Aging

Aging is a natural process that the older we get the harder we fight against.  We can't stop ourselves from getting older but there are some things we can do to help counter some of the more detrimental effects of the aging process.

Some of the Effects of Aging

• Muscles shrink and lose mass
• Number and size of muscle fibers decrease, increasing response time.
• Water content of tendons decrease making them stiffer and less able to tolerate stress.
• Heart muscle is less able to propel the large quantities of blood as quickly through the body leading us to tire more quickly.
• Our metabolic rate slows leading to possible obesity and higher cholesterol levels.
• The mineral content of bones decreases making them less dense and more fragile.
• Two-thirds of people experience a significant decrease in mental lucidity.
• Skin becomes slack due to the loss of the elastic tissue (elastin and collagen) in the skin with age causes the skin to hang loosely.
• Skin becomes more transparent due to the thinning of the epidermis (surface layer of the skin).
• Skin becomes more fragile which is caused by a flattening of the area where the epidermis and dermis (layer of skin under the epidermis) come together.
• Skin becomes more easily bruised. This is due to thinner blood vessel walls as we age.
• Malabsorbtion problems can arise in which nutrients from food are not properly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract.

Natural Remedies for Aging

American ginseng and Asian ginseng - these herbs are touted as the 'Fountain of Youth' by the Chinese and Koreans.  They tone the skin and muscles, improve appetite and digestion, increase circulation, provide extra energy, increase circulation and restore depleted sexual energy. (avoid if you have high blood pressure)

Chamomile - the herb is a mild tranquilizer and anti-inflammatory that may help to relieve arthritis.

Burdock root and Red clover - detoxify and cleanse the bloodstream.

Echinacea - one of the best immune boosters available, research shows that its antimicrobial activity helps to prevent colds and flu, as well as other viral, bacterial and fungal infections.

Evening Primrose - the seeds contain GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) which seems to alleviate PMS, eczema, diabetic polyneuropathy and shows great promise against our biggest killers, heart disease and cancer.

Garlic - the modern miracle reduces cholesterol and blood pressure and boosts immune function among many other benefits and one Japanese study gives hope that it may also slow physiological aging and age-related memory problems.

Gotu Kola - widely used to improve memory and promote longevity.

Milk Thistle - a great liver protector.  Because our livers process drugs and environmental toxins, they are under constant strain.

Peppermint - good relief for indigestion and gastrointestinal distress, peppermint also contains potent antioxidents that can help to fight cancer, heart disease and other diseases associated with aging.

Purslane - rich in antioxidents A, C and E as well as glutathione which is also an immune system booster.

Thyme - a good source of anti-aging chemicals and its aromatic oil with also help soothe back spasms.

Willow - White Willow Bark - the original source of aspirin so it can relieve aches and pains as well a help to prevent heart attacks, strokes and colorectal cancer.

And don't underestimate the benefits of a healthy diet and exercise.  Our diet can add many benefits naturally such as antioxidents.

Exercise is one of the most important elements in slowing the aging process because it increases the amount of oxygen available to the body, key to energy and stamina levels.