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Natural Anti-Aging: Fight Neurological Disease

Aging Strains the Brain

The proportion of the elderly is increasing rapidly worldwide in recent decades with rapid socio-economic development. In 2019, there were 1 billion people aged 60 years and older. It is estimated that this number will increase to 1.4 billion by 2030, and to 2.1 billion by 2050. The proportion of the elderly (aged >60 years) is estimated to rise to 22% of the world population by 2050.  1

Human aging is a complex, multidimensional and inevitable process that is characterized by a gradual and progressive loss of physiological integrity and functions. 2 It is a recognized major risk factor that increases susceptibility to human diseases, especially in elderly adults.

Neurodegenerative diseases feature a progressive loss of selective populations of vulnerable neurons. They can be classified as Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease, or motor neuron disease according to the clinical characteristics, including cognitive impairment, neuroinflammation, neuron loss, β-amyloid accumulation (associated with AD, the collapse of proteostasis (a highly complex interconnection of pathways that influence the fate of a protein from synthesis to degradation) networks, and others. 3

The aging process in different individuals may be driven by a range of factors, including genetics witch which we are born. Physical and emotional exposure to the environment and other lifestyle considerations affect which genes get turned on and off — this is called “Epigenetics.” Genetics can ultimately lead to health issues one may develop during aging. 4

Natural products for medicine and health have been used for thousands of years to help prevent and manage disease symptoms for a wide range of disorders. Approximately 60% of existing drugs have been directly or indirectly derived from natural products, 5 and also contribute to novel drug discovery and development. 6 The advantage of drugs is that they are typically studied for targeted effects and benefits. The advantage of getting nutrients from whole food or whole food supplements is that nature naturally puts in many substances and antioxidants that help the body use the targeted nutrients efficiently and effectively.

For example, in an orange, if the target is to increase vitamin C intake, there are many naturally occurring substances that make the absorption and utilization of the vitamin C more effective. Taking vitamin C in a straight ascorbic acid format only allows the vitamin C that can be absorbed at that time to be used, while the rest is eliminated typically through urine. So, if you supplement with vitamin C, it should be either part of a whole food formula or buffered with other nutrients such as bioflavonoids, rutin, or minerals such as calcium and magnesium. This slows down the breakdown of the vitamin C in the body permitting better absorption.

Most studies have evaluated the antiaging effects of natural products in terms of the cardiovascular system, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic diseases, cancers, and osteoporosis, 7 though now there are thousands of studies related to supporting brain and eye health as well.

Natural products derived from food sources, such as polyphenols, saponins, alkaloids, and polysaccharides, have been recognized as antiaging molecules that can promote health and extend lifespan through multiple mechanisms. 8

Active ingredients of natural products with antiaging properties

Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, which contribute to the prevention of aging-related diseases such as cancers, nephrosclerosis, arthritis, and neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. 9 Derivatives of polyphenols can be found in foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, coffee, and tea. Polyphenols are a class of compounds found in many plant foods that includes flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, and stilbenes. There are more than 8,000 different types of polyphenols that have been identified so far. Some polyphenols that have gained popularity are epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in green tea and resveratrol in grapes and wine.

Best antioxidant foods include: green tea, colored fruits and vegetables, soybeans, chocolate.

Resveratrol: Resveratrol is one of the most studied natural nutrients with antiaging effects and has been reported to have anticancer effects in medicinal plant screenings, and are a part of crucial enzymatic reactions, such as hydrolysis, methylation, and sulfonylation by specific transferases and glucuronidation. Resveratrol is found in foods such as grapes, peanuts, pomegranates, blueberries, cocoa, and red wine.

Studies have shown that resveratrol exhibits a variety of health benefits including the following: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective properties.  It combats age-related degenerative disease. 10

Resveratrol supplements are shown to extend the lifespan of Nothobranchius guentheri (a new model organism for aging studies), enhance the cognitive and locomotor activities, and delay the activation of senescence-associated markers (see more on senescence below) when compared with the control group without affecting its body size. 11 Resveratrol treatment during later years in life has been proven to extend the lifespan and age-related symptoms of many model organisms, such as yeast, Caenorhabditis elegans, and Drosophila. 12

Quercetin: Quercetin is the most widely studied flavonoid, and is a potent scavenging agent for neutralizing active oxygens free radicals. It is crucial enzymatic reactions, such as hydrolysis, methylation, and sulfonylation by specific transferases and glucuronidation. Quercetin is primarily found in apples, berries, tomatoes, onions, and lettuce. Quercetin exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. 13

Quercetin treatment primarily regulates glutathione (GSH) levels to enhance antioxidant capacities.

The anti-inflammatory and antiallergic properties of quercetin have been proven to treat respiratory and food allergies. 14

Luteolin: Luteolin is a natural flavone, and is found in the leaves of many medicinal plants and foods, such as parsley, celery, broccoli, rosemary, cardamom, anise, and dandelion. 15 Studies suggest that luteolin has numerous health benefits including potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiallergic properties.

Luteolin can prevent or reduce photoaging, which is collagen and elastin degradation, leading to wrinkled skin.

Catechins: Catechins are flavanols found in foods such as apples, cacaos, berries, persimmons, and grapes. Catechins have multiple health-related functions due to their antioxidative properties, anti-inflammatory properties, lipid metabolism, energy metabolism, autophagy, and immunoregulatory effects. 16 More recent studies indicate that EGCG in the catechin category significantly prolongs the lifespan of high-fat-diet-induced obese rats by improving free fatty acid metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress. 17

EGCG: Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a well-known polyphenol compound concentrated in green tea. It offers impressive health benefits, including a reduced risk of certain cancers and heart disease.18 19 20 EGCG may work by restoring mitochondrial function in cells and acting on pathways involved in aging. It also induces autophagy, the process by which your body removes damaged cellular material. 21

Curcumin: Curcumin is a natural dietary polyphenol in Curcuma longa with benefits including antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. 22 Several studies have reported that curcumin can prevent and treat several age-related diseases. Studies have also shown that curcumin can remarkably extend lifespan and promote healthy aging in mice. 23

A process called cellular senescence occurs when cells stop dividing. As you age, senescent cells accumulate, which is believed to accelerate aging and disease progression. 24 25 Research demonstrates that curcumin activates certain proteins that help delay cellular senescence and promote longevity. 26 27

Curcumin also strongly prevents oxidative stress and it can protect against lipid and protein oxidation. Furthermore, it can eliminate ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species, a potent free radical).

Clinical and nutritional epidemiological studies have revealed that the long-term ingestion of curcumin can prevent cardiovascular disease and reduce pathological factors triggering cardiovascular diseases. [28]

Animal studies show that curcumin combats cellular damage and significantly increases life span. This compound has been shown to postpone age-related disease and alleviate age-related symptoms as well. 28 29 30

Intake of curcumin (or with turmeric) associated with a reduced risk of age-related cognitive decline in humans. 31

Taurine: Taurine amino acid can be found naturally in animal products and byproducts like beef, shellfish, and dairy. A research paper, published this June in the journal Science, found that daily supplementation of taurine increased the lifespan of mice and worms by at least 10%.  [33] Not only did the animals live longer, they got healthier. Taurine is an essential nutrient found in the retina to among other features helps eliminate waste build-up, and is important in supporting heart health.

NMN: Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) has been shown to have anti-aging properties, 32 33 and is found in every cell of the body. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) levels in the body deplete with aging and it is associated with downregulation of energy production in mitochondria, oxidative stress, DNA damage, cognitive impairment, and inflammatory conditions. However, NMN, as the precursor of NAD+, can slow down this process by elevating NAD+ levels in the body.

A 30-day study in both mice and a small number of people ages 45–60 found that NMN supplements significantly lengthened telomere length in each group. The shortening of telomeres plays a central role in the aging process. 34

CoQ10: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant that your body produces. It plays an essential role in energy production and protects against cellular damage. 35 CoQ10 supplements may work by reducing oxidative stress, a condition characterized by an accumulation of free radicals that accelerates the aging process and the onset of age-related disease. 36

A 4-year study in 443 older adults demonstrated that supplementing with CoQ10 and selenium improved overall quality of life, reduced hospital visits, and slowed physical and mental deterioration. 37

Research suggests that levels of CoQ10 decline as you age. Supplementing with it has been shown to improve certain aspects of health in older individuals.

NOTE: UBQH is a highly absorbable format for supplementing with CoQ10.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C functions as a powerful antioxidant in your body, helping to protect cells from oxidative damage. It also plays important roles in immune function, inflammation regulation, and many other processes that are essential to healthy aging. 38

A study in 80 adults with an average age of 60, those with higher blood levels of vitamin C performed better on tasks involving attention, focus, memory, decision-making, recall, and recognition. 39

Vitamin C is also essential for skin health. Supplementing may improve skin hydration, stimulate collagen production, and safeguard against wrinkle development and premature aging due to sun exposure, 40 with evidence suggesting that it also improves immune function in older adults. 41

Summary:

In summary, we all have some input into ways we can reduce the risk of disease, maintain health and improve anti-aging, and support healthy vision and brain health through maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management such as through some form of daily meditation, maintaining healthy, positive relationships and work environment, and through daily targeted supplementation.

Suggested Supplements

Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula (whole food) 60 vcaps

Dr. Grossman’s Meso Plus Retinal Support and Computer Eye Strain Formula with Astaxanthin 90 vcaps

Vitamin C Premier 60 caps – whole food vitamin C formula.

Dr. Grossman’s Premium Turmeric Vcaps (Organic)

Resveratrol (Trans) w/Quercetin 60 vegcaps

Green Tea 60 lvcaps

 

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