HORMONAL CHANGES AS WE AGE

Our overall health as we age is not a reflection of one process but a combination of several, which take place simultaneously.

As we age the production of hormones change, which have a great impact on our health and in the development of diseases.

Insulin: This is the fat storing hormone, and increases in production as we age. This contributes to increased cholesterol and causes the arteries to thicken and constrict, and stimulates the kidneys to hold onto more water. These increase our blood pressure and the risk of heart disease. If left uncontrolled, insulin increases to an uncontrollable point, and can cause diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and heart disease.

To decrease the production of insulin in the body and therefore decrease the storage of food as fat, production of LDL, the bad cholesterol and dramatically drop blood pressure and diabetic risks, all you have to do is follow a few dietary considerations:

• Eat protein at each meal
• Balance the grains and starches at each meal with protein
• Consume extra vegetables and salads
• Drop caloric intake by approximately 20%
• Increase water

Cortisol: This is the stress hormone, produced in the adrenal glands. It is secreted each time the body is stressed, physically or emotionally. As we age the body NATURALLY increases the production of this hormone. Physiologically, Cortisol constricts the blood vessels around the heart, increasing chest pain and heart disease. It also increases the production of insulin, leading once again to hypercholesterolemia, obesity and diabetes.

To decrease the production of Cortisol, our stress hormone, we need to employ relaxation techniques such as massage, deep breathing, yoga and meditation. All of these have been clinically proven to drop Cortisol levels. In addition, certain natural supplementation such as Kava Kava, Scull cap, 5-HTP, vitamin B6 and B12 and Passion flower. All of these supplements either directly or indirectly inhibit the adrenal glands from producing Cortisol in high quantities, or increase the production of serotonin, our happy hormone which will then inhibit Cortisol production.

Growth Hormone: This is the body's major anti-aging hormone. It plays a role in the regulation of sleep, libido, weight, energy, cholesterol, hair growth and much more. The production of this hormone decreases as we age, leading to many of the symptoms associated with aging.

To increase the production of growth hormone specific amino acid supplementation is required in an oral or intra-venous form. This hormone, can have potentially dangerous side effects. Before beginning any treatment to enhance the production of growth hormone, you should always have this monitored by a health care practitioner.

Free Radicals: Are active molecules that enter the body through the air we breathe, our food, x-rays, and other environmental processes. Our body also creates them through the production of energy from food, and to kill bacteria and viruses, as well as other important metabolic functions. Free radicals bind to the DNA of every cell they contact. One of two things occur, the DNA is destroyed by the free radical. The cell dies and the body ages more rapidly. If we're not lucky, the free radical mutates the DNA and when the cell replicates, it becomes carcinogenic.

Anti oxidants are used to decrease free radical load. These include Vitamin A, C, E, Selenium, glutathione, grape seed extract and lipoic acid. To decrease wear and tear on the body, supplements that enhance the production of elastin and collagen in all tissues can be used. These include glucosamine sulphate, chondroitin sulphate, MSM, and Hyalluronic acid.

To increase the strength of the immune system long term supplements that increase the production of tumor necrosis factor, innumoglobulins, T-helper cells and anti-viral activity can be taken. These include supplements such as plant sterinols, olive extract, zinc, denatured whey, Astragalus and chaparell.