Supercharge Your Cells – Want to grow old gracefully?
Jayson Kroner
The differences between aging and growing old are poles apart. Sure, they may sound similar in nature. But when you think about it, the two are as different as night and day. Growing old is about retirement and travel and enjoying what you’ve worked an entire life for. Aging, on the other hand, summons images of wrinkled skin, brittle joints, cloudy minds and medicine cabinets full of prescriptions.
It’s safe to assume that the majority of us want to look, live, and feel better as we grow old. Not the opposite. Many of us are on the right track – committed to a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a well-balanced diet. And yes, these do serve as a solid foundation for good health during our golden years. It is our cells, however, that ultimately determine who grows old, and who just ages.
Still, slowing the proverbial hands of time is not all about health clubs and organic produce. If you want to grow old gracefully, you must nurture the ten trillion cells that define you physically. Why? Because these cells are constantly under attack by free radicals – unstable molecules that either lack, or have an unpaired number of electrons. They scour the body in search of stable cells, and do whatever they can to rob them of their electrons, a process more formally known as oxidation.
Considering that it’s environmentally impossible to completely avoid contact with the billions of airborne toxins that cause free radicals, the only other option is to safeguard your healthy cells. Making the commitment to a healthy lifestyle is the first step in the process, and can be accomplished by eating healthier foods, exercising on a regular basis, and paying close attention to what you are exposed to environmentally.
The next step is to nourish and protect your cells. The best way to do this is to consume foods that are rich in antioxidants and other cell-friendly nutrients. Unfortunately, this task is often much easier said than done. Today’s average adult is busier than ever, making it far more difficult to consume fresh, unprocessed meals 100% of the time. This does not, however, imply that all hope is lost. Over the years, the nutritional sciences have made stunning advances that afford you the opportunity to live your life while still safeguarding the integrity of your most basic building blocks. Here are a few of the best:
Antioxidants
Antioxidants work at the cellular level to paralyze the free radicals that cause oxidation throughout the body. Some of today’s most popular nutrients and dietary supplements fall into this category. They include vitamins A, E, and C, Selenium, Zinc, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Lycopene, Lutein, CoQ10, in addition to a host of others. And though similar in function, each of these free radical fighters has a unique role within the body.
Take CoQ10 for example. It’s present in every cell of the body, and is especially important for cardiovascular support. Lutein has been used extensively to prevent oxidation in the macular regions of the eyes. Zinc is a powerful immune system booster that has become extremely popular during cold and flu season. Alpha Lipoic Acid is both fat and water soluble, and is commonly referred to as the 'universal' antioxidant based on its ability to quench free radicals anywhere in the body.
OPCs
OPCs (proanthocyanidins) are high-powered polyphenol antioxidants that belong to the flavonoid family. Grape seed extract, pine bark extracts such as pycnogenol and enzogenol, bilberry, ginkgo biloba, resveratrol and others all fall into this category. Research continues to suggest that OPCs work in same the manner that traditional antioxidants do, however their ability to eradicate free radicals is much greater and more versatile. Equally appealing, OPCs can easily cross the blood barrier of the brain to help protect brain and neural tissues from the damage caused by oxidative stress.
Mushroom Extracts
Throughout history, many civilizations have relied on organic mushroom extracts to encourage wellness. What we know now is that mushrooms such as Shiitake, Maitake, Reishi and others are rich in 1,3 Beta-glucans – soluble fiber compounds that help support both innate and adaptive immunity.
In addition, the active compounds in some mushrooms have been shown to stimulate the production of microphages, T cells, and other natural killer cells. These biological warriors serve at the front line when it comes to responding to bacterial attacks. They are of immeasurable value to the immune system, though drastically lacking in today’s average diet. In just the past few years, more and more health-conscious individuals have learned first-hand how beneficial they can be in the preservation of healthy cells.
Immune Boosting Herbs
Herbs such as Astragalus, Olive Leaf, Rhodiola, Echinacea, Panax Ginseng and Ashwaganda have been used for centuries to help support healthy cells and strong, responsive immune systems. They’ve also been shown to exhibit natural synergistic effects when used together. Today, they remain one of the most popular ways to naturally promote all-around well-being.
References
Vincent Giampapa, Ronald Pero, Marcia Zimmerman, The Anti-aging Solution. 2004, John Wiley & Sons Publishing.
James F. Balch, The Super Antioxidants. 1998, M. Evans and Company, Inc.
Lynne McTaggart, ed., The Cancer Handbook: 2nd edition. 1997, Vital Health.
Leonid Ber, Karolyn A. Gazella, Activate Your Immune System. 1998, IMPAKT Communications.
Paul Stamets, The Ancient Noble Polypore: A Mushroom of Many Mysteries. 2000, The Journal of the American Botanical Council, Volume 51.
Health Disclaimer. Content provided by NOW Foods. Copyright ©2006-2019. Published with permission. Jayson Kroner is a health and fitness journalist, a certified sports
nutritionist, and co-author of the book '7-Syndrome Healing'.