Optimal Ageing

We hear the phrase ‘antiaging’ constantly and these messages come with promises of holding back the years and reclaiming youth. But what is happening to our bodies as we age and how do we support ourselves to stay as healthy as possible?

Much of the aging process is the result of ‘oxidative or free radical damage,’ we are surrounded by toxins that cause damage to cells. Did you know the sun is the number one cause of visible skin ageing?

Including antioxidant nutrients that help protect the body from this damage, is important to help the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases. 

Let’s have a look at some areas that may need extra support as we age.

Heart

Love oily fish? Did you know population research found that higher intake of dietary fish oil is associated with a 15% reduced risk of heart failure? Consumption of omega 3 oils found in fatty fish have been shown to contribute to normal function of the heart and even help reduce blood pressure and normalise triglycerides, a type of fat found in your blood. If you’re not a fan of eating oily fish (think SMASH-salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, and herring) then try an omega 3 supplement high in EPA and DHA such as our Super potency Fish Oil.

We have formulated our cardio heart nutrients with love. Providing key nutrients to support a healthy heart and circulation. Including antioxidants, amino acids, and vitamins, check out these lovely ingredients…

• Vitamins B6, Folic Acid and B12 to help maintain balanced homocysteine levels. 
• Co Q10 is a potent antioxidant and is especially important for the heart.
• TMG which is needed for healthy methylation and balanced homocysteine levels.
• L-carnitine has been shown to improve exercise tolerance and symptoms of angina.
• Arginine has been shown to improve blood pressure.
• Bromelain traditionally used for inflammation.

Bones

Did you know our bones are continuously changing — new bone is made and old bone is broken down. While it’s true, your body makes new bone faster when you are younger, bone remodelling continues as we age, but unfortunately you lose slightly more bone mass than you gain.  However, this does not mean you cannot improve your bone density in later life.

Adequate calcium is essential for healthy bone while vitamins D, K and magnesium will ensure the maximum absorption and distribution of calcium into the bones. Dairy, bony fish and tofu are great sources of calcium.

Keep moving.   People who are physically inactive have a higher risk of osteoporosis than their more active counterparts. Weight baring exercise such as walking and jogging are a great way to support bone strength.

Joints

Joint pain and stiffness seem inevitable as we age, cartilage breaks down due to wear and tare which then damages the joints.

Reducing inflammation will help decrease the pain, increasing consumption of oily fish and decreasing red and processed meat will help keep inflammation in check.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a sulphur-containing compound found in plants, animals, and humans.  MSM has been demonstrated in studies to help protect cartilage loss and decrease pain, inflammation, and stiffness in those with osteoarthritis. MSM is a key component of keratin so can also improve the structure of hair, skin, and nails. Due to the sulphur content, it also helps support the detoxification pathways in the liver helping remove damaging toxins.

Brain

Many of us worry about memory decline as we age and during stressful times this can be enhanced. Diet again can make a big difference helping keep our brains tip top, with fish oils and B vitamins being essential for a healthy brain. There are studies showing increasing specific nutrients known as nootropics will improve age-related cognitive decline and that’s why we put together  Advanced Brain Nutrients.   This unique nootropic formula has eight active ingredients per capsule to support brain function, aid memory, concentration and learning abilities. This combination of key vitamins, amino acids and phospholipids is ideal for those who want to aid psychological and mental performance.

Remember about 75 percent of the brain is made up of water. This means that dehydration, even in small amounts, can have a negative effect on the brain functions. Ensure you have around 10 cups of liquid daily (not alcohol and go easy on the caffeine).

Eyes

Our eyes are amazing.  Did you know the only cells that survive from the time you are born until death are in your eyes?   Even more reason to look after them.   Problems like macular degeneration or cataracts are so widespread that we take them for granted as being an inevitable symptom of ageing. While it is true that eyes can suffer damage over the years, there are steps you can take to help protect them. Our top selling VisualEyes is the answer. Rated by our customer as ‘excellent’ VisualEyes provides no less than 10 key nutrients for comprehensive protection and support.

• Antioxidant favourites and bilberry are teamed with DHA, B2 and zinc which contributes to normal vision.  

• lutein and Zeaxanthin, are especially important for eyes which unlike some antioxidants that are not able to be absorbed through the blood-retinal barrier, not only reach the eyes but have starring roles in our vision, protecting the eye’s retina, macula and lens from free radical damage.

Try to vary your diet, rotating food items daily where possible. Include high antioxidant plant foods of different colours such as green tea, red berries, dark green vegetables and orange peppers and carrots. If you struggle eating enough plant foods, consider a multi-nutrient such as our Advanced Multi, this contains 26 nutrients including B vitamins for energy and the addition of live bacteria for a healthy gut.