Based on new understanding about the molecular mechanisms of aging it is now clear that the quest for longer life is already a scientific reality. No, not immortality, not even 150 years and certainly not perpetual youth. But the number of active and vital people living well beyond their 100th year will become routine. The average life span is now around the mid-70's. This has largely been achieved through the marvels of modern allopathic medicine in treating infectious disease. But it's not drugs and surgery that's going to do it this time. If they found the cure for cancer tomorrow it would only increase the average lifespan by a couple of years. No, the answer to such increased longevity lies in lifestyle and correct nutritional supplementation. That is to say with us.....
Today more than 60% of all Americans regularly ingest some form of dietary supplement. Even conventional medicine is recognising the logic of taking steps today to prevent the degenerative diseases of tomorrow. Well, Glory Hallelujah!
So Why doesn't it Work?
The media has publicised the results of numerous major clinical trials showing that consuming the right supplements in the proper potencies will reduce one's risk of contracting cancer, cataract, cardiovascular, Alzheimer's and numerous other diseases associated with aging.
The question is:
Are the 60% of Americans now taking supplements going to live any longer than the people who don't? And if not, why not?
Alas, the answer is almost certainly "Not".
Scientific analysis shows that few Americans are taking enough of the proper nutrients to duplicate the clinical studies that show these diseases of aging are preventable.
How on earth can this be? The supplements industry is worth a whacking $20 billion a year worldwide and there are God knows how many glossy health magazines out there, all extolling the use of supplements.
Well, let me let you in on a little secret. They don't really care how long you live, nor are they very interested in giving you much information on how to live longer either. All they are interested in getting you to buy as many of their products for as much money as they can get you to pay, and the so-called health mags are their creatures, in league with them to do it.
Now don't go blaming them for this. They would wouldn't they? And what is more, they will go on doing it as long as they can get away with it. It really is our own fault, but once enough of us know what's going on and understand what constitutes an effective product, why then - the market will respond and sell us what we need. It really is that simple. Ain't capitalism the best!
The thing is, all the information you need is already out there. You just need to be a bit selective about where you get it, is all. Over 20 years ago a systematic review of all the published scientific findings relating to the prevention of degenerative disease and aging was begun. The results of this investigation provides overwhelming evidence that the killer diseases of aging can be prevented by the proper intake of nutrients, hormones, certain drugs and lifestyle changes. No one with an open mind can reasonably doubt that and you may take that as a given.
What makes us Age?
The phenomenon of aging and the diseases that go with it are the result of a number of pathological changes that are controllable and I am going to list those here in simple English. These are the processes of aging, leading to the degenerative and chronic diseases which strike so many of us down from our 40's onward. The processes are relatively simple to slow down and to prevent, as well as treat, the diseases they cause. The means are lifestyle and effective dietary supplementation in a therapeutic amount.
In case any of you seek comfort in the fact that you are young, I'm sorry to have to tell you that the aging process is working against you from the age of 20 on. It just doesn't show yet. Effectively, I am talking 35 years upward, for in this stress-filled world that is increasingly the age people are starting to have strokes and heart attacks, the diseases that used only to happen to us 55 and up.
1. Chronic Inflammation
Aging people suffer an epidemic of outward inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, but chronic inflammation also damages brain cells, arterial walls, heart valves and other structures in the body. Heart attack, stroke, heart valve failure, and Alzheimer's have all been linked to the chronic inflammatory cascade.
2. Glycosylation
It is well known diabetics age prematurely, but even non-diabetics suffer from a devastating chemical reaction called glycosylation, where protein molecules bind to glucose molecules to form non-functioning structures. Glycosylation is most evident in senile dementia, stiffening of the arteries, and degenerative diseases of the eye.
3. Methylation Deficit
Our cellular DNA requires constant enzymatic action for maintenance and repair. Aging cripples methylation metabolism causing DNA damage that manifests as cancer, liver damage and brain cell degeneration.
4. Mitochondrial Energy Depletion
The cell's energy powerhouse, the mitochondria, requires a complex series of chemicals to be present in order to maintain critical functions such as transporting nutrients through the cell membrane and purging the cell of toxic debris. Mitochondrial depletion results in congestive heart failure, muscle weakness, fatigue and neurological disease.
5. Hormone Imbalance
The trillions of cells in the human body are delicately synchronised to function by chemical signals called hormones. Aging creates a severe hormone imbalance that leads to depression, osteoporosis, coronary heart disease and loss of libido.
6. Excess Calcification
Calcium ions are transported into and out of cells through calcium channels into the membrane. Aging disrupts calcium transport and the result is excess calcium in the cells of the brain, heart valves and arterial walls leading to arteriosclerosis and Alzheimer's.
7. Fatty Acid Imbalance
The body requires essential fatty acids to maintain cell energy output. Aging causes alterations in the enzymes required to convert dietary fats into specific fatty acids the body requires. The effect of fatty acid imbalance manifests as irregular heartbeat, joint degeneration, low energy, hyper-coagulation, dry skin and a host of other conditions.
8. DNA Mutation
Numerous synthetic and natural compounds mutate cellular DNA and cause cancer cells to form. Aging cells lose their DNA gene repair mechanisms and the result is DNA genetic damage causes cells to proliferate out of control, i.e., turn into cancer cells.
9. Immune Dysfunction
For a variety of reasons, the aging immune system loses its ability to attack bacteria, viruses and cancer cells. In aging humans, excessive levels of dangerous cytokines are produced that cause the immune system to turn on its host and create auto-immune diseases,, such as allergies, lupus, anemia, rheumatoid heart disease and arthritis.
10. Non-Digestive Enzyme Imbalance
Internal cellular functions depend on multiple enzymatic reactions occurring with precise timing. Aging causes enzyme disturbances in the brain and liver, which result in severe neurological diseases such as Parkinson's or persistent memory loss. Impaired liver function results in toxic damage to every cell in the body.
11. Digestive Enzyme Deficit
The aging pancreas often fails to secrete enough digestive enzymes, while the aging liver does not secrete enough bile acids. The results are the chronic digestive problems many face as they age.
12. Excitotoxicity
The aging brain loses control of its release of neurotransmitters such as glutamate and dopamine, and this results in devastating brain cell damage and destruction.
13. Circulatory Deficit
Microcapillary flow of blood to the brain, eye and skin is impaired as a part of normal aging. The result is that disorders of the eye (such as cataract, macular degeneration, glaucoma) are the No.1 age-related degenerative disease. Major and mini-strokes are common problems associated with circulatory deficit to the brain.
14. Oxidative Stress
Free radicals are unstable molecules that have been implicated in most diseases associated with aging. Antioxidants have become popular supplements to protect against free-radical-induced cell damage, but few people take the proper combination of antioxidant supplements needed to do any good.
Now you know what's going on with every single one of us over the age of twenty. It 's just a matter of degree - and of course time. What you choose to do about it, if anything, will play a big part on how life - healthwise, is going to pan out for you. And that, I guess, is good to know.
" Strokes scare the Bejasus out of me. What happens to you is all so arbitrary. The real damage is done in the first 3 - 6 hours. So speed & correct treatment are vital if there is to be anything like full recovery".
