GoldenHealth4Seniors

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Currently in the USA coronary heart disease is a leading cause of death due to heart attacks. The key contributor to coronary heart disease is the development of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis develops in the arteries when there is an imbalance of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) compared with the high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Both types need to be properly balanced in the optimum ratio required for managing cholesterol in our arteries. If too much LDL is present and not enough HDL is present, then the path to atherosclerosis is wide open. As the level of LDL increases the risk of heart disease increases. High levels of LDL are an ally of cardiovascular disease.
Oxidized LDL is a second ally of cardiovascular disease. Oxidized LDL starts inflammatory processes that lead to the process that clogs arteries. Additionally oxidized LDL interferes with white blood cells resulting in a continuous build up of oxidized LDL in the artherosclerotic plaque. Fortunately for seniors there are steps that can be taken to thwart the allies of atherosclerosis that foster cardiovascular disease. A form of CoQ10
has been shown to protect against LDL oxidation provided it is in the form of ubiquinol CoQ10. The nutrient that has demonstrated the best anti-LDL oxidation effects is none other than pomegranate. In terms of choosing a means to achieve preemptive aging against atherosclerosis pomegranate stands in first place. Two strong allies that can protect senior health against cardiovascular disease are pomegranate and ubiquinol CoQ10.

According to some recent research many seniors suffer from a serious vitamin B-12 deficiency. The researchers estimated that as many as 40% of Americans have low levels of vitamin B-12. Making matters worse some of the drugs used to reduce stomach acid tend to increase the deficiency. In fact more than 20% of seniors over the age of 65 suffer from severe B-12 deficiency. Unfortunately the symptoms of B-12 deficiency may go undetected early on, because they are subtle, but the later consequences are often catastrophic. B-12 deficiency has been identified as a link to age-related dementia, cognitive impairment, and depression. Even mild B-12 deficiency may be a contributor to Alzheimer’s disease. Getting adequate B-12 in their diet is obviously a preemptive aging measure that will contribute to improving senior health.
On the positive side B-12 plays a critical role in breaking down homocystene that contributes heavily to the development of a number of chronic diseases including heart disease, stroke, and rheumatoid arthritis. It turns out that B-12 works synergistically with folic acid to reduce high levels of homocystene. Getting absorption of adequate amounts of B-12 can be a problem for seniors, because of changes in the stomach linings of seniors. This absorption problem means that eating foods that contain B-12 such as meat, milk, and eggs will not help. Taking the typical oral supplements of B-12, which are in the form of cyanocobalamin, may not succeed either, because it is not adequately absorbed. Taking B-12 by injection has its own limitations. Two other approaches offer hope for achieving adequate absorption by seniors. B-12 can be taken sublingually or by one of the new oral supplements for seniors which is in the more easily absorbed form of B-12 known as methylcobalamin.

The reports on the longevity boosting effects of resveratrol have been well established. Recent studies based on ongoing plant extract research have discovered a plant extract that is very similar to resveratrol. This plant extract functions in ways similar to resveratrol, because it provides many of the benefits for longevity required for senior health. This compound which is found in minute quantities in grapes and blueberries regulates genes that control the development of diseases that typically affect seniors. Diseases like atheroschlerosis, cancer, diabetes, and systemic inflammation are classic examples of such age-related disorders. This plant extract is called pterostilbene and like resverotrol it is a member of the stilbene family of compounds. It turns out that when the two are combined they work synergistically to enhance the good health benefits of resveratrol which is very good news for senior health.
When resverotrol and pterostilbene are combined they activate a person’s longevity genes. Together they act on our longevity genes in a manner that parallels Calorie_restriction without the obvious and very unpleasant side effect that accompanies caloric restriction. They act at different times in the process that controls gene expression. In particular pterostilbene acts after resveratrol has performed its work to activate the longevity genes. In this way pterostilbene complements resveratrol’s ability to preempt cancer and diabetes. In the case of cancer they turn on the genes that kill cancer cells and turn off the genes that allow cancer cells to spread. They provide similar activity to head off diabetes and memory loss due to aging. Now that the combined extracts of both resverotrol and pterostilbene are available to seniors they do not have to comsume five cups of blueberries and drink 20 bottles of red wine a day to get the benefits of the longevity twins.

For seniors protecting our immune systems is critically important for our senior health and well being. The first line of defense against diseases and infections is our immune system. For seniors concerned about their health finding a way to boost their immune systems naturally would be very beneficial. A number of foods supply a compound that provides a natural immune system boost. Baker’s yeast, shiitake mushrooms and cereal grains such as barley, rye, oats, and wheat contain this compound. The compound is beta glucans and we have to get it from outside sources, because our body does not make it. Extensive research has shown that beta glucans make the immune system more efficient. Beyond natural food sources supplements containing beta glucans are currently available. They provide a well quantified amount of beta glucans for folks who want to insure that they are getting an adequate amount of beta glucans. Beta glucans can be added to the list of supplements for seniors who want to want to ensure and an immune system boost.
The mechanisms by which the beta glucans operate is explained as follows. The beta glucans stimulate two important defenders of the immune system including the immune cells called macrophages that attack invading pathogens and the lethal white blood cells the destroy tumors and viruses. In one study the beta glucans from oats was used to test the efficacy of lowering cholesterol. The study showed significant reductions in total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein. The folks who had received the higher amount of beta glucans achieved greater reductions in the total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein. In several other studies the beta glucans were used successfully to prevent or mitigate the duration of upper respiratory infections. Finally, beta glucans have been used in Japan to reduce tumor activity in cancer. The particular beta glucan that was found in shiitake mushrooms has been used as an immune system stimulant against cancer in Japan since the 1980s.

The leading cause of blindness for seniors is age-related macular degeneration. Based on recent research there appears to be a strong correlation between age-related macular degeneration and chronic vascular disease. Macular degeneration seems to be tied to the gradual degradation of blood vessels in the eye. A number of researchers investigated patients for any common risk factors for vascular disease and macular degeneration. They discovered that patients already suffering from macular degeneration had elevated levels of homocysteine. Elevated levels of homocysteine are known to be a marker for for cardiovasular risk. Additional studies verified that the higher homocysteine levels were a marker for increased risk of macular degeneration in seniors. In parallel studies researchers found that C-reactive protein inflamatory marker for cardiovascular diseasewas equally predictive as a marker for increased risk for macular degreneration in seniors.
The researchers next investigated the possible causes of the elevated homocysteine levels. They focused on the possible vitamin deficiences that might be contributing to the elevated homocysteine levels. They discovered that the seniors suffering from macular degeneration were deficient in levels of vitamin B6, B12, and B9 (folic acid). In a study of over 5,000 women over the age of 40 who were known to be a risk for cardiovascular disease, those who supplemented with the three members of the vitamin B family had their risk of macular degeneration reduced by over 40%. This is good news for seniors, because supplementing with the three B vitamins and eating foods rich in those vitamins will promote healthy eyes that are necessary for senior health.

We have been reading the health news that has been full of reports about the benefits of resveratrol for extending life similar to benefits demonstrated for caloric restriction for senior health. Both caloric restriction and resveratrol work to promote longevity, because they change the way our genes are expressed. Both turn off the senescence genes and turn on the youth genes that promote cellular vitality. Recent research has shown that pomegranate protects against age-related diseases such as atherosclerosis, cancer, and type 2 diabetes by altering gene expression in a way similar to the action of resveratrol. Pomegranate extracts work in a multifold manner to prevent atherosclerosis and to undue the effects of atherosclerosis that has already attacked the arteries. In addition pomegranate juice has been shown to reduce total cholesterol and LDL levels which effectively reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Due in large measure to pomegranate’s broad spectrum antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it has shown excellent results in preventing certain cancers and reversing the progress of already existing cancers. Treating folks with pomegranate extracts, juice and oils have been shown excellent results for mitigating breast, colon, and prostate cancer.
Finally pomegranate juice and extracts have demonstrated powerful preventative effects at multiple levels for folks who are pre-diabetic and those who suffer from type 2 diabetes. In lab tests the juice lowered blood sugar and in human trials it improved the lipid profiles in diabetics. The juice reduced the markers of tissue oxidation in diabetics by more than 50% which reduces the amount of atherosclerosis.

The leading cause of death in the USA is heart disease. Every year more than 459,000 Americans die of cardiovascular disease. That number is larger than the number of Americans who died in World War II over a period of three years and 10 months. The financial cost of the casualties from the ‘cardiovascular war’ have been estimated at over $450 billion counting health care services, medications and lost productivity. Among the leaders in costs are the invasive surgeries that include coronary artery bypass surgeries, angioplasties, and cardiac catheterizations. Without question these surgical procedures are modern medical miracles for the folks that really need them. The next question that needs to be asked is how can folks live so that they preempt the need to use these extreme means. The second question addresses the issue of healing hearts after they have been infected with cardiovascular disease. This last question is particularly relevant for senior health.

In reality, most folks can prevent the onset of cardiovascular disease by choosing a heart healthy lifestyle. For starters, what we eat has a major impact on the health of our hearts. If we limit our intake of refined carbohydrates, sugar, and saturated fats, but stock up on lean protein, fruits and vegetables with lots of fiber, and moderate amounts of healthy fats like olive oil, then we will be a third of the way toward a heart healthy lifestyle. The second part of the solution is exercise every day of the week if possible. For example 30 minutes of brisk walking can provide the exercise needed. Finally, supplementing daily with a full spectrum multivitamin and mineral product and complementing it with fish oil capsules and coenzyme Q10 will complete the steps to living a heart healthy lifestyle that will benefit. It turns out that the three steps outlined above apply to folks who want to heal their hearts that have been infected with cardiovascular disease.

As seniors we need all the health allies we can gather together to ensure that our senior living is golden. Recent research reports list a compound with a double barreled name, coenzyme Q10, as a really effective ally in our search for good senior health. Just what is this compound called coenzyme Q10? There are numerous articles and reports about it in the health literature often abbreviating it to CoQ10. CoQ10 is a compound that is made by our own bodies. Our bodies use coenzyme Q10 to produce the energy that our cells need to grow. This function illustrates the first way that CoQ10 is an ally of our bodies. Besides helping our cells grow, CoQ10 enables our cells to stay healthy after they grow. CoQ10 performs a second function as an antioxidant, which is another way that it is an ally of our bodies. As we age the amount of CoQ10 in our bodies decreases. Many cancers make their appearance in our bodies as we age due to a weakened immune system. Interest in CoQ10 as a treatment for cancer started back in the 1960’s, because folks with low levels of it were afflicted with breast, prostate, pancreatic cancer, etc.

Current studies suggest that CoQ10 may work in treating cancer, because it boosts the immune system. It may also be the case that CoQ10’s antioxidant activity may prevent cancer from developing. At this time research is ongoing to understand how CoQ10 might work with conventional cancer therapies. The National Cancer Institute has reported both on the theoretical basis for using CoQ10 to treat cancer and on some preclinical studies and some small clinical studies that have been performed. The preclinical studies found that CoQ10 boosted the immune system, fought certain types of cancer, and its analogs may prevent the growth of cancer cells. At this time only limited clinical trials of CoQ10 have been performed. On a randomized trial on a small sample number of cancer patients CoQ10 provided some protection for the hearts of the patients who were given the anthracycline drug doxorubicin that causes damage to the heart. Some limited studies have been performed using CoQ10 as an adjuvant therapy for breast cancer. Based on those studies the National Cancer Institute concluded that CoQ10 helps in the treatment of cancer in the following ways. As an antioxidant it may prevent cancer from starting and CoQ10 analogs may block the growth of cancer cells that are already present.

I used to think that my cholesterol level was the critical marker for good cardiovascular health, but it turns out that my homocysteine level is equally important. High blood levels of homocysteine have been detected in folks suffering from cardiovascular disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease. High levels of homocysteine have also been linked to a number of other health problems. Those health problems include dementia, migraine, cancer and osteoporosis.
Homocysteine levels can increase due to many factors. The factors include age, smoking, alcohol, and many others including a genetic mutation. For some of those suffering from high levels of homocysteine, relief can be achieved by increasing the amount of folic acid and B vitamins in their diet. Obviously the sooner folks discover their holocysteine levels are rising above the healthy level, the sooner they need to implement preventive measures. Supplementing with synthetic vitamin B does not work for folks who carry the genetic mutation. The genetic mutation blocks their ability to metabolize synthetic folic acid to the active form needed by their bodies. As many as half the population of the American public carry one copy of this mutant gene.
For seniors this information is a wake up call to have their homocysteine levels checked. If the levels are too high, then the obvious remedy is to start increasing the amount of folic acid and B vitamins in their diet to ensure their senior health. For those who do not achieve a decrease in their homocysteine levels, then fortunately, there is a remedy available to protect them against cardiovascular disease. The bioactive form of folic acid is currently available as a non-prescription dietary supplement known as 5-MTHF. The full name of this supplement is 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and it increases plasma folate levels 7 times more than standard synthetic folic acid, but it also lowers homocysteine. For those who may need it 5-MTHF will deliver the form of folic acid that their bodies can absorb. When 5-MTHF is used with the complementary nutrients such as the vitamins B6, B12 and betaine, the full set will provide a strong defense against homocysteine-related diseases.

Recent studies have shown that a diet that follows the path of caloric restriction (CR) will promote longevity, because it reduces the usual effects of aging. CR is a way to promote anti-aging. In plain English this means that if you fast like a monk in a monastery, then you will live longer than you would if you continue consuming your current quantity of food every day. Most of us do not feel called to the monastic life, so we need to find another path to achieve longevity.

Fortunately, we have a way to promote longevity that does not require us to limit strictly our enjoyment of food. How can a person enjoy their senior health, if they have to fast every day. The beginning of an alternative answer to CR came from studies of the eating habits of the French people. The French consume large amounts of butter and animal fats, but they do not suffer from cardiovascular disease. This French paradox led researchers to study the complete diet of the French. These studies revealed that the French consume a lot of red wine that contains the most
resveratrol. Resveratrol has been implicated as the principal anti-aging substance that promotes cardiovascular health among the French.

In the last few years a number of studies have shown strong indications that resveratrol may have other anti-aging effects similar to CR in regard to cardiac and muscle aging.
In addition it imitates the effects of CR in controlling blood sugar levels that can possibly prevent the onset of diabetes. Additional diseases associated with aging that may be alleviated by resveratrol include Alzheimer’s disease and inflammatory arthritis. The implications of these studies are very encouraging, because the show serious potential for improving health for seniors

The good news for seniors is that after years of intensive research, a standardized resveratrol extract is now available as a dietary supplement. This whole grape extract contains a spectrum of polyphenols that are naturally contained in red wine such as proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. These compounds that are present in red wine are the ones that produced the French paradox. The standardized extract provides the amount of resveratrol that would be found in several bottles of red wine.
By taking resveratrol seniors can get the anti-aging benefits of CR without being required to fast like a monk. They can enjoy their senior health by eating normally.