What’s Really Happening When We “Age”
One of the leading theories of aging is known as the “free radicals theory of aging” which asserts that free radicals in the environment cause damage to cells, which eventually impairs their function. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that can damage cells.
The best prevention strategy against the harmful action of free radicals is a well balanced lifestyle, which includes:
regular physical exercise
low stress levels
a balanced nutritional diet rich in high antioxidant foods.
Another potential contributor to the aging process is protein glycation or “cross-linking". When excess sugar is present in the bloodstream, it can cause protein molecules to literally stick together. Over time cross-linked proteins accumulate in the body and slow down the body's metabolic processes.
How to Slow Aging With Nutrition
With both theories of aging, nutrition plays a huge part. While research is currently being conducted in this field, much of it has been centered on rodents or non-human primates, making drawing decisive conclusions in humans somewhat difficult.
One of the more well-researched dietary modifications for slowing the aging process is caloric restriction. Also, a growing body of scientific literature suggests that fasting periods, intermittent fasting regimens, and caloric restriction can result in a host of beneficial biological effects including increased circulation, cardiovascular disease protection, as well as a reduction of free radicals and chronic inflammation.
How Aging Affects Our Nutritional Intake
Many older adults experience a deficiency of stomach acid, which reduces the absorption of key nutrients, such as:
Vitamin B12
Iron
Calcium
Magnesium
Of course, ensuring a well balanced diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables and unprocessed protein sources can help meet these nutritional requirements. In many cases, additional nutrient supplementation may also be warranted.
Additionally, an increased intake of protein may be helpful for preserving healthy muscle mass as we age. Research shows that after the age of 30, adults lose 3-8% of their muscle mass per decade. Over time, the loss of lean tissue contributes to a decrease in muscle strength and power; important predictors of balance, the occurrence of falls, and mortality.
IV Therapy to Combat Aging
IV drip therapy is a powerful way to supplement these and other crucial nutrients, because it bypasses the stomach and provides nutrients directly to the bloodstream.
In addition, IV therapy can help combat aging by providing:
A boost to energy levels
Guaranteed vitamin absorption
Instant rehydration
A powerful detox
A boost to the immune system
Anti-inflammation
Metabolism boost
Improve hair, skin, and nails
The Mediterranean Diet for Anti-Aging
The Mediterranean diet is considered to be one of the healthiest diets for preventing many chronic diseases and prolonging life expectancy. The traditional "Mediterranean diet" is characterized by a high intake of:
Vegetables
Fruits
Nuts
Legumes
unrefined, minimally processed grains
Virgin olive oil (in abundance)
Fish and shellfish (in moderation)
Meat and meat products (in low portions)
Wine (during meals)
Fermented dairy products like cheese and yogurt (in moderate amounts)
The Mediterranean diet is naturally high in antioxidants, the free-radical scavenging molecules which are critical for fighting accelerated aging. This diet is also naturally low in artificial sugars, which helps prevent excessive protein glycation. Combining a whole foods, antioxidant rich, low sugar diet such as the Mediterranean diet with caloric restriction or intermittent fasting strategies, may have further benefits for slowing the aging process.
Combat Aging NOW
Of course it is never too late to begin implementing healthy nutritional strategies. However the younger we are when we do so, the better chance we have at preventing many of the chronic illnesses and diseases which are commonly found in the aging population.