Concerned about aging gracefully? It’s understandable. Sometimes aging can feel daunting. But let’s take a look at some nutrients that can help turn back the hands of time.
Before we get started, let’s quickly review the basics of the aging process. What makes us age? Well, some contributing factors are oxidative stress, inflammation and glycation – which is a fancy word for excess sugar attaching itself to proteins which in turn damages collagen (think wrinkles). So now that we know what ages us, how do we slow down the aging process? Here are some of my favorite antioxidants that will help:
Glutathione, pronounced “gloo-tuh-thai-own.” Glutathione is a master antioxidant and is 50x more potent than Vitamin C. This tripeptide amino acid can help to scavenge those free radicals caused by oxidative stress. Basically, this will help you to detox alcohol, mercury exposure, pesticides and decrease your overall toxic load. The good news is your body naturally makes glutathione! What’s the best way to increase its levels?? By lowering your exposure to those items listed above: limiting alcohol, eating organic and using glass when possible. However, you can also administer glutathione orally, intravenously and in a nebulized form.
CoQ10, also known as Ubiquinone, is another powerful antioxidant. Research has shown that CoQ10 can actually help to heal the mitochondria and positively impact aging skin. The mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell, is responsible for making energy. When CoQ10 levels start to decline, the energy making process becomes less efficient and we start to age. What are the best ways to increase your levels? CoQ10 can be administered orally or via injection. Since CoQ10 is fat soluble, you’ll want to make sure to take it with food.
Resveratrol is part of a group of compounds called polyphenols. You may have heard of this natural phenol because it’s in wine! Health benefits include antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular protection, anticancer and anti-aging benefits. What are the ways to increase your levels? Eating foods such as grapes, blueberries, cranberries, wine and dark chocolate all contain resveratrol. Resveratrol can also be taken orally as well.
Take aging into your own hands and start to feel better than you ever have!
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Author: Stephanie Hendershot, ND
Disclaimer:
This information is generalized and intended for educational purposes only. Due to potential individual contraindications, please see your primary care provider before implementing any strategies in these posts.