Cellular Health

Exploring the Beneficial Effects of Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone best known for its role in preparing the brain for sleep. Due to its effectiveness in this respect, it’s the primary ingredient in many sleep supplements. Outside of the United States and Canada, melatonin-based formulas are only available with a doctor’s prescription. While some argue that using melatonin for sleep isn’t always effective, people suffering from insomnia find that it can help them sleep better in most cases. We already know that there are many positive effects of melatonin, but new research is still uncovering more benefits provided by this amazing hormone.

What is Melatonin?

To understand melatonin and its effect on the body, it’s important to first understand how and why it’s produced. Our bodies rely on a biological clock to function, known as our circadian rhythm. Among the other bodily functions it regulates, the circadian rhythm helps the brain differentiate between wakefulness and sleep. This is a process that relies on the changes between light and dark. As the sun goes down and the sky gets darker, the brain recognizes that it’s soon nearing time for sleep and releases melatonin to promote drowsiness.

Unfortunately for those who work irregular shifts, melatonin production is inhibited during the day, which is why it’s harder to get to sleep in the mornings and afternoons. People who follow irregular sleep schedules experience insomnia and other sleep disorders more commonly because the production of melatonin has been interrupted. This is also why a sleep formula containing melatonin can be more effective for those who work these types of schedules. Their bodies need that extra boost of melatonin during the day, when their brains won’t naturally produce the hormone in sufficient quantities.

What are the Positive Effects of Melatonin?

There have been multiple studies on the effects that melatonin has on the body, leading to the discovery that it can do more than just help you get a good night’s sleep. One of the surprising effects of melatonin is that it can help alleviate the symptoms of jet lag. A study that started in 2010 and lasted for four years looked at the effects that melatonin had on 142 travelers. In that study, researchers found that subjects who were given melatonin supplements experienced less severe jet lag symptoms than travelers who were given a placebo. Those taking the supplement experienced more restful sleep, reduced instances of daytime tiredness and fewer digestion problems.

Melatonin was also found to help people suffering from delayed sleep-wake phase disorder, or DSWPD. This is a condition in which the individual can’t fall asleep until 2:00 a.m. or later and end up sleeping well into the afternoon. Including a 2016 study of 52 subjects, research has found that taking melatonin supplements at the right time in the evening helped people with DSWPD to fall asleep earlier. They also fell asleep faster, taking an average of 22 minutes to nod off.

A 2015 research project looked at 774 patients and found melatonin was also effective in reducing anxiety prior to surgery. Many people suffer severe bouts of anxiety just before undergoing a surgical procedure, but taking a melatonin supplement seemed to alleviate those emotions. While it wasn’t clear whether or not melatonin was effective in treating post-surgery anxiety, it was found to be just as effective as anti-anxiety medications in treating pre-surgery anxiety.

Research into the positive benefits of melatonin is ongoing. Current and future studies are looking into the hormone’s effect on cancer symptoms, high blood pressure, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases and intestinal illnesses.

How Can You Get More Melatonin Naturally?

Take a Supplement

As the previously cited studies show, a melatonin supplement can help you maintain adequate levels of melatonin when you need it most. A high-quality melatonin supplement can be beneficial because a single dose contains a sufficient amount of melatonin to help you get the restful sleep you need. Additionally, certain time-controlled melatonin formulas ensure the melatonin will have the best possible effect on your sleep cycle.

Get More Daylight

Sunlight is beneficial in controlled exposure, because its rays encourage vitamin D production in the body. Additionally, exposing yourself to natural daylight will help regulate your circadian rhythm. The sun’s rays help promote the production of serotonin, which the brain needs to produce more melatonin. In this way, getting more sunlight in the mornings promotes more efficient melatonin production in the evenings.

Turn Off Your Electronic Devices

Most people don’t realize the harm they’re doing when they use their smartphone or tablet just before bed. The blue light that these screens give off disrupts the circadian rhythm, preventing the brain from producing sufficient levels of melatonin. Doctors recommend shutting off all electronic devices at least one hour before your bedtime to give the brain enough time to adjust. This will ensure the hormone will be properly released as you near your bedtime.

Eat Melatonin-Rich Foods

There are certain foods that promote the production of melatonin, so you should consider adding these foods to your diet to ensure you’ll sleep better. Some melatonin-rich foods include asparagus, corn, cucumbers, olives, nuts and seeds. Barley and rolled oats are also helpful in promoting melatonin production.

Sleep on Your Back

This position is a popular yoga pose that’s commonly called the corpse pose, because it helps the body reach a deeper state of relaxation. As you lay on your back and breathe deeply, the brain will begin releasing a higher concentration of melatonin. This is why many people find it easier to fall asleep in this position.

New Study Suggests Flavonoids Protect Against Colorectal Cancer

Dec 13 by Ewcopywriting

Colorectal cancer goes by many names, including “bowel cancer” and “colon cancer,” largely because it’s a general term used to describe any cancer that develops in the rectum and the colon. According to the American Cancer Society, it can affect one in 21 men, making it the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in males. Although slightly less common in women, colorectal cancer is still the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among females. These rates have been steadily decreasing in recent years, because improved screening processes, combined with advancements in the treatment of the condition, have been improving the rate of recovery. According to new research, certain fruit and vegetable constituents called flavonoids protect against colorectal cancer, adding to the benefits that these natural plant ccompounds provide.

What You Should Know About Colorectal Cancer

As with most types of cancer, when it comes to colorectal cancer, an early diagnosis leads to better results from treatment. While your doctor can use state-of-the-art screening equipment to confirm a diagnosis, it’s important for the average person to be able recognize the symptoms of colorectal cancer. If the following symptoms occur frequently or persistently, or if you develop several of the symptoms listed here, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

changes in bowel movements, including increased constipation or diarrhea
feeling that the bowel isn’t empty after the movement
bloody or black stools
bleeding from the rectum
bloating of the abdomen, sometimes accompanied by pain
feeling full even without eating
fatigue, or a loss of energy
unexplained weight loss
lump in the abdomen or rectum, which your doctor will feel
unexplained iron deficiency

While colorectal cancer can be treated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy, surgery is more common. The surgeon will remove the tumor and any neighboring lymph nodes in the area. This will reduce the chances that the cancer will come back. In more serious cases, the rectum may need to be removed. In that case, the individual will have to wear a colostomy bag to collect stools and drainage. If the ends of the bowel can be joined, the colostomy bag may only have to be worn temporarily.

In some cases, it may be able to treat colorectal cancer without surgery. A process called ablation kills the tumor without having to remove it physically. Radiofrequency treatment is the most common method, but ethanol or cryosurgery can also be effective. It will be up to you and your doctor to determine the best treatment method for your situation.

New Studies Unveil Evidence That Flavonoids Protect Against Colorectal Cancer

It has been long believed that flavonoids protect against colorectal cancer, but, until recently, it was unknown how this process works. Researchers at South Dakota State University were investigating the positive effects that aspirin has on preventing colorectal cancer, which led them to find that a key component in this process is 2,4,6-THBA, or 2,4,6-trihydroxybenzoic acid. Although found in aspirin, the team wanted to extend their research by looking for a natural source of the compound, which is present in salicylic acid.

Through their research, they found that 2,4,6-THBA is also produced as the body digests the flavonoids found in natural plant-based foods. Once the flavonoids have been broken down, 2,4,6-THBA is sent to the colon, where waste collects and waits to be dispelled from the body. Once a protein called SLC5A8 transports 2,4,6-THBA to the cells in the colon, the acid slows the process of cell division. As this process becomes inhibited, more time is provided for the cell to repair itself. Once the cell is healthy, it’s no longer vulnerable to cancer growth.

How Can You Get More Flavonoids?

This latest study suggests that introducing more flavonoids into your diet will help initiate the process that prevents the development of colorectal cancer. There are several natural ways you can get more flavonoids. In general, fruits and vegetables with red or yellow skins have higher concentrations of flavonoids. This is because flavonoids help these plants develop their pigmentation.

Take a Daily Supplement

In addition to eating the foods listed below, you can increase the flavonoids in your body by taking a supplement. For instance, Vitachron Male and Vitachron Female contain two types of flavonoids (lutein and lycopene) to help your body benefit from these powerful molecules. Adding a supplement like Vitachron to your daily routine will help you get a sufficient amount of flavonoids even on days when you don’t necessarily eat flavonoid-rich foods.

Consume More Flavonols

As previously mentioned, there are several different types of flavonoids. Flavonol works as an antioxidant, helping to reduce the risks of cognitive disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, while also lowering the risk of cancer. Flavonol is found in red foods, such as berries, apples, red onions, cherries, grapes and red wine.

Add Flavones to Your Diet

These flavonoids act as anti-inflammatory agents, helping the body fight the inflammation that contributes to the development of cancer, type 2 diabetes and obesity. Flavones are common in green foods, such as celery, green peppers, broccoli, olive oil, thyme, parsley and oregano.

Seek Out Isoflavones

These flavonoids can mimic estrogen in the body, but they provide some very important health benefits. They act to reduce the risks of breast, cervical and prostate cancers. Isoflavones can be found in brown foods, particularly in soybeans. They’re also common in other legumes, peanuts and alfalfa sprouts.

Curcumin Kills Bacteria: Could it Be a Solution to the Antibiotic-Resistance Crisis?

Nov 06 by Ewcopywriting

Resistance to antibiotics is a growing problem worldwide, as more and more bacterial strains become resistant to the very antibacterial medications that could eradicate them and the dangerous health conditions they cause. Fortunately, new research may have pinpointed a natural remedy that could offer a more effective treatment to everyone. A new study finds that curcumin kills bacteria, which may be good news for people suffering from medication-resistant bacterial infections.

New Research Discovers Curcumin Kills Bacteria

One type of bacteria alone, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), affects up to 79 percent of the planet’s population, yet it is becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotic medications. Thus, a joint study with researchers in Germany and in the U.K. has been looking for natural, alternative ways to combat the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.

Their study focused on the use of capsules filled with natural ingredients, but primarily containing curcumin, which is a compound found in the turmeric plant. Curcumin was included because its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities have been established through previous studies. In the study, capsules were coated with lysozyme, which is an enzyme engineered to fight bacterial infections. Dextran sulfate, a substance used specifically to treat Helicobacter pylori infections, was also added to the capsules. The researchers found that curcumin kills bacteria by preventing the bacteria from clinging to the walls of the stomach. This suggests that a treatment that combines curcumin with antibiotics might have the best chances for effectively eradicating the Helicobacter pylori infection in most people.

As research continues, the hope is that analyzing the molecular makeup of curcumin will help scientists create a more direct method of targeting bacteria in the body. In doing so, bacteria which are resistant to traditional antibiotics may be treated more successfully by targeting them at a molecular level.

Curcumin May Also Provide Relief for Those Suffering From Anxiety

Ongoing research into the health benefits of curcumin has found that it possesses many medicinal properties. Curcumin has been found to positively impact metabolic syndrome, arthritis and hyperlipidemia, while another study found that it can also help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety; the anti-inflammatory properties in curcumin help reduce the chronic inflammation that’s associated with anxiety and depression. It also works as an antioxidant, helping to reduce oxidative stress, which also helps to reduce the presence of stress hormones that drive the symptoms of anxiety.

During the research, it was discovered that, while curcumin can provide these health benefits, it’s lack of bioavailability may prevent the substance from interacting with the body. The cells in the body are unable to effectively absorb the compounds in the curcumin, which means any treatment that may be derived from the substance would be ineffective. Fortunately, further research found that combining the curcumin with the piperine found in black pepper increased the substance’s bioavailability by up to 2,000 percent. Coupling these two spices may provide the key to treating anxiety naturally, if future research confirms these findings.

Another consideration in using curcumin as a treatment for anxiety is the side effects it can produce. In addition to physical side effects, such as abnormal stool, diarrhea and rash, it may also cause headaches. As researchers continue to explore the possibility using curcumin as the basis for new anxiety treatments, they may also have to address the side effects it may produce.

Could Curcumin Help Treat Cancer?

Currently, curcumin can’t be used as an effective treatment for cancer, but that may change in the future. Researchers are exploring this possibility because of the role that curcumin plays in reducing inflammation. Swelling and inflammation is common in patients with cancer, and inflamed areas are often the first locations to develop cancerous cells. Since curcumin is both an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant, researchers hope those properties can be enhanced to support healthy cell growth.

In laboratory testing and studies conducted on mice, curcumin showed promise in slowing the spread of cancer. It also helped to protect healthy cells from the damage caused by radiation therapy, suggesting it could be used in conjunction with traditional cancer treatments. When used to supplement chemotherapy, curcumin was found to increase the effectiveness of the treatment. The promise that these studies have shown has encouraged further research to proceed.

Current research is focused in two directions. First, some research is focused on using curcumin to prevent the development of cancerous cells. Since it can help to modulate inflammation, scientists hope it will similarly affect the growth of cancer cells. A second area of research is examining the possibility of a curcumin treatment for slowing the spread of cancer in the body. Either coupled with radiation and chemotherapy, or as a treatment of its own, the hope is that curcumin may provide a way of slowing the growth of cancer cells. While curcumin alone may not necessarily cure cancer, it could help reduce the rate of growth and allow cancer to be treated more successfully via other methods.

As more research focuses on the benefits that curcumin provides, we’re discovering that this natural compound can help with a number of medical conditions. While alternative treatments for bacterial infections and cancer may still be a few years away, there’s no denying that this substance has a positive effect on human health. In the meantime, taking a supplement that includes curcumin as an ingredient may be beneficial for whole-body health. As with starting any new supplement, check with your doctor to make sure it won’t adversely interact with other medications you may be taking. This will help you safely add a curcumin-based supplement to your daily routine.

New Insights Reveal How Chili Pepper Compound Capsaicin Relieves Pain

Oct 09 by Ewcopywriting

Chili peppers are used to create spicy dishes throughout the world, but research has found that this pepper also provides a vast array of health benefits. In fact, it’s the compound in the chili pepper responsible for creating that spicy, burning feeling that provides those benefits. This compound is called capsaicin and it has been the focus of several scientific studies in recent years. Now, new findings reveal that capsaicin relieves pain, adding to the myriad of health benefits that this component of chili peppers provides.

New Research Finds Capsaicin Relieves Pain

A recent study sought to uncover how capsaicin relieves pain, particularly since this compound has become a common ingredient in many natural pain relievers. Researchers at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School found that capsaicin causes the nerves in the body to send out signals that block pain receptors. Since this process also works to calm the nerves, study author Tibor Rohacs believes capsaicin can also be used as an effective analgesic. It was found that these calming and pain-relieving effects were highly effective and very long-lasting, suggesting that capsaicin supplements and medications may be especially powerful in terms of treating pain and other conditions.

The laboratory research was just the first step in evaluating capsaicin’s effect as a pain reliever. The team hopes to move forward with human research subjects to confirm the compound’s pain relieving benefits. As future research validates the compound’s effectiveness, capsaicin may soon offer a natural alternative to addictive pain killers.

Capsaicin May Also Benefit Cellular Health and Obesity

Pain relief is just the latest benefit attributed to chili pepper consumption. Previously, researchers found evidence that capsaicin may also have a positive impact on the development of certain types of cancer, including lung cancer. This is a significant finding due to the rising number of instances of lung cancer each year. For this year, the American Cancer Society predicts 228,150 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer and 142,670 of those people will die from the condition.

Lung cancer is typically fatal as a result of the cancer metastasizing, or spreading to other parts of the body. However, recent findings suggest capsaicin may help prevent lung cancer from metastasizing. In testing, capsaicin was shown to help block the spread of lung cancer in rodents. In a separate study, the same effect was observed in cultured human cells.

During the testing on the human cells, it was observed that introducing the chili pepper compound into lung cancer cells stopped them from invading healthy cells. Similarly, rodents with lung cancer were administered doses of capsaicin and, as a result, the mice had lower rates of metastasis than mice who had not been administered capsaicin. The researchers found that the process was arrested because capsaicin blocked the activation of the Src protein, which is responsible for managing the longevity and mobility of cancer cells. The scientists conducting the study are hopeful that this research will lead the way toward developing medications that will help prevent the spread of lung cancer.

In another study, it was found that capsaicin can also have a positive effect on obesity, which is another growing epidemic. Working out of the School of Pharmacy at the University of Wyoming, Dr. Baskaran Thyagarajan tested metabocin on mice. Metabocin is a new drug that’s engineered to release controlled doses of capsaicin over a 24-hour period. The mice used in the study ate high-fat foods. The health of the mice was evaluated by testing their blood pressure, heart rates, liver function and kidney health.

Over an eight-month period, the researchers noticed that the metabolic health of the mice improved. Most notably, they exhibited lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, lower blood sugar levels, improved insulin responses and reduced symptoms of fatty liver disease. Additionally, the team found that the mice taking capsaicin for the eight months also exhibited weight loss without suffering harmful side effects.

Can Capsaicin Help Us Live Longer?

Finally, a study on how capsaicin affects longevity found that people who regularly consumed chili peppers were likely to live up to 18 years longer. The University of Vermont study evaluated the effects of consuming chili peppers on 16,000 subjects. They found that the food reduced premature mortality in subjects from all causes as well as from specific causes such as colorectal cancer.

The subjects in the study were selected from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey III, which was conducted between 1988 and 1994. As a part of the food consumption aspect of the survey, subjects were asked to record the frequency of their chili pepper consumption. Subjects chosen for the study were asked to participate in a follow-up survey 18.9 years later and the researchers noted that 4,946 had died within the intervening years.

Once the data had been reviewed and evaluated, the research team found that the subjects who consumed chili peppers had a 13 percent lower risk of an early death from all causes than those who did not regularly consume chili peppers. In particular, the researchers noted that eating chili peppers appeared to reduce the risks of developing fatal cardiovascular diseases, such as strokes and heart attacks.

This study was observational, so it’s not possible to confirm why capsaicin has this effect on longevity. However, the researchers believe it’s related to the effects that capsaicin has on the release of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. Capsaicin activates the production of TRP vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1), which is known to promote weight loss and lower the risks of obesity and other metabolic conditions. By fighting fat cells, TRPV1 helps reduce the chances of developing diabetes, lung diseases, heart diseases and blood flow problems.

The study suggests that adding chili peppers, or incorporating capsaicin into the diet in other ways, may help us live healthier lives and live longer. Looking at the ways that capsaicin affects our health overall may lead to changes in how we view diet and nutrition. As more studies delve more deeply into the health benefits of capsaicin, chili peppers may become a staple of a healthy diet in the future.

Diallyl Sulfide and Cancer: Can a Vegetable Compound Protect Against a Deadly Disease?

Oct 03 by Ewcopywriting

While vegetable compounds like diallyl sulfide make onions and garlic more flavorful and contribute to their spiciness, they may also play a more important role when it comes to human health. While previous research has looked at how these compounds affect the development of various medical conditions, a recent study focused specifically on their effects on breast cancer risk. This new research linking diallyl sulfide and cancer suggests eating more onions and garlic may provide greater protection from developing certain types of cancer.

New Study Finds Link Between Diallyl Sulfide and Cancer

Diallyl Sulfide and Cancer: Can a Vegetable Compound Protect Against a Deadly Disease? 2 A new study sought to examine how eating vegetables that belong to the allium genus (garlic, onions, chives, leeks and the like) affected the development of breast cancer in women living in Puerto Rico. The study, which was conducted at The University of Buffalo in upstate New York, focused on women of that particular area because Puerto Rico has a significantly lower rate of breast cancer than the continental United States. Additionally, “sofrito,” which includes garlic and onion as primary ingredients, is a popular condiment all across Puerto Rico.

The study examined the medical histories for 314 women who were between the ages of 30 and 79, and who were diagnosed with breast cancer between 2008 and 2014. A control group consisted of 346 women within the same age range and geographical area, but who had not been diagnosed with cancer. A survey administered to the women in both groups asked about their dietary habits, focusing on their consumption of garlic and onion. In particular, the questionnaire asked participants to record their consumption of sofrito.

Using unconditional logistic regression, the researchers examined how the consumption of onions and garlic affected the rate of breast cancer. The study involved comparing breast cancer risk among women with a high consumption of these types of vegetables versus women who consumed lower amounts of garlic and onions. Surprisingly, they found that there was a correlation between eating vegetables in the allium genus and lower rates of breast cancer. They determined that consuming high amounts of sofrito resulted in as much as a 67 percent drop in the risk of developing breast cancer.

As an observational study, this research can’t pinpoint exactly why or how onions and garlic lower the risks of breast cancer. Until more direct research can be conducted, scientists have theorized that there is likely a link between the highly antioxidant vegetable compound diallyl sulfide and cancer. Together with other compounds, such as the S-allylcysteine anddiallyl disulfide found in garlic and the alk(en)yl cysteine sulphoxides found in onions, diallyl sulfide may help protect cellular health when consumed regularly in one’s diet.

Diallyl Sulfide May Benefit Health in Other Ways

Diallyl Sulfide and Cancer: Can a Vegetable Compound Protect Against a Deadly Disease? 1 In previous research, scientists found that diallyl sulfide may affect the risk of developing other types of cancer. In an experiment conducted with mice, it was found that the risk of developing colorectal cancer was reduced by 74 percent overall when a 1,2-dimethylhydrazine injection was administered once weekly over a 20-week period. The 1,2-dimethylhydrazine injection contained the same compounds in comparable amounts as those consumed by eating fresh onions and garlic.

Other previous research found that diallyl trisulfide may protect against the development of prostate cancer in men. A newer study examined how the compound appeared to cause prostate cancer cell death, with researchers taking an interest in exactly how this process was instigated. Specifically, they looked at inhibitor proteins to determine how they were related to cell death in mice with prostate cancer. They found that as the inhibitor protein levels decreased, cancer cell death increased. Ultimately, it was determined that the compounds found naturally in onions and garlic may affect cellular health by blocking the inhibitor proteins that allow cancer cells to thrive. In this way, prostate cancer cells can’t get the nourishment they need to grow, so, as people consume more onions and garlic, they could be building up a stronger defense against the development of prostate cancer.

In other studies, diallyl sulfide was found to provide a broad range of health benefits. While its promotion of cellular health alone may be enough to encourage more regular onion and garlic consumption, it has been found that the compound also provides other important benefits. Studies have found that it helps cut down on oxidative stress while also modulating internal inflammation. In addition to supporting cardiovascular health, diallyl sulfide also has antimicrobial properties. This suggests that regular consumption of onions and garlic may also help fortify the immune system.

While we don’t fully understand all of the benefits that onions and garlic provide, early research has shown us that these vegetables can be very beneficial to overall health. Regular consumption of certain onions and garlic compounds, whether via diet or supplementation, may help protect cellular health. It may also help us boost heart health and keep the immune system strong. As scientists continue to look deeper into how this compound benefits the human body, we will likely find that its consumption provides even more health advantages. In the meantime, adding diallyl sulfide-rich foods and supplements to your daily routine may help you stay healthier longer.

Can Taking an Anti-Aging Supplement Really Slow the Aging Process?

Sep 21 by Ewcopywriting

While the physical symptoms of aging are obvious, they’re only the most noticeable aspects of a process that begins deep inside the body at a molecular — and even genetic — level. Just as the aging process is the end result of many different contributing factors, there are many factors that can speed up this process. Can taking a so called anti-aging supplement really help counteract these factors?

What Causes Aging?

There are many processes that contribute to physical aging, including genetic mutations, oxidative stress and inflammation. Throughout our lives, the cells in our bodies continuously divide and multiply. Since this is an ongoing process that occurs constantly, it stands to reason that deviations, or genetic mutations, will occur from time to time. A mutated cell can be rendered ineffective through senescence, or the death of the cell. However, if a mutated cell remains active, it can affect the surrounding tissue and speed up aging.

Additionally, oxidative stress within our cells promotes cell damage, thereby encouraging faster aging. Although research done on this topic in the 1950s was later called into question, the findings did indicate that oxidative stress on cells does speed up cell damage. At the time, it was postulated that taking more vitamins could slow or repair that damage.

A more recent study examined the relationship between free radicals and oxidative stress, particularly how they work together to speed up the aging process. This study found that mice that were exposed to free radicals exhibited advanced signs of aging earlier, and to a stronger degree, as they aged naturally. It also found that those effects could be reduced or prevented by introducing antioxidants that were specifically designed to target the cell damage. As result, degenerative diseases such as chronic kidney disease and osteoporosis were delayed.

A third factor that hastens the aging process is silent inflammation. This is a type of internal inflammation that frequently has no symptoms, but boosts the risk of deadly conditions like cancer and heart disease. It also causes the aging process to speed up by affecting cellular health. Silent inflammation tends to occur as we age because our immune systems become overworked. The inflammation our body produces to help deal with infections and illnesses end up doing more harm than good as we get older.

While turning off the immune system could possibly help correct the problem of silent internal inflammation, it would also put people at a higher risk for a wider variety of age-related illnesses. Researchers continue to look for a more ideal alternative, but in the meantime, natural nutrients and vitamins such as those found in a high-quality anti-aging supplement may hold the answer by helping to address inflammation without inhibiting the immune system.

Can an Anti-Aging Supplement Really Slow Aging?

A number of studies have shown that compounds found in red wine can help prevent disease, and one of these same compounds, a substance known as reservatrol, may also help us stay younger longer. That’s because reservatrol enhances the release of a serum known as SIRT1, which speeds up the production centers in each of our cells. By helping our cells stay more active, reservatrol may help protect against age-related degenerative diseases. Some of the conditions reservatrol may benefit include type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease.

Similarly, omega-3 fatty acids help protect the body against disease and, as newer research pinpoints, can also keep the skin looking healthy. Primarily found in wild-caught oily fish, omega-3 fatty acids help strengthen the outer layer of the skin, which grows weaker and less resilient as people age. Since the skin loses elasticity and thickness, it can’t heal as well and can be damaged more easily by sun exposure. As omega-3’s strengthen and thicken this outer layer of skin, it ensures the epidermis is better able to retain the water it needs to keep a smooth and youthful appearance.

Some research indicates that an individual’s state of mind may also have an impact on the rate at which they age. A recently published study looked at the lifestyle habits and psychological perspectives of 69,744 women and 1,429 men. By following up at 10-year and 30-year intervals, the researchers found that those who scored highest on optimism surveys lived 11-15 percent longer. The participants with the most optimistic outlooks also exhibited a 50–70 percent likelihood of reaching age 85 or older, while those with lower levels of optimism were expected to die at much younger ages. Researchers believe there are many reasons that a more optimistic outlook can be beneficial to longevity and aging. For instance, optimistic people are more likely to live healthier lifestyles. They’re also less likely to let stress build up over time, which we know negatively impacts cell health.

How can this information benefit the average person? While it may seem challenging to add enough red wine and oily fish to your diet to help your health, a high-quality anti-aging supplement might be an ideal solution. For instance, supplements containing reservatrol, omega-3 fatty acids and other age-defying compounds can provide your body with nutrients that have been proven to affect the aging process at a cellular level.

While it will still be many years before science provides a way to reverse the aging process in a meaningful way, research has given us the compounds, nutrients and antioxidants we need to slow down the aging process. Additionally, taking an anti-aging supplement can also help protect against age-related degenerative diseases that can make us feel older. In this way, taking a high-quality daily supplement each day can help protect our overall health and help us to maintain a more youthful appearance into our senior years and beyond.