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| Category: Anti Aging |
Date published: March 1, 2007 |
Scientists are yet to find a magic cure, remedy or therapy that can reverse the effects of aging. Before you spend your money on a magic pill try to sort out the science from the therapies that just don't work or carry harmful risks. Find out if there is any solid evidence backing the claims of the advertiser advertising magic cures to stop the aging process, or to turn back the time to a more youthful looking appearance and prolong your life. In this article review briefly four common anti-aging therapies. They are:- Antioxidants
- Hormonal Therapies
- Supplements
- Calorie-restricted diets
Antioxidants:
Antioxidants are said to prevent chronic disease such as heart disease and diabetes as well as prolong your life. Some of the antioxidants you may have heard of are:- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B-6
- Vitamin B-12
- Vitamain C
- Vitamin E
- Beta carotene
- Folic acid
- Selenium
Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to give your body the antioxidants it needs. Your doctor may also recommend supplements to make up for deficiencies, or if you have certain medical conditions.
To date, there is no proof antioxidants in pill form can improve your general health, extend your life or reverse the aging process. In some instances, they can even have the opposite effect. For example, smokers who take beta carotene supplements might actually increase their risk of lung cancer. Always talk to your doctor before increasing the amount of antioxidants in your diet. There is never harm in adding a few servings of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables to your diet. The absolute best way to provide your body with antioxidants is through the food you eat such as fruits and vegetables.
Hormones:
Your body needs hormones to help keep the vital organs working properly. Some people believe the natural decline in hormones as a person ages is the reason for the aging process. For those who believe this theory, they recommend restoring the lost hormone levels to try and reverse aging. Some hormone supplements include:- DHEA: The body converts DHEA into the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone. Those who advocate the hormonal theories say estrogen and testosterone slow aging, increases muscle and bone strength, burns fat, improves cognition, boosts immunity and protects against chronic disease.
- Testosterone: Complaints of aging such as decreased energy and sex drive, muscle weakness and osteoporosis have been associated with declining levels of the male sexual hormone, testosterone. Women's bodies' produces testosterone in much smaller quantities.
- Melatonin: This hormone helps regulate sleep and is a promising remedy for insomnia and jet lag. Those who promote the hormone theory believe it can slow down or reverse aging, fight cancer and enhance sexuality. Melatonin is produced in the human brain.
- Human growth hormone (HGH): This hormone is responsible for growth spurts in children and tapers off after adolescence. Those who promote the hormone theory say injections of prescription-only HGH can burn fat, build muscle and renew energy.
There is no convincing medical evidence to back up the claims of these hormone supplements. They also can carry risks. Liver damage can result even in short-term use of DHEA or testosterone.
Menopausal hormone therapy has been the subject of extensive research. Estrogen supplements are used by many women to relieve symptoms of menopause. Hormone therapy also carries significant risks which include:- Blood clots
- Heart disease
- Heart attack
- Breast cancer
Supplements:
Supplements are sometimes referred to as natural remedies. To some people the word natural means harmless. This is not always true. Always consult with your doctor before taking supplements. The Food and Drug Administration does not oversee supplements, therefore, you cannot be sure of product purity or the amount of active ingredients.
Calorie-restricted diets:
Calorie-restricted diet studies in animals, such as rats, mice, fish, flies and worms found that the life span of each species could be extended by reducing the number of calories consumed. To this day, it is not clear if the calorie restriction theory applies to humans.
It is certainly beneficial to a weight loss program to reduce the number of calories consumed each day. Be certain you do not restrict calories to the point that you do not get enough nutrients. This can be dangerous to your health and your life.
The process of aging involves many areas of your body. It is highly unlikely any product, pill or magic potion could cure all things that age can bring. The best thing to do is to live each day as healthy as you most possibly can. Review the following tips toward that end:- Eat a varied diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise every day
- Seek prompt medical care when you are ill or injured
- Use a sunscreen
- Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
- Get periodic screenings for diseases such as cancer and heart disease
Maintain close ties to family and friends
Source: Mayo Clinic
Disclaimer: *This article is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any kind of a health problem. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your health care provider about any kind of a health problem and especially before beginning any kind of an exercise routine.
Author: Connie Limon. Visit us at http://nutritionandhealthhub.com and sign up for our weekly nutrition and health tips. Nutrition and Health Hub is a collection of articles available for information, education and FREE reprints for your newsletters, websites or blog. Purchase a high quality grade of Fish Oil Supplement at http://www.fishoilsite.com
This article is FREE to publish with the resource box. Article written 2-2007.
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