Anti-Aging

The Anti-Aging Era

New Hope

The truth is that biological aging is inevitable but, and there is a huge but, how we live and how long we live is the question. I have a 93-year-old patient who one day came to my office and said; "I have got a sore back like an old lady". And I replied: "How old do you have to be to be considered old?" She said loud and clear: "I am not old!" Understandably, her soul was as young as ever, hence not admitting to her biological age. I said to her that she would be fine and before long she would be celebrating her 100th birthday and I hoped to be there.

The truth is that no one likes to age. Imagine when you are 40 years old and your son or daughter, who is 15, says to you: "Dad, you are too old!" I know how you feel. I am in the same boat!

The truth is that most people would like to stay young, good looking, healthy, content, energetic and vibrant as long as possible.

Today, if you asked 40- year- old people, how they feel, the majority would say like an 80-year-old. Today, most of us especially in larger cities are so stressed, overworked, concerned and over committed that it is no wonder we feel this way. We do not have enough time to have breakfast or lunch, let alone get enough nutrients into our body. We are exposed to so much pollution and free radical damage that no wonder we feel this way.

Let me ask you this. How would you like to be 85, and still be able to play tennis like a 40-year-old? How would you like to be 150, and swim like an 80-year-old? That would be great, wouldn't it?

The truth is that although we do age there is overwhelming evidence available that we can live longer and healthier.

I guess you want to know what causes aging so it can be slowed down.

What causes aging?

The first cause is free radical assault. This was discussed at length in chapter one, where it was explained how free radicals bind themselves to the cells and cause cellular damage, hence being the culprit of premature aging, and the development of degenerative diseases which in turn accelerate the aging process.

The second cause is the decline in anti-aging hormones as we age. Hormones are bio-chemicals that are secreted by endocrine glands such as pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, pancreas and so on. Hormones are like messengers that influence the function of the cell and the body.

These endocrine glands are controlled by the hypothalamus and pituitary glands located in the brain.

The hypothalamus controls the pituitary gland, hunger and sex drive.

The pituitary gland has a variety of functions including production of Human Growth Hormone (HGH), and the regulation of other endocrine glands. The pituitary also secretes Follicular Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinising Hormone (LH). FSH and LH regulate the menstrual cycle in women via oestrogen and progesterone. In men, FSH promotes sperm production, and LH is essential in making testosterone.

The pineal gland is located in the brain adjacent to the hypothalamus and is the centre of the body's biological clock.

The thyroid gland is located in front of the neck and regulates the metabolic rate and energy production. Without your thyroid you would be feeling cold, lethargic and slow. You would have dry skin, coarse hair, and slow heart rate. You would be overweight, constipated and may have irregular periods. It produces a hormone called thyroxine which makes you feel good, warm and energetic.

The thymus gland produces a special type of lymphocytes called T-cells, which fight infections.

The Adrenal glands are situated on the top of the kidneys and are responsible for blood pressure control via salt and water balance. They also produce adrenalin to prepare you for "fight or flight". They are by far the best source of cortisone the so-called wonder hormone. It is a hormone that some athletes use to build muscles rapidly. It is evident that all these hormones play a major role in our well-being, as each one has a vital and specific function.

What are the signs of aging?

The Brain: forgetfulness, short-term memory loss, slow thinking.

The Heart: shortness of breath on exertion, ankle swelling, low cardiac efficiency.

The Liver less detoxification ability, lethargy, low immune system. The Pancreas: less digestive enzymes, excessive insulin or inactive pancreas.

The Gastrointestinal tract: indigestion, bloating, burping, more wind, and large abdomen (beer belly).

The Adrenal glands: less hormone production including dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA

The Reproductive system: less sex hormones

The Bone: osteoporosis or fragile bone, bone ache, more frequent fractures.

The Muscle: flabby and weak muscles.

The Skin: loss of elasticity, more wrinkles, thin skin, becoming rough and lack of shine.

These are warning signs that should alert anyone to take action. The anti-aging program should start from an early age to enjoy the full benefit. Vitamins and antioxidants should be taken before conception, during pregnancy, childhood and throughout your life in the right formula and adjusted doses. In the case of hormones, from mid thirties and as soon as the aging signs are evident.

Alkaline environment

You may have noticed in order to prolong the life of batteries, they are made and kept in an alkaline medium. Interestingly the pH of the human body is alkaline at about 7.34. It is in this pH that our bodies function properly. For hormones to be effective and be received favourably by the receptors on the cell walls, an alkaline environment is more desirable.

The Anti-Aging Hormones

These hormones are HGH, DHEA, Thyroxine and Melatonin. Research has shown that these particular hormones decline as we age. Therefore if these hormones were kept at youth levels one would have more vitality, more energy, better cellular function and they would help in slowing down the aging process. Let us talk about these hormones and their specific role in anti-aging medicine.

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