Cosmetic Surgery Blog

Although I am normally skeptical about supplementing [or overly-supplementing like most Americans do], there are some anti-aging supplements I do have faith in. I have had first hand experience with a few anti-aging type supplements which had positive affects on its users. But, I also have experience purchasing hundreds of dollars in supplements and having no discernible positive effects that I could tell. But does this mean they aren’t working?

In my opinion, without histological tests and other forms of definitive scientific detection, you can’t always be sure that what you’re swallowing is doing any good for you. Without visible (or physically noticeable) effects, how do you know the anti-aging supplements you purchased online are truly working? First let’s look at the WHY we are told we need anti-aging supplements.

Many Scientists and Doctors believe that although oxygen is a crucial for us to live, it also works against us. Free radicals are thought to be a major culprit in the visible signs and physical ailments associated with aging. Think of how oxidation affects iron, copper, etc. Well, your body is affected by the oxygen free radical damage associated with the combustion of oxygen from normal metabolic functions within the body. Although we will more than likely always suffer the effects of aging, accelerated aging from environmental factors as well as simply not having the beneficial supplemental vitamins and nutrients can possibly be somewhat lessened. You can take certain supplements and adhere to a certain diet and lifestyle to lessen the effects of aging and disease. Just remember that some vitamins are water soluble. Others fat soluble. When a vitamin is water soluble, your body cannot store it for future use. This means you must obtain it by supplementing or by a diet rich in these vitamins. Fat soluble vitamins can be stored. Some, like ALA, are both water and fat soluble.

So what are free radicals and how do they affect you? Free radicals are simply molecules which have lost an electron. Because they are desperate to gain stability by gaining another electron to replace the lost one, free radicals are highly reactive. Unfortunately this creates a domino affect as the molecules battle to hang on and recover (stealing) their lost electrons by taking one from another molecule. This chain reaction can damage tissues thereby accelerating aging and triggering disease. A diet high in anti-oxidants can help ease this process’ negative effects by lessening the formation of free radicals in the first place (caused by diet, lack of nutrients and environmental factors), and lessening the damage caused by the free radicals which are inevitable.

Let’s look at the most popular anti-aging supplements & treatments:

• Vitamin A: Fat soluble, Vitamin A is said to promote healthy tissue regeneration and new cell formation. It also promotes the growth of healthy hair, skin and nails.
• Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA): Both water and fat soluble, ALA enhances cellular energy. ALA also recycles Vitamin C and Co-Q10. It is a very good anti-oxidant.
• Vitamin B-6: Water soluble, Vitamin B-6 is not an anti-oxidant itself, but assists the body in red blood cell production, immune system function and is said to help in the absorption of folic acid.
• Vitamin B-12 (oral, and injectable): Water soluble, Vitamin B-12 is not an anti-oxidant itself but assists the body in red blood cell production, immune system function and is said to help in the absorption of folic acid. I know a few people who use injectable B-12 and they claim that it enhances their metabolism and energy levels.
• Vitamin C: Water soluble, Vitamin C promotes healthy tissue formation and faster wound healing. It is beneficial in the development of collagen.
• Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO): Water and Fat soluble, DMSO reportedly repairs dmaged tissues and deactivates free radicals, reversing their damage to a certain degree. DMSO does this by boosting your natural immune system by a process which increases white blood cells in the area of the damage. DMSO is used in the treatment of Osteoarthritis. I is also said to be a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory.
• Folic Acid: Water soluble, Folic acid is not an antioxidant, but is essential in DNA synthesis and good red blood cell health.
• Vitamin K: Fat soluble, Vitamin K promotes normal blood clotting and is said to combat the onset of Alzheimer’s.
• CoEnzyme Q10: Naturally fat soluble, however there are water soluble versions on the market. Co-Q10 promotes cellular energy and a healthy immune system. Co-Q10 is said to be a powerful antioxidant.
• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA): Not a vitamin, DHEA is a hormone which is found in abundance in young adults. As we grow older, our DHEA levels decline. DHEA is said to promote a healthy immune system, as well maintain a healthy libido, help in the production of muscle tissue formation and maintain a normal, healthy metabolism.
• Vitamin E: Fat soluble, Vitamin E is said to be a wonderful antioxidant. It helps with tissue formation and promotes blood cell health.
• Glucosamine (sulphate): Soluble, Glucosamine is said to possibly help rebuild cartilage and maintain cartilage health. It is used in the treatment of osteoarthritis and poor joint health and is considered an anti-inflammatory. However, studies have not shown definitive benefits from its use.
• Human Growth Hormone (HGH, injectable): Growth Hormones are produced by the pituitary gland and are essential in the production of human cells. When levels are lowered as we age, we begin to see the effects of aging more clearly: hair loss, a slower metabolism, lack of energy, less collagen production. When HGH is injected, many users experience an increase in muscle mass, bone density, improved insulin control, enhanced immune system, hair regrowth, tighter, more vibrant skin, a stronger libido. I know several people who use injectable HGH and they have clearly benefited. I have seen these users regrow lost hair, being stronger, more energetic and lose significant amounts of unhealthy body fat. I have watched their skin go from older and drab looking to unbelievably youthful. Unfortunately, the effects are always positive. Overuse can result in joint fusion, enlarged fingers and toes (called acromegaly), an enlarged jaw, even cancer.
• Hyaluronic Acid: HA is said to increase tissue health and improve the ability to retain moisture in the skin. HA is also said to improve joint function.
• Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): Water and Fat soluble, MSM promotes healthy cartilage health and collagen synthesis. Reportedly MSM binds with free radicals and improves joint function. It is used in the treatment of Osteoarthritis. Like DMSO, it is also said to be a natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory.
• Omega-3 and Omega-6 Oils: Our natural diet commonly contains nearly twice as much Omega-6 than Omega-3. When taking these essential oils, consider that in order for your body to most effectively benefit from its use, the ratio should be equal. Great sources are flaxseed oils and fish oils. Omega 3 and 6 promotes healthy joint function, enhances cell membrane health, and is an anti-inflammatory as well as a host of other benefits.

Foods High in Anti-oxidants (inc. foods containing high levels of lutein, lycopene and proanthocyanidins):

• Red, Yellow and Orange Peppers (lutein, lycopene, Vitamin A by way of beta carotene conversion)
• Carrots contain plenty of beta carotene (converts into Vitamin A, found in dark green, yellow, red and orange vegetables)
• Blueberries, Raspberries and Blackberries; Blueberries being the best
• Wild Salmon, not the farmed variety
• Green vegetables (Broccoli is a great source of anti-oxidants, and spinach is fantastic for you)
• Garlic
• Avocados are a great source of Folic Acid
• Tomatoes contain high levels of lycopene
• Red Grapes (and red wine, it’s in the skins!)
• Green Tea (or green tea extract)

Stay Away From:

• Smoking
• Excessive Drinking of alcoholic beverages
• Excessive Exposure to UV Light
• Processed Foods
• High Amounts of Sugars (natural and processed)
• Stress
• Drugs

Extra

• Get plenty of rest
• Get plenty of exercise, get your heart rate up!
• Drink plenty of water

I am a firm believer in the benefits of a diet high in antioxidants. A non-inflammatory diet such as The Perricone Prescription (Nicholas Perricone), can do wonders. You can physically see its affects in a matter of days. It doesn’t truly require anything but eating the right foods and waiting to look and feel better. His supplements and books are a bonus if you want to know the how, why, and what..

I have a difficult time trusting or believing in a product or regimen which does not give me visible results. Although I understand that science does claim that we do, in fact, benefit, it is still difficult to swipe that card every time you need another order of CoQ-10 or Hyaluronic Acid. HA especially—I used it for quite some time and saw no discernible benefit. However, Egor, a horse very close to me has considerable arthritis and joint issues and he absolutely benefits by taking HA, MSM and Glucosamine. He is given these supplements every day (as well as a garlic supplements, electrolytes, algae and tons of carrots!) and when he does stop his HA/MSM/Gluco combo, a week later he is not doing so well and can’t be exercised at all. You can physically see his legs swell when he is not given these supplements.

I do know that I can physically see and feel a difference when I stick to a diet high in anti-oxidants. In this day and age however, with our busy schedules, it is very difficult to remain faithful to our bodies’ needs. Not to mention the cravings to ColdStone and other junk food. When you stay away from these items, I promise you, you will be able to feel the difference. I have to admit, I do not take supplements regularly. I can’t stand taking pills and I just downright forget, or get lazy. I know I need to take at least the basics but I don’t. Now that I have written this article, I am going to have to start back up again.

If you have any stories to share about what you take, or what you find works for you, please let me know. I would love to get back on track and need a little push. :)

Further reading:

http://65.79.226.34/LC/ST/bgfreerad.html

http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/f-w02/coenzymeq10.html