Turning back our biological clock...

When we talk about natural therapies for slowing the ageing process the first thing that comes to mind is maintaining youthful looking, radiant skin. Our skin however is just an external reminder of our internal cellular health; and when a naturopath talks about turning back our biological clock they are talking about keeping your body in a state which is free from oxidative stress & inflammation... the two major contributors to degenerative/ age related diseases.

The most common problems facing the aging population is arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, memory decline, cancer and osteoporosis. All of these conditions are initiated and sustained as a result of oxidation and inflammation. Therefore it is our responsibility to combat these two issues with great food, healthy lifestyle choices and perhaps a few supportive supplements chosen to meet an individuals needs and risk factors.

The most important preventitive measures come from our lifestyle and are seemingly obvious but... do you really do all this?

· Exercise: at least 20 min per day, get your heart rate up!

· Brain exercises such as cross words, trivia or playing cards

· Socialise with friends, be involved in your community

· Maintain a healthy weight and muscle density

· Balance your work/ life or stress/ relaxation

· Double the amount of fruit and vegetables you’re eating

· Get adequate sunlight

· Sleep between 6 and 9 hours per night

· Limit exposure to environmental toxins… smoking, alcohol, processed foods, cleaning products, plastics, radiation

Email us to take our “Healthy Ageing Patient Questionnaire” and find out your chronological age. Become aware of areas you may need to improve on

 Whist everybody requires a different treatment plan; everyone can benefit from the following to help ensure they are looking healthy and the inside and out!

Fish Oil:     I cannot stress the importance of taking a high quality fish oil… not all brands are the same and you get what you pay for!  We recommend Ethical Nutrients, Pure Omega, Bioceuticals or Nordic Naturals.

Fish oil will help control inflammation, improve cholesterol, and provide nutrients for good brain function.

Herbal Antioxidants: This includes but is not limited to Green Tea, Turmeric, Grapeseed Extract and Milk Thistle.  You can find formulas which contain a blend of these amazing herbs.  Fusion Revital 8 is fantastic as well as Herbs of Gold Pycnogrape.  Anti-oxidants keep your cells functioning as they should therefore reducing damage which can lead to cancer, arterial disease and brain degeneration

 

If cardiovascular disease runs in your family perhaps you would be wise to start on some Co Enzyme Q10 supplementation which is beneficial to those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure or those who are at risk or have had a previous heart attack.  It is also very important to regularly check your homocystine levels which indicate levels of oxidation in the body.  If yours are high then you will benefit from taking folic acid, B6 and B12.

If you are an aging male then preventing future discomfort from an enlarged prostate (BPH) may be of importance to you.  Red Clover and Saw Palmetto are herbs which can help lower PSA (an indicator of poor prostate health) and inhibit aromatase enzymes (which cause the prostate cells to over-replicate)  Also… did you know that higher  Zinc levels are protective against BPH and prostate cancer; 20-30mg per day is all you need!

Are you already getting aches and pains in the old joints? Prevention is better than cure for osteoarthritis, best get yourself on a good quality Glucosamine with Chondroitin and MSM.  We love Nutra Life Concentrated Glucosamine Powder… 1 tsp a day has everything you need.

Did you see your grandparent’s cognition decline and want to prevent it happening to yourself?  If so then you need to also take a look at the hints under the cardiovascular heading since the two conditions have a lot of cross overs.  Additionally you may start taking a formula which helps get more blood flow to the brain and reduces inflammation and oxidation.  Herbs to look out for are Bacopa, Ginkgo and Green Tea; Vitamin E and coconut oil also have many benefits. And don’t forget to exercise that brain!

 

Of course we shouldn’t have to dread getting older but it is best to be aware and take action sooner rather than later!

Email us to take our “Healthy Ageing Patient Questionnaire” and find out your chronological age. Become aware of areas you may need to improve on