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Anti-Aging Therapies
Table of Contents
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.
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.
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.
Pregnenolone
Pregnenolone is known as the "mother hormone" because it is the precursor of a number of of hormones including DHEA, testosterone and estrogen. Studies have demonstrated that the neurosteroid Pregnenolone has a stimulatory effect on memory.
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 also is available in oral and injectable forms.
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.
Calorie Restriction
Since the 1930's 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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