"Staying young,energetic,and sexy"

Anti-aging and natural beauty preparations : Vitamins

Retarding the Aging Process

Aging is caused by the degeneration of cells. Our bodies are made up of millions of these cells, each with a life of somewhere around two years or less. But before a cell dies, it reproduces itself. Why, then, you might wonder, shouldn't we look the same now as we did ten years ago? The reason for this is that with each successive reproduction, the cell goes through some alteration—basically,deterioration. So as our cells change, deteriorate, we grow old.

The good news is that deteriorating cells can be rejuvenated if provided with substances that directly nourish them—substances such as nucleic acids. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) are our nucleicacids. DNA is essentially a chemical boiler-plate for new cells. It sends out RNA molecules like a team of well-trained workers to form them. When DNA stops giving the orders to RNA, new cell construction ceases—as does life.

But by helping the body stay well supplied with nucleic acids, you can look and feel 6–12 years younger than you actually are. We need 1–11⁄2 g. of nucleic acid daily. Though the body can produce its own nucleic acids, they are broken down too quickly into less useful compounds and need to be supplied from external sources if the aging process is to be retarded.

Foods rich in nucleic acids are wheat germ, bran, spinach, asparagus,mushrooms, fish (especially sardines, salmon, and anchovies), chicken liver, oatmeal, onions, and certain types of nutritional yeast which clearly say on the label “rich in RNA and DNA.” Soon after I started eating a diet high in nucleic acids and taking RNA/DNA supplements many years ago, I noticed a dramatic difference in how I looked and felt. I had more energy and my skin looked healthier and more youthful. Many clients and friends experienced similar results. Though a high-nucleic acid diet and RNA-DNA supplementation might not reverse the aging process, I believe it can slow it down.

CAUTION: 

Gout and certain forms of arthritis may be aggravated by a diet rich in nucleic acids. If you have these conditions, check with your physician before eating these foods or taking any supplements.

OTHER ANTIAGING SUPPLEMENTS

SOD (superoxide dismutase) is one of the most popular arrivals in the battle to combat aging.This enzyme fortifies the body against the ravages of free radicals, destructive molecules which speed the aging process by destroying healthy cells as well as attacking collagen (“cement” that holds cells together).

As we age, our bodies produce less SOD, so supplementation—along with a natural diet that restricts free radical formation—can help increase our energetic and productive years. It’s important to note, though, that SOD can become inactive very quickly if essential minerals, such as zinc, copper, and manganese, are not supplied.

Grape seed Extract is also being touted as a potent free-radical fighter and antiaging supplement. It contains pro-anthocyanidins, bioflavonoids which greatly enhance the activity of vitamin C. By helping vitamin C enter cells, grape seed extract aids in strengthening the cell membranes and protecting the cells from oxidative damage. It can improve circulation, strengthen capillaries,and help protect collagen fibers—necessary for the growth and repair of cells—from damage caused over the years by free radicals.

(Proanthocyanidins are also in grape skins, bilberry, cranberry, blackcurrant,and green and black tea.)

As an antiaging supplement, 

I suggest taking 1–2 grapeseed extract capsules (30–100 mg.) daily. Coenzyme-Q1O, a substance that can be synthesized by the body (although it is also obtained from food) is used by our cells during the process of respiration,and deficiencies are common in the course of normal aging. In fact, studies have shown that reduced levels of coenzyme-Q10, which shares many of vitamin E’s antioxidant properties, may directly contribute to aging and that increasing levels can retard the process as well as:

• reduce the risk of heart attack (aid respiration of the heart muscle; help provide a protective effect against viral-caused heart inflammations; help prevent cardiac arrhythmias; minimize myocardial injury caused by heart bypass surgery; reduce frequency of angina attacks).

• stimulate the immune system.

• aid in the treatment of periodontal disease.

• help lower blood pressure.

• aid in the prevention of toxicity from drugs used to treat many diseases associated with aging.

As a supplement, 

I recommend one 30 mg. capsule twice daily with food. DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a natural hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands and the most abundant steroid hormone in the body, decreases as we age. (Steroids are a class of compounds that help balance emotions and increase the body’s ability to handle stress, among other functions.) About the age of forty-five, we produce only half of the DHEA we produced at age twenty. By age seventy production falls to almost nothing. Leading researchers link the decline in hormones such as DHEA with the physical and mental decline of normal aging. Boosting DHEA back to youthful levels may prevent and even reverse many age related problems. Older people given DHEA have an increased sense of well-being, more energy, an increase in lean body mass, and produce more sex hormone. DHEA has been found to strengthen the immune system; slow down the production of fats that contribute to obesity; offer postmenopausal women protection against heart disease; reduce fatigue; increase cognitive function; and enhance mood and stress responses.

New research

New research indicates that DHEA may be a promising treatment for osteoporosis and depression, as well as in reducing the symptoms of lupus, an autoimmune disorder for which, at this time, there is no cure. (Anyone with lupus should certainly talk to his or her physician about trying DHEA.)

If you are over forty, have your DHEA level checked by a physician. The usual dose is one 25 mg. tablet daily for women over age forty; one 50 mg. tablet for men over forty. As a supplement, look for “pharmaceutical grade” on the DHEA label—it ensures as pure a product as possible.

CAUTION: DHEA is a hormone and can theoretically stimulate the growth of hormone-dependent cancers. If you have a history of prostate or breast cancer, I advise that you not use DHEA. Pregnenolone, produced in the brain and adrenal cortex from cholesterol, functions as a parent hormone, converting into DHEA, estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, and other hormones.

Touted as a general antiaging supplement for men and women, pregnenolone levels peak in our thirties and then decline. Recent studies suggest that supplements may improve concentration and memory, act as an antidepressant, reduce stress, and help relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.The usual supplement dose is 5–10 mg. daily.

CAUTION: 

Pregnenolone can elevate levels of sex hormones and interact adversely with other medications. It should not be taken by pregnant women. Before taking this hormone, I recommend that you consult with a knowledgeable physician. Basic Keep Yourself Young Program Along with proper diet, a good supplement regimen is important to the success of looking, feeling, and keeping yourself young. MVP If you are over forty years of age, add:

Vitamin E, 400 IU A.M. and P.M. Vitamin C, 500 mg. with bioflavonoids A.M. and P.M. Coenzyme-Q10 complex, 1 daily RNA-DNA, 100 mg. tablets, 1 daily SOD, 125 mcg. daily Ginkgo biloba, 60 mg. 1–3 standardized capsules daily Cayenne pepper, 500 mg. 1–3 capsules daily

For women: Soy isolate complex with 1,000 mg. calcium and 500 mg. magnesium, 1 daily

For men: Soy isolate complex with 500 mg. calcium and 150 mg. magnesium,1 daily St. John’s wort polyphenol complex, 1 daily as needed.

 High-Pep Energy Regimen

Whether you want to feel good, or just look good, exercise, diet, and the right supplements are the tickets to high energy. If you’re not into jogging, can’t afford the sneakers, don’t play tennis, find yourself reluctant to swim in twenty-below weather, and hate calisthenics, I have the perfect exercise for you—jumping rope. A jump rope is inexpensive, convenient (you can take it everywhere), and lots of fun to use. And it works! In terms of calories burned, jumping rope can outdo bicycling, tennis, and swimming. An average person of about 150 pounds uses up 720 calories an hour jumping rope (120–140 turns per minute). When you realize that an hour of tennis uses up only 420 calories, you have a better idea of just how good jumping rope can be for you. For keeping energy high, remember to eat a combination of 2 protein foods (or a protein drink) at each meal; drink at least 6 glasses of water daily (a half hour before or after meals); avoid refined sugar, flour, tobacco, alcohol, tea, coffee, soft drinks, processed and fried foods.

A good pep-up protein drink:

1 tbsp. soy-food powder

1 tbsp. lecithin granules

1 tbsp. whey

2 tbsp. acidophilus (non-dairy) liquid

Blend with low- or nonfat soy milk, water, or juice, with 3–4 ice cubes, for 1 minute. (Add fresh or frozen fruit if desired. A peeled frozen banana tastes great!)

High-Pep Supplements

With breakfast: MVP,Vitamin E (dry form), 400 IU.Coenzyme-Q10 complex.

Women: Soy isolate complex with 1,000 mg. calcium and 500 mg. magnesium.

Men: Soy isolate complex with 500 mg. calcium and 250 mg. magnesium.

With dinner: MVP,Coenzyme-Q10 complex.

Men (over 45): Saw palmetto, pygeum, zinc, pumpkin seed oil complex, 2 with meals.

Vitamins and Sex

The important thing to remember is that if you’re not feeling up to par, your sex drive is going to suffer along with the rest of you. There have been many claims for vitamin E in relation to sex. Studies have indeed shown that it increases the fertility in males and females and helps restore male potency. That it strongly influences the sex drive in men and women has yet to be proven, though I have met many vitamin E takers who are happily convinced that it does. Another noteworthy sex nutrient is zinc. The largest percentage of zinc in a man’s body is found in the prostate, and a lack of the mineral can produce testicular atrophy and prostate trouble. Remember, vitamins that keep up your energy levels will also do a lot for your sexual performance. 

Foods, Herbs, and Super New Supplements for Enhancing Sex

If you want to boost your libido or just add spice to your nightly love life, incorporate some of the following into your daily diet:

Asparagus Ginseng

Avena sativa Kava kava

Avocados Oysters

Barley Pine nuts

Brewer’s yeast Quince

Cardamom Sarsaparilla

Carrots Shiitake mushrooms

Cinnamon Soy foods

Coriander Wheat germ

Fertilized chicken eggs Whole grains

Ginkgo biloba Yohimbe

Supplement Regimen

MVP

Vitamin E (dry form), 400 IU, 1–3 times daily

Zinc, 15–50 mg. (chelated) daily

Ginkgo biloba complex, 60 mg. twice daily

Women over 40: DHEA 25 mg. daily

Men over 50: DHEA 50 mg. daily

Men: Arginine, 3–6 g. 45 minutes before sex

to be continued ...Dr.Tamer