Reverse Effects of Aging

Throughout history, people in Asia known as Taoists searched for the secrets of longevity and immortality. They studied the human body, breath, and spirit, which they called, "san pao," or "Three Treasures." By preserving the Three Treasures, Taoists believe they can achieve longevity and, possibly find the door to immortality.

Many scientists, herbalists, nutritionists, and physicians in the Western world seem to be preoccupied with a similar search: to prevent aging and increase lifespan. It seems that almost daily a new youth cocktail rears its head on the already crowded anti-aging market. From drugs to designer nutrients, elixirs of youth to water fasts, we are a culture obsessed with aging.

It is likely that as long as humans have roamed the earth we have searched diligently to prevent the effects of aging and find the secrets of long life. While scientists concoct high tech solutions in their test tubes and researchers isolate, extract and duplicate nutrients for their mass production, Mother Nature silently offers her anti-aging remedies in the form of phytochemicals and antioxidants found naturally in foods and herbs.

The Link to Free Radical Damage

Exposure to radiation, air pollutants; fungicides; pesticides; insecticides; pharmaceutical drugs; over-the-counter (OTC) drugs; petroleum products; excessive sunlight; fried, charbroiled, and barbecued foods; alcohol; coffee; sugar; industrial chemicals found in our air and water supply; and stress hormones may result in the formation of substances called free radicals in the body. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that bind to and destroy cellular compounds, even our genetic material, within our bodies.

Mother Nature offers protection against free radicals in the form of antioxidants. Antioxidants are powerful nutrients that prevent free radical damage. They are found in many foods, especially green leafy vegetables. The greener the vegetable, typically the greater the number of antioxidants it contains.

Says Harvey Diamond, author of the bestselling book, Fit for Life, "The greatest power that exists for healing and disease prevention is not found in a laboratory or a miracle pill it already exists in the human body." He continues, "if you put an apple into the human body, it will turn it into blood, bones, teeth, skin, hair or some other part of the body. Can you imagine a scientist in a laboratory doing that?"
Diamond explains that the human body has three needs: high quality air, food, and water." Exercise and deep breathing techniques help supply every cell with fresh oxygen to keep them healthy and cleansed. During exercise, we breathe deeper, allowing our lungs to take in more oxygen that is needed for every function.

Every cell in your body also requires adequate water to function properly. Drinking sub-optimal amounts of water on a daily basis results in cells that simply cannot function up to par. Water is also required to eliminate waste products from your body.

Harvey Diamond emphatically states, "Our bodies are made up of seventy percent water. Our blood and lymphatic systems are made up of ninety percent water. The health of these systems relies on adequate water intake."

If you are like most people, you have never heard of the lymphatic system. It is one of the main systems that encourage efficient detoxification in the body. The lymphatic system is a complex network of fluid-filled nodes, glands, and tubes that bathe our cells and carry the body's "sewage" away from the tissues to neutralize them. It is comparable to a street sweeping system throughout your body's tissues.
Because the lymphatic system relies on lymph fluid to suspend toxins and waste that accumulates in every cell in your body, break it down and get rid of it, drinking adequate pure water to enable it to function up to par is critical. Ann Louise Gittlman, MS, CNS, author of The Fat

Flush Plan cites a recent study in which researchers discovered that eighty percent of overweight women have sluggish lymphatic systems.
Since toxins damage the cells and damaged cells are linked with premature aging, it is imperative to lessen the load of your lymphatic system and other detoxification systems by reducing your exposure to harmful substances such as: pharmaceutical drugs, alcohol, sugar, cigarette smoking, coffee, chemical food additives and trans fats found in fried, processed or overheated foods.

Due to the damaging role that toxins play in our bodies, it is not surprising that regularly engaging in a cleansing program can protect our cells from damage and even help to reverse cellular damage. In numerous experiments, scientists found that short-term detoxification may help people extend their lives. During one study on mice, researchers at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, found that mice that fasted for four consecutive days every two weeks had a significantly longer lifespan than the mice that ate a typical North American diet. The National Institute on Aging also found that detoxification increases a person's lifespan as well or better than caloric restriction, a common strategy to slow the effects of aging.

Almost daily scientists discover a new phytochemical (natural substance found in plants) in foods that fights aging and disease. The best way to obtain these hundreds of varied substances is to eat a variety and plentiful amount of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Some of the top anti-aging, nutrient-rich, foods include: avocados, berries, carrots, broccoli, cabbage, citrus fruit, green tea, legumes, onions, garlic, spinach, seaweed, tomatoes, and grapes. All of these foods contain many powerful and potent phytochemicals and antioxidants-substances that protect our cells from damage. However, due to soil depletion, fruits and vegetables no longer contain many of nutrients they once did, although many studies indicate that organic produce typically contains substantially higher amounts of nutrients than conventionally farmed produce. Supplementing with a high quality vitamin and mineral supplement also helps provide a cross section of essential nutrients to avoid deficiencies.

Processed, packaged, fast or fried foods typically contain large quantities of artificial colours, flavours, preservatives, and trans fats, all of which can cause free radical damage in the body and burden our body's detoxification systems. By avoiding these human-made "foods" and eating plenty and varied fruits and vegetables daily your body will reap the benefits of vitamins, minerals, enzymes (when foods remain in their raw state), and phytochemicals that fight disease and free radical damage.

Many fad diets, including the popular low-fat and high protein ones, also place undue stress on organs, particularly the kidneys when maintained over long periods of time. Instead, eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes essential fatty acids. Your body needs healthy fats to protect your brain and nervous system from the effects of aging. Some of the best sources of Omega-3, 6, and 9 essential fatty acids include: raw nuts and seeds, cold-pressed oils, avocados, olives, and fatty fish like mackerel, tuna, and wild salmon. Unlike the harmful fats found in fried and processed foods, these fats support healthy skin, increase immunity against disease, and protect against damage to the brain and nervous system.

"It is a tremendous irony," adds Diamond. "People spend so much time and money searching for the way to slow aging but it has already been given to them. The human body has such a staggering intelligence that we simply cannot comprehend. Your body is designed to heal. It will do more than any nutritional supplement. Give your body pure air, water and food, and get out of its way."

Recommended Reading: Cutter, Teresa. The Anti-Ageing Cookbook. North Vancouver, BC: Whitecap Books, Ltd., 2003.

Michelle Schoffro Cook, DNM, DAc, CNC, is a Doctor of Natural Medicine, Doctor of Acupuncture and author of the book, Healing Injuries the Natural Way, (www.healinginjuries.com) and the upcoming book, The 4-Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan (Wiley, November 2004).

SIDEBAR:
MOTHER NATURE'S ANTI-AGING HERBS AND NUTRIENTS
Why pop expensive pills and potions when Mother Nature has a vast array of herbs and nutrients that fight the effects of aging?
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)-ALA is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your body from free radical damage. It also helps to recycle vitamins E and C, giving you greater protection against free radicals. It lowers cholesterol levels, protects nerve tissues, and helps deactivate free radicals and detoxifies the liver of heavy metals-all of which make it a great anti-aging supplement.

GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid)-Instead of taking a synthetic hormonal supplement of human growth hormone (HGH), you can assist your body to make greater amounts of this anti-aging substance by supplementing with GABA. Declining levels of HGH are linked with many of the symptoms linked with aging: fat gain, muscle loss, loss of energy, poor sleep, skin changes, bone density loss, and a decline in libido. Supplementing with GABA, a natural amino acid helps to maintain levels of HGH, lessening these unwanted symptoms. Avoid GABA if you are prone to seizures.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)-There is solid scientific research that supports the use of ginkgo to increase blood flow to the brain, one of the areas that is commonly affected by aging. European research shows ginkgo's capacity to help people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia to become more sociable and alert. James A. Duke, PhD, author of The Green Pharmacy and world renowned botanist recommends taking 60 to 240 mg of standardized ginkgo extract per day.

Ginseng (Panax ginseng)-Among the Chinese, ginseng is considered the Fountain of Youth. According to Duke, it tones the skin and muscles, improves appetite and digestion, and restores sexual energy.
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)-Since the liver has more than five hundred functions, including processing and filtering medications and environmental toxins, it can suffer from the stresses of the modern world. Silymarin, an active ingredient in milk thistle stimulates liver cell regeneration to help the liver rebuild after it has been damaged. A standardized extract of 140 mg of silymarin per day is suitable to help protect and repair the liver.
Peppermint (Metha peperita)-In addition to helping with digestion and gastrointestinal problems linked with aging, peppermint contains antioxidants that help prevent cancer, heart disease, and other age-related disorders
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Garlic (Allium sativum)-Garlic is renowned for its potent effects on viruses and bacteria, but it also reduces cholesterol levels and helps lower blood pressure. In one Japanese study, garlic slowed age-related memory loss in animals.

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)-Loaded with the mineral silicon that often declines with age, horsetail plays a role in increasing the silicon in arteries, skin, bones, cartilage and connective tissues.
Bilberry-Packed with antioxidants, bilberry is potent medicine against many age-related concerns. It is helpful to preserve vision and prevent degenerative eye diseases.
Turmeric (curcuma longa)-Research shows turmeric is a more effective anti-inflammatory than steroid drugs when dealing with inflammation. Curcumin, its effective ingredient, suppresses pain through a similar mechanism as drugs like COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitors (without the harmful side-effects). Turmeric is powerful against many types of pain and inflammation associated with aging.

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)-Frequently used in India to improve memory and extend longevity, gotu kola is excellent when made into an herbal tea.

With the exception of ginkgo and milk thistle, which are best taken as standardized extracts, dosages vary depending on the herb's form. Follow the manufacturer's suggested dose for tinctures, capsules or tea. Alternatively, consult a qualified herbalist. Consult a doctor before taking any herbs or combining them with medications.