Tag Archives: Longevity Nutrients by Pure Encapsulations

Maintaining Life Quality with Aging

AgingJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

While some chronic diseases are perceived as an inevitable part of the aging process, the accrued consequences of poor lifestyle habits, such as inactivity, chronic stress, unhealthy diet and smoking, actually begin to manifest in late middle age. There’s no doubt that quality of life is significantly reduced when one is suffering with a chronic disease. Diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and other health conditions may be accepted as just a part of life, yet with healthy choices the onset of disease can be delayed or avoided altogether. Given the option of a long healthy life or a shorter unhealthy one, not many would choose the latter. Obvious physical changes like thinning or graying hair or loss of skin elasticity, as well as reduced sensory abilities may be unavoidable, but those who are excessively overweight or sedentary can take steps to help ensure that senior years are good years.

What does it mean to age healthfully? Perhaps it comes down to a sense of pride and self-worth that results from caring for and about your physical health and mental wellness. Opportunities abound for one to support all aspects of health at any age. A proactive approach, that includes the following actions that slow physical and mental aging, can ensure improved quality of life in later years. Maintaining a basic level of fitness can help ward off mobility issues and support muscle strength, coordination and balance, thereby reducing the risk of falls. Participating in mentally challenging activities supports and maintains healthy cognitive function. Taking steps to reduce the detrimental effects of stress on the body is critical, as there is a strong correlation between chronic stress and premature aging.

Per the National Institutes of Health (NIH), healthy aging is influenced by improved diet and increased physical activity, as well as other identifiable actions that help manage risk factors for disease development.

Nutrition:

  • Ideally, consuming a nutritionally balanced diet should begin in childhood and continue into adulthood, as nutrition plays a serious role in determining the health of people of all ages. For seniors, good nutrition can help delay or reduce disease risk.
  • A nutritionally unbalanced diet is often associated with diabetes, as well as increased risk of developing coronary heart disease. While nutritional requirements change as a body ages, it’s never too late to improve dietary habits.
  • Healthy eaters with the highest intake of foods like whole grain cereal, fruit, beans, legumes and vegetables and the lowest intake of highly refined processed foods, fast foods and sugary drinks, as well as red and processed meats, have the smallest gains in waist circumference and increased weight as they age.
  • Consuming high-fiber and fermented foods supports a healthy gut ecology, which in turn supports healthy digestion and absorption of nutrients, as well as healthy immune and inflammatory responses.
  • Research is currently focused on the relationship between physical problems and micronutrient deficiency. Low consumption of fruits and vegetables is associated with heightened risk of skeletal muscle decline in older persons. Low concentration of vitamin E is correlated with a decline in physical function in senior women, while low vitamin D intake is associated with poor physical performance.
  • A healthy, balanced whole food diet, as well as supplementation when indicated, can help support the healthy function of muscles, bones and organs, as well as maintain strength and mobility throughout life.

Exercise and physical activity:

  • Love it or hate it, physical activity is considered a cornerstone of healthy aging. Scientific evidence has shown that those who exercise not only live longer, but live healthier.
  • Staying physically active throughout life supports independent living, strengthens bones, builds muscles and helps keep the body limber, while reducing the risk of disease development.
  • Individuals with chronic stress, arthritis, high blood pressure and diabetes can all benefit from regular exercise. Under a health practitioner’s supervision, those with heart disease may improve heart function with appropriate exercise.
  • Evidence suggests that those who begin exercising in their 60’s and 70’s can also experience improved heart function and decreased risk of coronary events, as well as improved stamina, and lung and circulatory function.
  • A generally active lifestyle incorporating daily movement, along with short but frequent activity can aid stress reduction, weight management and healthy mood.

Weight maintenance:

  • Contrary to what we have always heard, thinner is not always healthier. Although many health issues are connected to obesity, including high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and diabetes, data points to body composition, or the fat-to-muscle ratio, as well as the location of fat on the body to an increased risk of mortality.
  • Body fat distribution, specifically waist-to-hip ratio is associated with a higher risk of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers.
  • While there are no set ranges for ideal weight for seniors, carrying a slightly higher body mass index (BMI), between 25 and 27, may be more beneficial for those over age 65, and less harmful than becoming underweight.
  • A study published in the Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics found that older adults with BMIs over 30 did not experience a decline in activities of daily living. However, this is not an endorsement for ignoring excess weight gain but stresses the negative impact of low body weight on the management of chronic illness.

Participation in life:

  • Studies have shown that older adults who participate in meaningful activities, such as volunteering, report feeling happier and healthier.
  • Research has also found that those who are involved in hobbies, as well as social and leisure activities may reduce their risk of cognitive decline.
  • As well, older adults who participated in enjoyable productive activities, such as reading, gardening and cooking, have been shown to have longer lifespans than those who did not participate in the enjoyment of life and all its offerings.

Professional Supplement Center offers these and other high quality supplements in support of healthy aging and overall wellness:

ChagaChaga by Organic Mushroom Nutrition: Highly revered for its anti-aging properties, this legendary mushroom offers a broad array of nutrients, including beta-glucans, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, antioxidants, amino acids, proteins, peptides, lectins, polyphenols, flavonoids, selenium and more. Free of gluten, heavy metals and synthetic ingredients. Fermented, Non-GMO, kosher vegan formulation.

Longevity NutrientsLongevity Nutrients by Pure Encapsulations®: This complete, nutrient-rich, hypoallergenic formula provides highly bioavailable activated vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, botanicals and trace elements in support of healthy aging, as well as cardiovascular, cognitive, blood vessel, eye and cellular health. Gluten free, Non-GMO formulation.

Essential Male PackEssential Male Pack by Douglas Laboratories®: Formulated for men of all ages, this product provides optimal daily nutritional support in convenient individual packs. Ingredients include vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, omega-3 essential fatty acids and prostate health supportive nutrients. Free of yeast, gluten, soy protein, milk/dairy, corn, sodium, starch and  artificial coloring, preservatives and flavoring.

Essential Female...Essential Female Pack by Douglas Laboratories®: These multi-nutrient convenience packs are specially formulated to meet the daily nutritional needs of females of all ages. Packs include essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, bone supportive nutrients, probiotics and essential fatty acids in support of women’s overall health and wellness.

Antioxidant...Antioxidant Resilience® by Progressive Laboratories®: This antioxidant formula provides a blend of clinically studied ingredients including glutathione and SOD, as well as a proprietary blend of high ORAC superfoods and botanicals in support of free radical damage protection, detoxification and immune fortification.

References:
Healthy Weight and BMI Range for Older Adults. https://www.verywellhealth.com/healthy-weight-and-bmi-range-for-older-adults-2223592
What Do We Know About Health Aging? https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-do-we-know-about-healthy-aging
Diet and Nutrition. http://www.healthyageing.eu/steps/diet-and-nutrition
Improving the Quality of Life as We Age. https://www.mentalhelp.net/blogs/improving-the-quality-of-life-as-we-age/

Strategies To Address Dementia Risk

DementiaJacquie Eubanks RN BSNDementia is a general term for the loss of memory and intellectual abilities. Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S., and the most common form of age-related dementia, contributing to 70% of the almost 50 million cases worldwide. Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are expected to dramatically increase as the population ages, with some estimates predicting 150 million cases by 2050. While there is currently no cure for dementia, a large body of research suggests that modifiable risk factors may hold the most promise for prevention of the progressive decline in mental function due to generalized brain deterioration.

No strategies are guaranteed to protect long term brain health. However, researchers have reviewed a large body of evidence, and have identified nine controllable risk factors, through various stages of life, that affect the likelihood of developing dementia. The study, recently published in The Lancet, brought together 24 international experts to review existing dementia research and determine strategies for prevention and intervention. As well, they looked for ways to improve care for those already living with the disease. While the focus has been on developing medicines for prevention and treatment, non-pharmaceutical preventative approaches that strengthen brain networks early in life may help reduce dementia cases by one-third.

Alzheimer’s causes a gradual decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. There’s no question that many more trials and ongoing research into developing treatments is necessary, yet the researchers considered the scientific evidence strong enough to suggest that preventing dementia and age-related cognitive decline might be possible. Of course, there are no guarantees, and prevention needs to start before there are signs of decline, preferably before middle age.

The nine modifiable risk factors that affect the likelihood of developing dementia are:

  • Hypertension management. Controlled blood pressure levels aid in preserving brain blood vessel health. This is considered most effective when initiated early on in life, but management of blood pressure is advised at every age.
  • Increased physical activity. Aerobic exercise is associated with a reduced risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. Vascular risk factors are well known to be reduced by aerobic exercise. Evidence suggests that physical activity may slow the progression of neurodegenerative processes and age-related loss of synapses in the brain.  
  • Cognitive training. Mental stimulation that challenges the brain helps to strengthen the brain’s networks. Getting a good education in early life, and continuing at least through high school, may have a direct effect on the wiring of the brain. Challenging the brain may increase “cognitive reserve” built through a lifetime of continued learning and curiosity. Research has shown that those with greater cognitive reserve are better able to fend off degenerative brain changes.
  • Lose weight if needed. Being overweight or obese at midlife independently increases the risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s, and vascular dementia in later life.
  • Prevent or control diabetes. Studies suggest that people with type 2 diabetes are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. Taking steps to manage diabetes may help to avoid potential cognitive decline.
  • Avoid or address hearing loss. It remains unclear whether hearing loss is the result of changes linked to dementia or whether hearing loss itself contributes to cognitive decline. Research suggests that those who experience hearing loss may be at greater risk of cognitive problems later in life than those without auditory problems.
  • Manage depression. Depression has been proposed as both a risk factor for and an early symptom of dementia. Approximately half of those with late-onset depression have cognitive impairment.
  • Remain socially active. Studies show that social interaction is key to mental health, and that those with larger social networks are 25 percent less likely to develop dementia than those with smaller networks.
  • Quit smoking. Smoking is damaging to cardiovascular and overall health and may lead to cognitive decline. Studies show that smokers have a 40 percent increased risk of Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. Smoking causes oxidative stress, which appears to promote the formation of the amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain that are closely associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Professional Supplement Center offers these and other high quality supplements for brain health support:

Acetyl L-Carnitine...Acetyl L-Carnitine 500 mg by Douglas Laboratories®: This naturally occurring metabolite helps to maintain cellular membrane stability and restore age-related membranal changes, supporting brain and nervous system functions. As an antioxidant, it scavenges harmful superoxide radicals. Gluten, yeast, wheat, soy, dairy, corn, sodium, sugar, starch, and artificial ingredient free.

 

Ubiquinol-QH 100 mgUbiquinol QH 100 mg by Pure Encapsulations®: This product supplies Kaneka QH™ CoQ10 in its active, readily-absorbable antioxidant form; and supports cellular energy production, antioxidant protection, cardiovascular health and physical activity. Gluten free, Non-GMO formulation.

 

Phosphatidylserine...Phosphatidylserine Soy Free by Integrative Therapeutics®: Found primarily in the cell membranes of neurons, and in high concentrations in the brain and nervous system tissues, phosphatidylserine supports cognitive function and mental clarity. Gluten, yeast, wheat, soy, dairy, corn, sodium, sugar, starch, and artificial ingredient free.

 

AntiOxidant FormulaAntiOxidant Formula by Pure Encapsulations®: This synergistic, broad spectrum antioxidant formulation is designed to promote cellular health and support the body’s natural free radical defense system. Gluten and soy free, Non-GMO.

 

Longevity NutrientsLongevity Nutrients by Pure Encapsulations®: This hypoallergenic, nutrient-rich, highly bioavailable multivitamin, multi-mineral, and trace element supplement is designed for men and women over age 60 in support of healthy aging and optimal health. Gluten free, Non-GMO vegetarian formulation.

 

Vitamin D3 5000Vitamin D3 5000 by Neurobiologix: Essential for good health in aging adults, vitamin D deficiency is associated with osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, and may also impact the development of diabetes, hypertension, dementia and Alzheimer’s. Wheat, gluten, soy, corn protein, yeast, dairy, and artificial ingredient free.

References:
Defeating Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. http://www.thelancet.com/commissions/dementia
One-third of dementia cases could be prevented, report says. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/one-third-of-dementia-cases-could-be-prevented-alzheimers-report/
10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s. http://www.alz.org/10-signs-symptoms-alzheimers-dementia.asp
2016 Alzheimer’s Statistics. http://www.alzheimers.net/resources/alzheimers-statistics/
Can Dementia Be Prevented? Education May Bolster Brain Against Risk. http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/02/11/466403316/can-dementia-be-prevented-education-may-bolster-brain-against-risk
What is cognitive reserve? http://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/what-is-cognitive-reserve
Physical Exercise as a Preventive or Disease-Modifying Treatment of Dementia and Brain Aging. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3258000/
Midlife overweight and obesity increase late-life dementia risk. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3100125/
Diabetes and Alzheimer’s linked. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/in-depth/diabetes-and-alzheimers/art-20046987?pg=2
The complex relationship between depression and dementia. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3039168/
Friends Make You Smart. http://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-11-2008/friends-are-good-for-your-brain.html
Smoking and Dementia: What to Know. https://www.healthafter50.com/memory/article/smoking-and-dementia-what-to-know