Category: Anti-Aging and Longevity

Anti-aging and Longevity:

The Science of Aging Well

Every living species appears to have a genetically-programmed maximum lifespan. Scientists and geneticists believe that the human lifespan should be around 120 years. For as technologically advanced as modern medicine is, one wonders why we still have so many “incurable” diseases and why the average life expectancy in the US is still only 70 years. (According to the World Health Organization, The United States rated 24th in the world for life expectancy; an average of 70.0 years of healthy life for babies born in 1999).

This means that most people aren’t even reaching 2/3 of their life expectancy! And for many, even a significant number of those “70-ish years” are spent in poor health and decreased capabilities.

A lot more is known about slowing the aging process than you’ll ever hear from conventional medicine. Remember, conventional medicine is in business to sell drugs and surgery to “band aid” disease, not prevent disease, cure disease (especially chronic disease) or slow the aging process.

There are many life-extending scientific findings that never find their way into mainstream medicine. The following are some of the most well-researched anti-aging and longevity measures you can take to slow the aging process and enjoy more years of good health.

Top Anti-Aging Supplements and Herbs

Anti-Aging Therapies
Table of Contents

Age-Related Health Concerns
by Topic

Multiple Vitamin/Mineral Formula Age-Related Memory Changes CoQ10 Age-Related Vision Loss Acetyl L-Carnitine Atherosclerosis Alpha Lipoic Acid Arthritis-Osteoarthritis Vitamin D Arthritis-Rheumatoid DHEA Blood Pressure – High Melatonin Cancer Prevention Male hormones Cancer Treatment Female hormones Hair Loss Ginkgo Menopause, Female Vinpocetin Menopause, Male (Andropause) Glucosamine sulfate Neurological Disease Grape Seed Extract Osteoporosis Other Anti-Aging Supplements Prostate Cancer Prostate Enlargement Stroke

Multi Vitamin/Mineral Formula – Not a “once per day” pill (they don’t contain enough of anything to have any effect except preventing severe deficiency disease). A complete anti-aging multiple should include optimal doses of antioxidants like vitamin C, E and carotenes, B complex vitamins, minerals such as zinc, selenium, calcium and magnesium. Here is a list of the optimal daily doses of vitamins, minerals and trace minerals that should be included in your daily anti-aging multiple vitamin.

If you only take ONE NUTRITIONAL FORMULA for your health, a quality Optimal Multiple Vitamin/Mineral such as Maxi Multi should be The One.

CoQ10 is a naturally-occurring antioxidant produced in the human body. It is vitally involved in energy production. CoQ10 functions as an “energizer” to mitochondria, the body’s energy producing units. Mitochondria, which produce about 95% of the body’s energy, require CoQ10 to “spark” their production of energy units (ATP). Muscles, and the heart in particular, have high requirements for CoQ10.

CoQ10 is essential to the functioning of the mitochondria and many age-related diseases have been linked to lower mitochondrial function. Since CoQ10 production typically declines by about 50% with age, most longevity specialists consider it one of the most important anti-aging nutrients to supplement.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC), a derivative of the amino acid L-carnitine, is a vitamin-like compound that transports fatty acids (“fuel”) into cells. It has been approved in Europe as a “drug” to treat heart and neurological disease. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant in the brain. The acetyl form of L-carnitine (ALC) was found to be substantially more active than L-carnitine in brain cells.

Alpha Lipoic Acid, a Neurological Antioxidant and Energy Transporter, improves mitochondrial function (the “energy producing units” of the cell) and works well in combination with CoQ10 and Acetyl-l-Carnitine to enhance energy production. A decrease of mitochondrial function is believed by many researchers to be one of the primary causes of aging. Lipoic acid is also involved in the conversion of carbohydrates to energy

Vitamin D increases calcium absorption. Deficiencies of Vitamin D are associated with osteoporosis, rheumatic pains, and dental disease. Higher intakes of vitamin D have been shown to protect the body from cancer, especially prostate and breast cancer. Many authorities are recommending that the recommended adult daily dose should be raised from 400 IU to 1,000 IU. Doses of 1,000-2,000 are not only safe, they may be needed for disease prevention.

DHEA is a steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal glands. It is a precursor (“master hormone”) for many other steroid hormones including male and female sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone) and corticosteroids. DHEA levels often decline dramatically with age.

Low DHEA levels in the brain and blood are thought to contribute to many of the problems associated with aging including age-related memory and mental decline, decreased strength and muscle mass, lowered immune system response, heart disease and atherosclerosis, and age-related weight gain

Melatonin, a hormone manufactured by the pineal gland, is best-known as an aid for insomnia. Beyond it’s use as a sleep aid, melatonin is also a powerful antioxidant that crosses the blood/brain barrier and helps protect the central nervous system against injury, disease, and aging. Melatonin levels decrease with age, and this reduction in melatonin levels results in many age-related concerns and complaints: sleep difficulties, an increased susceptibility to stress-related diseases, reduced immunity, and increased susceptibility to damage and disease caused by free radicals. Many researchers consider melatonin to be one of the most powerful anti-aging substances available.

Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, pregnenelone) Both women and men appear to benefit from natural hormone replacement therapy after age 40. By “natural,” I mean using hormones that are identical to what the body manufactures and in amounts that a healthy body produces in early adulthood. This is a very different type of hormone replacement from the semi-synthetic forms and doses used in conventional medicine.

Male hormones: testing and replacement

Female hormones: testing and replacement

Ginkgo is one of the most well-studied herbs for age-related memory changes. It is also a potent antioxidant. Ginkgo increases circulation to small-diameter blood vessels (such as those in the brain and extremities) and inhibits platelet aggregation (decreases blood “stickiness”). Ginkgo also has anti-allergy effects. Ginkgo is one of the best-selling natural remedies worldwide. Many alternative physicians and researchers feel that ginkgo should be part of the Longevity Protocol for everyone over age 50.

Vinpocetin is derived from the periwinkle plant. More than 100 studies have shown that vinpocetin increases cerebral circulation (blood supply to the brain) AND improves brain energy production (ATP) and oxygen use. The potential benefits of vinpocetin include treatment of stroke, inner ear problems that result in dizziness, hearing loss, vision loss, neurological disorders, memory loss.

Glucosamine Sulfate is the only form of glucosamine proven by over 300 scientific investigations and 20 double-blind studies to stimulate joint repair and relieve pain.

Glucosamine is a molecule manufactured by the body. Inside the joint, it stimulates the production of glycosaminoglycans (GAG’s) which are the main structural material of joints. Studies suggest that a decline of the body’s manufacture of glucosamine may be the primary cause of osteoarthritis.

Grape Seed Extract (OPC’s) is an antioxidant that exhibits 50 times more antioxidant power than vitamin E and 20 times more than vitamin C. OPC’s from Grape Seed Extract easily cross the blood-brain barrier and prevent free radical damage to the brain and nervous system. Grape seed extract also improves blood viscosity (the same “magic” as red wine but without the calories, carbs or liver toxicity).

Grape Seed Extract (OPC’s) binds to collagen and helps increase elasticity of skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Many people take grape seed extract as part of their skin rejuvenation program. Grape seed extract (OPC’s) has been proven by over 25 years of clinical studies to be useful for stroke prevention (grape seed extract helps keep blood viscosity normal), skin rejuvenation and/or wrinkle prevention (strengthens collagen), arthritis and musculoskeletal complaints (antioxidant and strengthens collagen), blood clot prevention (improves blood viscosity), respiratory allergies (antihistamine), food allergies (antihistamine), asthma (antihistamine), ADHD (many cases are allergy-related), longevity and rejuvenation programs (blood viscosity and collagen-strengthening effects)

Other Anti-Aging supplements include lutein, SAMe, fish oil, green tea extract, and COX-2 Support. Maintenance of a normal body weight is the single most important dietary/lifestyle measure associated with longevity and good health.

To learn more about specific protocols for age-related topics, please visit specific health concerns here:

Age-Related Cognitive Decline (Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Senility)

Age-Related Vision Loss (Cataracts, Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma)

Atherosclerosis

Arthritis-Osteoarthritis

Arthritis-Rheumatoid

Blood Pressure – High

Cancer Prevention and Cancer Treatment

Male Pattern Baldness

Menopause, Female

Menopause, Male (Also called “Andropause”)

Neurological Disease (ALS, MS, Parkinson’s)

Osteoporosis

Prostate Cancer

Prostate Enlargement

Stroke

Ten Rules of Good Health

Dr. Myatt’s Basic Rules For Healthier Living

1. Eat a Nutritious Diet…
The food you eat its quality and amount provide the fuel for your body. Each of your 75 trillion cells depends on you to feed them. Most people understand that their car requires a particular type of fuel. Do you understand that your body does, too? In order to ensure adequate nutrition, practice the following:

  • Eat as much food in the unrefined state as possible.
  • Include at least five servings of vegetables and/or fruits each day.
  • Whole grains are preferable to refined ones; fresh produce is preferable to canned or processed.
  • Have deep fried food, sugar-sweetened food, and alcohol, rarely, if at all.
  • Eat according to your Body Energy Type. For more information on this subject, please see WEIGHT LOSS.

2. Drink Pure Water…
The body is 60% water and requires a replenishment of 6-8 glasses per day of water. Make sure that the water you drink is uncontaminated by heavy metals, chemicals and micro-organisms. Many water supplies, including municipal water supplies, are not pure enough to ensure good health. If you drink tap or well water, have it tested for purity. If you do not know the quality of your tap water, buy purified water or purchase a good water purifier for home use. Drink 48-64 ounces per day of this pure water, either as water or herb tea. (Caffeinated beverages, bottled or canned fruit juice, soda pop and alcohol should not be counted as part of your water intake. They do not have the same solvent properties as pure water).

3. Breathe…
Air provides life-giving oxygen. Like water, the body cannot survive without taking in oxygen. Plenty of fresh, clean air is essential to good health. Here are some ways to get more advantage from each breath you take.

  • Exercise out-of-doors as much as possible, especially in nature. Parks, the sea shore or even local grassy areas provide benefit. Remember, green plants purify the air and give us back more oxygen.
  • If you live in a city where the air quality is compromised (most people do!), have green plants indoors at home and at work as much as possible. Houseplants help purify indoor air.
  • Practice deep breathing exercises. Many people are oxygen-deprived because they do not breathe deeply.
  • Try to live in a place where the air quality is good. Many big cities have notoriously poor air quality. Consider a home air purifier if you live in a particularly bad area.

4. Sunshine:
Ten minutes of sunlight per day, even if only on exposed arms, is enough to encourage normal vitamin D production. Sunlight has mood-elevating effects. It destroys harmful bacteria and stimulates a cascade of positive hormone effects in the body. While excessive sun exposure can be harmful, so can inadequate exposure. Outdoor exercise will give the necessary sunlight without excess. Make it a point to get a modest amount of sunlight each day, whether by outdoor exercise or ten minutes of sunbathing.

5. Exercise:
The human body is designed for movement. Aerobic activity encourages normal circulation of blood and lymph. Heart and structural muscles are strengthened by exercise. Hormone production and utilization is improved by regular exercise. The bowels depend on physical movement to function normally. Metabolism and immune system activity are increased by moderate exercise. Bones require weight-bearing exercise for normal mineral uptake. Movement keeps joints and connective tissue flexible. Exercise encourages deep breathing and increases oxygen utilization and waste exhalation. For cardiovascular and musculo-skeletal conditioning, aim for a minimum of 15 minutes of brisk walking, 5 days per week, or 30 minutes 3 times per week. Gradually increase speed or distance as physical conditioning improves. (See Exercise) For a metabolism boost, a mere 10 minutes each morning of intensive exercise (Exercising to the point where you are breathing hard enough that you could talk if you had to, but you wouldn’t want to) will put your metabolism and fat-burning into high gear for the day.

6. Sleep:
Most people require seven to eight hours of sleep per night. (Some older people may have a decreased sleep requirement). Studies have shown that people perform better with adequate sleep, yet many people are consistently sleep-deprived. Make it a point to get adequate sleep. (See INSOMNIA for tips on how to get a good nights sleep). Sleep deprivation results in hormonal imbalances which can lead to weight gain and many other problems.

7. Avoid negative health behaviors.
It may seem obvious, but one of the easy ways to be healthier is to not engage in unhealthy behaviors. Nicotine, excesses of alcohol and caffeine, and many drugs damage health. Smoking is such a health-destroying habit that I have listed it separately. (See Smoking… Just the Facts). Other health-destroying habits include excessive stress response, multiple sex partners or unprotected sex with infected partners, and failure to wear a seat belt.

8. Maintain a positive outlook.
Everybody has problems in life. Most problems we invite or create ourselves. To cure this, see # 9, below. Other problems are just what life deals us. We choose how we will respond to any given situation. You can respond with positivity or negativity. Studies have shown negative health effects from negative mental outlooks. Its bad enough to have a problem; don’t make it worse by a negative mental outlook. Cultivate the habit of positivity. Make the best of every situation. I recommend that you watch my video The Body/Mind Connection. It is an owners manual for everyone with a body and a mind!

9. Strive to elevate yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually.
We get what we aim for. Weight lifters grow stronger by lifting weights. Piano players get better by playing the piano. If you want to be healthier, happier, and of greater service, you must seek to move in that direction. Those who say “I can’t” will find they can’t. Those who say “its so hard” will find it hard. You have a wealth of talent and possibility within you. Act like you know it. Make repeated attempts to use that talent to the best of your abilities, and you will find yourself becoming stronger, happier, and healthier.

10. Trust in a Higher Power.
What do you believe about the bigger picture of your life? Do you understand that you are more than just flesh and bone? Seek and cultivate your connection with a Higher Power. I recommend my video “Remembering Who You Are” to stimulate your understanding in this regard.