Tag Archives: Ultra Anti-Oxidant by Douglas Laboratories

Successful Aging – The Baby Boomer Way

BabyBoomersJacquie Eubanks RN BSNFollowing WWII, the U.S. experienced a dramatic rise in population growth. Beginning in 1946, more babies were born each year than in the prior year. This birth rate boom lasted for almost two decades before tapering off. By 1964, 76.4 million baby boomers had been born, encompassing nearly 40% of the American population. As the baby boom generation reached adulthood, they helped bring lasting change in social and cultural values, and brought us Woodstock, ended a war, and ushered in an era of civil rights, consumerism, political activism, women’s liberation and sexual freedom.

Today, the oldest of the boomers have reached or are approaching their seventies. As this generation draws closer to the typical retirement age, the nation’s median age continues to rise. Demographics show that about 10,000 people turn 65 every day. This trend will continue until the year 2030, when all remaining members of the baby boom generation will have turned 65 years of age, representing about 20 percent of the U.S. population. In the past century, Americans have enjoyed an overall gain of 25 years of life expectancy at birth.

At the turn of the century, life expectancy at birth for males was only 46 years and for females 48 years. Today, that life expectancy has increased to 79 years for men and 85 for women. Gains in life expectancy will continue to grow along with advancing medical innovations, better nutrition and increased wellbeing, as younger generations age in healthier ways than their parents and grandparents. Today’s youth might do well to rethink “old age,” as the future of old age is the future for everyone.

While the legacy of boomers will continue to be debated for years to come, studies show that boomers are not just fading away into retirement in the traditional sense. Boomers are not exactly sitting on the front porch rocking chairs watching the world go by. Instead, they are setting another trend we might term active healthy successful aging. Many are opting not to retire at all or are working long past the official retirement age. Entrepreneurship is strong among boomers when compared to other age groups. Statistics show recent retirees are twice as likely to start a new business as the millennial generation. Many are finding success by following their passions, using the skills acquired through a lifetime of employment, and turning doing what they love into opportunity for themselves and others.

It appears that the baby boomer generation is changing societal views on growing older. People are not only interested in longevity but want to reach and enjoy their mature years in the best possible health. Aging well is broadly defined as physical, mental and social wellbeing during the senior years. Research acknowledges that a growing number of older adults have good health with low risk of disease and disability, high mental and physical functioning, and an actively engaged lifestyle. This, of course, doesn’t happen on its own, as it takes resilience, motivation, and acceptance to optimize one’s health and lifestyle. Boomers are more apt to push the limits of physical and mental functioning in order to reach an advanced age free of age-associated disease and significant physiological deterioration.

It appears that a more comprehensive definition of successful aging would include these three elements: longevity, health, and happiness. Perhaps aging well has something to do with attitude, and making the best of what you’ve got no matter what stage of life you’re in. In a self-rated study, even those with chronic conditions felt they were aging successfully, believing they had quality and well as quantity of life. Boomers appear to be taking a holistic view of what contributes to aging successfully. Those with high levels of resilience, low rates of depression, few years of substance abuse, and a good social network are most likely to report high levels of life satisfaction well into their golden years.

Professional Supplement Center carries these and other high quality products in support of healthy aging:

RevitalAge UltraRevitalAge™ Ultra by Pure Encapsulations®: This scientifically researched hypoallergenic formulation offers specific ingredients, including botanicals, antioxidants, and sustained-release CoQ10, in support of enhanced cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurocognitive support. Gluten and soy free, Non-GMO formulation.

 

Ultimate Antiox Full...Ultimate Antiox Full Spectrum by Designs for Health®: This powerhouse antioxidant formula delivers comprehensive full-spectrum antioxidant protection. Ingredients include vitamins, minerals and botanicals featuring Curcumin C3 Complex®, grape seed extract, garlic, and mixed tocopherols. Wheat, yeast, soy, gluten, egg, dairy, corn, sugar, preservative and artificial ingredient free, Non-GMO vegetarian formulation.

 

AntiOxidant FormulaAntiOxidant Formula by Pure Encapsulations®: This hypoallergenic formulation provides a broad range of antioxidants, as well as essential vitamins and minerals for eye, liver, and energy support. Gluten and soy free, Non-GMO formulation.

 

Ultra Anti-OxidantUltra Anti-Oxidant by Douglas Laboratories®: This product offers immune and free radical damage support with a wide range of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Gluten, yeast, wheat, soy protein, dairy, corn, sodium, sugar, starch, preservative, and artificial ingredient free.

 

Clinical Nutrients...Clinical Nutrients™ Antioxidant by Integrative Therapeutics®: This formula delivers a concentrated blend of 15 food-based antioxidant nutrients including vitamins, minerals and botanicals. Gluten, wheat, dairy, sugar, yeast, preservative, and artificial ingredient free formulation.

References:

Baby Boomers. https://www.history.com/topics/baby-boomers
The Nation’s Older Population is Still Growing, Census Bureau Reports. https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2017/cb17-100.html
Old Age is a Myth We Need to End as Baby Boomers Retire. https://www.google.com/search?q=does+someone+turn+65+every+8+seconds&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b-1
The Changing Landscape of American Life Expectancy. http://www.hamiltonproject.org/assets/files/changing_landscape_american_life_expectancy.pdf
Millennials Can’t Keep up With Boomer Entrepreneurs. https://www.kauffman.org/blogs/currents/2016/07/age-and-entrepreneurship
Successful Aging and Well-Being: Self-Rated Compared With Rowe and Kahn. https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article/42/6/727/671748
Successful Aging: Physical, Psychological, and Social Factors that Contribute to Aging Well. http://health.umt.edu/mtgec/documents/Successful%20Aging.pdf

 

Cataracts and Vision Health

CataractsVisionHealthJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

Once thought to be an inevitable consequence of aging, we now know that cataracts have several interrelated causes. Although commonly found in those over age 60, cataract formation normally takes years to develop and may begin as early as age 40. Statistics show that by age 80 more than half of all Americans will either have cataracts or will have undergone surgery to remove them. While controversy continues over whether cataract growth can be prevented or slowed, there is general agreement that oxidative stress may be one factor behind cataract development. Family history, diabetes, smoking, previous eye injury and prolonged unprotected exposure to ultraviolet sunlight increase the risk of cataract development.

While cataracts are small and developing, there is little effect on vision. As cataracts worsen, common symptoms such as cloudy or blurred vision, sensitivity to light or glare, double vision, color fading, frequent eyeglass or contact prescription changes, or difficult night vision may occur. While cataracts negatively affect vision, they generally don’t cause damage to the eyes as some eye diseases do. In early stages, brighter lighting, prescription eyeglasses, and anti-glare sunglasses may help to improve vision. Eventually, when vision changes interfere with everyday life, a surgical procedure to remove the clouded lens and replace it with a new plastic lens is commonly performed.

As we age, the cumulative impact of oxidant stress and protein degradation distorts the delicate eye lenses. A factor in the development of age-related cataracts is protein misfolding or clumping. These deformed proteins, which become opaque and unable to transmit light, accumulate within the clear lens of the eye. Protein misfolding results from nonezymatic glycation, in which sugars become chemically bound to amino acids, proteins, and other essential biomolecules, distorting their structure. Glycation is one of the underlying causes of cataract formation. The process of glycation, along with oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and DNA damage, hastens the aging process in all cells, tissues and organs.

New Studies. Researchers have been investigating carnosine and N-acetyl carnosine in relation to cataract development and visual performance in cataract affected eyes. A non-essential combination of two amino acids, anti-aging carnosine is highly concentrated in the brain and heart, as well as muscle and nerve cells. Carnosine has been shown to have a protective effect against neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. As an antiglycation agent and oxidative stress reducer, carnosine has been shown in human, animal and laboratory studies to help reduce glycated lens proteins, prevent the loss of lens protective enzymes, and to delay clouding of the lens.

Researchers from National Institute of Health have shown that N-acetyl-carnosine 1% eye drops demonstrated high efficacy and good tolerability for prevention and treatment of visual impairment for the older population. Other studies demonstrated improvement in overall light transmission, glare sensitivity, and visual sharpness.

Have regular eye exams. As with many chronic or age-related diseases, prevention is the best strategy. Many serious eye diseases have no early warning signs, so it’s important to make regular eye exams part of a standard health care routine. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends an initial dilated eye exam at age forty and annual dilated eye exams beginning at age 60.

Quit smoking. To reduce the risk of developing cataracts, give up smoking. Smoking contributes to a number of health conditions including heart disease, stroke and lung cancer, and can lead to macular degeneration, glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, cataract formation, and blindness.

Maintaining optimal vision health and eyesight requires adequate nutrition. Certain nutrients are particularly beneficial to eye health. A diet high in antioxidant-rich nutrients and omega-3 essential fatty acids is good for heart, brain and eye health. Green leafy vegetables, such as kale and spinach, provide lutein and zeaxanthin, two nutrients found in healthy eyes that are believed to protect against macular degeneration and cataracts. Studies suggest that omega-3 rich cold-water fish, such as salmon and sardines, may reduce the risk of developing eye disease later in life. Zinc, found in legumes, beans, red meat and oysters is an essential trace mineral found in high concentration in the eyes. Zinc may help protect the eyes from the damaging effects of sunlight, as well as macular degeneration.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant critical to eye health. Science has shown that the eyes need relatively high amounts of vitamin C for proper function. Including antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables in your daily diet may help to prevent or delay cataracts and macular degeneration. Orange-colored fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and cantaloupe, provide beta-carotene, a nutrient that assists night vision. Selenium, a component of antioxidant glutathione, may help to protect the lens and prevent age-related cataracts. Together with zinc, selenium may help protect against glaucoma, which can lead to optic nerve damage and blindness. Selenium is found in brazil nuts, tuna, and wheat germ.

Maintain healthy blood sugar. Diabetic eye disease comprises diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, glaucoma and cataracts, all of which have the potential to cause vision loss and blindness. Controlling or reversing diabetes with prescribed medications, physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight and eating a proper diet can help to prevent or delay vision loss. It’s imperative that those with diabetes have regular eye exams, as early detection can greatly reduce the risk of vision loss.

Wear sunglasses. Proper eyewear can help to protect your eyes from glare and sun damage. Exposure to UVA and UVB ultraviolet light can hasten the formation of cataracts even in younger people. A wide brimmed hat can further protect the eyes when spending time outdoors in any season.

Professional Supplement Center carries these and other high quality products in support of eye and vision health and overall wellness:

L-Carnosine 500L-Carnosine 500 by Maximum International: One capsule provides 500 mg of L-carnosine, the dosage recommended in scientific studies to support cellular rejuvenation, as well as brain, vision and muscle health. Manufactured in the USA in an FDA inspected facility.

 

Brite Eyes IIIBrite Eyes III by Life Extension®:  ON SALE! These FDA approved sterile eye drops alleviate eye discomfort with clinically validated lubricants. This formula also contains the antioxidant N-acetyl-carnosine shown to help protect against glycation.

 

Ultra Anti-Oxidant ...Ultra Anti-Oxidant by Douglas Laboratories®: This potent antioxidant supplement provides antioxidant vitamins, beta carotene, zinc, selenium and N-acetyl-cysteine in support of free radical and oxidative stress protection. Gluten, wheat, soy, dairy, sugar and artificial ingredient free formulation.

 

Macular Support...Macular Support Formula by Pure Encapsulations: This comprehensive hypoallergenic formula provides lutein, zeaxanthin, proanthocyanidins, amino acids, glutathione, mixed carotenoids, N-acetyl-cysteine, and vitamin C to provide exceptional free radical protection in retinal tissues. Gluten and soy free, Non-GMO vegetarian formulation.

 

Macula Eye PelletsMacula Eye Pellets by Natural Ophthalmics: This professional strength homeopathic formula provides ingredients to gently stimulate and help the eye counteract macular degeneration.

 

References:
Facts About Cataracts. https://nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts
Cataracts: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/157510.php
Efficacy of N-acetylcarnosine in treatment of cataracts. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12001824
Carnosine, Cataracts, and Visual Clarity. http://www.lifeextension.com/Magazine/2018/1/Carnosine-Cataracts-And-Visual-Clarity/Page-01
Recognizing Cataracts. https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2013/08/recognizing-cataracts
Smoking Can Lead to Vision Loss or Blindness. https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/tobacco_control/smoking_can_lead_to_vision_loss_or_blindness.htm
Four Fantastic Foods to Keep Your Eyes Healthy. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/news/four-fantastic-foods
Facts About Diabetic Eye Disease. https://nei.nih.gov/health/diabetic/retinopathy
Do Zinc and Selenium Help Eyesight? http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/zinc-selenium-eyesight-8608.html
N-Acetylcarnosine sustained drug delivery eye drips to control signs of ageless vision. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2685223/

 

 

 

Aging is Inevitable, Disease is Not

HealthyAgingMenJacquie Eubanks RN BSN

How many of us, given a choice, would choose to grow older, especially when aging is associated with chronic illness and multiple prescription medications? As time marches on regardless, a better question might be—how many of us would choose to enjoy our golden years blessed with good health and vitality? Over the past century numerous infectious diseases have been conquered, only to be replaced by noncommunicable diet-related chronic diseases. As 76 million baby boomers approach or reach retirement age, medical care is focused on the prevalence of chronic health problems. A personal history of inadequate nutrition, poor daily choices and physical inactivity can culminate in preventable lifestyle-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers.

Though we can’t turn back the clock, we can support our current and long-term health by understanding the influences of nutrition at the molecular level. Current recommended dietary guidelines for all age groups focus on nutrition for the maintenance of overall health and disease prevention. How important is a varied nutritious diet? The fact that many grocery stores have a section specifically dedicated to “health foods,” might give us a clue. Perhaps, if we begin to think of “natural food” as information that influences our genetic activity and cellular processes, we might choose to linger a bit longer in the healthy food aisles. Research has shown that diet is the key to controlling genetic susceptibility to disease, and our genes can only respond to what we give them.

Scientific research shows that although we may inherit genes from our parents and ancestors that increase our susceptibility to certain diseases, disease is not necessarily our destiny. We can replace foods that trigger our genes to induce inflammation with foods that quell inflammation, and thereby circumvent chronic disease. We can eat low-glycemic foods that minimize insulin secretion, as opposed to high-glycemic foods that stimulate insulin release and result in high blood sugar and diabetes. We can eat a high fiber diet that supports colon health, instead of a low-fiber diet that may encourage colorectal cancer progression. We can take charge of our health by changing the expression of the epigenome at any stage of life simply by making wholesome nutritional choices and incorporating a healthy lifestyle.

Perhaps it’s time to challenge the belief that disability, dysfunction, dementia and disease are normal and inevitable as we grow older. Many chronic illnesses are disorders of metabolic processes that result from our toxic environment and our nutrient depleted lifestyles. Nutritional science has shown us the complex relationship between health, the genome and life-long dietary interactions. We now know that many diseases that were once thought to be gene-related, result from nutritional deficiencies. Vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and antioxidants are considered key players in genetic expression modulation. Researchers have identified active plant derived nutrients that can help to prevent cancer and protect against diseases.

We now know that the root of many diet-related chronic conditions take hold early in life. Dietary changes, such as reducing sugar, salt and unhealthy fat consumption, could have a substantial effect on reducing the burden of disease. Even more so, a meta-analysis recently published in the International Journal of Epidemiology looked at 95 studies on fruit and vegetable intake. They concluded that eating 10 daily servings of fruits and vegetables, or about 2 cups of fruit and 3 cups of vegetables, would result in a 24% reduction in heart disease risk, a 33% lowered stroke risk, a 28% lowered cardiovascular disease risk, a 13% lowered cancer risk and a 31% lowered risk of premature death.

Changes that occur naturally with aging do affect nutritional needs. Along with reduced energy requirements, lean body mass and basal metabolic rate steadily decline. While the caloric need for protein, carbohydrates and fats may be reduced, the requirements for vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients may rise. Filling our bellies with health sustaining fruits and vegetables has been shown to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure, and support vascular and immune health. It sure seems like a no-brainer! Aging may be inevitable, but poor health is not. If you want to maintain vitality and enjoy a longer, healthier life span, start by eating a variety of fruits and vegetables and be sure you are getting sufficient amounts of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients.

Professional Supplement Center carries many high quality supplements to support overall health:

Ultra Anti-Oxidant ...Ultra Anti-Oxidant by Douglas Laboratories: This potent formula provides a wide spectrum of nutritional antioxidants, as well as synergistic nutrients that effectively participate in antioxidant defense systems. Gluten, wheat, soy, dairy and yeast free formulation.

 

RevitalAge Ultra ...RevitalAge™ Ultra by Pure Encapsulations: This scientifically researched, sustained-release formula provides antioxidant protection and mitochondrial support cofactors in support of healthy aging through the maintenance of youthful gene expression, mitochondrial function, and cellular energy production. Gluten and soy free, Non-GMO formulation.

 

Phytoganix™Phytoganix™ by Metagenics: This highly nutritious organic red berry formula provides a convenient and delicious way to support overall good health with a diverse daily supply of phytonutrients. Gluten free, vegetarian formulation.

 

Super Greens BerrySuper Greens Berry by Neurobiologix: This great tasting, high ORAC value, energizing powdered phytonutrient formula provides certified organic whole food plant extracts, plus natural vitamins, ionic trace minerals, digestive enzymes, antioxidants and symbiotic microorganisms. These ingredients support maximal energy production, healthy digestive function, and immune optimization, as well as repair, revitalization, recovery, and longevity. Gluten, wheat, soy, and dairy free formulation.

 

Power Greens Premium...Power Greens Premium Berry by NuMedica: This state-of-the-art, great tasting greens and superfoods drink mix, provides high quality energizing phytonutrients, certified organic whole foods, digestive enzymes, adaptogenic herbs, plant extracts and pre- and probiotics, along with a full complement of vitamins and minerals, in support of optimal health and longevity. Gluten, wheat, soy and milk free, vegetarian formulation.

References:
Top 10 Health Concerns of Baby Boomers. https://www.scripps.org/news_items/5475-top-10-health-concerns-of-baby-boomers
Nutrition and Health Are Closely Related. https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines/introduction/nutrition-and-health-are-closely-related/
Feed your genes: How our genes respond to the foods we eat. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919073845.htm
Nutrition and Gene Expression. http://www.wholehealthandnutrition.com/blog/uncategorized/nutrition-and-gene-expression-5/
Nutrition for Older Persons. http://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/ageing/en/index1.html
Eating More of This Will Make You Live Longer. http://time.com/4680193/eat-fruits-vegetables-live-longer/?xid=newsletter-brief