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How Air Pollution Is Damaging Your Health

Exposure to air pollution is associated with numerous effects on human health, including pulmonary, cardiac, vascular, and neurological impairments. The health effects vary greatly from person to person. High-risk groups such as the elderly, infants, pregnant women, and sufferers from chronic heart and lung diseases are more susceptible to air pollution. Children are at greater risk because they are generally more active outdoors and their lungs are still developing. Exposure to air pollution can cause both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) health effects.
The health of our lungs and entire respiratory system is affected by the quality of the air we breathe. In addition to oxygen, this air contains other substances such as pollutants, which can be harmful. Exposure to chemicals by inhalation can negatively affect our lungs and other organs in the body. The respiratory system is particularly sensitive to air pollutants because much of it is made up of exposed membrane. Lungs are anatomically structured to bring large quantities of air (on average, 400 million litres in a lifetime) into intimate contact with the blood system, to facilitate the delivery of oxygen.
The inhalation of air pollutants eventually leads to their absorption into the bloodstream and transport to the heart. A wide spectrum of chemical and biological substances may interact directly with the cardiovascular system to cause structural changes, such as degenerative necrosis and inflammatory reactions. Some pollutants may also directly cause functional alterations that affect the rhythmicity and contractility of the heart. If severe enough, functional changes may lead to lethal arrhythmias without major evidence of structural damage to the myocardium.

Examples of short-term effects include irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, and upper respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Other symptoms can include headaches, nausea, and allergic reactions. Short-term air pollution can aggravate the medical conditions of individuals with asthma and emphysema. In the great "Smog Disaster" in London in 1952, four thousand people died in a few days due to the high concentrations of pollution.
The lungs are the organs responsible for absorbing oxygen from the air and removing carbon dioxide from the blood-stream. Damage to the lungs from air pollution can inhibit this process and contribute to the occurrence of respiratory diseases such as bronchitis, emphysema, and cancer. This can also put an additional burden on the heart and circulatory system.
Long-term health effects can include chronic respiratory disease, lung cancer, heart disease, and even damage to the brain, nerves, liver, or kidneys. Continual exposure to air pollution affects the lungs of growing children and may aggravate or complicate medical conditions in the elderly. It is estimated that half a million people die prematurely every year in the United States as a result of smoking cigarettes.
Although in humans pollutants can affect the skin, eyes and other body systems, they affect primarily the respiratory system. Air is breathed in through the nose, which acts as the primary filtering system of the body. The small hairs and the warm, humid conditions in the nose effectively remove the larger pollutant particles. The air then passes through the pharynx, esophagus, and larynx before reaching the top of the trachea. The trachea divides into two parts, the left and the right bronchi. Each bronchi subdivides into increasingly smaller compartments. The smallest compartments of the bronchi are called bronchioles, which contain millions of air sacs called alveoli. Together, the bronchioles and alveoli make up the lungs.
Both gaseous and particulate air pollutants can have negative effects on the lungs. Solid particles can settle on the walls of the trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles. Most of these particles are removed from the lungs through the cleansing (sweeping) action of "cilia", small hairlike outgrowths of cells, located on the walls of the lungs. This is what occurs when you cough or sneeze.
A cough or sneeze transports the particles to the mouth. The particles are removed subsequently from the body when they are swallowed or expelled. However, extremely small particles may reach the alveoli, where it takes weeks, months, or even years for the body to remove the particles. Gaseous air pollutants may also affect the function of the lungs by slowing the action of the cilia. Continuous breathing of polluted air can slow the normal cleansing action of the lungs and result in more particles reaching the lower portions of the lung.
Research into the health effects of air pollution is ongoing. Medical conditions arising from air pollution can be very expensive. Healthcare costs, lost productivity in the workplace, and human welfare impacts cost billions of dollars each year.
In addition to causing lung damage, air pollution is now also recognized as a threat to cardiovascular health. Reporting in the March 6, 2002 Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), researchers examined long-term health data on 500,000 individuals to compare increases in air pollution levels with incidence of death. They discovered that when air pollution levels suddenly increased, in addition to expected increases in deaths from asthma, pneumonia, and emphysema, there was an unexpected increase in the number of deaths related to heart attacks and stroke. Most surprising was the finding that when air pollution levels rose, so did deaths from all causes, not just those related to the heart and lungs (Fig. 1).
One possible explanation for the increase in cardiovascular-related deaths is that air pollution causes oxidative stress that, in turn, triggers an inflammatory response in the lungs that leads to the release of chemicals that impair heart function and blood pressure.
Many chemical substances may cause the formation of reactive oxygen. This oxidative metabolism is considered to be critical to the preservation of cardiovascular function. For example, oxygen free radicals oxidize low-density lipoproteins, and this reaction is thought to be involved in the formation of the atherosclerotic plaques. Oxidized low-density lipoproteins can injure blood vessel cells and increase adherence and the migration of inflammatory cells to the injured area. The production of oxygen free radicals in heart tissues have been associated with arrhythmias, and heart cell death.
When scientists working in the Netherlands exposed rats to high levels of particulate air pollution, following exposure, the researchers found that plasma levels of fibrinogen were elevated by 20 percent, which could presumably increase blood viscosity, leading to decreased tissue blood flow. They also measured a 400 percent jump in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and a 350 percent increase in nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in lung fluids. The researchers speculated that as particulates lodge in lung tissues they induce an increase in the production of nitric oxide (NO). Under normal conditions nitric oxide is an important neurotransmitter that aids numerous signaling pathways involved in motor learning, protein modification, arterial dilation and immune defense. But when conditions trigger the overproduction of NO as seen in the Netherlands study, the result is serious damage to the endothelial cells lining the blood vessels of the lungs.
Another mechanism implicated in air pollution-related heart failures involves bone marrow and atherosclerotic plaques. Researchers in Vancouver, British Columbia found that exposure to high levels of air pollution stimulates bone marrow to release leukocytes and platelets that accumulate preferentially in pulmonary capillaries. In addition to causing damage to lung tissues, the researchers also observed that inhalation of particulate pollution causes changes in atherosclerotic plaque lesions that make the deposits more vulnerable to rupture.
Indoor environment, city living, cars, exposure to electronic devices, harmful EMF’s (electromagnetic fields) and environmental pollution all result in increased positive ions in the body, Manipulating the ratio of ions towards the negative. is very wise.
When the air you breathe in is polluted, the oxygen that is sent throughout your body includes the toxins that polluted the air to begin with. When you breathe in polluted air, the toxins begin breaking down cellular structures in your lungs and throughout your respiratory system, resulting in chronic respiratory distress.
They postulated that exposure to particulate air pollution induces a systemic inflammatory response that includes the release of inflammatory mediators that stimulate bone marrow to release leukocytes and platelets, leading to lung inflammation and changes of atherosclerotic plaque, making them more vulnerable to rupture.


Table 1:  Sources, Health and Welfare Effects for Criteria Pollutants.
Pollutant Description Sources Health Effects Welfare Effects
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Colorless, odorless gas Motor vehicle exhaust, indoor sources include kerosene or wood burning stoves. Headaches, reduced mental alertness, heart attack, cardiovascular diseases, impaired fetal development, death. Contribute to the formation of smog.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Colorless gas that dissolves in water vapor to form acid, and interact with other gases and particles in the air. Coal-fired power plants, petroleum refineries, manufacture of sulfuric acid and smelting of ores containing sulfur. Eye irritation, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, lung damage. Contribute to the formation of acid rain, visibility impairment, plant and water damage, aesthetic damage.
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) Reddish brown, highly reactive gas. Motor vehicles, electric utilities, and other industrial, commercial, and residential sources that burn fuels. Susceptibility to respiratory infections, irritation of the lung and respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing). Contribute to the formation of smog, acid rain, water quality deterioration, global warming, and visibility impairment.
Ozone (O3) Gaseous pollutant when it is formed in the troposphere. Vehicle exhaust and certain other fumes.  Formed from other air pollutants in the presence of sunlight. Eye and throat irritation, coughing, respiratory tract problems, asthma, lung damage. Plant and ecosystem damage.
Lead (Pb) Metallic element Metal refineries, lead smelters, battery manufacturers, iron and steel producers. Anemia, high blood pressure, brain and kidney damage, neurological disorders, cancer, lowered IQ. Affects animals and plants, affects aquatic ecosystems.
Particulate Matter (PM) Very small particles of soot, dust, or other matter, including tiny droplets of liquids. Diesel engines, power plants, industries, windblown dust, wood stoves. Eye irritation, asthma, bronchitis, lung damage, cancer, heavy metal poisoning, cardiovascular effects. Visibility impairment, atmospheric deposition, aesthetic damage.
How Negative Ions Purify the Air ?
Most all particles in the air have a positive charge or are positively ionized, while negative ions have a negative charge. Negative ions are drawn to these positively charged particles by magnetic attraction to one another. When there is a high enough concentration of negative ions in the air, they will attract to floating particles in large numbers. This causes the particle to become too heavy to remain airborne. As a result, the particle will drop out of the air, keeping them out of the breathing zone and out of the respiratory system where it can trigger breathing and health problems.
And for a whopping one in three of us who are sensitive to their effects, negative ions can make us feel like we are walking on air. You are one of them if you feel instantly refreshed the moment you open a window and breathe in fresh, humid air.
"You may be one of them if you feel sleepy when you are around an air-conditioner, but feel immediately refreshed and invigorated when you step outside or roll down the car window," Howard tells WebMD. "Air conditioning depletes the atmosphere of negative ions, but an ion generator re-releases the ions that air conditioners remove." Source
Then the pollutant particles can be collected by normal cleaning activities, such as dusting or vacuuming. If the particle are forced back up into the air it will again be ionized and quickly settled out of the breathing zone once again.
Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine 1991 was awarded to Dr. Neher & Sakmann for their discoveries concerning the function of single ions channels in cells
In Brief: they discovered that all cells open and close their cell wall 'doors' with ions. And if they are not present, then the doors to nutrients and the doors to waste removal are closed. If there are not enough ions to go around, then some (or many) cells suffer. Think garbage strike: no trucks picking up trash, it sits in the streets and rots/smells. Source
In nature, negative ions are generated by processes such as sunlight, lightening, waves from the ocean, and from waterfalls. “Concrete Jungles” minimize the natural production of negative ions by disrupting the delicate electrical balance between the atmosphere and the earth. Most ionizers recreates them with electrodes to electrically produce negative ions. This method produces a density that is many times higher than the negative ion level found at Niagara Falls, the highest natural producer of negative ions and one of the healthiest environments in the world.
PURIFICATION OF THE BLOOD Through research done by Dr. Tanaka in Japan, it was discovered that when negative Ionization is introduced, the Ions in calcium and natrium (salt) in the blood increases, and the blood is purified by increasing blood alkaline
NEGATIVE IONS AND SLEEP Drs. M. Terman and J.S. Terman at Columbia University studied the effect of negative ions on seasonal affective disorder (SAD). They concluded that negative ions promote alpha brain waves and increase brain wave amplitude, which translates to a higher awareness level. Negative ion induced alpha brain waves were found to spread evenly across the right and left brain hemispheres. All of this creates an overall calming effect and will help us enter sleep rapidally sp and reach the REM (rapid eye movement) state more quickly.
REVIVING THE CELL When the amount of negative Ions in the blood is increased, the function of a cell is activated. The electrical material exchange speeds up the cell function and as a result, nutrition is fully absorbed by the cell and waste material is eliminated. Metabolism is increased and the function of the cell is gradually revived.
NEGATIVE IONS AND DEPRESSION Columbia University studies of people with winter and chronic depression show that negative ion generators relieve depression as much as antidepressants. "The best part is that there are relatively no side effects, but we still need to figure out appropriate doses and which people it works best on," he says.
INCREASING IMMUNITY As the amount of negative Ions increase, the gamma globulin in the blood increases, resulting in blood rich in protein and antibodies.
4. ENHANCING THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM Dr. Tanaka found that negative ions control the balance in the autonomic nervous system between the insulin and adrenal functions. This provides strong resistance to diseases
Vitamins of the Air?
Generally speaking, negative ions increase the flow of oxygen to the brain; resulting in higher alertness, decreased drowsiness, and more mental energy," says Pierce J. Howard, PhD, author of The Owners Manual for the Brain: Everyday Applications from Mind Brain Research and director of research at the Center for Applied Cognitive Sciences in Charlotte, N.C.
Negative Ion Air Purifiers...These devices work by generating a flow of negative ions that charge and bind together airborne particulate matter, which then clumps and precipitates out of the air. Ion generating devices have been shown to be effective against dust, cigarette smoke, pet dander, pollen, mold spores, viruses, and bacteria. In addition to eliminating harmful particulates from the air, negative ions also have a number of unique health benefits.
Re-Oxygenate your system 

Re-Oxygenate your system every Night
Home Ioniser With UV Lamp the 3n1 air purifier keeps your home bacteria free, and also it comes with a charcoal filter to remove odors.
The 3n1 air purifier is your best choice for creating a cleaner, healthier, more comfortable environment inside your home or office
Key Features
Efficient eliminate airborne contaminates such as dust, pollen, mold, smoke, pet dander, and bacteria, germs, allergens.
High electrostatic plate traps the dust, pollen, smoke etc.as small as 1 micron circulated in the air.
UV lamp destroys micro-organisms such as germs, viruses and bacteria, and helps create a healthier environment.
Easy maintenance:just wipe the dirt down from the collector rod (never has to be replaced) with a cleaning cloth.
Wisper quiet operation.
Runs 7-24 cleaning.
Ultra-low energy use: low mode 7.5W / high mode 12W.
Nice blue night chip. can be turned On or Off
Technical specifications
Rated Voltage: Input 120V-240V AC(adapter).
Ion output: 3 million ions/cm3.
Ozone output: less than 0.05ppm, 15mg/hour.
Product Dimension: 17"x6.7"x5.5".
low mode 6500V / high mode 7500V
Model Number: AP-77A
Color: Black
Regularl Price: $US207.00

NZ$ 193.35

(approx USA$ 159.95)
 
 
AP202 Ionic air purifier 1.Use advanced ionic air movement technology
2.Soundless design, no motor
3.Cordless electric plug, convenient to use.
4.Save energy only 2.5W
5.Ionic dust collector, easy to clean
Power Consumption: 2.5W
Active Oxygen Output: =0.04ppm Ion Output: =1 x 103/cm3
Dimensions(mm): 175 x 78 x 68
Weight: 200g
Applicable Area: 10 m2
Europe AC220-240V/50Hz
USA/Japan AC 100-120V/50-60Hz
NZ$ 47.19

(approx USA$ 39.04)
 
 
AP210 Ionic air purifier 1.Built-in cordless plug, easy to use
2.Machine closely fit to the wall, take no space
3.Dust collectors effectively capture harmful particles
4.UV light, active oxygen sterilized and freshen air
5.Internal fan rapidly circulate and purify air
6.Transparent front cover provides light in the night
Power Consumption: 8W
Active Oxygen Output: =0.05ppm Ion Output: =1x104/cm3
Dimensions(mm): 90 x 94 x 210
Weight: 350g
Applicable Area: 15 m2
NZ$ 64.62

(approx USA$ 53.46)
     
Are you Getting Enough Oxygen ? Oxygen is one of the most important keys to good health, but not everyone is aware of it. Currently scientists are examining the role oxygen starvation plays in the development of disease.

CE Approved Black only
Accurate oxygen saturation and pulse rate data in seconds
Easy to use; automatically turns on/off with finger insertion/removal Compact size fits easily into a pocket
     
Wearable Ionizer Personal Air Supply is a tiny, battery-operated air purifier that you wear around your neck or in your shirt pocket. Contaminated air is drawn into the unit where potentially harmful materials are eliminated. Through the use of Piezoelectric Transformer Technology, Air Supply projects a powerful stream of ions internally to eliminate odors and germs from the air that passes through it.

Calorie Burning Running Plan

Heal Almost-Anything Herbal Balm Recipe

Make Your Own Garden-Grown Heal-Almost-Anything Herbal Bomb BalmPDF Print E-mail
Written by Jill Ettinger   
Balm
Warmer weather means spending more time outdoors soaking in nature's majestic beauty and charm right along with its annoying reminders of who's really in charge via those inevitable cuts and scrapes, bug bites and sunburns that get you no matter how much you protect yourself. Sure, you could lather up with store-bought skincare products loaded with toxic preservatives and chemicals... or you could make your own all-natural easy-peasy cure-all in just 4 steps for a fraction of the cost and none of the risk.
It's pretty simple: Herbs heal. Chemicals do not. And, for many of us, some may even be growing right outside in the garden like echinacea, calendula, comfry, yarrow, rosemary, lavender, plantain, angelica and roses, which all have soothing and healing properties.

What You'll Need

2 cups olive, sesame (untoasted), or almond oil
1/4 cup beeswax (or candelilla wax for vegan salves)
1-2 tablespoons of dried herbs (use 2 tablespoons if you're using fewer herbs, 1 tablespoon if including more than 3). To dry herbs, bunch together and hang upside down until dry (usually several days to 1 week).
1/2 teaspoon of essential oils: lavender, grapefruit, lemon, peppermint or a combination (acts as a preservative and fragrance)

How You Make It

In a double boiler, combine the herbs and oil and heat on very low temperature for three hours. (The oil should be infused with the herbs and very green in color.) Let cool for 10-15 minutes or so.
Strain out the herbs through a cheesecloth or very fine sieve, pressing gently to make sure you remove all the infused oil. Return oil to double boiler and add wax, heating gently until the wax melts.
Add essential oils and mix well with a non-reactive spoon (wood or rubber works well).
Pour mixture into small tins, empty lip balm tubes or glass jars. Let cool before covering.
Use sparingly as needed on cuts, scrapes, bites, stings, rashes, burns and wounds. Share!
Keep in touch with Jill on Twitter @jillettinger
Image: stevendepol

Pumpkin Tacos

What's That in Your Tortilla? A Seasonal Pumpkin Taco Recipe, Of CoursePDF Print E-mail
Written by Shilo Urban   
Pumpkin tacos
Do you think pumpkin is relegated only to the sweet realm of pies and cookies? Think again! This bright orange member of the squash family can be used in a surprising range of savory dishes, including a spicy meal, like this pumpkin taco recipe.
Full of vitamins A and C, pumpkins are also packed with fiber, potassium and manganese. The pumpkin's pretty orange color is due to the high levels of carotenoids, which help to prevent premature aging, infections and cardiovascular disease. A vegetable that is native to the Americas, pumpkin is a diverse ingredient that lends a nutty taste and pleasing texture to a number of delicious dishes, including tacos!
Ideal for a Dia de los Muertos party or Halloween get-together, this fall harvest recipe celebrates the best of American and Mexican cuisine. Use fresh pumpkin meat from small round pumpkins (sometimes called “sugar pumpkins”) for best results, and remember to buy organic ingredients whenever possible.

Serves: 6 (yields 12 tacos)
Ingredients
2 cups cubed fresh pumpkin
2 T vegetable oil
½ cup chicken or vegetable stock
1 T cumin
1 t chili powder
1 t garlic powder
1 t black pepper
1 t sea salt
12 corn tortillas
1 T vegetable oil (for cooking the tortillas)
1 ½ cups diced tomato
1 cup chopped white onion
1 diced ripe avocado
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Fresh lime slices for garnish
Method
1. Heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed pumpkin and cook for 2-3 minutes.
2. Gently stir in the chicken or vegetable stock, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, black pepper and sea salt.
3. Continue cooking the pumpkin for 6-7 minutes, or until the cubes can be pierced easily by a fork.
4. While your pumpkin is cooking, in a separate saucepan heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil on medium-high heat. Using a pair of tongs, quickly cook each corn tortilla about ten seconds on each side. Drain each tortilla between two pieces of paper towel or cloth napkins. For a healthier version of this recipe, you can skip the oil and just heat the tortillas plain.
5. Top each taco with a generous sprinkling of fresh chopped tomatoes, onion and cilantro. Garnish with a slice of lime and enjoy with a fresh margarita!
Alternatives:
- Make pumpkin burritos instead by using flour tortillas (these don’t need to be cooked in oil) and adding a layer of black beans and brown rice.
- For a quicker (although less healthy) recipe, go for crispy tacos. Just pop store-bought taco shells in a 350-degree oven for 5 minutes, and fill with your pumpkin mix.
- Turn up the heat by adding two chopped, seeded jalapenos to your pumpkin mix while cooking.
- Add a topping of fresh Cotija cheese or queso fresco for extra protein and flavor.
- Serve with homemade guacamole and salsa for a fabulous Mexican meal!
- Get pumpkin crazy and add a few roasted pumpkin seeds to the top of each taco.
Image: SweetOnVeg

Another No Grain No Sugar Banana Bread

 
No Sugar, No Grains, Easy and Amazing Banana Bread
 Makes 1 loaf
Ingredients:
4 very ripe bananas, mashed
½ cup coconut oil or grass-fed butter, melted
4 free-range eggs
1tsp vanilla
1 ½ tsp cinnamon
½ cup organic coconut flour (do not substitute another flour – it will not work)
1 heaping tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
optional add-ins: 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips, walnuts, pecans, slivered almonds, raisins, etc.
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Throw everything together in a medium bowl and mix until combined. Pour into a lightly greased (use coconut oil or butter for greasing) bread pan and bake for about 45 minutes or until center is set and top is golden. Enjoy!
 *Your bananas should be extremely brown, almost to the point when you would throw them away or freeze them. If they are not overly ripe, your bread will not be as sweet and probably not taste as good. If you are using non-ripe bananas, you should add about a 1/3 cup of maple syrup to the batte

Juicing:Super-Seed Chia Fresca Recipe

A Super-Simple, Super-Seed Chia Fresca RecipePDF Print E-mail
Written by Jill Ettinger   
Chia fresca

Chia seeds contain twice as much protein as any other seed or grain, twice as much potassium as bananas, three times more antioxidants than blueberries, five times more calcium than milk, and are one of the richest sources of vital omega-fatty acids.
These incredibly healthy seeds have become incredibly popular in recent years in the U.S., but chia actually has a long history of use in South American countries for its many nutritional benefits. It is both energizing and hydrating—capable of absorbing twelve times its weight in liquid—making it the perfect warm weather beverage. There is a slight slime factor in drinking, but not as much as flax seeds, and you'll be plenty surprised at just how quickly you get used to drinking a seed suspended in liquid.
This recipe is a traditional Mexican Chia Fresca, but you can add virtually any fruit juices you like. Another popular method selling in stores now is chia in kombucha—the probiotic rich fermented drink—which if you home-brew could be fun to experiment with. I also highly recommend pureeing pure fruit (berries are the best) and adding into your drink for an even juicier, yummier treat. Enjoy!

Mexican Chia Fresca

Makes one serving

Ingredients
Juice of 2 ripe limes
1 teaspoon coconut or raw turbinado sugar (or sugar alternative of your choice, or none at all)
16 ounces fresh spring water
1 tablespoon whole chia seeds
several sprigs fresh mint and 1 lime wedged for garnish
Method
Dissolve sugar into lime juice and water. Add chia seeds and stir well every few minutes. Let soak in total about 20 minutes until chia seeds swell. Keep stirring to avoid clumps. Serve chilled or over ice and garnish with lime and mint.
Keep in touch with Jill on Twitter @jillettinger
Image: Julie Morris

Anti-Aging Supplements by Life Extension


Anti-Aging Supplements
Buy Anti Aging Supplements

Related Articles
Anti-Aging Health Concerns
Caloric Restriction
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Prevention Protocols
Anti-Aging Articles At Life Extension magazine
Antioxidants
Do Your Antioxidants Suppress Enough Free Radicals?
The Calorie Restriction Society Research Project
Congress Seeks to Ban DHEA
Anti-Aging Life Extension News
How congress is being misled to think that DHEA is an "anabolic steroid"
Long-term aspirin users have a lower risk of colorectal cancer
Scientists discover how fish oil helps protect the brain from Alzheimer's disease
DHEA improves women's in-vitro fertilization chances
Hormones: DHEA | Testosterone | Estrogen And Progesterone | Melatonin | Pregnenolone
B complex vitamins: Folic Acid, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12
Anti-Aging Supplements: CoQ10 | Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate | Aspirin | Carnosine | Green Tea Extract | Fish Oil | L-Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine | Nexrutine® and 5-Loxin® | Calorie Restriction
Of the various approaches to slow down the aging process, calorie restriction is considered the gold standard. As the Life Extension Foundation surpasses its twenty-fifth year, the scientific community, the government, and even the news media are slowly recognizing that our concept of extending life is in fact technically feasible. This change in perception represents an enormous transformation in how humans view their role in the universe. Although none of the therapies in this section have been proven to slow aging, there is suggestive scientific evidence that they significantly suppress damaging free radical and inflammatory reactions that are linked to underlying aging processes.

Hormones

DHEA

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is an adrenal hormone that is the precursor for steroid hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. DHEA declines precipitously with advancing age in both men and women. In 1981, the Life Extension Foundation introduced DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) to its members through an article that described the multiple benefits that this hormone might produce. However, the general public did not learn about DHEA supplements until 1996, when the benefits of DHEA were touted by the news media and in several popular books. DHEA became credible to the medical establishment when the New York Academy of Sciences published a book entitled DHEA and Aging. This book provided scientific validation for the many life extending effects of DHEA.

Testosterone

The hormonal stimulus for sex drive in both men and women is testosterone, which declines with advancing age in both sexes. Testosterone also plays an important role in maintaining muscle mass and strength and bone density. The hormone is often administered to aging men and women as a topical cream, but oral testosterone supplements and injectable forms are also available.

Estrogen and Progesterone

The "female" steroid hormones estrogen and progesterone play important roles in maintaining bone density and strength, sexual function, mental function and, in women, in countering the effects of the menopause. Recent studies indicate that estrogen may be an effective treatment for age-associated memory problems.* Both estrogen and progesterone are available in a variety of forms -- natural or synthetic, oral or topical. There is considerable interest in the use of plant-derived phytoestrogens, which have weak (but safe) estrogenic activity as a possible replacement for drug forms of estrogen. One product, Natural Estrogen, has been specially designed for this purpose.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland, which is located beneath the brain. Melatonin is a highly potent antioxidant, which has been described as the pacemaker of the aging clock in humans. It is released every night as part of our time-dependent biorhythms to help induce sleep and recuperation from fatigue. Published studies indicate the importance of maintaining youthful levels of melatonin to help protect against age-related degenerative diseases.

Pregnenolone

Pregnenolone is known as the "mother hormone" because it is the precursor of a number of hormones including DHEA, testosterone and estrogen. Studies have demonstrated that the neurosteroid Pregnenolone has a stimulatory effect on memory.

B Complex Vitamins

Folic Acid, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12

Cardiovascular disease, the number-one killer of men and women, claims the lives of almost 40% of the more than 2.4 million Americans who die each year. Today, about 64 million Americans have some form of cardiovascular disease. Homocysteine a nonessential, sulfur-containing amino acid, is an independent marker of risk for the development of cardiovascular disease. Back in 1981, we first recommended that members reduce homocysteine levels by taking folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. Some researchers consider homocysteine as important a cardiovascular risk factor as low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Homocysteine can make blood clot more easily than normal, increasing the risk of both heart attack and death by heart attack. Inadequate levels of folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 can lead to increased homocysteine levels.

Anti-Aging Supplements

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential component of healthy mitochondrial function. It is incorporated into cells’ mitochondria throughout the body where it facilitates and regulates the oxidation of fats and sugars into energy. Aging humans have been found to have over 50% less CoQ10 on average compared to that of young adults. This finding makes CoQ10 one of the most important nutrients for people over 30 to supplement with. About 95% of cellular energy is produced in the mitochondria. The mitochondria are the cells “energy powerhouses” and many maladies have been referred to as “mitochondrial disorders.” A growing body of scientific research links a deficiency of CoQ10 to age-related mitochondrial disorders.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate

The amino acid acetyl-L-carnitine boosts mitochondrial energy production through its ability to facilitate fatty acid transport and oxidation in the cell. Since 1995, Life Extension members have been supplementing with acetyl-L-carnitine and deriving the many benefits this form of carnitine has shown in published studies. With the discovery of acetyl-L-carnitine arginate the benefits of acetyl-L-carnitine can now be greatly augmented. Acetyl-L-Carnitine Arginate is a patented form of carnitine that stimulates the growth of neurites in the brain. Studies show that acetyl-l-carnitine-arginate stimulates the growth of new neurites by an astounding 19.5% (as much as Nerve Growth Factor itself). Acetyl-l-carnitine-arginate acts together with acetyl-l-carnitine to increase neurite outgrowth.

Aspirin

The most common cause of disability and death in the United States is an abnormal clot that develops inside an artery to cause a heart attack (blocked blood vessel in the heart), or a stroke (blocked blood vessel in the brain). Aspirin has an immediate and lasting effect on blood platelets, making them less likely to clump together and making blood flow smoothly.

Carnosine

Carnosine is a multifunctional dipeptide made up of a chemical combination of the amino acids beta-alanine and L-histidine. It is found both in food and in the human body. Long-lived cells such as nerve cells (neurons) and muscle cells (myocytes) contain high levels of carnosine. Muscle levels of carnosine correlate with the maximum life spans of animals. Carnosine levels decline with age. Muscle levels decline 63% from age 10 to age 70, which may account for the normal age-related decline in muscle mass and function. Since carnosine acts as a pH buffer, it can keep on protecting muscle cell membranes from oxidation under the acidic conditions of muscular exertion. Carnosine enables the heart muscle to contract more efficiently through enhancement of calcium response in heart myocytes. Aging causes irreversible damage to the body’s proteins. The underlying mechanism behind this damage is glycation. A simple definition of glycation is the cross-linking of proteins and sugars to form non-functioning structures in the body. The process of glycation can be superficially seen as unsightly wrinkled skin. Glycation is also an underlying cause of age-related catastrophes including the neurologic, vascular, and eye disorders. Carnosine is a unique dipeptide that interferes with the glycation process.

Fish Oil

Studies on omega-3 fatty acids are so impressive that an agency of the National Institutes of Health published a report stating that fish oil can help reduce deaths from heart disease. The FDA itself states supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may actually reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. There are several mechanisms attributed to fish oil’s beneficial effects. The latest government report cites the triglyceride-lowering effects of fish oil on reducing heart and blood vessel disorders. Another beneficial mechanism of fish oil is to protect healthy blood flow in arteries.

Green Tea Extract

What makes green tea extract such an important nutrient are the large volumes of published scientific findings that validate its multiple biological benefits. The most significant findings involve studies showing that green tea extract helps maintain cellular DNA and membrane structural integrity. Decades of research shows that green tea inhibits the development of undesirable cell colonies. The active constituents in green tea are powerful antioxidants called polyphenols (catechins) and flavonols. Several catechins are present in green tea and account for the bulk of favorable research reports. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most powerful of these catechins. EGCG functions as an antioxidant that is about 25-100 times more potent than vitamins C and E. One cup of green tea may provide 10-40 mg of polyphenols and has antioxidant effects that are greater than a serving of broccoli, spinach, carrots, or strawberries. Theoretically, the high antioxidant activity of green tea makes it beneficial for protecting the body from oxidative damage due to free radicals.

Lipoic Acid

Lipoic Acid is a highly potent antioxidant that counteracts reactive free radicals in the mitochondria, the power plants of cells where energy for all cellular activities is generated. Some scientists believe that mitochondrial free radicals play an important role in human aging, and have theorized that extra amounts of free-radical inhibiting compounds such as lipoic acid may be able to help slow aging. Lipoic acid is also effective in recycling other antioxidants such as Vitamin E back into their original form after they detoxify free radicals. There also is evidence that lipoic acid can reduce glycation damage due to excess glucose in the blood, which may be involved in aging. Lipoic acid consists of two different forms (isomers) that have vastly different properties. The “R” form is the biologically active component (native to the body) that is responsible for lipoic acid’s phenomenal antioxidant effect. The “S” form is produced from chemical manufacture and is not very biologically active.

L-Alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine (GPC)

L-alpha glycerylphosphoryl-choline (GPC), a byproduct of phosphatidylcholine, and helps to boost acetylcholine. It aids in the synthesis of several brain phospholipids, which increases the availability of acetylcholine in various brain tissues. The GPC form of choline has been shown in studies to help protect against cognitive decline normally seen in aging.

Nexrutine® and 5-Loxin®

Nexrutine® and 5-Loxin® are natural plant-based substances which can help inhibit the destructive actions of inflammation-inducing enzymes COX-2 and 5-LOX. Research indicates that these two substances are best taken together for maximum effectiveness.

Calorie Restriction

Since the 1930s it has been known that a diet restricted in calories, but otherwise rich in nutrients, dramatically extends the life span of experimental animals. Over two thousand studies have confirmed the effectiveness of calorie restriction (or "undernutrition without malnutrition, " as Roy Walford calls it) in a wide variety of species. While the effectiveness of this antiaging regimen is likely far greater than others currently available, the difficulty of the regimen for most people is also far greater. Serious life-extensionists should nevertheless consider trying at least a mild version of the diet.
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