Clinical Studies and Optimal Breathing
There is so much confusion about healthy breathing. The confusion stems largely due to:
A. Business can not patent breathing. If it could we would be getting junk mail, TV ads and see road signs about it.
B. Scientific research is based on using mice, monkeys, rats, cats and dogs etc. None of which breathe like healthy humans.
C. Education overlooked it - MDs study less about healthy breathing in school then they do about nutrition.
D. Reduction of autopsy rates from 40% in 1940 to 15% in 1999 effectively eliminate longitudinal studying of long term health implications. Cost and so called lack of need was sited. How well developed or deteriorated was the person's diaphragm at time of death? No autopsy makes it far too easy for MDs get to bury their mistakes and miss out on the lessons of post mortem investigation.
"Advances in diagnostic technology have not diminished the value of autopsy. The discordance between the clinical cause of death and postmortem diagnosis was 19.8%. In 44.4% of the discordant cases, knowledge of the correct diagnosis would have altered therapy. Postmortem study can serve as a valuable monitor of quality control in diagnostic accuracy of MICU patients." . CHEST 119(2):530-536, 2001. © 2001 ACCP]
Mounting Evidence
Clinical studies including thousands of participants spanning a 30-year period offer persuasive evidence that the most significant factor in health and longevity is how well you breathe.
1. The Framingham study focused on the long-term predictive power of vital capacity and forced exhalation volume as the primary markers for life span.
"This pulmonary function measurement appears to be an indicator of general health and vigor and literally a measure of living capacity". Wm B. Kannel and Helen Hubert.
These researchers were able to foretell how long a person was going to live by measuring forced exhalation breathing (flow rate) aka FEV1 and hypertension. We know that much of hypertension is controlled by the way we breathe.
"Long before a person becomes terminally ill, vital capacity can predict life span." William B. Kannel of Boston School of Medicine (1981) stated, "The Framingham examinations' predictive powers were as accurate over the 30-year period as were more recent exams." The study concluded that vital capacity falls 9 percent to 27 percent each decade depending on age, sex and the time the test is given. The study's shortcoming was in suggesting that vital capacity cannot be maintained and or increased, even in severe cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Any opera (not necessarily voice) teacher will support the idea that breathing volume can be increased. Yet activities such as singing or sports are no guarantee of optimal breathing. In fact, they can even invite breathing blocks from gasping, forcing the exhale and breath heaving. You don't have to learn how to sing to have a huge pair of lungs. But you DO need to know how to breathe. I maintain that if you train someone to breathe correctly, they will naturally know how to sing. I have never seen it fail.
You can get the complete Framingham study at the National Institute of Health's Database. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed/
REMINDER:
Most of scientific research is and was done with rats and primates who do not breathe the same as humans. Researchers did not seem to believe at that time that one could improve one's breathing. Many still do not believe one can improve one's breathing. This is simply not true. Recommended program ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2. 29 years after the Framingham study, the same conclusions prevail.
Lung Function May Predict Long Life Or Early Death
How well your lungs function may predict how long you live. This finding is the result of a nearly 30-year follow-up of the association between impaired pulmonary function and all causes of mortality, conducted by researchers at the University at Buffalo. Results of the study appear in the September issue of Chest.
The purpose of the current study was to investigate the association between pulmonary function and mortality for periods that extended past 25 years, the limit of previous studies. Dr. Schünemann and colleagues also wanted to determine for how long pulmonary function is a significant predictor of mortality.
Results showed that lung function was a significant predictor of longevity in the whole group for the full 29 years of follow-up. "It is important to note that the risk of death was increased for participants with moderately impaired lung function, not merely those in the lowest quintile," Dr. Schanemann said. "This suggests that the increased risk isn't confined to a small fraction of the population with severely impaired lung function."
The reasons lung function may predict mortality are not clear, Dr. Schunemann said, noting that increased risk is found in persons who never smoked, as well as among smokers.
"The lung is a primary defense organism against environmental toxins. It could be that impaired pulmonary function could lead to decreased tolerance against these toxins. Researchers also have speculated that decreased pulmonary function could underlie an increase in oxidative stress from free radicals, and we know that oxidative stress plays a role in the development of many diseases."
Dr. Schanemann said the fact that a relationship does exists between lung function and risk of death should motivate physicians to screen patients for pulmonary function, even if more research is needed to determine why.
"It is surprising that this simple measurement has not gained more importance as a general health assessment tool," he noted.
Schunemann HJ, Dorn J, Grant BJB, Winkelstein W, Jr., Trevisan M. Pulmonary Function Is a Long-term Predictor of Mortality in the General Population 29-Year Follow-up of the Buffalo Health Study. Chest 2000;118(3)656-664.
From Mike: "Surprising" puts it mildly!
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3. Decline in FEV1 (breathing volume) by age and smoking status: facts, figures and fallacies. Thorax 1997 52:820-827.
This study shows the importance of longitudinal studies as opposed to cross sectional ones."
This published article focused on a compilation of 83 published reports and clinical studies showing clearly that the primary measurement for lung function -FEV1 - is based on cross sectional data instead of longitudinal data. This means essentially that they include sick people with widely diverse circumstances in their statistics and compile everyone's data for mass diagnosis.
This 1997 research paper points out that; (italics mine) "from one low measurement of FEV1 (forced exhalation volume) in an adult, it is impossible to determine whether the reduced lung function is due to not having achieved a high maximum during early adulthood, or to having an accelerated rate of decline or to any combination of these." "Western medical studies, via cross sectioning, continue to look for role modeling epidemiological "norms" that include the ranks of the ill. Cross sectioning is 60% effective and proven by many to be ineffective over the last 40 years."
The health professional's opinion can have immense personal, social, legal, and economic consequences. When it is based on information colored by sick or otherwise non-optimum healthy or inappropriately chosen individuals, the statistic(s) become weighted in favor of, or excessively influenced by, illness or what is perceived as illness, and may well be in reality, simple mechanical dysfunction. Cross sectional studies can bring the averages down and cause many who do not need the intensity, duration or style of treatment recommended by many health practitioners to be over or under medicated, or inappropriately fed, exercised, massaged or educated.
From Mike:
We need to focus on how to improve breathing, not on how it became impaired. Dwelling too much on problems and pathology gets in the way of creativity and flexibility.
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4. The von Ardenne studies focused on oxygen's relationship to most major categories of illness. When your blood oxygen goes way down, you get sick,
die or at least shorten your life span. This book is a masterful compilation of clinical insights and variations on breathing assessments, cofactors and some techniques of breathing development called Oxygen Multistep Therapy Dr. Manfred von Ardenne was a student of Dr. Otto Warburg. Warburg received
the 1931 Nobel Prize for proving that cancer is anaerobic; it cannot survive in a high oxygen environment. Germs, fungi and bacteria are anaerobic as well. von Ardenne was also inspired by Karl Lohmann who discovered adenosine triphosphate, ATP, which many believe to be the human body’s main energy currency. von Ardenne was an electron physicist who in addition to his interest in astronomy, developed quite a good reputation for cancer research . He went on to develop a process he called Oxygen Multistep Therapy. In his book of the same name Dr. von
Ardenne addressed some 150 respiratory and blood gas aspects including elements of what we might call respiratory psychophysiology.
Some studies addressed in the book are:
Dependence of O2 uptake at rest.
The O2 deficiency pulse reaction as a warning sign of a life-threatening crisis, and the lasting remedying of the crisis.
Procedures that influence and measure increases and decreases in arterial and venous O2 blood levels.
The necessary physical exercise to attain a training effect (which is less than you might expect).
Increases in brain circulation during physical strain.
Rate of blood flow in the circulation of the organs.
Various examples in changes of O2 uptake. Heart minute volume and blood flow of the organs decisive for O2 transport.
Relation of ATP concentrations in rat brains as a function of the oxygen partial pressure of the inspired air.
He graphed much of his research. Other cofactors that influence lung volume are airways hyper-responsiveness, atopy, childhood respiratory infections, air pollution, posture, subluxation of the spine, exercise, deep and superficial fascia, nutrition, occupational hazards, abuse and trauma, attitude, and age, height, weight and sex.
The Manfred von Ardenne studies are best obtained by getting his book called Oxygen Multistep Therapy. His material is good but remains primarily within the illness model instead of the wellness model.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
5. OBESITY AND BREATHING
Effects of Obesity on Respiratory Resistance (increased force required to breathe and shortness of breath). Chest 1993 May,103(5):1470-1476. These findings suggest that in addition to the elastic load, obese subjects have to overcome increased respiratory resistance from the reduction in lung volume related to being overweight
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
6. Numerous measurements have shown that the low pO2art resulting from stressful events of following degeneration of the lung heart system (LHS) in old age can be re-elevated up to high values. Manfred von Ardenne - Stress
1981 Vol 2 Autumn.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
7. Self-evaluation of respiratory deterioration was significantly predictive
of death from all causes. Kauffmann F, Annesi I, Chwalow J -Epidemiological Research Unit INSERM U 169, Villejuif, France. European Respiratory Journal 1997 Nov; 10(11):2508-2514 In other words there are ways of your telling yourself how good your breathing is and what you observe is related to how long you may live due to good or bad breathing.
From Mike:
http://www.breathing.com/tests.htm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
8. Breathe Well Be Well. Robert Fried, Ph D. A strong collection of 18 years working with correlating hyperventilation and its relationship to many illnesses never before linked to poor breathing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
9. Dr. Otto Warburg received the 1931 Nobel price for proving that cancer is anaerobic. It does not survive in high concentrations of oxygen.
MORE HEALTHY BREATHING COFACTORS
HOW IS THE FOLLOWING RELATED TO WARBURG?
An crucially important factor in breathing is the exhale, which is much more than the inhale. But contemporary lung volume measurements are inconsistent and guided by cross sectional criteria instead of longitudinal data and therefore do not adequately predict decline within individuals.
This lack of insight about optimal functioning can cause people to be trained to do forced inhalations that may actually be harmful in long run.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
10. Do you often catch yourself not breathing?
Do you experience shallow, labored breathing; shortness of breath; a high chest; stuck, erratic, or reverse breathing?
Are you unable to catch your breath?
Do you have blue-tinted lips or fingernails; trouble sleeping; more than 6 -8 resting breaths per minute with 3-6 second pauses; heart beat irregularities; poor posture, mild to severe depression; tightness across your chest; excessive stress; asthma or COPD symptoms; constant fatigue; chronic pain; chest pains; anger; anxiety; hyperventilation?
Do you think you can't sing or want to sing better?
For more breathing-relevant studies in a free newsletter or to take the free breathing self tests and see how you compare to others, access www.breathing.com/tests.htm
Source
Showing posts with label Longevity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Longevity. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Killing Beauty
How far would you go to be the fairest of them all? In
Elizabethan times, women rubbed lead on their face and mercury
in their lips to achieve beauty. The health problems were
innumerable and serious. During the Italian Renaissance, a
certain Signor Toffano created an arsenic-laced face powder.
This lovely little gimmick was marketed as a way for rich women
to rid themselves of their unwanted husbands. One flick of a
powder puff was enough to see him buried. Today we would baulk
at such a risk but we still happily slather ourselves in
chemicals so strong they are handled with protective clothing
in laboratories. Is it possible the cosmetic industry is still
peddling beauty to die for? How do we know, after all just
reading the ingredient list in a moisturiser seems to require a
biology degree.
Lets start with the ubiquitous sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).
This chemical is used in almost everything from toothpaste to
shampoos. But its side effects can include eczema, irritated
eyes and skin (with prolonged exposure) and possible
inflammation and infection of the urinary tract and vagina.
Checking children's products to make sure they use the less
harsh sodium laureth sulphate is a good idea as SLS has been
shown to permanently damage children's eyes.
Other dodgy ingredients include EDC's. These gender-bending
chemicals are linked to falling sperm counts in men. Some, like
Nonylphenol used in cosmetics, Butylated hydroxy anisole (BHA)
and E320 (which can leach into cosmetics from PVC containers)
are restricted by the EU with a defined tolerable daily intake.
However, overtime they build up in our body tissues and some
experts consider there is no safe level for use.
Alpha hydroxy Acid (AHA). The cosmetic industrys favourite
discovery AHA and BHAs are fruit and milk sugar exfoliates
respectively. They work by rubbing off the outer layer of skin
to expose the younger-looking? skin beneath. They cannot, as
advertisers suggest, permanently improve your skin. In fact,
they could ruin it. The epidermis (top layer) of skin is an
important barrier protecting the body from UV rays and
chemicals we come in contact with. The body's natural reaction
to having it rubbed away is to create a thicker tougher
epidermis, trapping you into a cycle of exfoliating. If you
choose to regularly use products containing AHA's then you will
also need to use a stronger sunscreen. AHA's have only been
around ten years and their long-term effects are still unknown.
Natural products and extracts show the beauty industry has got
wise to our desire for a more natural life. But too often
"natural" ranges are just repackaged old products with small
amounts of "extracts" added to keep the consumer happy. Really
?natural? products may also need higher levels of preservatives
to keep them from going off, and so end up with the same number
of chemicals found in all cosmetics and toiletries. Finally of
course natural products such as plants and animal extracts can
easily be as poisonous as chemicals.
Baby soft skinBabies and young children are particularly
susceptible to infection, so products for children under three
must have 50 times less microbes then adult products- according
to EU law. This does mean they have many more preservatives in
them- including benzoates. Benzoates can cause gastric
irritation, mouth numbing and urticara and are often used in
baby wipes. Perhaps the best option is to choose products with
the smallest list of ingredients possible, and use baby soap
and water where possible.
Animal magicThe Romans once painted their nails with a mixture
of animal blood and fat. While this would horrify the public
today there are a surprising number of animal products on our
bathroom shelves. If you are a vegetarian this can make life
difficult. Some animal-derived ingredients are pretty easy to
spot other telltale names include:
Tallow, CI 77267, CI 77268, Collagen, Elastin, Gelatin,
Hyaluronic Acid Keratin, Musk, Serum Albumin, Unipertan
Even if cosmetics say they have not been tested on animals, the
individual ingredients are sure to have been tested, but not
necessarily by the manufacturer.
Are you worth it?
Before you get too alarmed remember few people suffer serious
health problems from cosmetics although many find certain
products don't agree with them. Buying simpler products, that
don't make us pay for wildly unrealistic advertising is
probably a good idea. Cosmetics and toiletries can clean us,
make us smell sweeter and enhance our looks but for real health
and beauty, throwing money at the beauty counter is not an
answer.
Boring but true: the only way to make your skin and hair
healthier, and eyes brighter are the old tried and tested
methods of health and nutrition. This means eating a balanced
diet, drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep. It
also means staying out of the sun, exercising regularly and
quitting smoking. It may not come in the most glamorous
package- but your body and health are definitely worth it.
About The Author: I work with the Green Directory
http://www.guidemeg reen.com and the Ethical Directory
http://www.getethic al.com to promote a greener and healthier
lifestyle. I also promote eco friendly Jobs and Employers at
http://www.jobs. guidemegreen. com
Source
Elizabethan times, women rubbed lead on their face and mercury
in their lips to achieve beauty. The health problems were
innumerable and serious. During the Italian Renaissance, a
certain Signor Toffano created an arsenic-laced face powder.
This lovely little gimmick was marketed as a way for rich women
to rid themselves of their unwanted husbands. One flick of a
powder puff was enough to see him buried. Today we would baulk
at such a risk but we still happily slather ourselves in
chemicals so strong they are handled with protective clothing
in laboratories. Is it possible the cosmetic industry is still
peddling beauty to die for? How do we know, after all just
reading the ingredient list in a moisturiser seems to require a
biology degree.
Lets start with the ubiquitous sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).
This chemical is used in almost everything from toothpaste to
shampoos. But its side effects can include eczema, irritated
eyes and skin (with prolonged exposure) and possible
inflammation and infection of the urinary tract and vagina.
Checking children's products to make sure they use the less
harsh sodium laureth sulphate is a good idea as SLS has been
shown to permanently damage children's eyes.
Other dodgy ingredients include EDC's. These gender-bending
chemicals are linked to falling sperm counts in men. Some, like
Nonylphenol used in cosmetics, Butylated hydroxy anisole (BHA)
and E320 (which can leach into cosmetics from PVC containers)
are restricted by the EU with a defined tolerable daily intake.
However, overtime they build up in our body tissues and some
experts consider there is no safe level for use.
Alpha hydroxy Acid (AHA). The cosmetic industrys favourite
discovery AHA and BHAs are fruit and milk sugar exfoliates
respectively. They work by rubbing off the outer layer of skin
to expose the younger-looking? skin beneath. They cannot, as
advertisers suggest, permanently improve your skin. In fact,
they could ruin it. The epidermis (top layer) of skin is an
important barrier protecting the body from UV rays and
chemicals we come in contact with. The body's natural reaction
to having it rubbed away is to create a thicker tougher
epidermis, trapping you into a cycle of exfoliating. If you
choose to regularly use products containing AHA's then you will
also need to use a stronger sunscreen. AHA's have only been
around ten years and their long-term effects are still unknown.
Natural products and extracts show the beauty industry has got
wise to our desire for a more natural life. But too often
"natural" ranges are just repackaged old products with small
amounts of "extracts" added to keep the consumer happy. Really
?natural? products may also need higher levels of preservatives
to keep them from going off, and so end up with the same number
of chemicals found in all cosmetics and toiletries. Finally of
course natural products such as plants and animal extracts can
easily be as poisonous as chemicals.
Baby soft skinBabies and young children are particularly
susceptible to infection, so products for children under three
must have 50 times less microbes then adult products- according
to EU law. This does mean they have many more preservatives in
them- including benzoates. Benzoates can cause gastric
irritation, mouth numbing and urticara and are often used in
baby wipes. Perhaps the best option is to choose products with
the smallest list of ingredients possible, and use baby soap
and water where possible.
Animal magicThe Romans once painted their nails with a mixture
of animal blood and fat. While this would horrify the public
today there are a surprising number of animal products on our
bathroom shelves. If you are a vegetarian this can make life
difficult. Some animal-derived ingredients are pretty easy to
spot other telltale names include:
Tallow, CI 77267, CI 77268, Collagen, Elastin, Gelatin,
Hyaluronic Acid Keratin, Musk, Serum Albumin, Unipertan
Even if cosmetics say they have not been tested on animals, the
individual ingredients are sure to have been tested, but not
necessarily by the manufacturer.
Are you worth it?
Before you get too alarmed remember few people suffer serious
health problems from cosmetics although many find certain
products don't agree with them. Buying simpler products, that
don't make us pay for wildly unrealistic advertising is
probably a good idea. Cosmetics and toiletries can clean us,
make us smell sweeter and enhance our looks but for real health
and beauty, throwing money at the beauty counter is not an
answer.
Boring but true: the only way to make your skin and hair
healthier, and eyes brighter are the old tried and tested
methods of health and nutrition. This means eating a balanced
diet, drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep. It
also means staying out of the sun, exercising regularly and
quitting smoking. It may not come in the most glamorous
package- but your body and health are definitely worth it.
About The Author: I work with the Green Directory
http://www.guidemeg reen.com and the Ethical Directory
http://www.getethic al.com to promote a greener and healthier
lifestyle. I also promote eco friendly Jobs and Employers at
http://www.jobs. guidemegreen. com
Source
Anti-Aging Fasting
Fasting is anti-aging because it rids your body of toxins, which impair your longevity health. In addition, it helps to control your weight, which is often an aging factor.
Fasting is the most efficient and effective way of detoxification.
What is fasting?
Fasting is voluntary abstinence from food and drink, except water, for an extended period.
Fasting is not starvation which is abstinence continued beyond your body's nutrient reserves. In other words, starvation may exhaust your body's stored nutrients to the point of presenting health hazards, while fasting is still "consuming" the nutrient reserves stored in your body. There is a big difference.
Fasting has many therapeutic benefits. Fasting accelerates the self-healing process of your body, thereby enabling your body to recover speedily from any disease. Fasting temporarily stops the continuing work of your digestive system, instrumental in reserving energy for your self-healing. Your body may now utilize the energy for self-healing, which otherwise normally might be expended on secreting digestive enzymes to break down the food for distribution of nutrients throughout your body.
Fasting slows down your aging process by keeping your arteries young (often hardened by cholesterol, fats, inorganic minerals and fibrous tissues). Fasting facilitates the removal of accumulated substances that may damage cell functions, thereby slowing down your aging process and extending your lifespan.
Fasting may alleviate your body pain and rid your body of drug dependence. Remember, longevity is often a drug-free life.
Fasting relieves the burden of not only your digestive tract, but also your liver and kidneys, which have to work extra hard to remove additives and toxins accumulated in your body through improper eating.
Fasting produces powerful detoxifying effects in your body not achievable by any diet, restricted or supplemented.
Fasting decreases your blood pressure by softening your blood vessels.
Fasting activates the immune system in your body.
Fasting removes the cause of any chronic disease you may have by removing the toxins, not just the symptoms, as in the case of medication.
Fasting facilitates you, if you are a smoker, to quit smoking during a fast.
Essentially, there is only one type of fasting: pure water fasting. Juice fasting is not fasting: it is not anti-inflammatory; only pure water fasting is. Vegetable or fruit fasting is not fasting: it is more of a healthful diet. Only pure water fasting is complete and total fasting, which has the capability to break down fat, abnormal cells, plaque, and even tumors. Pure water fasting is the most efficient natural method of detoxification.
How safe is fasting?
Fasting is both natural and safe. Your body system has the capability to fast, and your body has the ability to fast safely. Generally, it takes more than forty days to exhaust all the nutrients stored in your body. That is why in the Bible Jesus fasted for forty days. In general, your body will still have more than adequate reserves of proteins, fats, minerals, and vitamins to maintain its normal function during a fast. In fact, during a fast, your body conserves its muscle and lean body tissues.
For centuries, people have practiced fasting all over the world.
Animals instinctively fast when they are sick or wounded. However, humans in similar situations erroneously believe they need to eat to regain strength, thus making them even sicker and weaker.
To prepare for a fast, eat more vegetables and fruits prior to a fast. Reduce the consumption of meat, and refrain from eating any meat the day before a fast.
During a fast, your body naturally increases mucous production to wash away viruses and infected cells. It may even induce a slight fever to activate your immune system. Your body discharges toxins and chemicals through your skin, mucous membranes, liver, and kidneys. Due to hormonal and metabolic changes, you may feel slightly colder. That is natural and normal. Just keep warm to conserve your energy and to facilitate rapid elimination. One common phenomenon is dehydration through excessive loss of water. Drinking more water is recommended during a fast.
You no longer have any bowel movement after the first day. That, too, is normal.
During a fast, you need less sleep than usual. You are fully refreshed with from three to six hours of sleep. A fast is invigorating.
Remember, the more you fast, the less uncomfortable you will feel. Normal functioning of the body will resume upon removal of all causes of functional impairment.
On the first day, you feel pangs of hunger, and a white coating forms on your tongue. On the second day, you begin to feel gradual dissipation of hunger, and there is more white coating on your tongue. On the third day, you may feel complete disappearance of hunger and the clearance of coating on your tongue.
The first three days of a fast are most challenging. However, once the challenge is overcome, you are well on the way to rejuvenation of your entire body. A clear tongue and clean breath are a good indication that the cleansing is more or less complete.
The length of a fast depends very much on an individual. The following is just a general guideline: a one-day fast, as often as required, preferably weekly, for good maintenance; a three-to-four-day fast for general health and well being, several times a year; a two-week fast for complete internal cleansing, every year or so; and a three-week fast (or even longer) for curing a specific disease, under the supervision of a physician
Always consult your physician first if you go on a fast longer than three to four days. Stop the fast immediately if there is significant increase in physical weakness, or drastic drop in blood pressure.
A one-day fast is ideal for maintenance, but may not be too effective for deep cleansing. Regular fasting minimizes the risk of a disabling disease later in life, and is therefore anti-aging.
Copyright (c) 2007 Stephen Lau
Stephen Lau, a writer and researcher, has spent years in writing research synopses of doctors and scientists in the United States. For more information on health and wellness, visit: http://www.longevityforyou.com . Mr. Lau has also designed a website on golf tips and information. For more information, go to: http://www.golfingsuccessinfo.com
Source
Fasting is the most efficient and effective way of detoxification.
What is fasting?
Fasting is voluntary abstinence from food and drink, except water, for an extended period.
Fasting is not starvation which is abstinence continued beyond your body's nutrient reserves. In other words, starvation may exhaust your body's stored nutrients to the point of presenting health hazards, while fasting is still "consuming" the nutrient reserves stored in your body. There is a big difference.
Fasting has many therapeutic benefits. Fasting accelerates the self-healing process of your body, thereby enabling your body to recover speedily from any disease. Fasting temporarily stops the continuing work of your digestive system, instrumental in reserving energy for your self-healing. Your body may now utilize the energy for self-healing, which otherwise normally might be expended on secreting digestive enzymes to break down the food for distribution of nutrients throughout your body.
Fasting slows down your aging process by keeping your arteries young (often hardened by cholesterol, fats, inorganic minerals and fibrous tissues). Fasting facilitates the removal of accumulated substances that may damage cell functions, thereby slowing down your aging process and extending your lifespan.
Fasting may alleviate your body pain and rid your body of drug dependence. Remember, longevity is often a drug-free life.
Fasting relieves the burden of not only your digestive tract, but also your liver and kidneys, which have to work extra hard to remove additives and toxins accumulated in your body through improper eating.
Fasting produces powerful detoxifying effects in your body not achievable by any diet, restricted or supplemented.
Fasting decreases your blood pressure by softening your blood vessels.
Fasting activates the immune system in your body.
Fasting removes the cause of any chronic disease you may have by removing the toxins, not just the symptoms, as in the case of medication.
Fasting facilitates you, if you are a smoker, to quit smoking during a fast.
Essentially, there is only one type of fasting: pure water fasting. Juice fasting is not fasting: it is not anti-inflammatory; only pure water fasting is. Vegetable or fruit fasting is not fasting: it is more of a healthful diet. Only pure water fasting is complete and total fasting, which has the capability to break down fat, abnormal cells, plaque, and even tumors. Pure water fasting is the most efficient natural method of detoxification.
How safe is fasting?
Fasting is both natural and safe. Your body system has the capability to fast, and your body has the ability to fast safely. Generally, it takes more than forty days to exhaust all the nutrients stored in your body. That is why in the Bible Jesus fasted for forty days. In general, your body will still have more than adequate reserves of proteins, fats, minerals, and vitamins to maintain its normal function during a fast. In fact, during a fast, your body conserves its muscle and lean body tissues.
For centuries, people have practiced fasting all over the world.
Animals instinctively fast when they are sick or wounded. However, humans in similar situations erroneously believe they need to eat to regain strength, thus making them even sicker and weaker.
To prepare for a fast, eat more vegetables and fruits prior to a fast. Reduce the consumption of meat, and refrain from eating any meat the day before a fast.
During a fast, your body naturally increases mucous production to wash away viruses and infected cells. It may even induce a slight fever to activate your immune system. Your body discharges toxins and chemicals through your skin, mucous membranes, liver, and kidneys. Due to hormonal and metabolic changes, you may feel slightly colder. That is natural and normal. Just keep warm to conserve your energy and to facilitate rapid elimination. One common phenomenon is dehydration through excessive loss of water. Drinking more water is recommended during a fast.
You no longer have any bowel movement after the first day. That, too, is normal.
During a fast, you need less sleep than usual. You are fully refreshed with from three to six hours of sleep. A fast is invigorating.
Remember, the more you fast, the less uncomfortable you will feel. Normal functioning of the body will resume upon removal of all causes of functional impairment.
On the first day, you feel pangs of hunger, and a white coating forms on your tongue. On the second day, you begin to feel gradual dissipation of hunger, and there is more white coating on your tongue. On the third day, you may feel complete disappearance of hunger and the clearance of coating on your tongue.
The first three days of a fast are most challenging. However, once the challenge is overcome, you are well on the way to rejuvenation of your entire body. A clear tongue and clean breath are a good indication that the cleansing is more or less complete.
The length of a fast depends very much on an individual. The following is just a general guideline: a one-day fast, as often as required, preferably weekly, for good maintenance; a three-to-four-day fast for general health and well being, several times a year; a two-week fast for complete internal cleansing, every year or so; and a three-week fast (or even longer) for curing a specific disease, under the supervision of a physician
Always consult your physician first if you go on a fast longer than three to four days. Stop the fast immediately if there is significant increase in physical weakness, or drastic drop in blood pressure.
A one-day fast is ideal for maintenance, but may not be too effective for deep cleansing. Regular fasting minimizes the risk of a disabling disease later in life, and is therefore anti-aging.
Copyright (c) 2007 Stephen Lau
Stephen Lau, a writer and researcher, has spent years in writing research synopses of doctors and scientists in the United States. For more information on health and wellness, visit: http://www.longevityforyou.com . Mr. Lau has also designed a website on golf tips and information. For more information, go to: http://www.golfingsuccessinfo.com
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Cognitive Enhancement
Memory loss is a state that begins to affect the brain 30 – 40 years before symptoms begin to occur, because of that, it is important that we begin a program for the prevention of cognitive decline early in life. Benefits of beginning a program include improvements in memory, concentration, learning ability, reduced risk of dementia, and an increase in personal awareness that, in turn lead to feelings of being a part of something larger than oneself.
Cognitive Enhancement is known as a multi-systemic approach in prevention and treatment of cognitive decline that is normally associated with aging and degenerative diseases related to aging. As with many degenerative diseases of the mind, memory loss may appear as a spectrum of symptoms, etiologies, and prognosis. Over 55 disease states, many non-progressives can be attributed to memory loss. Dementias manifests in a variety of forms including vascular disorders, Parkinson’s disease, infections including HIV, depression, hypothyroidism, vitamin B12 deficiency, malnutrition, and substance abuse.
Risk factors are many, and they interact with other biological processes in causing cognitive decline. Increased age, family history, genetic factors, head injury, educational level, cardiovascular disease, and chronic stress are only some of the reasons that one may see increased cognitive decline. The pathology of cognitive decline is variable, but what is clear is that the common denominator is the death of the brain cell.
Treatment programs are multidimensional in their approach and seek to improve memory and brain function while utilizing integrated therapies. Programs include nutrition enhancement through dietary modification and nutritional supplementation with elements such as anti-oxidants, Phosphatidyl-serine, CoQ10, and Ginkgo Biloba. Stress reduction through meditation, mind/body exercises, hormone replacement therapy, and the use of pharmaceutical agents are also used in cognitive enhancement therapy.
With the advent of a new series of drugs known as "smart drugs", they too are integrated into the treatment program. Drug that mimic neuro-growth factors and may stimulate development of new synapses are in full use now. It helps in the promotion of inter-hemispheric communication. The uses of pharmaceutical drugs that help remove intracellular debris, the oxygenation of the brain, and in maintenance of the balance of neurotransmitters are said to be a vital part of the treatment. Hormones like melatonin, estrogen, DHEA, and human growth hormone may help to improve memory function.
The human brain is like any muscle in the body. With most muscles, it is either ones use it or it begins its slow decline. Once treatment begins, it may be possible to increase IQ 4-5% in the first year, and perhaps 2-3% per year thereafter. While this may not be enough to make one feel smarter, testing will show a definitive improvement. The most important factor is the increased sense of being in control of your mental capacity and self-knowledge that really solidifies why one should seek out treatment for cognitive dysfunction before one is forced to.
Source
Cognitive Enhancement is known as a multi-systemic approach in prevention and treatment of cognitive decline that is normally associated with aging and degenerative diseases related to aging. As with many degenerative diseases of the mind, memory loss may appear as a spectrum of symptoms, etiologies, and prognosis. Over 55 disease states, many non-progressives can be attributed to memory loss. Dementias manifests in a variety of forms including vascular disorders, Parkinson’s disease, infections including HIV, depression, hypothyroidism, vitamin B12 deficiency, malnutrition, and substance abuse.
Risk factors are many, and they interact with other biological processes in causing cognitive decline. Increased age, family history, genetic factors, head injury, educational level, cardiovascular disease, and chronic stress are only some of the reasons that one may see increased cognitive decline. The pathology of cognitive decline is variable, but what is clear is that the common denominator is the death of the brain cell.
Treatment programs are multidimensional in their approach and seek to improve memory and brain function while utilizing integrated therapies. Programs include nutrition enhancement through dietary modification and nutritional supplementation with elements such as anti-oxidants, Phosphatidyl-serine, CoQ10, and Ginkgo Biloba. Stress reduction through meditation, mind/body exercises, hormone replacement therapy, and the use of pharmaceutical agents are also used in cognitive enhancement therapy.
With the advent of a new series of drugs known as "smart drugs", they too are integrated into the treatment program. Drug that mimic neuro-growth factors and may stimulate development of new synapses are in full use now. It helps in the promotion of inter-hemispheric communication. The uses of pharmaceutical drugs that help remove intracellular debris, the oxygenation of the brain, and in maintenance of the balance of neurotransmitters are said to be a vital part of the treatment. Hormones like melatonin, estrogen, DHEA, and human growth hormone may help to improve memory function.
The human brain is like any muscle in the body. With most muscles, it is either ones use it or it begins its slow decline. Once treatment begins, it may be possible to increase IQ 4-5% in the first year, and perhaps 2-3% per year thereafter. While this may not be enough to make one feel smarter, testing will show a definitive improvement. The most important factor is the increased sense of being in control of your mental capacity and self-knowledge that really solidifies why one should seek out treatment for cognitive dysfunction before one is forced to.
Source
Wellness Therapy
In the distant past, the term “medical anti aging” was a bit of a misnomer. The medical community treated aging as a natural part of human life, and didn't devote much time to figuring out how to slow it down- thereby reducing the symptoms and problems that are hand in hand with aging. Those who could, would have plastic surgery, but is not the answer to the problem. Today however, scientific research is revealing many of the “natural” processes that cause physical aging, and the understanding of the opportunities may slow it down.
Timing is everything. Baby boomers who make up a huge percentage of the affluent, educated, and viable demographic who are moving into their senior years want medical wellness resources. They are those who have grown up with good health, with readily available medical care and the belief that every disease can be cured. Their belief is that medical treatment can keep them feeling young and vigorous, while enjoying their twilight years.
Professionals with specialized medical training are involved in researching approaches to the newly minted field of anti aging. Common diseases of old age can be kept at bay with nutritional advice, as well as supplements to replenish hormones and proteins that may have depleted over time. The identification of genes that predispose us to certain diseases, may allows the identification and possible treatment protocol to those at risk.
It’s inspiring to understand that many new drugs and the natural chemistry in nature help to fight diseases that have readily been accepted as natural. Foods have important properties that have never been fully understood as potential age fighters. Surgical interventions are still available as well, and they are more effective than ever.
When premature aging is recognized for the opportunity it presents for one to reassess their life and decide what is causing it, or even better prevented, it is a reality that you can live longer with a higher quality of life without pain, restriction, from age-related disease. If you may help your cells to stay healthy, it is possible to have a better quality of life. In order for this to be achieved, cells require a continuous supply of nutrients as well as the continual removal of waste and toxins.
Anti aging medicine does not promote the possibility of immortality, but maintains that one may not have to experience any of the degenerative conditions, illnesses or deteriorations we commonly accept. General medicine has made us focus only on relieving the symptoms of premature aging, but this is not something we have to accept.
Supplements that begin early in life may give one protection and maintenance for future health. With the senior years many are at higher risk for degenerative conditions and nutritional deficiency, causing digestive problems such as malabsorption, integration problems and slower digestive function. Additional nutrients are therefore even more essential to repair and rejuvenate your body’s cells and help you back to a more youthful and energized you!
With such a revolutionary field comes the need for research and self awareness. It is unfortunate that there are those that will attempt to lure unsuspecting patients in with promises of the fountain of youth, but when their treatment is complete, they may actually feel worse than ever. Before attempting any new or unconventional medical anti aging treatment, discuss your plans with a medical professional whom you trust, or contact one that is highly recommended.
Whatever the decision, keeping abreast of the latest breakthroughs can help in deciding how you will participate in your own future. With the plethora of products and services available- the reality of looking and feeling wonderful is at your doorstep. Research and development in the field are fast moving, so there will be many more options, and hopefully preventative measures we can take to maintain a beneficial quality of life.
Source
Timing is everything. Baby boomers who make up a huge percentage of the affluent, educated, and viable demographic who are moving into their senior years want medical wellness resources. They are those who have grown up with good health, with readily available medical care and the belief that every disease can be cured. Their belief is that medical treatment can keep them feeling young and vigorous, while enjoying their twilight years.
Professionals with specialized medical training are involved in researching approaches to the newly minted field of anti aging. Common diseases of old age can be kept at bay with nutritional advice, as well as supplements to replenish hormones and proteins that may have depleted over time. The identification of genes that predispose us to certain diseases, may allows the identification and possible treatment protocol to those at risk.
It’s inspiring to understand that many new drugs and the natural chemistry in nature help to fight diseases that have readily been accepted as natural. Foods have important properties that have never been fully understood as potential age fighters. Surgical interventions are still available as well, and they are more effective than ever.
When premature aging is recognized for the opportunity it presents for one to reassess their life and decide what is causing it, or even better prevented, it is a reality that you can live longer with a higher quality of life without pain, restriction, from age-related disease. If you may help your cells to stay healthy, it is possible to have a better quality of life. In order for this to be achieved, cells require a continuous supply of nutrients as well as the continual removal of waste and toxins.
Anti aging medicine does not promote the possibility of immortality, but maintains that one may not have to experience any of the degenerative conditions, illnesses or deteriorations we commonly accept. General medicine has made us focus only on relieving the symptoms of premature aging, but this is not something we have to accept.
Supplements that begin early in life may give one protection and maintenance for future health. With the senior years many are at higher risk for degenerative conditions and nutritional deficiency, causing digestive problems such as malabsorption, integration problems and slower digestive function. Additional nutrients are therefore even more essential to repair and rejuvenate your body’s cells and help you back to a more youthful and energized you!
With such a revolutionary field comes the need for research and self awareness. It is unfortunate that there are those that will attempt to lure unsuspecting patients in with promises of the fountain of youth, but when their treatment is complete, they may actually feel worse than ever. Before attempting any new or unconventional medical anti aging treatment, discuss your plans with a medical professional whom you trust, or contact one that is highly recommended.
Whatever the decision, keeping abreast of the latest breakthroughs can help in deciding how you will participate in your own future. With the plethora of products and services available- the reality of looking and feeling wonderful is at your doorstep. Research and development in the field are fast moving, so there will be many more options, and hopefully preventative measures we can take to maintain a beneficial quality of life.
Source
Testosterone
Testosterone is known as the most important hormone of the male sex hormones, also called the androgen hormone. It is produced in the testes of the male and in very small amounts in the woman's ovaries. This hormone singularly creates the masculinity of the male body. Testosterone is also known to stimulate protein synthesis and account for the muscular development of the male.
Testosterone is responsible for development of male genitalia, the pubic, facial, and body hair, and deepening of the voice. Testosterone is said to most likely be a key component in protecting the brain against Alzheimer's disease. According to researchers, there is an abundance of American men who suffer from low testosterone levels and need to be treated for the deficiency. Symptoms of low testosterone include a decreased sexual drive, depression, increased irritability, fatigue and increased growth of breast tissue.
Testosterone deficiency has not been a recognized syndrome, although it impacts every cell in the human body, and has been powerfully linked to every major degenerative disease recognizable.
People are misinformed about Testosterone Therapy, having been stereotyped, it has lead many to believe that, it could make the individual aggressive and irritable. This has been proven as false, when in reality, it is those with a reduced amount of testosterone that display that sort of aggressiveness.
It is said that are a significant number of men and postmenopausal women who can benefit from Testosterone Replacement Therapy. The andropausal symptoms can be alleviated and even reversed by the right dosage of testosterone. The purpose of Testosterone Replacement Therapy is to aid in the restoration of testosterone to youthful levels in achieving optimal health. Due to the big role it plays in the sex drive, testosterone is well regarded as a supplement that can help in many areas of one’s life. The combination of Testosterone with Human Growth Hormone becomes more effective and has greater effects on the deficient patient.
Hormones are said to be the fuel of youth. In research studies there have been effects of rapid improvement in physical function and also a marked recovery in psychological attitude and mental alertness. Athletes have been known to start the therapy to prevent injury and strengthen muscles, but it aids in the healing process if an injury is incurred. It seems that the key to anti-aging is linked to restoring hormonal levels to what they were in our youth.
Source
Testosterone is responsible for development of male genitalia, the pubic, facial, and body hair, and deepening of the voice. Testosterone is said to most likely be a key component in protecting the brain against Alzheimer's disease. According to researchers, there is an abundance of American men who suffer from low testosterone levels and need to be treated for the deficiency. Symptoms of low testosterone include a decreased sexual drive, depression, increased irritability, fatigue and increased growth of breast tissue.
Testosterone deficiency has not been a recognized syndrome, although it impacts every cell in the human body, and has been powerfully linked to every major degenerative disease recognizable.
People are misinformed about Testosterone Therapy, having been stereotyped, it has lead many to believe that, it could make the individual aggressive and irritable. This has been proven as false, when in reality, it is those with a reduced amount of testosterone that display that sort of aggressiveness.
It is said that are a significant number of men and postmenopausal women who can benefit from Testosterone Replacement Therapy. The andropausal symptoms can be alleviated and even reversed by the right dosage of testosterone. The purpose of Testosterone Replacement Therapy is to aid in the restoration of testosterone to youthful levels in achieving optimal health. Due to the big role it plays in the sex drive, testosterone is well regarded as a supplement that can help in many areas of one’s life. The combination of Testosterone with Human Growth Hormone becomes more effective and has greater effects on the deficient patient.
Hormones are said to be the fuel of youth. In research studies there have been effects of rapid improvement in physical function and also a marked recovery in psychological attitude and mental alertness. Athletes have been known to start the therapy to prevent injury and strengthen muscles, but it aids in the healing process if an injury is incurred. It seems that the key to anti-aging is linked to restoring hormonal levels to what they were in our youth.
Source
Human growth hormone (HGH)
Human growth hormone (HGH) is produced in the pituitary gland of humans, and is a hormone that is secreted throughout one’s lifetime. It is effective in promoting growth in children and plays an important role in adult metabolism. Human growth hormone has been responsible for the effects on development, immunity and metabolism. HGH has been known to exert anabolic effects throughout the body favoring the tissues, bones and muscles.
In studies it has been determined that an aging person exhibits lower levels of growth hormone in comparison to a younger individual. This decreased HGH level has significant negative effects on how fat is distributed, one’s immunity and overall energy.
Insulin has a negative impact on the body, if you eat an excess of refined carbohydrates and sugars over a long period of time, the body creates much more insulin than it needs, and adult-onset diabetes can occur. The other dangerous hormone is cortisol, our fight-or-flight hormone, which essentially tears down tissue, including brain tissue. It is in a sense, the opposite of human growth hormone, an anti-aging hormone which builds up the body's tissues.
Human growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) have anti-aging benefits that have been increased immune function, development of lean body mass and development of organs that shrink with age-the heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, thymus, and thyroid. IGF has been shown to improve energy, enhance kidney functions, strengthen bones and lower blood pressure. By balancing electromagnetic fields in the body, it aids in optimizing the body in improving communication between the immune, nervous and hormonal systems.
It is said that HGH and its mediator, IGF 1 may aid in treating aging, by keeping cells in as healthy a state as possible. A cell’s ability to function depends upon the genetic codes for all proteins, hormones, and enzymes that make the cell run. Antioxidant supplements such as vitamin C and E have been known to limit damage caused to the DNA and bolster immunity in the process. HGH and IGF 1 go one step further and accomplish what antioxidants may not be able to. HGH and IGF1 help DNA self heal prior to cell division, initiating the movement of amino acids and nucleic acids into the cell and cell membranes. IGF 1 facilitates the movement of nucleic acids giving it the materials needed to repair damage to the DNA and initiate cell division.
While many hormones can be replaced to ward off the effects of aging, HGH reaches far beyond the scope of any single hormone in not only preventing aging, but in significantly reversing a broad range symptoms of aging. While the growth hormone decreases, the aging process rapidly increases. It has been determined by HGH proponents that one can reach the status of elderly by the age of 35-40.
People who have age related deficiencies of HGH have been known to become fat, frail, and lethargic, losing interest in normal activities, including sex, sleep, concentration, eventually losing their zest for life. HGH is being touted as the silver bullet of life extension.
It is important that in deciding to go with an anti-aging therapy such as this, you discuss with your doctor what your options are. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have a history of cancer, autoimmune diseases, or are undergoing therapy- this may not be right for you. Discuss with your doctor at length about what may be right for you.
Source
In studies it has been determined that an aging person exhibits lower levels of growth hormone in comparison to a younger individual. This decreased HGH level has significant negative effects on how fat is distributed, one’s immunity and overall energy.
Insulin has a negative impact on the body, if you eat an excess of refined carbohydrates and sugars over a long period of time, the body creates much more insulin than it needs, and adult-onset diabetes can occur. The other dangerous hormone is cortisol, our fight-or-flight hormone, which essentially tears down tissue, including brain tissue. It is in a sense, the opposite of human growth hormone, an anti-aging hormone which builds up the body's tissues.
Human growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) have anti-aging benefits that have been increased immune function, development of lean body mass and development of organs that shrink with age-the heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, thymus, and thyroid. IGF has been shown to improve energy, enhance kidney functions, strengthen bones and lower blood pressure. By balancing electromagnetic fields in the body, it aids in optimizing the body in improving communication between the immune, nervous and hormonal systems.
It is said that HGH and its mediator, IGF 1 may aid in treating aging, by keeping cells in as healthy a state as possible. A cell’s ability to function depends upon the genetic codes for all proteins, hormones, and enzymes that make the cell run. Antioxidant supplements such as vitamin C and E have been known to limit damage caused to the DNA and bolster immunity in the process. HGH and IGF 1 go one step further and accomplish what antioxidants may not be able to. HGH and IGF1 help DNA self heal prior to cell division, initiating the movement of amino acids and nucleic acids into the cell and cell membranes. IGF 1 facilitates the movement of nucleic acids giving it the materials needed to repair damage to the DNA and initiate cell division.
While many hormones can be replaced to ward off the effects of aging, HGH reaches far beyond the scope of any single hormone in not only preventing aging, but in significantly reversing a broad range symptoms of aging. While the growth hormone decreases, the aging process rapidly increases. It has been determined by HGH proponents that one can reach the status of elderly by the age of 35-40.
People who have age related deficiencies of HGH have been known to become fat, frail, and lethargic, losing interest in normal activities, including sex, sleep, concentration, eventually losing their zest for life. HGH is being touted as the silver bullet of life extension.
It is important that in deciding to go with an anti-aging therapy such as this, you discuss with your doctor what your options are. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have a history of cancer, autoimmune diseases, or are undergoing therapy- this may not be right for you. Discuss with your doctor at length about what may be right for you.
Source
Stem Cell Regrowth
Stem cell research in relation to anti aging medicine is truly revolutionary. Scientists are saying they know more than enough to get started on the development of working anti-aging medicine - therapies that my slow down or reverse the root causes of age-related degeneration. The science behind it is combining biology, chemistry, and genetics.with ethical and moral constraints that may come into question- this will all lead to a very interesting brand of medicine. Although anti aging medicine has been known to some as a viable sub specialty, it is important to note that until recently stem cell research has been viewed in a skewed manner.
Progress in any one area of the science may lead to therapies for a specific class of age-related illnesses. It is reasonable to expect that over time, researchers will be able to fill in the gaps of stem cell research and where it can be appropriately utilized.
Already Alzheimer’s patients are being promised immune therapies that may address suspected causes of neurodegradation. In age related illnesses, it is thought that the damaged mitochondrial DNA is responsible for the progression of the disease process. In the case of cancer therapy it is believed that manipulation of the telomeres may prevent or treat cancer in the body.
When discussing stem cell research in relation to life extension, it can mean many things. It may be a slow process, and one cannot expect to prevent all diseases at once. Anti aging medicine may be cost effective way of addressing the root cause of the disease, not just treating the disease itself.
There are seven proposed categories of biologic processes that can lead to this type of degenerative aging and age related diseases. Scientists have been able to work with potential therapies in the last two decades that have helped in understanding how stem cells will be able to prevent possible disease in the future. It is thought that tissue loses cells with the advancement of age, such as those in the heart and areas of the brain. Stem cell research and regenerative medicine have been providing very promising answers to degeneration through cell loss.
Elimination of telomere-related mechanisms that may cause cancer- by selectively modifying telomere elongation through tissue typing, this may be the answer to the prevention of cancer. Development of therapies to fix mitochondrial DNA may eliminate the functions that are party to the degenerative aging process. Proteins that are outside the cells, many that are vital to artery walls and skin elasticity, are developed early in life and are never recycled or recycled very slowly. These life long proteins are susceptible to chemical reactions that degrade effectiveness, and researchers can locate suitable enzymes or compounds to break down problem cross-links that they body may not be able to handle.
There are certain cases of cell accumulation, in areas where they are unwanted, specifically in the joints of the body, this is akin to arthritis, and other age related diseases. Stem cell therapy can aid in tailoring the body and the immune system to destroy cells as they become problematic, preventing any related problems.
It is understood that as we age, junk material known as amyloid accumulates outside our cells. Vaccines are currently under development for Alzheimer's, a condition featuring prominent amyloid plaques, and similar efforts could be applied to other classes of extra cellular junk material. There are numerous other diseases that can be treated in the same manner with the same methods when research has developed the appropriate therapies. When junk material builds up within the non-dividing long-life span of cells, thus impairing functions and causing damage, it is hard to ignore the repercussions they may have on the future. The biochemistry of this “junk” is fairly well understood; with the problem lying in the development of a therapy to break down the unwanted material.
With the development of anti aging medicine and the progression of research in the area of stem cells- it is easy to understand how this can truly revolutionize the future. Although there is much to learn about the topic, you may want to discuss with your doctor about how this may impact your future and your life.
SourceHumans May Stay Young For 400 Years
'In principle, if you understand the mechanisms of keeping things repaired, you could keep things going indefinitely,' says Cynthia Kenyon, biochemist at the University of California at San Francisco. In her lab she has increased the life span of tiny worms called Caenorhabditis elegans up to six times their normal lifespan by suppressing a single gene. This regulator gene, named daf-2, in combination with other genes, appears to control an entire cluster of genes that direct aging not only in worms, but in similar genetic pathways in flies, mice and, possibly humans. This is the equivalent of people living for 400 years, and the good news is that the worms stay young for most of their extended lifespans.
Diet it seems is a major contributory factor.An experiment with the worms proves that sugar turns on a genetic sequence that increases the amount of insulin produced by an organism, which in turn causes the body to demand more sugar. This increases damage to cells in the body, speeding up the slow degradation of cells that contribute to aging. Red wine and green tea have been shown to help repair cells and contribute to an increased lifespan.
The most significant finding is that the worms remained vigorous till until the very end of their extended lives. In human terms it would mean that a person would remain young for decades, growing old very slowly. It also suggests a radical new method for treating maladies of aging such as Alzheimer's, Huntington's and some cancers, which might be put off or eliminated if youth is extended. 'Age is the single largest risk factor for an enormous number of diseases,' says Kenyon. 'So if you can essentially postpone aging, then you can have beneficial effects on a whole wide range of disease.'
When asked whether it was possible to be immortal Kenyon says 'I think it might be possible. I'll tell you why. You can think about the life span of a cell being the integral of two vectors in a sense, the force of destruction and the force of prevention, maintenance and repair. In most animals the force of destruction has still got the edge. But why not bump up the genes just a little bit, the maintenance genes. All you have to do is have the maintenance level a little higher. It doesn't have to be much higher. It just has to be a little higher, so that it counterbalances the force of destruction. And don't forget, the germ lineage is immortal. So it's possible at least in principle.'
http://www.tagsum.com/news/1739/Humans-May-Stay-Young-For-400-Years
Source
Diet it seems is a major contributory factor.An experiment with the worms proves that sugar turns on a genetic sequence that increases the amount of insulin produced by an organism, which in turn causes the body to demand more sugar. This increases damage to cells in the body, speeding up the slow degradation of cells that contribute to aging. Red wine and green tea have been shown to help repair cells and contribute to an increased lifespan.
The most significant finding is that the worms remained vigorous till until the very end of their extended lives. In human terms it would mean that a person would remain young for decades, growing old very slowly. It also suggests a radical new method for treating maladies of aging such as Alzheimer's, Huntington's and some cancers, which might be put off or eliminated if youth is extended. 'Age is the single largest risk factor for an enormous number of diseases,' says Kenyon. 'So if you can essentially postpone aging, then you can have beneficial effects on a whole wide range of disease.'
When asked whether it was possible to be immortal Kenyon says 'I think it might be possible. I'll tell you why. You can think about the life span of a cell being the integral of two vectors in a sense, the force of destruction and the force of prevention, maintenance and repair. In most animals the force of destruction has still got the edge. But why not bump up the genes just a little bit, the maintenance genes. All you have to do is have the maintenance level a little higher. It doesn't have to be much higher. It just has to be a little higher, so that it counterbalances the force of destruction. And don't forget, the germ lineage is immortal. So it's possible at least in principle.'
http://www.tagsum.com/news/1739/Humans-May-Stay-Young-For-400-Years
Source
Enzyme Discovery Could Lead to Life-Extending Drugs
US researchers have discovered a way of increasing the activity of potent anti-aging enzymes called sirtuins. David Sinclair of Harvard Medical School and colleagues found several biologically active compounds that can more than double sirtuin activity. One of these compounds was resveratrol, the antioxidant that is largely responsible for the health benefits of red wine. When the scientists added some of these compounds to yeast cells growing in culture, the cells produced 70% more daughter cells than normal – the production of daughter cells is a reliable indicator of yeast’s youthfulness. Tests on human cells also produced promising results. Those treated with sirtuin boosters lived long lives in the lab, even after exposure to DNA-damaging ionizing radiation, which normally shortens the lifespan of a cell. Furthermore, preliminary results of ongoing experiments suggest that these compounds can extend the lifespan of a nematode worm known as C. elegans, and the fruit fly. Sinclair says that his findings suggest that sirtuins “serve as guardians of the cell” and “allow cells to survive damage and delay cell death.” Sinclair’s work adds further support to the increasingly popular theory that sirtuins control aging in virtually all living organisms. Therefore, it may be that sirtuin boosters will provide us with a potent class of anti-aging drugs and possibly the much longed for fountain of youth.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Reported by www.washingtonpost.com on the 25th August 2003.
Source
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Reported by www.washingtonpost.com on the 25th August 2003.
Source
101 Tips of Anti-Aging Wisdom to Living to a Fit, Vital and Robust Age
Dr. Robert Goldman, Chairman and Dr. Ronald Klatz, President
American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M)
British novelist Doris Lessing (b. 1919), making reference to the popularization of science fiction in the 1970s, remarked:
What a phenomenon it has been-exploding out of nowhere, unexpectedly of course, as always happens when the human mind is being forced to expand; this time starwards, galaxy-wise, and who knows where next.
WHAT IS ANTI-AGING MEDICINE?
A decade ago, anti-aging medicine was labeled by some as science fiction. Ten years later, many of the insights of anti-aging pioneering researchers and clinicians have become science fact. Today, scientists know much more about the deterioration and vulnerability to disease that typifies the aging process. Many of these discoveries can be attributed to the advent of anti-aging medicine, heralding in a new era for an innovative healthcare model and exciting scientific field of study. Anti-aging medicine is a medical specialty founded on the application of advanced scientific and medical technologies for the early detection, prevention, treatment, and reversal of age-related diseases. It is a healthcare model promoting innovative science and research to prolong the healthy lifespan in humans. As such, anti-aging medicine is based on principles of sound and responsible medical care that are consistent with those applied in other preventive health specialties. Anti-aging medicine is:
* Scientific. Anti-aging diagnostic and treatment practices are supported by scientific evidence and therefore cannot be branded as anecdotal.
* Evidence-based. Anti-aging medicine is based on an orderly process for acquiring data in order to formulate a scientific and objective assessment upon which effective treatment is assigned.
* Holistic. Anti-aging medicine utilizes an organized framework for the head-to-toe diagnostic assessment, and subsequent design of a treatment regimen.
* Synergistic. Anti-aging medicine recognizes that oftentimes, a multi-modal, multi-therapeutic approach (including nutritional supplements) may deliver greater rejuvenative effects than by administering single therapies alone.
* Well-documented by peer-reviewed journals including Aging, American Journal of Cardiology, Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, Journal of the American Medical Association, Lancet, and many others.
Anti-aging medicine focuses on the application of high-tech diagnostic and treatment biomedical technologies for the very earliest detection and most aggressive care of disease. The goal of anti-aging medicine is not to merely prolong the total years of an individual's life, but to ensure that those years are enjoyed in a productive and vital fashion.
THE BENEFITS OF LONGEVITY
Longevity has tremendous payoffs not only for each of us as individuals, but collectively as a society. Kevin Murphy and Robert Topel of the University of Chicago Business School used a value per-life of $5 million (extrapolated from accident payouts by insurers) to calculate what the six years' gain in average life expectancy during 1970-1990 alone were worth across the total U.S. population. Their calculations produced the astounding discovery that the change in life expectancy over the twenty-year period was worth a whopping $57 trillion in 1992 dollars. Converted into a yearly valuation, the Murphy and Topel study assigns a $2.4 trillion a year value on longevity for the U.S. alone.
Focusing in on the potential financial gain if the leading causes of death were to be eradicated, Murphy and Topel estimate that eliminating deaths from heart disease would generate an economic value of $48 trillion, curing cancer would be worth $47 trillion. All totalled, Murphy and Topel argue that reducing the death rate from either heart disease or cancer by 20% would be worth around $10 trillion to Americans -- more than one year's U.S. Gross Domestic Product.
With all that long and vital lives can offer us both personally and as a society, anti-aging medicine has accelerated the pace of advancements in health promotion and prevention, and is the most important new model for health care for this new millennium. By implementing a proactive health program embracing elements of anti-aging preventive medical care for yourself, you increase your ability to live a long and robust lifespan in which you will spend quality and abundant time with your family and its future generations. In this article, we share with you 101 tips in hopes of helping you reach your 101st birthday and celebrate it with style. Bon santé!
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
Today, each American spend[s] more on health care than anyone else in the world. And yet, we aren't much healthier as a people. Consider investing in your fitness instead of in pharmaceuticals. ["Health Bulletin," Men's Health, May 2003, p. 46.] Those "in the know," have known this and are applying the principles to themselves to live longer and more healthful lives:
* A number of reputable scientists have been personally consuming antioxidants for years: at the US National Institutes of Health, Dr. Trey Sunderland, age 50, takes Vitamin E and anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, while he conducts work as the Chief of Geriatric Psychiatry at the Institute of Mental Health into Alzheimer's prevention. At Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH USA), Dr. Craig Atwood takes Vitamin E and drinks blueberry shakes while conducting research commissioned by the Alzheimer's Association to find antioxidant compounds to decrease plaques in brain tissue. Such conduct begs the question: If such nutrients were of no preventive or therapeutic value, why would these experts on aging-related diseases continue to consume them? [Jaffe S., "Scientists test theories on aging and their resolve," The Plain Dealer, Dec., 16, 2002].
* Dr. James Jessup at the University of Florida found that older men and women who exercised regularly and took vitamin E supplements became healthier and significantly decreased their levels of free-radical induced oxidative stress, a known contributor to aging and disease. Remarks Dr. Jessup:
The results of this study suggest that people who are over 40 can benefit from regular moderate exercise and vitamin E to protect … their aging bodies." ["Researcher finds vitamins, exercise may slow harmful effects of aging," Breakthrough Digest, July 30, 2003].
* From the University of Illinois to Ball State University (Indiana), human performance scientists are in universal agreement that the one thing you can to do slow the aging process, and feel good afterwards, is to keep yourself physically active. A landmark study published in 1995 tracked 9,777 men ages20-82 and found that physically unfit men who became fit had death rates 44% lower than those who remained unfit. Exercise experts are now revising their definition of "aging" to reflect that aging for most people equates to inactivity. Today, thanks to high-tech sports medicine and rehab advancements, men and women in their 90s and 100s are regaining strength and mobility from muscle training. The take-home lesson: it's never too late to start exercising, but getting a jump start while you're still agile is best. ["The simple answer for defying age: exercise," Newsday.com, August 20,2003]
In closing, we share a quote from Buddha (563-483 BC): "Your body is precious. It is our vehicle for awakening. Treat it with care."
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