Antioxidants are needed by the body’s natural defense to fight against free radicals that cause oxidative stress. Free radicals are thought to be the cause of aging of the skin. Free radicals work by oxidizing molecules that steal electrons from other molecules which cause a chain reaction of damage to the cells of the body. They are the causes of wrinkles, cancer and heart disease. We are exposed to billions of free radicals every single day of our lives because of air pollution, cigarette smoke, fried and fatty foods, toxic chemicals, and ultra violet rays caused by the sun. One way to strengthen our body’s defense against free radicals is by supplementing our body with vitamins and minerals. Anti-aging dietary supplements can also repair the damage that has already taken place. Let us know more about supplementation.
Our Bodies and the Aging Process
Naturally, our body produces several antioxidant enzymes that include superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase. Supplements like these are also available to be taken orally. Aside from these, many vitamins and minerals and few amino acids also act as antioxidants. Vitamin C, Vitamin E, beta carotene, lutein, lycopene, Vitamin B-2, and cysteine are also on the list. Some herbs may also have an antioxidant effect such as the grape extract seed, ginkgo, and green tea. Spices include oregano, sage, rosemary, celery, and cloves are also known as antioxidants.
CoQ10 for Aging
The Coenzyme Q-10 or CoQ10 is a vitamin nutrient that is present in every cell of our body. It stimulates the immune system activity and supplies the biochemical spark for ATP, the basic energy needed for life. CoQ10 also controls the flow of oxygen within the cells, thus making it an especially important nutrient for the cardiovascular system and brain. It could also lessen the age and some point stop altogether. Other factors to help decrease CoQ10 levels include cholesterol drugs, cancer, and malnutrition that reduces the level by as much as 40%.
DHEA and Aging
DHEA is the most abundant hormone in the body. The DHEA increases estrogen, progesterone, estrone and estradiol to youthful level in women. In men, it increases testosterone and androstenedione levels. DHEA may also improve memory, sleep, and the mood of a person. It also helps in lowering the stress level, reduces hair loss and restores natural hair color to some people. DHEA is safe and has no side effects, but one should remember that the body should produce enough amount of DHEA up to the age of thirty. DHEA is not recommended for persons under the age of thirty.
Melatonin and Aging
Another one is the melatonin. This is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain and known to be one of the best antioxidants in slowing the aging process. Melatonin affects the sleep patterns, metabolic rate, immunity, calcium levels, and radiation induced cancers. When melatonin levels decrease, aging process accelerates.
Note that not all anti-aging supplements are the same. To be sure, consult with your doctor before using any of the available products. You should remember that there are no guarantees with any anti-aging method. Your genes and lifestyle contributes a lot on your aging patterns.
