Healthy Aging: How Can We Promote Longevity?

 

 

HEALTHY AGING: HOW CAN WE PROMOTE LONGEVITY?

Now that I have entered my 6^th decade of life I have given more thought on how to promote longevity. My concerns are not only memory and balance but actually how does my body look on the inside. Generally labs have been pretty good and so far have avoided medications. But my questions of will I be healthy enough to do all the things that I enjoy and how will the aging process treat me.

TELOMERES A PREDICTOR OF AGING

For me it all starts at the cellular level, telomeres, mitochondria and methylation. So how do we measure how healthy we really are? Lets begin with telomeres, the cells biological aging clock. These are found at the end of chromosomes and are protective caps that protect them from deterioration. They protect the DNA from damage. When we are born our telomeres are longer but, when they become damaged or shorter the cell ages and reduce its ability to function properly. Stress, poor dietary habits, smoking, chemical exposure and lack of exercise help to accelerate this process of ageing in the cell and the shortening of the telomeres.

Scientific Research has provided answers and a simple testing kit to measure and predict longevity by measuring their telomeres.

The Telomere test, which we are now recommending to our patients in our Healthy Aging Program that actually measures their telomeres so we can begin to predict the aging process. The good news is when this is objectively measured we can implement certain nutritional and lifestyle modifications that can lengthen the telomere.

METHYLATION: GENE EXPRESSION AND TURNING GENES ON AND OFF

Methylation is also very important to address. It is a process where our body needs one carbon and three hydrogen molecules called a methyl group to facilitate several enzyme processes that are extremely important for neurotransmitters, detoxification, immune, and hormone function. Methylation can actually turn genes on or off which can directly affect their expression. The gene that probably gets the most attention is the MTHFR gene, but I like to look at the entire methylation process which helps me analyze those difficult chronic patients that are having difficulty with sleep, fatigue, detoxification anxiety and depression.

Testing through  ancestry.com can provide information as to how the body is methylating and to analyze if the gene has expressed or not. Given the fact that as we age our regulation of genes becomes impacted we want to provide specific nutritional needs based on our genetic profile. Nutrigenonics if done properly can help alter their expression of a gene and enhance immune function, detoxification and neurotransmitter production.

Similar to telomeres, methylation will be affected by diet and lifestyle. Our coaching program emphasizes these diet and lifestyle modifications to enhance the quality of your life and improve the aging process.

There are a whole list of illnesses that can occur without proper methylation including heart disease, stroke, depression, anxiety, dementia, autism, cancer and infertility to name a few.

MITOCHONDRIA: THE POWERHOUSE AND FORCE FIELD OF OUR CELL

The final part of the equation we like to address in our Healthy Aging program is the mitochondria. This is commonly known as the powerhouse of the cell. It is where we produce a majority of energy called ATP. A normal by product of producing this energy are free radicals. Healthy mitochondria can effectively deal with these free radicals and oxidative stress. Unfortunately again as we get older this process becomes less effective.

There are several factors that affect healthy mitochondria. There has to be proper glucose, oxygen, stimulation and the ability to handle oxidative stress. This impacts the neuronal health of the mitochondria and allows normal production of ATP providing good endurance and p well functioning Sodium/Potassium pump.

During the aging process and the fact that so much inflammation and environmental toxins bombard us poor circulation, high blood sugar, inflammation and even environmental toxins can affect our mitochondria. This will cause unhealthy mitochondria, which affect energy production and creates difficult in expelling intracellular sodium.

Some signs of mitochondria ineffectiveness and dysfunction are fatigue, fibromyalgia symptoms, sensitivity to sound and light and even conditions like Tinnitus.

When we begin to age our mitochondria can have difficulty protecting us from free radicals and our good metabolism and high energy begins to slowly fade.

However, this does not have to be the case. There are several ways to stimulate the mitochondria and keep them healthy. Of course we must implement proper diet and lifestyle changes. Our foundational needs of breathing, drinking enough water, moderating our glucose levels, reducing stress levels and getting enough sleep are critical in a healthy functioning mitochondria.

HEALTHY AGING PROGRAM:

In our healthy aging program we address the foundational needs by objectively testing Telomeres, Methylation and Mitochondrial Function.

We then devise a personalized plan incorporating nutrition and lifestyle modifications to improve these three factors.

Benefits of Program:

1. More Energy
2. Less Brain Fog
3. Improved Balance
4. Less Muscle Aches and Pains

DURATION:

Personally I have chose to do this for the rest of my life. It is my hope that people will commit to being healthy and make this a priority as I have seen far too often our own health gets put on the back burner.

It is never too late to make a change but definitely the longer you wait the more difficult it becomes.

We offer 3 month, 6 months and annual plans. Please call our office for a complimentary consultation so we can begin to develop a personalized plan for you.

DISTANCE PATIENTS:

We receive a lot or requests for individuals nationally and internationally for our services.

We offer Intensives where we will treat you 2-3 times per days for a week to two weeks depending on the severity of your condition. This is common for our neuropathy, spinal stenosis, and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Patients.

We have made arrangements with a few of our local hotels to proved a discounted rate.

 

Please call the office 805 482-0723 as prices will vary depending on the condition and the length of time needed to treat. Or email me at [email protected] if you have any questions.

ONLINE CONSULTS:

We provide online consults if you are looking for a second opinion on Genetic Testing, Organic Acids Testing and Functional Medicine or Neurology Questions. We specialize in chronic pain and chronic health conditions.