Supplements To Help You Live Longer

While we still do not understand why we age and why degeneration in the body occurs we do know what causes some of the problems associated with aging and we are able to halt or retard some of the processes associated with aging.

We age in a variety of ways some of which are visible. These include:

declining height,
shrinkage of muscles,
thinning and greying of hair,
and wrinkling of our skin.

Internally there is progressive loss of cells in the brain, kidney and other vital organs.

This means that important tissues from the muscles to the brain become less competent with age. Many of these changes are seen in declining function, including: hearing, vision, immunity to infection and circulation.

There is no doubt that we will age as there is no blocking the passage of time. However, we are able to hold back the degenerative effects of aging.

What you can do to hold back the degenerative affects of aging

Use a daily sunscreen - to assist with the repair of previously damaged skin and to help prevent age spots, skin cancer and wrinkles.
Work on boosting your immune system. ( see...)
Exercise regularly - exercise can reverse the effects of aging. Exercise for about 20 or 30 minutes daily. Ensure that you are giving your heart and lungs a good workout. Weight bearing exercise (such as, walking and running) will aid in the prevention of disease such as osteoporosis. Exercise can also help prevent age related conditions such as heart disease, being overweight, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol. The exercise that you do should also work on your muscle strength and flexibility.
Eat fresh fruit and green leafy vegetables. These contain sources of vitamins and minerals and antioxidants that will assist in the fighting of free radicals that are strongly associated with the aging process.
Eat plenty of fibre which will clean out the bowel and prevent the build up of toxins in the bowel. This cleansing will reduce the risk of bowel cancers. The fiber will also allow the growth of healthy bowel bacteria. These healthy bacteria will assist in the fight against infections.
Reduce your intake of saturated fats which clog arteries and cause excess weight gain. Eat healthy fats, such as organic olive oil and make sure that less than 30% of your diet takes the form of fats and oild.
Drink plenty of pure filtered water. The water hydrates the system, ensures the removal of built up toxins, acts as a mild diuretic and cleanses the body.
Avoid tea, coffee and chocolate (that is, drinks that contain caffeine). Caffeine has been linked to high cholesterol and blood pressure, premenstrual syndrome, insomnia, and some breast cancer. It also artificially stimulates your nervous system which leads to stress states.
Manage your stress levels. Stress is seen as one of the most significant contributors to the aging process. It is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, digestive problems, insomnia, skin complaints, general aches and pains. Stress reduces the power of our immune system. Stress also reduces our capacity to concentrate and make decisions. (see... for ways to reduce stress)
Get plenty of sleep. Sleep is a time when the body goes through the process of regeneration and repair. (see...)
Avoid smoking. Smoking causes wrinkles, reduces lung capacity and makes it more difficult to get oxygen to the areas of the body that need it and it is a primary cause of cancers. (also see)
Avoid drinking alcohol which can affect brain cells and cause irreversible brain damage.
Use you brain - stimulation works to spark brain function so change the way you do things, learn something new, take up a new challenge, read a different kind of book, take up a new hobby.
Be happy, if you are fulfilled and leading an exciting and stimulating life you are more likely to live longer. To put it mildly, we have a strong relationship between our mind and body - that means when we feel great we look great and we will be more likely to achieve optimal health.
The herbs ginseng, ginko biloba and garlic can combat the degenerative conditions associated with aging.

Supplements to assist in blocking the degeneration of aging

Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that can help to prevent cell damage, boost the immune system and protect against disease associated with aging. Take 25,000 to 50,000 IU per day.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, particularly for the brain. It reduces the risk of cancer, heart disease, cataracts, and other degenerative conditions. Insure that you get 250 to 500 mg twice or three times per day.
Vitamin E also works as an antioxidant. It can prevent cancer and heart disease. You should try to get 400 to 600 IU per day.
Selenium is another important antioxidant. It reduces the risk of cancer and increases lifespan. Take in combination with vitamin E at 100 to 200 mcg per day.

Summary

Beta-carotene - 25,000 to 50,000 IU per day.
Vitamin C - 250 to 500 mg twice or three times per day.
Vitamin E - 400 to 600 IU per day.
Selenium - in combination with vitamin E at 100 to 200 mcg per day.

References

Bland, J. 1996, Contemporary Nutrition. J & B Associates.

Holden, S., Hudson, K., Tilman, J. & D. Wolf, 2003, The Ultimate Guide to Health from Nature. Asrolog Publication.

Pressman, A. and S. Buff, 2000, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vitamins and Minerals. (2nd Ed.) Alpha Books.

Soothill, R. 1996, The Choice Guide to Vitamins and Minerals. A Choice Book Publication.

Sullivan, K. 2002, Vitamins and Minerals: A Practical Approach to a Health Diet and Safe Supplementation. Harper Collins.

Wu, L. 2004, Increase your Immunity. Glow, Issue 1 2004.