part One

Berries Boost Brain Power

Our mental functions slow down as we age. Our focus weakens with each passing year. We lose memory clarity. That’s because oxidative stress ravages our mental systems across the decades. And our brains lose nutrients for prime function.

But antioxidants can help reverse this damage. The right combination of foods can replace the nutrients we lose. They can even prevent memory loss.

THB panel expert Dr. Al Sears says, “Feed your brain [what] it needs. You can maintain and even improve your brain function… no matter how old you are.”

You can find antioxidants in everyday food. Simple store-bought berries are a rich source. Studies show that blueberries “increase health and enhance cognitive function in aging.”

The first step to restoring brain power is simple. It can be as easy as adding fresh blueberries to your yogurt at breakfast time.

How Our Brains Age

Most experts agree about the cause of mental decline. Decline is caused by oxidative stress or free radical damage to the brain.

“There is strong evidence that oxidative stress participates in neurodegenerative diseases,” says Dr. M. M. Rahman, a researcher for Niigata University in Japan.

According to Dr. James A. Joseph, another expert on cognitive decline, “Ample research indicates that age-related neuronal decrements are the result of oxidative stress.”

Dr. Joseph has published several papers on cognitive decline. He also runs a research lab at Tufts University. "Oxidative stress and inflammation are the evil twins of brain aging," he says.

In 1999, Dr. Joseph published a landmark study on the subject in the Journal of Neuroscience. His study revealed that blueberries reversed mental aging. Dr. Joseph took four groups of rats and fed them a normal diet. Three of the groups were given strawberry, spinach, or blueberry extracts. Over the course of 18 weeks, he tested the rats for coordination and mental functioning.

The blueberry group performed best on the coordination tests. This group also showed improved neuron functioning. His research led him to nickname blueberries “brainberries.” He has since released several other studies on the subject.

The Science behind “Brainberries”

“Our previous study [showed] that rats given high antioxidant[s] retarded declines in cognitive function,” says Dr. Joseph.

Blueberries produce antioxidant effects. These limit cellular damage created by free radicals of oxygen. They block pathways by which oxidative stress damages cells.

Blueberries also function as anti-inflammatory agents to protect brain integrity.

Subsequent studies also discussed a further benefit of blueberries. They are rich in phytochemicals. 

“Antioxidant-rich foods reverse the course of [mental] aging,” says Dr. Joseph. They work on a molecular level. They signal pathways to turn vital genes on or off in brain cells. This makes brain cells respond to messages from other cells. They can also promote the growth of new nerve cells.

His findings are supported by several other independent studies. Dr. M. A. Papandreou conducted research for the University of Patras, Greece that examined the effect of blueberries on mental performance. His findings also “stress the critical impact of blueberries on brain function.”

Packing a Punch

It’s clear that blueberries are good for you. But they can be even better.

The trick is to eat them with certain foods.

These foods should be rich in fats. At the top of the list are walnuts and avocado. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. That makes blueberries and walnuts a powerful combination. These foods promote youthful flexibility in brain cell membranes.

Brain cell membrane flexibility is more important than it sounds. You see, every thought begins with a transaction across a brain cell membrane. These membranes are host to a wide array of receptors, which are the gateways to nerve cells.

However, receptors become less effective over time. Our membranes become rigid as we age. That’s why it’s important to eat foods that promote membrane flexibility.

"Polyphenols in berries and fatty acids in walnuts fluidize the cell membrane," says Dr. Joseph. "They make it responsive to a wide array of signals." This increases the efficiency of those transactions.

Walnuts have another good effect on brain health. They also block disease-causing inflammation in our cells. Recent research links inflammation to Alzheimer’s disease, so reducing inflammation is important to promote better mental function. It might even reverse Alzheimer’s disease.

"All this is reversible," says Dr. Joseph. “Adding walnuts and berries to the diet could delay the onset of the diseases of aging.”

Scheduling Your Brain Fuel

According to Elizabeth Somer, M.A., a registered dietitian with over 25 years of experience, breakfast is essential for a fast brain.

“Every food you choose is an opportunity to either nourish or neglect your health,” she says. “Choose health and you will be amazed how your body will repay you.”

She says that people who eat breakfast are more mentally alert. They remember more, react quicker, and are more creative. This first meal delivers fuel to the brain after fasting all night.

She also recommends a light lunch rich in protein, fruit and veggies. She advises stocking up on five to nine servings of fruits and veggies. That’s because they’re packed with antioxidants.

But you can also super-charge your brain by eating delicious snacks during the day. You can build these snacks around breakfast and lunch. A great way to go is to combine antioxidant-rich foods.

Combo Snacks Deliver Super Benefits

Dr. Joseph says there are many foods which help improve brain function. When combined they deliver a super antioxidant punch. "The effects of natural combinations such as walnuts and blueberries are powerful," he says.

These “trail-mix” combinations are easy and convenient. You can pack them and take them with you. So even on busy days you can get those all-important antioxidants.

Try a handful of blackberries and mix them with almonds. Wash them down with green tea. All three are packed with antioxidants.

Or, switch it up and go for strawberries and pecans. These are both rich in antioxidants. The best thing is antioxidants don’t just boost brain power. They promote overall good health.

To your health,

Ian Robinson,
Managing Editor, Total Health Breakthroughs

People Will Try CRAZY Things to Lose Weight…

Weight loss drinks, powders, and pills… Calorie counting… Tummy tucks… Crazy fad diets… Hours of cardio at the gym…

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Be Heart Smart: Lower Your Blood Pressure Today!

Taking pills may help to lower your blood pressure…

But they could also wind up giving you cancer. That’s according to a study published this month in the medical journal Lancet Oncology.

The study authors have linked angiotensin-receptor blockers, or ARBs, and cancer. Unsuspecting millions take these drugs to lower blood pressure and manage heart conditions.

“Millions of people are on these drugs and it can cause a lot of excess cancer worldwide,” Dr. Ilke Sipahi told the Washington Post. Dr. Sipahi is the lead author of the study.

Dr. Sipahi estimated that one person in every 105 taking the medications will get cancer.

It’s a shocking statistic and reinforces the urgent need to find healthy, natural ways to lower your blood pressure. Fortunately THB medical expert Dr. Joseph F. McCaffrey has safe and simple solutions to help you do just that.

Dangers of Taking Drugs

The link to cancer is just the most recent reason to be wary of drugs that lower blood pressure. These types of drugs will negatively impact your health in other ways. According to Dr. McCaffrey, common side effects include dizziness, electrolyte imbalance, impotence, and fatigue.

The good news is that drugs are not the only solution. You can lower your blood pressure with modest changes in your diet and lifestyle.

“The only side effect of this approach is increased overall health,” says Dr. McCaffrey.

Studies also support lifestyle changes as the best option for lowering blood pressure. A study published in 2006 revealed that diet, exercise, and relaxation were effective options for lowering blood pressure.

Tools to Lower Blood Pressure

Diet, exercise, and relaxation are powerful tools to help you balance your blood pressure. Let’s take a moment to see how those three options benefit your health.

Diet: Sodium is often blamed for high blood pressure.  But according to hypertension expert Dr. Michael Alderman, studies do not conclusively support low-salt diets. Dr. Alderman is an expert at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY. According to him, just lowering your salt intake may not lower your blood pressure.

What’s really important is the ratio of sodium to potassium that you consume. That’s because people with hypertension are often lacking in potassium.

“I’ve read recommendations suggesting that we should have five times more potassium than sodium in our diet,” says Dr. McCaffrey. “Someone eating a diet of processed and prepared foods easily reverses that ratio. They commonly take in two times more sodium than potassium. Clearly, most people need more potassium.”

When you think about potassium, you’ll often reach for a banana. Bananas contain a high quotient of potassium. However, they’re also high glycemic foods… and that means they will spike your blood sugar levels. That’s something you want to avoid because high blood sugar triggers insulin release and insulin builds body fat.

Instead, Dr. McCaffrey recommends tomato juice. One cup of tomato juice has the same 500 mg of potassium as a banana. And tomatoes are also rich in lycopenes – which promote better prostate health.

“If you add some potassium chloride salt substitute for taste, you’ll increase your potassium intake even more,” says Dr. McCaffrey. “Each ¼ teaspoon adds another 650 mg of potassium.”

Exercise: People who exercise enjoy many health benefits. You can expect weight loss, more energy, and an improved range of movement. However, exercise also reduces your blood pressure.

According to Dr. McCaffrey, researchers reviewed over 100 studies on the effect of cardiovascular exercise on blood pressure. The studies showed that regular cardio – including walking – lowered diastolic and systolic blood pressure by 5 mmHg.

“A healthy diet and an exercise program should be the foundation of your healthy blood pressure program,” says Dr. McCaffrey.

Relaxation: Relaxation and meditation can also lower your blood pressure. Dr. Herbert Benson studied the physical effects of meditation. He noted that meditation could decrease blood pressure.

“He was the first person to measure and report on the actual physiology of meditation,” says Dr. McCaffrey. “His initial studies were in the early 1970s. Since then, the results he observed have been confirmed and expanded hundreds of times.”

Meditation is a natural answer to lowering blood pressure. It also has many other stress-related benefits.

But diet, exercise, supplements, and meditation are effective solutions for controlling blood pressure naturally. All these recommendations won’t just lower your blood pressure. They will work together to improve your overall health.

[Ed. Note: Joseph F. McCaffrey, MD, FACS is a board-certified surgeon with extensive experience in alternative medicine, including certification as a HeartMath Trainer. His areas of expertise include mind-body interaction and cognitive restructuring. Dr. McCaffrey strives to help people attain their optimum level of vitality through attention to all aspects of wellness. For more information, click here.]

With a flick of his wrist, he hit second gear and popped the clutch. The rear wheels chirped, then grabbed the pavement and the car began to accelerate again.

With every second our speed was increasing. The engine began to whine as the speedometer topped 90… then 100. Lance shifted into fifth gear and the motor settled into a comfortable hum as our speed climbed to 125.

“She’s got a lot more than this,” Lance said, as he eased the gas pedal away from the floor. “But I need to get you home in one piece. And I really don’t need another ticket.”

I was riding with my Dad’s friend, Lance in his 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera. I had asked him to give me a ride and show me how this “old” car performed. Lance has always owned Porsches. He has several, and keeps them in immaculate condition.

When we pulled back into the driveway and climbed out, I took a closer look. This car was almost 25 years old, and it looked like it had just come off the showroom floor.

The jet black paint had a high gloss. The leather seats were in perfect condition. The carpets looked new. The odometer read just over 35,000 miles. And of course, I had just found out that the engine still performed like a brand new racing machine.

I grew up around Lance. I remember he used to always say, “Take care of your car, and your car will take care of you.” That advice was the first thing I thought of when I forgot to change the oil in a truck I owned in college. The engine burned up and left me stranded on the side of the road.

I thought of Lance’s advice again recently, as it relates to our health. I thought of the “old” cars he owns – old cars that look and run just like new.

I was reading an article about Alzheimer’s disease in a major health publication. The article said that, “Age is the biggest risk factor for the disease.” The author was referring to the fact that the number of Alzheimer’s cases doubles every five years in people over 65. Almost half of those over the age of 85 have the disease.

Health experts make the same claims about any number of degenerative diseases. Age is also claimed to be the “biggest risk factor” for macular degeneration. It is also listed among the major risk factors for stroke, heart disease and diabetes.

But I believe it is a big mistake to equate “age” with the risk of these diseases. Just like it would be a mistake to assume that Lance’s Porsche would be old and worn out and perform poorly, just because the car is 25 years old.

The performance and condition of Lance’s Porsche has a lot more to do with how well it has been maintained and how many miles it has been driven, than how many years it has been since it left the factory floor.

And the same is true of your body.

The degenerative diseases we associate with aging have very little to do with our chronological “age.” If they did, then nearly everyone over the age of 85 would have Alzheimer’s or cancer or heart disease or macular degeneration. But not everyone does. In fact, these diseases used to be very rare – even at an advanced age.

Instead of associating these diseases with a meaningless number – our age – we need to associate them with their true causes. Degenerative diseases are simply the long-term ramifications of unhealthy choices that turned into lifelong habits! These diseases do not magically appear at a certain age. They are the end-result of a lifetime of poor nutrition and toxic overload.

There is a world of difference between a car that has been parked outside, driven on a daily basis and maintained infrequently… and a car that has been kept in a garage, washed and waxed often, driven on the weekends and maintained impeccably.

The car that has been driven every day and poorly maintained might last 10 years. It will look and feel worn out. It will break down frequently. On the other hand, the car that is well-maintained and driven infrequently will look brand new thirty years later. And it will perform that way too.

Of course, your body is not a car. You can’t park it in the garage and leave it there for sixty years. You have to take it out and drive it every day. But there is a way to maintain and fuel your body so that you “mileage” stays low, even as your number of years increases.

The goal is not immortality. We are all going to die of something. The goal is to experience healthful longevity. There is a very important difference between your lifespan (how long you live) and your healthspan (how long you remain healthy and vital).

It is not enough to live a long time. In fact, it can be a curse if you don’t have your health. What we want are the advantages of youth – joints that work without pain, a mind that is sharp, energy to last all day, a strong immune system and skin that is supple and smooth – well into our later years.

The great news is that you can have all of that and more. But you have to maintain your body and give it the proper fuel.

My wife Kelley has a background in nutritional biochemistry. And for the last five years, she has studied the factors that cause our bodies to break down. She studied the heart, the brain, the muscles, the joints, the bones, the immune system and the hormonal system.

What she found – and what other researchers have proven – is that the same five processes are involved in just about every form of degenerative disease.

Control these five processes (and they are well within your control) and you can significantly diminish your risk of the diseases we now associate with “aging”. And not only that, but your mind will work better, your heart will be stronger and your aches and pains will be less. Even your wrinkles will diminish.

She put all of this research into a health transformation program, called Your Plate, Your Fate.

Here are the five processes associated with aging:

• Inflammation – If the engine in your car consistently “runs hot,” it won’t last very long. That’s why you pull over when you see the temperature gauge rising. This is the equivalent of inflammation in your body – a process where your defenses are constantly responding to damage. Chronic inflammation is the foundation of most degenerative diseases and physical aging.

• Glycation – If you don’t change the oil in your car, it gets becomes thick and dirty and turns to sludge. This is similar to a process in the body called glycation – where excess sugar in the diet causes the blood to thicken and become “sticky.” The blood then has a hard time circulating through the small blood vessels, damaging the integrity of tissues and organs. Glycation also destroys collagen, leading to wrinkles.

• Oxidation – Expose your car to the weather year after year, and the parts will rust. This is the process of oxidation. The same thing happens in your body when “free radicals” attack your cells. This is perfectly natural. Oxidation can be controlled by eating healthy fats, a low-glycemic diet and antioxidant-rich foods. When it is not controlled, it can damage DNA, cause cells to mutate and it ages the body from the inside out.

• Toxification – Your car has an oil filter, an air filter and a fuel filter. This is to keep impurities and foreign objects out of the engine. These filters must be replaced, or the performance will diminish. Your body has “filters” too, including your liver and your immune system. But these filters can become overburdened due to poor nutrition and toxic overload.

• Depletion – Put low-octane fuel in a high performance engine and you will hear “knocking.” The performance will be sub-optimal and your miles per gallon will decrease. Expect the same from your body. If you deplete your body of vital nutrients by continually giving it low grade fuel, it will not work properly and your “mileage” will also go down.

Every single disease and symptom we associate with “aging” involves at least one (and usually all) of these processes. So, don’t buy the myth that poor health, low energy, aches and pains, muscle loss, and loose, wrinkled skin are unavoidable aspects of getting older.

“Aging” is what happens when your body breaks down faster than it repairs itself. Youth is when your body repairs faster than it breaks down. The key to maintaining your youthful looks and energy and vibrant health is to provide your body with the raw materials it needs to rebuild and repair. At the same time, reduce or eliminate those elements that cause you to break down.

By eating nutrient-dense foods and developing healthy habits, you can avoid degenerative disease and the outward signs of aging… or at least put them off for a long, long time.

You can’t “park your car” in the garage and leave it there. But why would you want to anyway? Fuel your body with the right nutrients and keep your filters clean, and you will enjoy the ride of your life!

A mechanic must perform separate maintenance on each system. His checklist is specific for the parts that he’s working on.

If there’s a problem with one part, that problem can usually be fixed without affecting any other parts.

But maintaining your body isn’t like maintaining a car or an airplane. That’s because your body is an intelligent, adaptive machine.

A problem with one part of your body usually affects several others as well. That’s the downfall. It’s because all of your body systems are interconnected.

The flip side of that argument is that because all of your body systems are interconnected, there are no specific checklists for maintenance work on different parts.

You can’t really do anything good for your bones, for example, without doing some good for your brain while you’re at it.

Taking care of your body is taking care of your body. Your whole body.

Why am I telling you all of this?

Well, over the last few articles (which you can find here and here) we’ve been talking about the most promising advances in the field of anti-aging. The future is bright, indeed.

But I’m afraid that highlighting those advances might have made anti-aging sound awfully specialized — and, for the average person, inaccessible. And that’s just not true.

If you have tens of thousands of dollars burning a hole in your pocket, TA-65 will probably do you a lot of good. But even if you don’t, all is not lost.

That’s because when you come right down to it, anti-aging is just about maintaining good health for longer. And good health is good health, no matter how old you are.

I’ve given you strong evidence that your telomeres are the biological clock that controls your aging. And even though you may never have heard of a telomere until last week, almost everything you do affects your clock.

That means you can start to work on anti-aging right here, right now.

In today’s article, I’ll tell you some of the simplest and easiest ways to slow the rate of telomere shortening. Many of these will look very familiar. That’s because all of them have been recommended in previous THB articles. That just goes to show that good health is interconnected.

Taking care of your body is easier than you think.

You have the power to change your own health for the better.

The road to a longer, healthier life begins right here.

Eat Your Greens

Envious of Popeye’s brawny build? According to a 2009 study, his predilection for leafy greens may keep him young, too.

As we’ve discussed, telomeres shorten naturally with age. They are also shortened by an amino acid called homocysteine.

Homocysteine is not consumed in the diet. Rather, it is produced by the body in an important metabolic pathway. Problems arise when homocysteine levels get too high. Not only does it accelerate aging, but it also affects cardiovascular health.

To keep homocysteine levels in check, up your intake of folic acid (also known as vitamin B9). The New York Times recently proclaimed folic acid the world’s healthiest food because of its myriad benefits. It helps the body make new cells and is especially important for pregnant women.

So where can you find it? The word “folic” is derived from the Latin for “leaf.” It makes sense, then, that it comes from leafy green vegetables like spinach.

Maybe Popeye knew more than he was letting on.

Go Fish

A study published in JAMA this year reported an inverse association between omega-3 fatty acid intake and the rate of telomere shortening.

The study followed 608 patients over a five-year period. During that time, those who ate more omega-3s had less telomere shortening.

Granted, we’d like to see something more than an association. But I have no qualms about recommending that you eat omega-3s on the basis of this evidence because they’re good for you for so many other reasons as well.

Omega-3s are important for your brain, your heart, and your immune system. They may help to prevent cancer and several other diseases. They’re also anti-inflammatory, which means that they help with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

The JAMA study only looked at intake of marine omega-3s. That means that you should look for wild-caught, cold-water fish like Alaskan salmon, herring, and mackerel.

And for longtime THB readers, that’s a recommendation I know you’ve heard before.

Take Your Antioxidants and Multivitamins

As Dr. Sears explained last week, oxidative damage doesn’t explain aging. But that doesn’t mean you can ignore it, either.

Eating antioxidants is important to counteract free radical damage. Most berries, nuts, and beans are excellent sources of antioxidants.

Ideally you would get all the nutrients you need from your diet. However, for one reason or another, most of us don’t.

That’s where multivitamins come in. They help to fill in the gaps in your nutrition. Simply taking a multivitamin is associated with having longer telomeres.

What’s more, many supplements combine vitamins and antioxidants. (Technically, both vitamins C and E are antioxidants, but there are better ones out there.) Look for a combined supplement to make sure that you’re getting everything you need.

Skimp on Sugar

Bad news for your sweet tooth: eating too much sugar actually speeds up the aging process.

A partial list of the aging-related problems caused by sugar:

• It can shorten telomeres.
• It can directly inhibit telomerase, the enzyme that rejuvenates aging telomeres.
• It can damage DNA directly.
• It can lead to high blood pressure and obesity, both of which are known to shorten telomeres.

There is a good deal of evidence that links excess sugar intake with inflammatory disease. The body simply isn’t designed to handle large quantities of processed, refined sugar.

You wouldn’t put sugar in the gas tank of your car. It’s not designed to handle it.

If you wouldn’t do it to your car, why do it to your body?

Skip the sweet stuff for dessert tonight. Reach for a piece of fresh fruit instead.

Want to Feel Like a Kid Again? Go Play Outside

Though Americans spend billions of dollars every year trying to recapture their lost youth, one of the most effective ways to slow the aging process is simply to go play outside.

If that sounds like second-rate psychobabble, it isn’t.

Sun exposure is the body’s leading source of vitamin D. Vitamin D, in turn, may help to slow the shortening of telomeres.

In a 2007 study, women with higher levels of vitamin D were found to be at less risk of aging-related disease.

Vitamin D has many other important functions in the body. For example, it is also important to maintain bone strength and immune function.

However, most people do not get nearly enough. The current government recommendation is only 400 IU per day. But studies have shown that the body will use between 3,000 and 5,000 IU per day if it is available.

And you need more as you get older. That means that vitamin D is especially important for anti-aging.

The best dietary source of vitamin D is wild-caught fatty fish — which you should be eating anyway for the omega-3s.

Like I said, this is easier than you think.

But when it comes to vitamin D, there is simply no replacing the sun. Remarkably, the leading cause of vitamin D deficiency is insufficient sun exposure. The cure for that is simple: go outside already!

Get a Move On

Exercise is by far one of the most effective ways to slow the rate of telomere shortening.

It builds muscle, burns fat, and improves your metabolism.

It counteracts high blood pressure, high lipid levels, and obesity, all three of which have been associated with telomere shortening.

It will get you outside where your body can make vitamin D.

It’s good for your brain. Your heart. Your lungs. Your immune system. In fact, there’s really no part of your body that it’s not good for.

It even works to manage and prevent stress and depression.

Why does that matter?

Mind Matters

Many times we overlook the role of good mental health. That’s unfortunate, because mind and body are just as interconnected as any two other body parts you might care to name.

Have you heard people say that stress aged them 20 years overnight? It’s an exaggeration, but stress really can age you by shortening your telomeres.

It’s not possible to eliminate stress anymore than it would be possible to eliminate your body’s stress response. Emergencies happen, and the fight-or-flight system allows you to deal with them effectively.

But chronic stress is a problem. The fight-or-flight system is designed for emergencies. It shouldn’t always be on.

Fortunately, studies have shown that there are several good ways to manage stress that will improve your health at the same time. Things like getting exercise…eating omega-3s… getting enough vitamin D…

Like I said, your body is interconnected. You can’t really do any good for one part without helping the others, too.

Tying It All Together

The points we have discussed above do not make up an exhaustive anti-aging to-do list. But they are all generally good for you. Nothing is specific to anti-aging.

There are other factors that affect your telomeres. But they are all generally good for you, too.

I am sure that over time research will uncover even more factors relevant to anti-aging. But I have no doubt that they will be generally good for you as well.

It’s because good health is easier than you think.

And as I said, anti-aging is just a matter of maintaining good health for longer.

Take care of your body and your body will take care of you. It’s as simple as that.

To Your Health,

Michael Noltemeyer
Managing Editor
Total Health Breakthroughs

As Crichton was writing his book, a biotechnology company called Geron was founded in California. Today, Geron holds hundreds of patents on a technology that will take us from the present into the future.

It’s not often that you get a glimpse into the future.

That’s because people are really bad at predicting it.

But it sure doesn’t stop us from trying.

As a culture we are obsessed with knowing what will happen before it happens. From palm readers to prognosticators, from weather forecasters to fortunetellers to phone-in psychics, we will turn to anyone who claims to be able to predict the future. We put a lot of faith in these predictions right up until they are proven wrong.

We even look to the future for entertainment. Science fiction accounts of what the future will be like have fascinated us for as long as we have been telling stories.

Historically, though, the only consistently reliable predictions have come in the early stages of developing a new technology. As soon as it becomes clear that the technology works, it’s not hard to imagine what will come next.

When Henry Ford invented the automobile, it wasn’t hard to imagine the future of transportation.

When Jonas Salk discovered the polio vaccine, it wasn’t hard to imagine a future free of polio.

And when Dr. Sears told me a couple of weeks ago about the evidence for TA-65, it wasn’t hard to imagine a future without aging. A future in which, as Dr. Sears put it, “you can live to the ripe old age of 100 but keep the body you had at 35.”

What’s TA-65?

It’s the discovery that I promised to tell you about last time. In Friday’s issue, I explained all about telomeres and telomerase. Today I will tell you about how TA-65 affects your telomeres to literally turn back the clock on aging.

Who would have thought that you could fall back and spring forward at the same time?

Reversing Course to Start Reversing Age

Just as InGen owned all of the technology to create dinosaurs, all of the technology behind TA-65 belongs to Geron. “It’s incredible that one company could be allowed to own it,” Dr. Sears told me.

But Geron didn’t start out looking to reverse aging. Initially they were trying to cure cancer.

You see, we’ve known for years that telomeres play a role in cancer. Cancer cells grow much faster than normal cells. But as I explained last time, normal cells can only divide so many times before they die. That means that cancer cells should die faster than normal cells, too.

So how come they don’t?

Because cancer cells found a way around the problem. They want to live just as much as normal cells. By using telomerase, they can reset the genetic clock with every cell division. That keeps them from aging.

Geron started out looking to master telomere biology. They hoped that finding a way to turn off telomerase would cause cancers to self-destruct.

Cancers would still happen. But like shooting stars, they would quickly burn themselves out.

“If you turn telomerase off, chemotherapy catches up,” Dr. Sears said. “They’ve done tissue studies. They’ve done mouse studies. They even submitted a 72,000-page document to begin human trials, but the FDA will drag their feet for some time.”

Everything changed early last year. That’s when Rita Effros and her colleagues at UCLA published a paper in the Journal of Immunology that showed a chemical called TAT2 can affect immune aging.

TAT2 is a chemical derived from the astragalus root. The root is one of the 50 “fundamental” herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. It is claimed to have many effects, including:

• Speeding wound healing.
• Improving lung function.
• Reducing fatigue.
• Improving gastrointestinal function.
• Increasing metabolism.
• Improving adrenal function.
• Treating diabetes.

Earlier studies had shown that astragalus extracts improved immune function by increasing the production of certain cell types and activating others. However, Effros’s study was the first to show that it could keep the immune system young.

That finding led Geron to invest $100 million in anti-aging research.

Why?

Because “TAT2 is essentially identical to TA-65,” Dr. Sears said with a chuckle, “but the manufacturers don’t want you to know that.”

So how does it work?

Evidence and Early Returns

Scientists have known for years that young cells have long telomeres that shorten over time. Telomere shortening is associated with aging.

But as we have discussed in this space before, association does not prove causation. We need something more.

Can manipulating the length of the telomeres in a cell affect the rate at which it ages?

Turns out it can.

Several studies have shown that if you clip the telomeres of a young cell, it will behave like an old cell until it dies. That experiment has been replicated in 18 different cell lines.

The opposite is also true. Keeping telomeres from shortening keeps cells from aging.

Not only that, but whole tissues continue to behave like young tissues when you would normally expect them to show signs of aging.

That means that artificially shortening telomeres induces aging, while lengthening telomeres prevents aging.

Taken together, those two findings provide strong evidence that telomeres control the aging process.

So how does TA-65 fit into the picture?

TA-65 turns on telomerase. Telomerase prevents telomeres from shortening. When telomeres don’t shorten, cells don’t age. It’s been proven in cells and tissues.

The important question that remains is whether the experimental findings from cells and tissues can be translated into humans. Can TA-65 slow the entire aging process for a whole organism?

Over the last two years, almost 200 people around the world have signed up to find out. The first samples were sent to Spain for analysis. Of 13 subjects, 12 showed a reversal in the number of shortened telomeres.

The lone exception did not have shortened telomeres to begin with.

Over a full year, 150 subjects showed no change in the average length of their telomeres while using TA-65.

Subjects also had improved immune function, eyesight, sexual function, and skin appearance — all characteristics associated with youth. TA-65 really seems to be reversing the signs and symptoms of aging.

The real proof, of course, will come over time. Aging doesn’t normally take place in a single year. Though subjects did not show signs of aging, that doesn’t prove that they won’t.

To prove that subjects are really not aging, we will have to wait. The longer they don’t age, the stronger the case for TA-65 becomes.

It is difficult to prove something by the absence of counterevidence. That’s why I said last time that I’m nearly — but not totally — convinced.

But the early results are clearly promising. And if the current form doesn’t work, I do believe that it will lead to one that does.

A Few Problems

There are three problems with TA-65. One comes from its use of telomerase. As I said, telomerase is involved in cancer. In theory, activating telomerase could increase the risk of cancer.

However, telomerase alone does not cause cancer. It takes another mutation for that to happen. And subjects using TA-65 have not shown any increased risk.

Dr. Sears admitted that it could be “a fly in the ointment.” But it could just as easily lead to a cure for cancer. Remember, that’s why Geron got started in the first place. Only time will tell.

Another problem is the price tag. Using TA-65 will cost you almost $13,000 over a full year. Multiply that by the number of years left in a longer lifespan and you can run up a pretty hefty tab.

The price has already come down to about half of what it started at, but it’s still out of reach for most people.

That’s why in Friday’s issue I will tell you about all the things you can do on your own to slow the rate of telomere shortening. You can reap many of the benefits of TA-65 for free. Check back to learn how.

The last problem isn’t with TA-65 itself. Rather, the discovery of TA-65 revealed a problem — with Star Trek, of all things. By 2363, aging will be a thing of the past. As Dr. Sears noted, “Captain Picard won’t be elderly. He will retain his physical prowess. The age changes shown on the Enterprise are inaccurate.”

He told me at the beginning of our interview that affecting telomere biology was the most fundamental possible change to the aging process.

He told me that it was the first step in a process that would dramatically change everything.

But when he said everything, I didn’t realize that he meant — well, everything. Even Star Trek, for crying out loud.

TA-65 isn’t just better than science fiction. It’s more accurate, too. It really is a glimpse of the future.

To Your Health,

Michael Noltemeyer
Managing Editor
Total Health Breakthroughs

I stopped scribbling notes and looked up from my pad. Surely he wasn’t serious.

But he was.

“It will change evolution. It will change how we think of what it means to be human.”

That’s big talk. At first I was skeptical. But then again, Dr. Sears knows what he’s talking about. In the short time I’ve known him, I’ve never heard him say anything that he hadn’t already given a lot of thought.

You can disagree with him. But you have to respect his opinion. The man does not jump to conclusions. He does his homework.

Presumably that’s how one gets to be a nationally prominent physician and researcher, not to mention a bestselling author.

“What’s truly amazing,” he continued, “is that none of the best science fiction writers — Arthur C. Clarke, Ray Bradbury — none of them ever imagined anything like this.

“None of them ever dreamed that one day we would control aging.”

I know what you’re thinking. Control aging? That’s ridiculous.

I know what you’re thinking because that’s what I was thinking, too.

But Dr. Sears openly acknowledged that it sounds crazy. And that gave me pause. That made me want to hear him out.

So I did. And now he’s nearly convinced me. So rather than try to reinvent the wheel, I’m going to tell it to you just like he told it to me.

Anti-aging is real. It’s the next big frontier in medicine. It may very well change everything. And I’m going to tell you all about in Dr. Sears’ own words.

In this article, the first in a series, I’m going to explain what anti-aging is all about. On Tuesday, I’ll tell you about the first major therapeutic development, a revolutionary discovery that can literally turn back the clock on aging.

Then next Friday, I’ll tell you about the simple steps you can take right now — at home, on your own, at no cost — to start taking control of the aging process.

It’s a series you definitely don’t want to miss.

Better Than Science Fiction

“I remember in 1990 when I first read in the journal Science about telomeres and telomerase,” Dr. Sears told me. “I remember reading about how they work.

“I read about them and then I wrote down on a little piece of paper that I still have:

“‘It’s the end of aging as we know it. It will change everything on this planet.’”

Telomeres are often described as the protective caps at the ends of the chromosomes, like the plastic aglets on shoelaces. It’s not a bad image. I don’t love the analogy, though, because telomeres do a good bit more than just tie up the loose ends of your DNA.

In fact, they are so important that their discoverers received the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2009.

Then again, your shoelaces don’t have to self-replicate.

“You were probably taught in high school biology that each time a cell divides, it produces two genetically identical copies of itself.”

Dr. Sears smiled knowingly.

“That’s just not true. Each time a cell divides, the telomeres get a little bit shorter. The cell just can’t copy the very ends of the chromosomes because there’s nothing to hold onto.

“That means that a cell can only divide so many times before the telomeres run out. When that happens, the cell dies.

“The telomeres are literally the biological clock. It’s the basic mechanism of aging.”

Dr. Sears told me that the telomeres hold the key to controlling and even reversing aging. He said that he knew that as soon as he read about them for the first time. When he read about what they could do, he immediately saw their potential.

So why haven’t you heard much about them until now?

A Great Big Misunderstanding

Several years ago, a panel of 51 experts in science and medicine was convened to discuss anti-aging. The conclusion of that panel was that anti-aging was impossible.

“Fifty-one experts?” Dr. Sears snorted. “More like 51 idiots. Fifty-one morons.

“People say that aging is the result of wear and tear, that oxidative stress and free radical damage accumulate over time until you grow old and die.

“But that’s not what causes death.

“That would be like the FAA coming in to investigate a plane crash and announcing that the cause of the crash was gravity.

“Well, okay. That’s what ultimately brought it to the ground. But all the other planes are still flying. Why did this one succumb to gravity?

“Aging is an internally orchestrated process that unfolds over the entire lifetime of the organism. There has to be some way for the organism to know how old it is so that it can carry out that program.

“There also has to be some way to reset the genetic clock. Otherwise, your children would be born older than you.

“Telomerase is an enzyme that actually lengthens the telomeres. The telomeres get shorter as you age, but telomerase resets germ cells to zero. Then the clock starts again with fertilization and the first cell division.”

Ponce de Leon Would Be Proud

What if we could control the clock? Would that be the secret to eternal life?

“Let’s get one thing straight,” Dr. Sears said brusquely. “Aging and death are not the same thing. So anti-aging and immortality are not the same thing.”

He smiled.

“If anything, say it’s the Fountain of Youth, okay?

“A lot of doctors out there see themselves as crusaders against death and disease. And that’s good. That’s noble.

“But I’ve never seen myself that way. I’ve never been interesting in doing that.

“I’ve always been interested in figuring out how and why we age and then applying forces against it. I’m interested in improving quality of life. I’m interested in keeping people young until they die.

“But they’ll still die for all the reasons they do now. They’ll just live better along the way.

“Is anti-aging possible? Of course it’s possible. All you have to do is take a characteristic of old age and change it back to a characteristic of youth.

“For example, lung capacity often falls with age. I can measure an individual’s lung capacity. Then I can perform an intervention to increase it. If I change that parameter, that’s anti-aging.

“It’s not necessarily prolonging life. But it is reversing a symptom of aging.

“Changing telomere biology is the most fundamental way to get at aging because telomeres are the central mechanism that governs the aging process. And we’re starting to do that now.

“The technology isn’t perfect. There’s a lot we still don’t know. But it’s coming. In the next 20 years, I’d say.

“We’re jumping the first hurdle now. This is the first step in a process that will dramatically change everything.”

It almost sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? But it’s not. It’s real. Stay tuned for Tuesday’s issue, when I’ll tell you all about this amazing new technology discovery that, as I said, can literally turn back the clock on aging.

To Your Health,

Michael Noltemeyer
Managing Editor
Total Health Breakthroughs

While we are all on a quest to attain young and healthy-looking skin, more and more people are demanding natural health solutions that work in harmony with the body. Here’s what an ideal topical cream will do in order to achieve optimum balance with your skin:

• Cleanse the skin
• Nourish skin cells
• Ensure the proper moisture balance necessary for healthy skin
• Create a pH environment that closely matches the body’s natural state
• Boost the immune system with ingredients containing natural antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties
• Fight infection and heal wounds common with aging skin and cosmetic procedures
• Feed and hydrate the skin in a balanced environment that mimics the body

Modern research has uncovered unique combinations of natural ingredients that provide the benefits mentioned above. Two of these discoveries are lysozyme and sea salt.

Lysozyme is an amino acid enzyme found naturally in tears, saliva, urine and embryonic fluids.  These substances are all saline-based and contain natural anti-germ properties.     

Lysozyme attacks the cell wall of certain harmful bacteria. By nicking the cell in numerous spots, it gradually weakens the wall. When the osmotic pressure within the cell is too much for the weakened wall to withstand, the bacterium will burst and die.

Sea salt has been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes.  It aids in the nourishment of dermal cells. Sea salt is very different from refined common salt because of the nourishing value of its 82 trace elements and minerals.

Combine these two ingredients and you have a natural product that matches the exo-cellular enzyme fluids of the human body, fights potentially harmful bacteria while protecting good bacteria, and provides an ideal environment for skins cells to be nourished.

Putting synthetic chemicals on your skin could be the worst thing you can do to protect it and address the signs of aging.  Instead, you can fight skin aging with products that contain natural, yet effective ingredients that have been proven to work in harmony with your skin and body.

[Ed. Note: Craig Klawuhn is a health marketing executive. He has been immersed personally and professionally in the natural product/nutraceutical industry for 33 years. One of his greatest passions is researching and discovering holistic products that heal people, animals, and ultimately, the planet we inhabit. For more information, click here.]

If you want to look and feel young, it is essential to have an anti-aging strategy. I’m not talking about harsh facelifts or exotic drug cocktails.  Exciting research has revealed natural and effective ways to stay physically active, mentally sharp and younger looking well into your golden years. Here, I will review my top strategies to fight aging in every aspect of your life, from the food you eat to the ingredients that may help keep you young.¹

Superstar Supplements

If you already take a multi-vitamin, it may be time to upgrade your supplement to better target your anti-aging concerns. One new ingredient receiving much attention lately is ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate (OKG)². Made from the amino acids, ornithine and glutamine, OKG can stimulate tissue and muscle growth in the body. In times of trauma or stress, the body may not make enough of these amino acids on its own. Taking OKG as a supplement may help preserve muscle and regenerate aging tissue.

Another star ingredient is Mucuna pruriens. This plant has several bioactive compounds as well as L-dopa, which is essential for the production of dopamine in the body. Dopamine works with the nervous system and is vital for optimal brain function. It also prevents muscle tremors. In addition to helping your body make dopamine, L-dopa may also support the body’s ability to release growth hormone. As a tool for healthy aging, the brain, muscle and growth support from Mucuna pruriens is highly promising.³

Eat to Reach 100

Believe it or not, there is such a thing as an anti-aging diet⁴. Plus, you don’t have to spend a fortune on exotic foods to get big benefits. Many diseases that strike as you age are caused by oxidative stress, or the accumulation of too many free radicals in the body. Free radicals are oxygen particles that can damage tissues and cause inflammation on the cellular level. To prevent oxidative stress, research points to the power of antioxidants.

One class of antioxidants called phytonutrients scrubs free radicals from your body so cells stay healthy and disease free. To get an ample supply of antioxidants, eat a diet loaded with colorful fruits and vegetables. Dark leafy greens, bright orange veggies and fresh or frozen berries are just a few choices that studies prove are particularly high in antioxidants. Virtually all types of fruit and vegetables have benefits. Other antioxidant-rich foods include nuts, legumes and whole grains.

Saving Face

We all want to stay fit and active as we age, but for most of us, looking young is important too. Just as antioxidants can fight aging from the inside, they can also smooth lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone on the outside. The skincare industry has identified the most powerful antioxidants for topical use, and you can find them in creams and serums designed to target every individual need. Look for products with pomegranate, coffeeberry, idebenone (an analog of CoQ10), and green tea.

Age-Proof Your Brain

Along with a healthy body and younger-looking appearance, you’ll need to keep your brain sharp and agile as you age. Research shows one of the best ways to do this is by playing games. Almost anything goes. Crosswords and Sudoku have been touted as mental boosters, but scrabble, card games and computer games may also exercise your brain. When new neural pathways and connections are formed on a regular basis, your brain stays quick and flexible⁵.

Certain foods can help your brain too. Studies have shown that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can reduce the risk of dementia in aging people. The ability of these nutrients to fight inflammation is thought to be the reason for this benefit. To get plenty of these nutrients, eat fatty fish like wild salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines at least two times a week and add walnuts and flax seeds to your diet. Following a Mediterranean-style diet, which includes less red meat and more plant foods, has also been shown to lower risk of dementia.

Now that you’ve read up on the latest anti-aging news, it’s time to put your own plan into action. Talk to your doctor about your personal goals and concerns and use my strategies as a starting point. It is possible to look, feel and think like a young person as you age if you take these positive steps today!

References

1. http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/tc/alzheimers-disease-prevention.
2. http://healthlibrary.epnet.com/GetContent.aspx?token=e0498803-7f62-4563-8d47-5fe33da65dd4&chunkiid=21829.
3. http://herbal-powers.com/macunapruriens1.html.
4. http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/guide/anti-aging-diet?page=2.
5. http://www.forbes.com/2009/04/06/alzheimers-cognitive-brain-personal-finance-retirement-mental-exercise.html?loomia_ow=t0:s0:a41:g26:r18:c0.001408:b23776664&partner=loomia.

[Ed. Note: Mark Rosenberg, M.D. is director of the “Institute for Anti-Aging” in South Florida. He is a highly sought-after speaker for lectures on topics such as integrative cancer therapy and anti-aging medicine. Dr. Rosenberg is avidly involved in supplement research and is nutritional consultant for Vitalmax Vitamins.]