Aging

Supplementing With Omega-3 Protects Against Stress, May Help Slow Aging

Omega-3 fatty acids play a variety of roles in the body, contributing to both physical health and mental wellness. A new body of research is proving that supplementing with omega-3 protects against stress, helping to slow the aging process of the body as a result. Here is everything that you need to know about this class of fatty acids, including how you can boost your intake of this nutrient for better health.

What are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

You do not have to be a health nut to know that omega-3 fatty acids are one of the most important nutrients that you can give your body. But what exactly are these fatty acids and how do they benefit your body?

There are three types of omega-3 fatty acids. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is primarily found in plant oils such as canola oil and soybean oil. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are generally found naturally in fish and other types of seafood. As an essential fatty acid, your body does not make ALA, meaning that you must be diligent about getting it from food and beverage sources or through the use of targeted supplements.

Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

There is no shortage of benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients can have a profound impact on the proper function of many parts of your body and brain. Sufficient intake of omega-3 is useful in fighting inflammation and in boosting bone health, helping to ward off conditions such as osteoporosis.

Because DHA is a primary structural component of the retinas in your eyes, maintaining adequate levels can be beneficial in preventing macular degeneration. Getting enough omega-3 fatty acids can also help to guard against a variety of chronic diseases and illnesses, including arthritis, heart disease and metabolic syndrome. The nutrient will also protect against autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and psoriasis.

Taking in enough omega-3 fatty acids promotes better sleep while also improving the appearance of your skin. Finally, you will also reduce your risk of a host of mental disorders by boosting your intake of omega-3sm including depression, anxiety and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

It is clear that many areas of both your physical and mental health will benefit by being intentional about getting enough of this crucial nutrient.

How Supplementing With Omega-3 Protects Against Stress

A new study out of the Ohio State University revealed that daily supplements boasting 2.5 grams of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids performed the best when looking to help the body ward off the effects of stress. By suppressing the damage that stress can cause to the body and increasing protection at the cellular level, omega-3s can even potentially help to slow down the aging process.

The results of the study demonstrate that taking an omega-3 supplement is one of the easiest yet most profound ways that you can disrupt the cycle of stress on the body leading to a variety of health issues. A simple supplement is an easy way to ward off or in some cases even reverse some of the most significant health conditions that many people face.

While the 2.5-gram dose of omega-3s studied in this research is significantly more than what most people ingest on a daily basis, it is important to note that the participants in the study did not demonstrate any issues with the higher dosage.

How You Can Boost Intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

It is probably easier than you think to boost your intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Start your efforts by being intentional about incorporating the foods that are rich in this nutrient into your diet. Both flaxseed oil and canola oil are high in ALA omega-3s. Sprinkling chia seeds and walnuts on to your favorite foods will also boost your intake of omega-3 fatty acids.

While nearly all seafood contains omega-3s, some sources are more nutrient dense than others. Salmon is a particularly rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. Herring, sardines and shellfish such as lobster and scallops also supply this nutrient. Next time you make a sandwich, consider spreading a tablespoon of mayonnaise on the bread to increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids.

Because some of these top sources of omega-3s are not widely consumed by everyone, many health-savvy individuals turn to high-quality dietary supplements that provide omega-3 fatty acids to boost their intake of this important nutrient. As the recent study out of the Ohio State University proved, omega-3 fatty acids are easily processed by the body when consumed via supplements.

While there are still questions surrounding how to best harness the power of this nutrient, it is clear that omega-3 fatty acid should be an essential part of your health routine. The recent research detailing how omega-3s can protect against stress and slow the aging process is just another in a long list of compelling reasons why you should make the intake of this nutrient a priority for your health and wellness.

Getting More Exercise Proven to Increase Lifespan

Feb 17 by Ewcopywriting

While many people go hard after exercise so that they can look better, getting in shape is about more than looking your best in a swimsuit. Getting more exercise has been proven to protect your heart, boost brain function, curb appetite and even prolong your life. Here are just a few of the reasons why you should abandon your couch potato habits and get moving.

Exercise Prolongs Your Life

The most convincing reason to make exercise a part of your lifestyle is because it has been proven to prolong your life. A 2019 study out of the Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences in Stockholm found that individual mortality risk decreases with increased levels of exercise. These results are the same regardless of age, gender and general level of fitness.

Even moderate amounts of exercise can lead to greater longevity. Replacing only 30 minutes per day of inactivity with physical movement may boost your lifespan. A 2017 study out of the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City found that those who sat for less than half an hour at a time had the lowest risk of early death.

The study also showed that if you have a job that is sedentary, it is a good idea to be diligent about getting up every 30 minutes to walk a bit. Doing so may lower the risk of a premature death. It is the short spurts of regular movement that may be the key to longevity.

Exercise Protects Your Heart

Consistent exercise can also keep your heart young. A study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore demonstrated that it is never too late to protect your heart through regular exercise. The findings of the study showed that engaging in 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise every week during the middle age years can reduce your risk of heart failure by up to 31 percent.

What was most surprising was the finding that beginning to engage in moderate activity in middle age may reduce the risk of heart failure by 23 percent. This shows that it is never too late to get going with your exercise routine, even if you are starting at a baseline of no regular physical activity. Even making this important lifestyle change later in life can have beneficial effects.

Exercise Improves Brain Function

There is no shortage of research to prove that regular exercise improves brain function. Moving your body and working up a sweat can help to slow down the normal aging of the brain. Exercise may also mitigate the odds developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

A study from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Florida revealed that for seniors, spending a minimum of at least 52 hours exercising over an average period of six months may boost the brain’s processing speed. This makes it easier for the brain to process data and perform tasks. This benefit was observed in seniors with no diagnosed cognitive impairment as well as with those who had been previously diagnosed with MCI. Comparatively, seniors who exercised for an average of only 34 hours over the same time period did not report any benefits.

It is important to note that while there was a definite link between cognitive function and the amount of exercise, the intensity of the activity did not appear to have an impact. Lower intensity exercises were just as effective at providing advantages as more intense activity. The benefits were observed regardless of whether the activity was high-intensity aerobic exercise, strength training or yoga.

Exercise Curbs Your Appetite

Many people erroneously believe that exercise will make you hungrier. However, numerous studies have demonstrated that aerobic exercise actually decreases your overall appetite. This happens as a result of the effect of exercise on the hormones that control your hunger levels.

A study out of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, New York set out to explain why appetite was suppressed after exercise. The results suggest that the increased amount of body heat that occurs as a result of physical activity works to stimulate specific receptors in the brain that decrease the desire to eat.

Getting More Exercise is Valuable in Every Way

All of these reasons point to the fact that getting more exercise is beneficial in a myriad of ways that stretch well beyond just looking good. While it is certainly understandable to want to keep your weight in the healthy range so that you can fit into all of your favorite clothes, these other compelling reasons provide even more motivation to stick with your program. You owe it to your physical and mental health to be intentional about making regular exercise a part of your everyday routine.

How the Anti-Aging Nutrient NADH Benefits Overall Health

Feb 11 by Ewcopywriting

After more than a century of study, science is making real breakthroughs in its understanding of how nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) works in cells to preserve cellular health and function, as well as fight disease. First discovered in 1906 through a study on the fermentation of yeast, modern science recognizes that NAD is present in all living cells as an essential coenzyme with a vital role in aiding the cells’ mitochondria to produce energy. NAD affects the body on a cellular level, impacting mitochondrial performance. Learn more about how anti-aging nutrient NADH benefits include helping to fight disease and protect overall health.

What NAD Does

NAD takes two forms, depending on what point in the energy production cycle it is. These two forms are NAD+ and NADH. NAD levels decrease with age, contributing to the mitochondrial inefficiency and deterioration linked to aging and disease processes.

The human body is made up of an amazingly complex set of highly integrated systems that act as a whole. The foundation of all body and mind functions lies in the almost inconceivable number of chemical reactions and electrical impulses that take place in our cells, molecules, atoms and subatomic particles. As an essential coenzyme, NAD acts as a critical partner, or helper molecule, to regulating proteins, called enzymes, facilitating and enabling the chemical reactions that form the base of the life processes and functions of cells. NAD is essential to the processes involved in the generation of energy by the mitochondria due to its dual function of receiving and providing electrons.

Understanding the Forms NAD Takes

NAD is a term used to encompass the two forms it takes (NAD+ and NADH) while giving or receiving electrons during energy production and transfer processes. When NAD is oxidized, it becomes NAD+, with one of its nitrogen atoms having a positive charge. NAD+, in its role in breaking down glucose into usable elements, receives the electrons and hydrogen produced by that metabolic process. The breaking down of glucose involves chemical reactions called redox reactions.

In its coenzyme role, NAD+ has been linked to the function and health of the mitochondria and sirtuins, which help regulate cellular metabolism and a cell’s response to various types of cellular stress, including oxidative stress. Sirtuins have been linked to the aging process and longevity, as well as some disease processes, including many of those related to the metabolic system and inflammation.

When NAD+ receives hydrogen and two electrons, it shifts into its high energy form, NADH. This is the NAD form that transports and donates electrons, giving it a critical role in energy production. After donating its electrons, eventually NADH is converted to NAD+ again. During the glucose metabolism process, each molecule of glucose yields two NADH molecules. The ratio of NAD+ to NADH tends to skew toward NADH because NAD+ levels go down as we get older. Science has not yet confirmed the ideal ratio between the two, but do theorize that disruptions of that ratio can contribute to aging and disease processes.

How NADH Benefits Health and Well-Being

NAD, via its two forms – NAD+ and NADH – impact health and well-being in a variety of ways. The role of NAD in metabolizing glucose and receiving, transporting and donating electrons is critical to life itself. However, its role in health extends well beyond that vital function. NAD+ and NAHD benefits have been getting a lot of attention from scientists specializing in anti-aging and aging-related disease prevention. That’s not surprising considering the connection between mitochondrial deterioration and aging.

In animal studies and test tube studies done with human muscle tissue, increasing NAD+ has been shown to improve age-weakened muscles. This is thought to relate to the impact of the increased NAD+ and NADH on mitochondrial health. Studies have connected the use of NAD supplements to a number of health benefits relating to the role of this substance in mitochondrial energy production.

These NADH benefits include better cognitive performance, improved circadian rhythm regulation, reduced fatigue, decrease in symptoms in those suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, healthier skin and protection against age-related vision problems. Some studies show a link between NAD+ levels and better cardiovascular health.

NAD has a vital role in many essential processes that protect health and well-being. Among these are DNA repair, oxidative stress mitigation on a cellular level and metabolic efficiency. As the body of information grows concerning the function of NAD+ and NADH, scientists are looking at how to translate this new information into effective treatments for such diseases as Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well as developing effective strategies to protect against the diseases and physical frailties associated with aging.

New Knowledge Builds Upon Old

While much of the newest knowledge concerning NAD+ and NADH benefits is based on animal studies, it is built upon a foundation of older knowledge that goes back more than 100 years. This value of this vital coenzyme has long been recognized for its critical role in overall health and well-being.

Vital to cellular energy and function, NAD+ and NADH support health at the most foundational levels. NAD supports DNA health and function, the energy producing metabolic system and is firmly linked to the aging process via its coenzyme action in relation to sirtuins. If you choose to use supplements to boost NAD+, do your research and choose a high-quality, fully bioavailable supplement.

The Importance of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Why They’re Crucial to Your Health

Jan 27 by Ewcopywriting

Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the most elusive nutrients in the typical American diet, and one that many people miss out on getting enough of. Unlike omega-6, omega-3 is not found in many commonly consumed foods, so most people have to be intentional about getting adequate amounts of this beneficial fatty acid. Gaining a clear understanding of the importance of omega-3 fatty acid for adults and children alike can have a profound effect on your overall health. Here is what you need to know about the importance of omega-3 fatty acids and why you should be purposeful about consuming them regularly.

What Are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat, a type of fat that the body is unable to make on its own. Because the body cannot produce omega-3, it is designated as “essential,” meaning that it must be obtained via the diet.

There are various unique types of omega-3 fatty acids, distinguished by their structure and size. The three most common types of omega-3s are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).

Where to Find Omega-3 Fatty Acids

So if your body does not naturally produce these essential fatty acids, where can you find them? The best source of omega-3s are oily fish. Good choices include salmon, trout, mackerel, sea bass and sardines. You can also get minimal amounts of ALA by eating flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts and various plant oils. If you know that you are not likely to consume these food products, you would be wise to look into getting your omega-3 fatty acids through a high-quality dietary supplement.

The Difference Between Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids

It is important that you do not confuse omega-3 fatty acids with their omega-6 counterparts. While both types of fatty acids deliver benefits to the body, there needs to be a proper balance between the two in order to reap optimal benefits. Similar to omega-3s, omega-6s are considered to be essential fatty acids.

Omega-6 fatty acids are found primarily in seeds, nuts, leafy vegetables, grains and vegetable oils. These fatty acids help to promote bone health, keep your metabolic system in check, encourage healthy skin and hair growth and much more.

Most Americans tend to consume an unhealthy ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids. While the optimal ratio would be somewhere between 1:1 and 4:1, ratios between 15:1 and 17:1 are more realistic when following a typical Western diet. This is primarily because Americans tend to consume large amounts of cooking oils and grains that contain omega-6 as opposed to eating more foods that boast a high amount of omega-3s.

Too much omega-6 intake is harmful, leading to excess amounts of inflammation in the body. The good news is that you can counteract this abundance of omega-6 by being mindful about consuming more anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.

The Importance of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

There is no shortage of benefits to getting an adequate amount of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. Here are a few of the key benefits to consider.

Anti-inflammatory Agent

Sufficient amounts of omega-3s will act as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Heart Health

In addition to boosting overall heart health, omega-3s work to regulate the body’s blood clotting function.

Thyroid Function

By regulating thyroid function, you will also enjoy a better metabolic response.

Mood Booster

Consuming just a small amount of omega-3 fatty acids can produce a meaningful positive effect on your mood. Not only will omega-3 naturally boost your emotional and mental health, but it can also improve sleep quality.

Bone Health

By positively affecting the calcium balance throughout your body as well as membrane function, adequate amounts of omega-3s will promote bone health.

Immune System Function

Taking in the right amount of omega-3 has also been shown to promote solid immune system function and gut health.

Signs You May be Deficient in Omega-3s

There are a number of signs that you can watch out for to determine if you may not be getting enough omega-3s in your diet. Many individuals diagnosed with depression determine that they are low in omega-3 intake. Some people first notice the deficiency when the health of their skin begins to deteriorate. Skin that unexplainably becomes dry or irritated could be a sign of an omega-3 deficiency.

In the same way omega-3 intake can promote healthy and hydrated skin, it also helps to keep your hair looking its best. Hair that suddenly appears dry or brittle may be the result of not getting enough omega-3 in your diet. This fatty acid also plays an important role in maintaining good eye health. One last telling symptom of an omega-3 deficiency is recurring joint pain or stiffness in the body.

While there is no specific test to measure the levels of omega-3s in your body, your health care provider can look for clues in other lab results to try to determine if you need to increase your intake of this crucial fatty acid. Aside from including more omega-3 rich foods in your diet, taking a high-quality dietary supplement like Resverchron can help you get an adequate amount of omega-3’s, along with other important vitamins and minerals.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Recipes

Now that you know what omega-3 fatty acid is, why it is important and the signs that you may be deficient, you can take control over this part of your health and take the necessary steps to boost your intake of this essential fatty acid. Below are a few simple and delicious recipes to get you started.

Poached Salmon Salad

Ingredients

Salmon:
1/4 c. dry white wine
1/4 c. water
2 (6 – 8 oz. filets) wild-caught salmon
2 tbsp. butter, softened
1 – 2 tsp. parsley
salt and pepper to taste

Salad:
1 1/2 c. lettuce of choice, chopped into bite-size pieces
1/4 small red onion, chopped
1 avocado, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 tbsp. red wine vinegar
2 tbsp. olive oil
1/2 c. fresh parsley
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Put white wine and water in a large, non-stick skillet. Heat over medium-high heat for about five minutes.
Add salmon filets, dotting with softened butter. Season with parsley, salt and pepper.
Bring liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. Poach salmon at medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, or until flesh is opaque.
Combine lettuce, red onion, avocado, red wine vinegar, olive oil and parsley in a large bowl. Salt and pepper to taste. Place poached salmon filets on top of the salad and enjoy!

Omega-3 Smoothie

This delicious and simple-to-make smoothie provides a number of omega-3-rich ingredients. Enjoy daily for a healthy boost of the omega-3 fatty acids your body craves!

Ingredients

8 oz. non-dairy milk of choice (coconut, flax or almond milk work well)
1 banana, peeled
1 c. spinach
1 tbsp. peanut butter or almond butter
1 tbsp. walnuts, chopped
1 tbsp. flax seeds, ground
1/2 tbsp. chia seeds

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a blender.
Blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy!

No-Bake Omega-3 Energy Balls

These yummy and nutritious no-bake energy balls can be enjoyed as a snack or healthy dessert by adults and kids alike.

Ingredients

1 c. walnuts or almonds, chopped
1/2 c. green pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
1/2 c. rolled oats
1/2 – 3/4 c. raw honey
5 tbsp. cocoa powder
3 tbsp. peanut butter (or nut butter of choice)
2 tbsp. flax seeds
1 tbsp. coconut oil
1/4 tsp. Himalayan sea salt

Directions

Add nuts, pumpkin seeds and flax seeds to food processor. Pulse until finely ground.
In a medium bowl, combine nut/seed mixture with rolled oats, cocoa powder and sea salt. Mix well.
Add honey, nut butter and coconut oil. Stir until smooth.
Form mixture into tablespoon-size balls.
Place on cookie sheet or plate and put in refrigerator for 10 – 15 minutes, or until firm.

New Dementia Research Identifies Previously Unknown Risk Factors

Dec 02 by Ewcopywriting

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be an excruciating experience for everyone involved. This debilitating condition robs a person of mental faculties as it gets progressively worse. It is no surprise that scientists continue to pour an abundance of resources into cracking the code for dementia. Now, a variety of new dementia research is helping to shed a little light on risk factors for developing this form of progressive cognitive decline.

What is Dementia?

Dementia describes a cluster of symptoms that affect cognition, memory and social interaction to the extent that one’s daily life is disrupted. There are various types of dementia. The most common types of progressive dementia include Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia and frontotemporal disorders. It is estimated that 15-20 percent of individuals over the age of 65 suffer from some type of mild cognitive impairment. This type of mild impairment is often a precursor to more formal types of diagnosed dementia.

It is uncertain as to why confirmed cases of dementia have more than doubled in the last 25 years. In 1990, there were 20.2 million confirmed cases of this mental health malady. By 2016, this number had spiked to 43.8 million. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for approximately 60-70 percent of all dementia cases.

It is important to note that dementia is different than the normal cognitive decline that comes with growing older. It should also be noted that not all people who experience mild cognitive impairment as they age go on to develop dementia. Some individuals may even see relief from the symptoms of this impairment in their later years.

Examining the New Dementia Research on Blood Biomarkers

Because dementia cannot be reversed, medical researchers have increasingly focused on learning how to predict a person’s chances of developing the condition so that they can discover drugs to aggressively treat it before it takes hold.

One of the most promising developments to come out of this proactive research is the discovery of the blood biomarker asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). This molecule circulates in the blood and reduces the amount of nitric oxide that is synthesized by particular cells that are present in the blood vessel lining.

Scientists now know that low levels of nitric oxide are connected to the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Further studies have also demonstrated a connection between high concentrations of ADMA and resulting cognitive decline.

Does Neighborhood Noise Contribute to the Onset of Dementia?

Although the new dementia research surrounding blood biomarkers clearly relates to a biological factor, there are also environmental factors that may play a part in increasing your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. A new study shows that older adults living in noisy neighborhoods may be at a higher risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease or other subsets of dementia as they age.

The study examined the dementia rates of people living on the south side of Chicago. What they found was that older adults who were subjected to 10 A-weighted decibels more noise during the daytime hours experienced a 36 percent higher chance of developing mild cognitive impairment. This same group also demonstrated a 29 percent higher chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Scientists believe that this elevated risk can be attributed to disruptions in sleep patterns that may affect overall health. Another explanation is that noise pollution may accelerate the body’s production of beta-amyloid, a protein known to contribute to Alzheimer’s.

How to Maintain Cognitive Health as You Age

Although there is nothing definitive that you can do to prevent dementia, there are things that you can do now to stave off natural cognitive decline as you age. Here are a few steps that you can take to protect your mind as you get older.

Exercise

In addition to keeping your body functioning at optimal levels, maintaining a regular exercise routine as you get older can also deliver protection to your brain and memory function.

Proper Diet

Doctors have long touted the benefit of a Mediterranean-style diet as a tool to slow down the progression of dementia. This diet is rich in vegetables and fruits, olive oil, whole grains, beans, nuts and moderate amounts of fish, lean poultry and dairy products.

Social Connections

While it is admirable to want to take care of your health through exercise, diet and getting quality sleep each night, how you feed your soul with relationships also has a profound effect on your mental health. Being diligent about engaging in social activities and fostering meaningful connections with others will make you less likely to experience cognitive decline.

Mental Stimulation

In addition to nurturing your mind through social connections, you can also stimulate your brain through mental exercises. Research has demonstrated a link between mental exercises and a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Good activities to stretch your brain include reading, doing puzzles, playing card games and listening to music.

Supplements

Finally, taking a high-quality dietary supplement that supports cognitive health will promote healthy brain function and go a long way towards giving your body what it needs to keep your mental acuity intact for as long as possible.

While this new dementia research does not offer a cure or treatment for the disease, it does help scientists to understand some of the reasons why an individual may develop this condition. The more that is learned about this dreadful disease, the greater likelihood that the medical community will find ways to beat it in the future.

Melatonin Protects Against Free Radicals and Promotes Healthy Aging

Nov 19 by Ewcopywriting

Melatonin boasts remarkable antioxidant properties, making it a powerful tool in fighting against premature aging and the onset of disease. In short, there is no limit to the ways that melatonin can boost your overall health and well-being. Here is what you need to know about this naturally occurring hormone and how melatonin can help protect against free radicals in the body while promoting long-term health.

Understanding Free Radicals

In its most basic definition, melatonin is a hormone produced by the body’s pineal gland. The functions of melatonin are many. While most people understand that melatonin is the driving force behind the body’s sleep and wake cycles, its importance goes far beyond the regulation of sleep. While the body naturally produces melatonin, it is also possible to take a melatonin supplement to boost its natural functions.

In order to understand how melatonin protects against free radicals, you need to know what free radicals are. Also known as reactive oxygen species (ROS), free radicals are compounds that form as a result of oxidation. These unstable chemical molecules are triggered as a reaction to pressures from the surrounding environment. Free radicals may occur as a result of the food that you eat, medications, irritants in drinking water and even the quality of the air you breathe. While it is normal and not unhealthy to see some free radicals in the body, too many of these compounds can accelerate the aging process. In turn, this premature aging will inevitably lead to a greater risk of disease and illness.

Free Radicals, Premature Aging and Disease

Many scientists promote the free radical theory of aging. This widely accepted theory explains how free radicals damage cells, leading to premature aging. During the younger years, the body employs a protective system known as the superoxide dismutase (SOD). This defense system keeps free radicals from inflicting too much damage on the body’s cells. However, as we age, these free radicals are able to infiltrate cells and kill them.

The presence of excessive free radicals has been blamed for numerous diseases and health conditions. Some of these include cancer, heart disease, arthritis, obesity, asthma and dementia. This list is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the damage that free radicals can cause.

How Melatonin Protects Against Free Radicals

In recent years, medical researchers have discovered that melatonin can protect against the infiltration of free radicals. This is due in large part to the powerful antioxidant properties of melatonin. Not only does melatonin have antioxidant properties of its own, but it also stimulates the body’s antioxidant production.

For example, the presence of melatonin and its antioxidant effects guards skeletal muscles, mitigates cellular damage, boosts total antioxidant capacity and shields the body from the overall dangers of oxidative stress By neutralizing free radicals in the body, antioxidants like melatonin can also boost overall health. This benefit makes melatonin a vital tool in your arsenal for fighting premature aging and disease.

How to Promote Optimal Melatonin Levels in the Body

The encouraging news is that there are a number of steps that you can take today to promote optimal melatonin levels in the body.

Avoid Looking at Blue Light in the Evening

One of the worst habits to come out of the digital revolution is the increase in the use of phones, tablets and computers at all hours of the day. The blue light emitted from these devices can disrupt the production of melatonin, making it important to avoid these devices for at least two hours prior to bedtime.

Seek Sun in the Morning

In order to boost production of melatonin in the evening, you need to increase the levels of serotonin in the morning. You can support serotonin production by exposing your body to sunlight in the morning.

Eat Foods Rich in Melatonin

Melatonin can also be found in many of the foods that we eat. Eating these melatonin-rich foods a few hours before going to sleep can help to support healthy sleep cycles. Good foods to add to your diet include olives, corn, asparagus, cucumbers, pomegranate, flax seed, walnuts and rolled oats.

Go the Supplement Route

Many people swear by the use of a melatonin supplement for optimal sleep and health. These non-addictive supplements can provide a host of health benefits while also helping you to fall asleep faster at night, ensuring that you get a good night’s rest.

Being diligent about supporting melatonin function in the body can have far-reaching effects on a number of profound health functions. There is simply no reason not to learn more about how supporting healthy melatonin levels can help you to live a longer and healthier life.