Anti-Aging Supplements: What to Know

With technology advanced as it is today our society has begun looking at the 50s being the new 30s, while the 70s are the new 50s. Can this be true? For most people as we age we begin to experience the aches and pains of getting older and along with this usually comes a decreased interest in sex and libido as well as fatigue and a slow and steady decline in our energy levels. But is this the way that things have to be? More and more scientists are beginning to study what is called a subclinical deficiency. We are seeing an increase of antidepressants, sleeping pills and anxiety medications being prescribed to patients by their doctors. They come into the office saying that something just is not right but the doctors cannot find anything wrong. And here the patient continues to feel out of sorts and off with no explanation as to what may be the problem. Many scientists believe that this subclinical deficiency may give us an explanation to why many people just do not feel right. Our bodies need many nutrients and minerals, and they may not be getting enough of the good nutrients that support the functions and systems that our bodies use on a daily basis. With all the technology that is available, some people are trying to find anti-aging supplements that may help them age well. In order to do this we need to look deeper and begin with simple things like our choice of food and taking better care of our bodies by exercising.

Why Nutrition Comes First

As our bodies get older and we age, they begin to not function and work as they did when we were younger. Their ability to absorb all of the critical nutrients and minerals they need to function properly begins to decline. Add to this all of the processed foods that, as time goes on, become less and less nutritional for our bodies, and you may find yourself in a position where supplements seem like your only option. Anti-aging supplements are being sought after by older individuals more and more often. But if we fail to see and take care of the underlying problems what good is it to take all of these extra supplements? There is value in nutrition and that is something that people need to start focusing on when they are looking to provide their body with vitamins, minerals and supplements to help them feel better. Taking multivitamins should be something that is done with care, as many of them barely provide the recommended daily allowance, and many integrative physicians believe your body may benefit from optimal, not just minimum, daily intakes. Do a little research before you decide to take a supplement and make sure that it is well absorbed. If you want to support your long-term health and quality of life as you age, keep in mind that for every 10 years beyond the age of 40 you need to take your nutritional profile more seriously.

Supplements to Discuss with Your Physician

If you are going to get serious about anti-aging supplements take into consideration the information that is given below.

• Okinawa coral calcium: Okinawa coral calcium is described by its makers as providing a two to one ratio of calcium to magnesium, along with 74 trace minerals. As our bodies begin to age, if we are lacking calcium in our diets in sufficient amounts, the body may draw calcium from the bones, which over time can make them more brittle and fragile. Low magnesium levels have been associated with headaches, poor digestion and cardiovascular issues.
• Vitamin D3: If you are over the age of 50, vitamin D3 may be a valuable supplement for you to take, as vitamin D helps support bone health and normal immune function. Low vitamin D levels have been linked in research to a higher risk of illnesses such as colds and flu; possible links to other conditions, such as some cancers, are still being studied and have not been established. So no matter what age you are, ask your physician whether checking your vitamin D level or taking vitamin D3 makes sense for you.
• Resveratrol: Resveratrol is a plant compound that has received a great deal of research interest. It is being studied for its possible effects on blood sugar levels and healthy aging; it has been explored in laboratory research on cancer, but it has not been shown to prevent cancer in people. Ask your physician whether this supplement belongs in your regimen.
• Alpha Lipoic Acid/Acetyl-L-Carnitine: Alpha Lipoic Acid/Acetyl-L-Carnitine is being studied for its possible role in supporting cellular energy and healthy aging. It may help provide your body with some of the nutrients it uses in normal cellular processes. If you are over the age of 50, ask your physician whether it is appropriate for you.
• Whey protein: Whey protein is a complete protein that provides all of the essential amino acids, the building blocks your body uses to make its own proteins. While there are many other ways of getting protein into your body, some studies suggest that whey protein is an efficient way to go about doing so.
• DHEA: DHEA is what they call a precursor hormone for nearly all sex hormones in both men and women. This hormone begins to decline after the age of 40 and significant jumps in this decline will happen approximately each decade from that point on. DHEA may help support testosterone levels in some men and may help them maintain their muscle mass as they grow older. Some people of both sexes use it as part of a broader weight-management plan, though results vary. Because DHEA is a hormone, it should only be taken under a physician's supervision.

Supportive and adjunctive care alongside conventional medical treatment.

Getting Personalized Guidance

Taking into consideration all that is out there and available to you as vitamins and mineral supplements, doing a little research can get you a long way. A visit to AWAREmed can help you take the next step with the guidance of Dr. Dalal Akoury, MD, MPH, and her knowledge and experience.

Learn more about skin and anti-aging care and hormone optimization, call (423) 430-6170 or book a consultation.

Related reading: Progesterone and healthy aging and what to know about men's health supplements.