Why do so many of us enjoy a forest hike? The crisp, pure air is unparalleled. Who can blame us for enjoying this simple pleasure, when our current environment exposes us to so many silent toxins that accelerate ageing.
So, what can we do to ease and support our body's natural detox pathway? Ironically the bamboo forests may hold the answer to a cleaner life, in the form of detox binder—activated bamboo charcoal.
Before we investigate activated bamboo charcoal as a possible solution to help get rid of these toxins, we need to be aware of them in our daily lives. Now in this day and age, I think we are aware of most of them. We try to use preventative measures, as well as alternative natural options, however, we are still left very exposed.
Apart from heavy metals our havens of safety may contain mould-producing toxic compounds called mycotoxins. We could even be ingesting toxins like BPA’s or Bisphenol A, the building blocks of polycarbonate plastics often used for food and beverage storage which seeps into our food and drink.
— ANTHONY WILLIAM, author of Medical Medium: Secrets Behind Chronic and Mystery Illness and How to Finally Heal, a New York Times best-seller.
All toxins are harmful, but heavy metals are hazardous. In addition to being damaging in their own right, they are also neurotoxins (a poison that disrupts nerve function and causes the immune system to malfunction). Toxic metals can be difficult to detect. As a result, it is very well hidden within us, not revealing itself unless we are actively looking for it.
Our bodies produce naturally our own detoxifier called glutathione (3 amino acids: namely cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine). Our bodies naturally produce glutathione, which binds to toxins and pulls them out of our systems to flush them safely and effectively. But when our body lacks glutathione, toxins linger in the bloodstream and are stored as fat, compromising our immune system. Toxic load, stress, exposure to heavy metals and ageing all rapidly deplete our glutathione supply. Lucky for us we can supplement glutathione to help our bodies combat these challenges.
While some of us are very good at detoxifying mercury and other toxins, some of us may have genetic variations (called polymorphisms) that make us more prone to metal toxicity. We lack the missing gene GSTM1 function — one of the most important genes needed in the process of creating and recycling glutathione in the body.
GSTM1 is a glutathione S-transferase gene (also known as GST gene) which is a family of enzymes involved in metabolism and in making toxic compounds less harmful to the body. It is responsible for Phase two detox, the part of the detox process when reactive molecules and free radicals are converted to substances that can be excreted by the urine, faeces, or sweat.
When GST genes malfunction, a problem arises. The GST genes can be deleted entirely (homozygously; also called nulls or deletions). A "null" GST gene is not functional. Between 20% to 50% of people have a GST null gene or missing GSTM1. One-third of our population that suffers from chronic disease is missing GSTM1.
You can support GST genes by boosting your glutathione levels as mentioned above and research suggests that you can support GST genes (and Phase 2 detox) by consuming bitter herbs that promote liver health—such as milk thistle and dandelion. Learning to support your system and how to detoxify are all ways to support your GST genes.
Toxins are expelled from our bodies by the following organs:
Our ageing bodies may need extra help effectively excreting those toxins if our detoxification pathways are already compromised. A possible solution may be detoxification (whereby a poison or toxin is removed from the body). This is where toxin binders come into play, in particular, activated bamboo charcoal.
So what are these toxin binders? It’s exactly what their name suggests, they in essence effectively bind to the toxins in your body and help to remove them.
Detox binder products work by:
Despite the fact that heavy metal toxicity is quite common, it is not commonly diagnosed. Several heavy metal neurotoxins can inflame and irritate our central nervous system (especially our brain), causing symptoms such as memory loss, brain fog, fatigue, and depression. As well as inflaming our digestive tract, toxic heavy metals release poisons into the gut. Furthermore, heavy metals serve as food for viruses, bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens in our bodies. This can, for example, result in an overgrowth of bacteria in the gut, a condition known as SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). Epstein-Barr and shingles are both caused by toxic heavy metals; symptoms include tingling, numbness, fatigue, anxiety, heart palpitations, ringing in the ears, dizziness and vertigo, along with back pain, neck pain, knee pain, foot pain, and other pains that are often mistaken for other conditions.
High exposure to toxic metals such as cadmium (used to make batteries and coat iron and steel). According to research studies, people are exposed to cadmium through contaminated food, tobacco smoke, and polluted air near industrial areas, which could prematurely age their cells and cause a number of diseases.
You can test for heavy metal exposure at home using urine and blood samples they screen for the most common heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, mercury and cadmium.
Without binders, your body is vulnerable to "enterohepatic recirculation." This occurs when toxins are not "bound" for excretion through the bowels but instead go through continuous cycles of processing by your liver, reabsorption by your intestines, and then recirculation by your liver. Your body goes through a lot of strain in trying to detoxify itself as a result of this repeated process and as discussed coupled with the physical changes in our liver’s size and blood flow brought about by ageing the process of eliminating toxins is reduced.
Binders prevent your body from getting stuck on repeat. Binders can effectively remove toxins and help stop enterohepatic recirculation when used for detoxification.
You can think of biofilms as a protective shield that protects pathogens from being detected by your immune system. It is common for pathogens to adhere to the gut lining and create physical barriers around themselves with heavy metals and polysaccharides.
This allows pathogens to survive inside your body, where they continue to produce toxic byproducts. In conventional stool samples, biofilms also prevent pathogens from being identified. So, the only way to effectively rid your body of these pathogens is to first break down the biofilm sheltering them, and then clear out the released toxins.
The first step is to equip your body with the tools it needs to bind and eliminate released biotoxins. By using binder supplements you can induce the removal of biofilms that cause dysbiosis in the gut, meaning that there are more harmful bacteria in it than beneficial bacteria.
Activated bamboo charcoal powder is a fine odourless black powder made from carbon-based organic materials such as bamboo. Charcoal bricks or burned food do not contain this substance. Activated Bamboo Charcoal is the binder we will be focussing on and this amazing product will be on our virtual shelves soon.
The special process that activates the charcoal creates lots of holes of various sizes and crevices on the charcoal particles increasing the surface area and available binding sites.
The activation process can double the surface area to a whopping 1,200 square meters (1,435 square yards) per gram. This large surface area allows for the absorption of heavy metals, chemicals, and other toxins.
Activated bamboo charcoal attracts substances, which cling to and accumulate on its surface. Although the term absorption is used it is not your regular absorption, for example, the way a dish cloth absorbs water is due to the nature of its fibres, not because of physical attraction.
As mentioned the activation process creates millions of micropores on the surface, allowing them to bind to molecules, ions, or atoms and remove them from dissolved substances. This is one of the reasons it can be used for water filtration and why it is so effective as a treatment to remove toxins and poisons.
We mentioned that the forests may hold the solution for us and this is why Youth & Earth has chosen to source our charcoal bamboo from amidst the bamboo forests of Japan, in the mountains of Miyazaki. Here organic bamboo is called Moso bamboo and it thrives in this perfect subtropical climate without any chemical fertilizers and in pure pollution-free air.
The bamboo takes around five years to mature. Moso bamboo grows at a hectic pace averaging around 40 to 50 feet within the first few months and you’ve heard right it can grow over 3 feet a day in their native habitat!
So let’s embark on a short journey on how activated charcoal bamboo is made.
(The specific details are unique to the activated bamboo charcoal UK that will be available as a Youth & Earth product, but generally, the stages mentioned are similar to most.)
The bamboo is purchased from local farmers who harvest bamboo from natural growing bamboo forests. The bamboo is then cut and the nodes removed. It is left to dry naturally for over 3 months before the smoking process.
The smoking process is done by skilled craftsmen using specialized techniques. The bamboo is smoked in Earthen furnaces that are very delicate and difficult to control the temperature but produce high-quality bamboo charcoal, making it the best manufacturing method. It is only natural firewood and bamboo that are used to fuel the fire. In the process, no gas, oil, or chemicals are used.
Bamboo wood is burned for three days at a very high temperature between 800 and 1000°C. It actually has an electric charge and will conduct electricity. You could do a bulb test, this indicates that the charcoal is activated and of good quality.
The producers require one month's work. The bamboo charcoal activated carbon should appear black with metallic or iridescent reflections. If two bamboo bars of coals are shaken together, they should sound metallic, this will indicate carbon of good quality.
For thousands of years the Far East has used activated bamboo charcoal as a method of traditional water filtration and in ancient medicine for its’ antibacterial properties. It was applied to wounds and infections and even used to rid patients of poisons and toxins. It has a history of being a general detox agent. Activated bamboo charcoal powder has literally a thousand benefits, both externally and internally, but we will focus on the benefits it offers when consumed.
Activated Bamboo Charcoal is considered a broad-spectrum binder that will bind a little bit of everything from toxins, vitamins and minerals. Activated charcoal can be used externally, for example, on the skin, or internally, through the digestive system. It works by essentially “mopping up” biofilm. According to research, daily use of activated charcoal reduces the body's toxic load by more than 60%.
By binding and limiting chlorine, bacteria, viruses, yeast, toxic excretions, metabolic by-products, and other waste products in the body, activated charcoal can also improve health. It gently allows the toxins to be passed through the body as faeces, it also reduces the discomfort associated with gastrointestinal issues.
Today studies reveal activated charcoal powder is more effective than stomach pumps for poisoned patients its effectiveness lies in its ability to bind and absorb almost any toxins. As charcoal cannot be absorbed by the body, toxins that bind to it leave the body through the faeces. Activated bamboo charcoal bulk can absorb nearly every kind of poison, with few exceptions.
As mentioned above it prevents the absorption of bacteria helping to prevent diarrhoea, yes it’s known as an antidiarrheal treatment and what's more appealing is that it also helps reduce gastrointestinal discomfort such as intestinal gas, bloating, and abdominal cramps.
A study was conducted where activated charcoal won against a placebo and effectively reduced abdominal cramping and flatulence symptoms.
“You have a few options to relieve bloating and gas… Activated charcoal can be taken in capsule, liquid, or powder form, and since it is tasteless it can be mixed into a non-acidic juice of your preference.” - Carrie Lam, MD, a fellow of Anti-Aging, Metabolic, and Functional medicine and co-founder of Lam Clinic.
We are all aware of the two types of cholesterol. There is good cholesterol (HDL, high-density lipoprotein) which you want a good amount in your system and there is bad cholesterol (LDL, low-density lipoprotein). You want as little of this in your system as possible. Now one of the main ways you can lower your levels of LDL cholesterol is through your diet.
Interestingly enough bamboo charcoal activated carbon has been reported to help some people with high cholesterol by lowering LDL cholesterol levels. Scientific studies have shown that its benefits may match some of the benefits of prescription cholesterol medications. Studies have shown that it increases good cholesterol in the body while decreasing bad cholesterol by 25% in just four weeks.
The health benefits of activated bamboo charcoal powder are undeniable. In people with chronic kidney disease, who are unable to remove waste products as effectively as people with healthy kidneys and may be helpful in eliminating waste products like urea from the kidneys. But its effectiveness will likely vary from person to person. Always speak with a doctor to learn whether a drug or supplement will benefit you personally. Several studies have shown a link, but more research is needed to confirm it.
A study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) shows how activated bamboo charcoal powder combined with a low protein diet can help treat kidney disease. A decrease in blood urea and creatinine levels were seen in many patients after using activated charcoal for almost a year.
The process of back diffusion may explain why bamboo charcoal-activated carbon is used to treat skin ailments such as rashes. Charcoal's purifying properties are not used internally, but topically to heal the skin. People have praised its health benefits for healing spider and mosquito bites.
Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) - also known as fish odour syndrome - causes unpleasant body odours. TMAU affects those who cannot transform fishy smells into non-fishy smells before they leak out in the urine. Due to this, a fishy smell accumulates and is released through sweat, urine, and breath.
Some research suggests that activated bamboo charcoal powder may help with odour reduction due to its ability to bind and its porous surface that can absorb. More research is needed, but some research suggests that bamboo charcoal-activated carbon may help.
As a general rule, activated bamboo charcoal powder is considered safe, with adverse reactions being rare and rarely severe. Nausea and vomiting are the most common side effects.
The use of activated bamboo charcoal may also worsen symptoms of variegate porphyria, a genetic disease that affects the gut, skin, and nervous system.
Medical help should always be sought for treating poisonings or overdoses.
Before using activated bamboo charcoal, seek medical advice, especially if you are taking other medications as it may also reduce the absorption of some medications.
Even though activated bamboo charcoal powder hasn't been linked to birth defects or other health problems in babies, it's best to check with your doctor before taking it if you're pregnant or nursing.
We posed a question at the beginning of this article "What we can do to ease and support our body's natural detox pathway?" There seems to be a natural solution that has been used for healing for more than 3,000 years. Activated bamboo charcoal powder can help detoxify the body of harmful substances while gently aiding our gut’s health.
The content of this article is for informational purposes only.
It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or health provider before starting a new health regime or program.
Do not ignore medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you’ve read on this site or any Youth & Earth product.
If a genie offered you three wishes, many of us will think twice before asking to live to 100 Why? Because we imagine it'll just be a long period of suffering from age-related ailments. We all wish to live longer but in good health, which is why science is exploring calcium AKG as a possible solution to extend lifespans and delay age-related chronic health problems.
In order to discover the true benefits of calcium AKG or the calcium form of alpha-ketoglutarate, we must look in more detail at what alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) is.
In 1937 Hans Adolf Krebs and William Arthur Johnson discovered alpha-ketoglutarate as part of the discovery of the citric acid cycle. AKG regulates the overall speed of the citric acid cycle of an organism. So AKG is a naturally occurring chemical that we create that forms part of the Kreb cycle. As a result of Hans Adolf Krebs' discovery, he received a Nobel Prize in 1953 and his name became known as the Krebs cycle.
We just read that AKG is what is termed as a metabolite forming part of the Krebs cycle and that our own bodies create it. This special molecule is involved in a number of metabolic and cellular pathways. Although we are now aware of its role in the Kreb cycle, it is just one of the many crucial roles it plays in our bodies. It is actively involved in DNA methylation (the process our cells use to switch on the correct paths of our DNA). It is a nitrogen scavenger and a source of glutamate and glutamine that stimulates protein synthesis and inhibits protein degradation. The gastrointestinal tract also uses AKG as a central metabolic fuel because glutamate and glutamine are both precursors of AKG. AKG can enhance bone tissue formation in the skeletal muscles by decreasing protein catabolism and increasing protein synthesis.
Unfortunately, as we age, we experience a dramatic decrease around 10 times between 40 and 80 years. It is concerning that such a crucial molecule in our bodies declines so radically as we age.
Metabolism and ageing go hand in hand. Alpha-ketoglutarate is a key metabolite in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and its levels change with fasting, exercise and ageing.
AKG has been used in various lifespan studies. This stems mainly from showing the inhibition of TOR (target of rapamycin). In a nutshell, TOR is like a central controller of cells, tissues and organism growth. AKG does not directly interact with TOR but does influence it, mainly via the inhibition of ATP synthase and this is what influences ageing in multiple species. Research has shown it slowed down ageing in yeast, expanded the lifespan C. elegans, slowed ageing in fruit flies and regulated lifespan in mammals, which we will explore in more detail below.
Dr Sinclair's performed a mammalian study he sought to determine if AKG had any effect on the health and lifespan of mammals. He looked at the role of AKG in DNA methylation. DNA methylation is the process which impacts how our body converts food into energy, our immune response, our brain chemistry, our response to stress, and how our bodies repair and respond to damage caused by free radicals. So when we age, our AKG levels drop and in turn, we're not activating those DNA bodily processes properly.
He used calcium AKG a form of Alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) which has the calcium atom attached. AKG is used by the cell to make amino acids, energy & reverse the "DNA methylation" clock. The subjects were given a regular diet at the beginning of their lives and switched to a diet containing calcium AKG at 540 days.
The results were astonishing and as follows:
Dr Sinclair uses a diagram featured below to illustrate the effects of the endogenous metabolite on the lifespan of his subjects and goes more in-depth about the study.
— DR DAVID A. SINCLAIR
In animals, ageing-delaying interventions are well established; however, most have not been validated in humans. As humans live such long lives, analyzing their survival is impractical. Rather, ageing biomarkers, such as DNA methylation clocks (DNAm), can be used to determine biological age.
In Nov 2021, a paper concerning TruAge DNA methylation test was published in Aging Journal even though the data in this study are limited, it suggests that CaAKG does indeed influence ageing, at least as measured by methylation. After an average of 7 months of use, results showed a reversal of 8 biological years of age.
With further studies, scientists like Dr. Sinclair are very optimistic that the molecule, calcium AKG has made a mark and that it should translate to humans extending the human lifespan by some 8-10 years and “compressing morbidity,” which would save health care costs in the trillions.
AKG Alpha-Ketoglutarate In Age Reversal | Dr David Sinclair Interview Clips
We know alpha-ketoglutarate is a naturally occurring chemical found in the body. Calcium AKG is AKG delivered as a calcium salt. People actually used AKG to make medicines for treating disorders like kidney disease, intestinal problems, and stomach troubles. AKG is sometimes administered intravenously (by IV) to prevent injury to the heart from blood flow problems during heart surgery or to prevent muscle breakdown after surgery or trauma.
Alpha-ketoglutarate is not available in the human diet. Exercise and fasting can promote an increase in the production of AKG, however direct supplementation is a more effective and feasible route to restore AKG levels. Dr Sinclair advises looking for a trusty supplier as it is better to consume a purified source of AKG. The FDA has granted GRAS status to AKG and its human safety record points to a potential safe human intervention with AKG that may improve the quality of life of elderly people.
— DR DAVID A. SINCLAIR
Ageing starts at a cellular level and now we are all aware of AKG levels naturally declining between the ages of 40 and 80 years old. Science supports calcium AKG as a natural option to increase living organisms' lifespans. Should we not look towards supplementing a molecule that may extend our lifespan and improve our health?
We would all choose to grow younger than older and who knows calcium AKG, could make living to 100 in good health, something that we may no longer need to wish for.
The content of this article is for informational purposes only.
It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or health provider before starting a new health regime or program.
Do not ignore medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you’ve read on this site or any Youth & Earth product.
It follows that if we could manage our biological age, slow it down, stop it, or even reverse the ageing process, we will not only live longer but stay healthy in later life.
What changes at the biological level when we age? We can think of ageing as a loss of information – our cells lose their identity and don’t function as well as a result. If a nerve cell, for example, starts to behave less like a nerve cell, it could eventually lead to a loss of sight, if that cell happens to be part of the optic nerve.
The information in question lies in the cell’s epigenome, which consists of various chemical compounds that attach to and ‘tag’ DNA to control which genes are switched on or off in the cell, and therefore how and when that cell functions.
Thanks to advances in research that are helping us to understand the ageing process better than ever before, we now know of biological signs—biomarkers—that can indicate our biological age and help predict our lifespan.
Unsurprisingly, it turns out that many of these biomarkers are related to the epigenome. One of the most widely-used biomarkers for ageing is DNA methylation, which has been linked to longevity. The length of the protective telomere 'caps' on the end of our chromosomes are known to play a role in ageing. We can also look to genes or proteins linked to ageing for clues.
Because ageing is such a complex process, there are likely multiple biomarkers involved when it comes to predicting our biological age.
We're often told to practice a healthy lifestyle in terms of our diet, exercise, sleep and wellbeing, and these factors seem to be important for reducing our biological age too, by targeting processes like DNA methylation
Calorie restriction is one particular approach that has shown promise. Dr. Sinclair believes that genetic pathways are activated by low energy which activates enzymes called sirtuins. "Eat less often." which does not insinuate consuming fewer calories but consuming fewer calories within a shorter amount of time.
Certain supplements have also seen success in slowing how we age, by mirroring some of the biological effects of exercise or dietary restriction. This includes the supplement nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), which boosts the level of NAD+, a coenzyme which helps protect cells from stress and repair damaged DNA.
As people continue to live longer and age-related diseases pose an ever-greater health problem, anti-ageing interventions are becoming more pertinent, as well as a hot topic.
Previously it was hard to say for certain that a 65-year-old with a healthy lifestyle is biologically younger than a 65-year-old who smokes, drinks, doesn't exercise or takes supplements.
That's why it's exciting that scientists are developing ways to reliably measure biological age, including via blood biomarkers. This will allow longevity therapies to be assessed in clinical trials for their effectiveness to ensure anti-ageing becomes more than just a buzzword.
More people today are reaching their 70s, 80s and beyond than they were just a generation ago. At the beginning of the 19th century, no country had a life expectancy (the average period a person lives) above 40 years.
In the UK, for which most historic data is available, life expectancy fluctuated between 30 and 40 and didn't start to trend upwards until the 19th century. Since 1900, the UK life expectancy was 46, then 69 in 1950, 78 in 2000, and has now surpassed 80.
Although life expectancy remains unequal around the world, most people today can expect to live twice as long as those in the richest countries did in 1950.
In part, we have the decline in child mortality to thank for this increase. However, if this was the only factor, once past childhood, people could expect to live as long as they did centuries ago. But life expectancy continues to increase at all ages — all over the world.
Historically, only a tiny handful of people had the luxury of nutritious food and comfortable living conditions. Everyone else lived in extreme poverty, with practically no medicine or public health interventions to protect them from infectious diseases like smallpox, which stormed through populations and killed many people in early and mid-life.
This all changed as society reaped the benefits of the Age of Enlightenment. Scientific knowledge such as the germ theory of disease gave way to medical innovations like vaccinations and antibiotics. A better understanding of how disease spreads also informed us of the public health benefits of better housing, hygiene and sanitation.
All this made it possible to stem infectious disease: the main cause of early and mid-life mortality.
By the second half of the 20th century, we had done such a good job tackling infectious diseases that there was little room left for reducing early and mid-life mortality in rich countries. The ongoing growth of life expectancy, while slowing or even stalling in some countries, is thanks to decreasing late-life mortality.
It's an amazing achievement that people are living longer than ever before. However, with fewer people dying early from infectious diseases, they live long enough to develop non-communicable diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, most heart diseases and cancers, diabetes and osteoporosis. These diseases are now the leading cause of death and disability.
Many non-communicable diseases are chronic, seriously impacting the quality of later life. In this context, epidemiologists do not only talk about life expectancy, but also healthy life expectancy: average lifespan without disability or disease burden. For instance, the health span of a man in England in 2017–2019 could expect to live to 80, but only to 63 without disability or disease burden.
As lifespan continues to grow, it is critical to ensure that healthspan grows alongside it. This means that healthcare today is not only about treating and preventing disease – it’s also about lowering the burden of NCDs so these extra years of life can be enjoyed to their fullest.
The good news is that people can help reduce their risk of many non-communicable diseases — with a more active lifestyle, better sleep and stress management, a nutritious diet, lower alcohol consumption and quitting smoking the most effective ways.
And as scientists are discovering more about how our bodies age, they're also identifying new ways to target and slow the ageing process. This includes replacing molecules that our bodies produce less as we age — like NAD+ or Coenzyme Q10 - or critical antioxidants that protect our cells from damage.
The next leap forward in the science of ageing may not be about how long we live, but how well we age.
Join us for Part 5 as we answer, why you may be younger than you think?
We all associate ageing with more wrinkles, greying hair, or finding it a little harder to spring up from a deck chair. But what does ageing look like in our cells?
If you zoom in on a single cell, you'll find a hive of activity. Messages will be coming in and out and the cell will assemble new proteins, break down waste products and produce energy. Occasionally, it may copy its genetic material and divide, producing new cells.
As we get older, some of these processes begin to break down. Here are a few of the ways this can happen.
Most of a cell's activity is driven by an internal instruction manual: its DNA. How that instruction manual is read differs from cell to cell, thanks to highlighters that point out which parts of the manual apply, a process called epigenetics.
Over time, our cells get exposed to environmental triggers like smoking or UV light, which can influence which parts of our DNA get ‘read’ by cells.
One epigenetic marker that increases as we age is called methylation. Scientists have even coined the term ‘epigenetic clock’, as you can tell how old someone is by looking at how methylated their DNA is. In skin cells, methylation has been shown to affect how cells function, slowing the production of proteins important in maintaining skin elasticity, amongst other things. And when the cell divides, these markers are passed on, affecting the behaviour of the next generation of skin cells.
Another consequence of copying DNA, again and again, is the accumulation of mistakes or mutations. Mutations can make cells work less well. And while cells are really good at coping with mutated cells, ultimately too much DNA damage will overwhelm them.
Mutations aren't the only risk. It's impossible for a cell to copy the information right at the end of a strand of DNA — the end of each chromosome — so every time a cell divides, sections of DNA are lost. To compensate, our DNA has a repeated sequence of 'junk' DNA at the end of each chromosome, called telomeres.
There’s a lot of DNA that can be lost from telomeres without causing damage. But each time a cell divides, its telomeres shorten until there's no protective buffer left and the cell must take evasive action to avoid damage to important sections of DNA.
What happens to a cell's DNA over time (and after multiple rounds of division) is a big part of the ageing process, but it's not the only part. Like any complex piece of machinery, different parts get damaged or worn by overuse. Protein assembly and energy production become less efficient, and waste products start to build up.
All of these processes push a cell toward self-destruction or a permanent withdrawal from the cell cycle, a state called cellular senescence. These are important safety nets for the body, ensuring faulty cells don't keep dividing and the damage ends with them. A skin cell may only live 2 to 3 weeks and that's OK because there are other cells dividing to pick up the slack.
Cell death or senescence becomes a bigger problem when cells no longer replace themselves. This means fewer and fewer ‘fresh’, healthy cells which, when it comes to our skin, is seen as thinner, more fragile skin.
By understanding ageing processes in different cells, scientists can learn which environmental triggers to avoid and identify interventions that could interrupt ageing processes.
Take epigenetic changes. Scientists have discovered a family of seven proteins called sirtuins that help regulate epigenetic changes to our DNA, including in our skin cells. But as we age, levels of sirtuin drop. Understanding how to increase the levels of certain sirtuins, and the molecule it needs to function (NAD+) is a key focus for researchers.
Ageing is clearly a complex process. Our cells are hardworking machines, and like any machine, over time parts begin to fail. Understanding which parts falter, and how to fix them, will play a key role in achieving longer, healthier lives.
Join us for Part 4 as we explore how human longevity has evolved over time.
As people everywhere are living longer than ever before, scientists want to understand how and why we age? Their research has revealed that lifestyle — not just genetics — influences how long and how well we live.
The study of ageing is a relatively young science. For most of history, it was assumed that ageing was unavoidable. It was only in the 1990s, that geneticist Thomas Johnson and colleagues studied a type of roundworm called C. elegans (Caenorhabditis elegans) that showed variants in the worm's genetic code (DNA) mutations could influence lifespan.
This sparked more animal studies, confirming the role of genetics in lifespan and identifying more genes that, when mutated, could extend lifespan. The relevant genes are mainly related to cell maintenance and metabolism, like repairing damaged DNA, maintaining the ends of DNA strands (telomeres), and protecting against free radicals.
From there, research inevitably turned to humans — do we have similar ‘longevity genes?
Based on studies of long-lived people who looked for genetic similarities, the answer appears to be, yes. Like other animals, mutations in human genes associated with cell maintenance and metabolism are essential to determining how long we live. More information on human longevity is being discovered each year.
Genetics is just one piece of the ageing puzzle. Research indicates that genetic factors can only account for about 25% of the variation in the human lifespan. Of course, this leaves most variation in our lifespan to non-genetic factors.
This new understanding challenges long-held assumptions about ageing. Scientists like Professor David Sinclair, an expert in ageing at Harvard Medical School, are making the case that ageing is not inevitable.
Key to our new understanding of ageing is the study of how our DNA is interpreted by our cells, called epigenetics. Like the genome, our epigenome is heritable; unlike the genome, it is changeable.
— DAVID A. SINCLAIR, Lifespan: The Revolutionary Science of Why We Age – and Why We Don’t Have To
The remarkable growth in life expectancy since the dawn of industrialisation shows clearly that how we live, plays a role in how long we live. Tobacco consumption, obesity, and inactivity are well understood as risk factors for disease, cutting short our lifespans and healthspans.
But what could help? Eating less frequently has been shown to cause epigenetic changes that delay ageing in mice, possibly due to the diversion of resources from cell reproduction to cell maintenance. It's feasible that areas like Okinawa and Sardinia Islands may owe their reputation for extreme longevity in part to their lower-calorie diets.
According to Sinclair, the most important lifestyle factor for slowing ageing is eating less frequently. While he does not advocate disordered eating — and scientists stress that we do not yet know how to reap the possible benefits of dietary restrictions without negative side effects — he says: “I’m suggesting that three square meals a day is not optimal for longevity”.
Scientists are also identifying individual compounds that play a key role in the ageing process. For instance, declining levels of a compound called NAD+ has widespread cellular effects and can trigger epigenetic changes associated with ageing, but can be compensated for with supplements.
What determines lifespan?
It’s complicated — and genetics, epigenetics and lifestyle play entangled roles in how long and how well we live. But, with genetics only accounting for a quarter of lifespan variability, most of us have more control over how long — and how well — we live than we might think.
Join us for Part 3, where we will learn more about what happens to our cells as we age.
For most of human history we have conceived age as rigid — and ageing as inevitable. Now, a fresh understanding of the biological processes associated with ageing calls for us to challenge these assumptions.
Here are three areas of research that could change the way we think about ageing.
Age has always been thought of as the length of time we have lived. But we are increasingly recognising age as something more complex, of which this traditional idea of age — ‘chronological age’ — is just one aspect.
A better measure of how old we are is our ‘biological age’, which is based on damage accumulated by the body that restricts physical and mental capabilities and eventually causes systems to fail. There are a variety of indicators of biological age, including changes to our DNA —both the length of the protective ends (our telomeres, which affect how quickly cells age) and the biomarkers that control how our DNA is read (our epigenome).
Chronological age is not something over which we have any control
— but biological age is.
The factors that affect biological age include chronological age, genetics, nutrition and lifestyle. A 40-year-old smoker with a sedentary lifestyle can expect to have a more advanced biological age than their non-smoking, physically active twin, despite them sharing a chronological age. People who maintain a lower biological age are at lower risk of disease and may expect to enjoy both a longer lifespan and healthspan (life lived free from disease or disability).
Indeed, chronological age is how old we technically 'should be', but biological age is how old we actually are.
Healthspan is influenced by interlinked factors including genetics, disease, environment, and lifestyle. Healthspan is influenced by interlinked factors including genetics, disease, environment, and lifestyle.
Many lifestyle interventions to extend healthspan are well understood (an article in Frontiers illustrates the improvements to healthspan), such as not smoking and taking regular exercise.
But there is also a growing body of research into what happens in our cells as we age, presenting new opportunities to alter our healthspan. There's lots of excitement around maintaining levels of NAD+, a molecule that plays a critical role in cell metabolism and which dramatically declines with age. A 2018 study found that subjects whose diet was supplemented with a NAD precursor saw increased healthspan, while older subjects showed improved cognitive function when given the supplement for just two weeks. Harvard University geneticist and longevity expert Professor David Sinclair believes NAD supplements may also slow ageing in humans, as noted in an anti-ageing article in Harvard Magazine.
Researchers continue to identify molecules associated with ageing, and explore whether they could be targeted to extend lifespan and healthspan. For instance, supplements like glutathione or glyNAC — antioxidants found in cells, which decline with age — have been shown to increase the lifespan in research studies.
Replicating these effects in humans could challenge our long-held ideas about the inevitability of physical and mental decline.
A major biological process associated with ageing is cellular senescence: when cells can no longer perform cellular functions or replicate, but also do not die. This is an important process for protecting against cancer and organ failure, but these ‘zombie’ cells can also emit a toxic chemical cocktail which causes damage to surrounding healthy cells. Increased cellular senescence is a biomarker of ageing.
Researchers are exploring whether this process could be combatted by reserving or suppressing senescence, or by killing senescent cells so they can be safely recycled by the body.
Senescence is triggered in a cell once its telomeres — which shorten slightly with each cell division — fall below a certain size.
Therefore, there is considerable interest in whether telomere extension could combat cellular senescence. This has been demonstrated at Stanford Medical University with cultured human cells.
Another approach to combating cellular senescence is senolytics — developing molecules that kill senescent cells. Senolytics tested so far include the cancer drug dasatinib and the flavonoids quercetin and fisetin, and studies have shown increased lifespan and healthspan in subjects treated with senolytics
Early evidence suggests that senolytics could also reduce the number of senescent cells in humans, an important step towards understanding if and how senolytics could work in the future. (Read more about the first evidence that senolytics are effective at decreasing senescent cells in humans.)
Ageing is a wildly complex process — a process we have only just begun to comprehend. These are just three of the many areas researchers are pursuing in their bid to help us age slower and more healthily.
Join us in Part 2 where we will further examine what determines life expectancy.
What is NAD in medical terms?
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, or NAD, was discovered in 1906 and is a coenzyme found in all living cells. NAD exists in two forms: NADH which helps improve brain functions such as concentration, memory, and alertness and NAD+ which maintains our neurological system and healthy internal organs.
What is quercetin?
Quercetin is a plant flavonoid found in onions, apples, kale, broccoli, green tea and coffee. As our bodies do not naturally produce it we can ensure that we get an adequate amount by taking a supplement.
What is quercetin used for?
Quercetin is powerful antioxidant, it plays a key role in removing senescent cells that contribute to ageing and age-related diseases.
The content of this article is for informational purposes only.
It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or health provider before starting a new health regime or program.
Do not ignore medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you’ve read on this site or any Youth & Earth product.
When you think of vitamin E, the first thing that comes to mind is the lipid-soluble nutrient that’s a great antioxidant and performs wonders for your skin. In fact, before the mid-1960s, any mention of vitamin E simply meant tocopherol and specifically alpha-tocopherol. However tocopherol is only half of what vitamin E is.
Read on and discover what may be vitamin E’s better half… Tocotrienol and more specifically Annatto Tocotrienol.
— JONATHAN LIZOTTE, DESIGNS FOR HEALTH FOUNDER AND BOARD CHAIRMAN.
To many people, vitamin E is associated with tocopherols, specifically alpha-tocopherol and rightly so because it was the first form of Vitamin E to be discovered and extensively studied.
So, what are tocotrienols and how did they come about? Often referred to as the lesser-known form of natural vitamin E, tocotrienols account for about 1% of the vitamin E research.
In 1959, the term “tocotrienol” was first coined by Bunyan J. and others in a 1961 study. Research has established that tocotrienols and tocopherols are sister compounds of vitamin E, but they exhibit certain molecular differences and consequently functional differences.
Vitamin E is a molecular compound composed of two isoforms, tocotrienols and tocopherols. Each of these isoforms is further divided into four isomers denoted by the Greek alphabet letters alpha (α), beta (β), gamma (γ), delta (δ), bringing the total to eight members of the vitamin E family.
An analogy from Dr. Tan adopted from American River Nutrition, Inc, helps us to understand the structural and functional differences between tocotrienols and tocopherols.
He describes tocopherols as policemen, who patrol and maintain order within a township, ensuring its people are safe from radical elements. Thanks to their bigger heads and bigger tails, they move slowly and cover a smaller area. And tocotrienols as state troopers, that crisscross county boundaries to ensure their citizens are safe from radicals statewide. Because they must cover a large area, they move extremely fast thanks to their smaller heads and tails. In terms of their antioxidant effectiveness, tocotrienols are 50 times more superior than tocopherols.
The molecular structure of tocotrienols can get very complicated but their most important elements are the chromanol ring that makes them potent free radical scavengers and their farnesyl tail that has a cholesterol-lowering ability.
Apart from slowing down the process of cholesterol formation the superiority of tocotrienols over tocopherols extends to other areas such as helping reduce the risks associated with metabolic syndrome, bone injuries, diabetes, skin health and cancer as will be discussed in the sections that follow.
If tocotrienols are that superior, where can they be sourced from? Well, the truth is that tocotrienols are naturally found in sources such as palm, wheat germ oils, rice bran, barley, and annatto. Most of these sources come with a natural mixture of both tocotrienols and tocopherols.
Before proceeding any further, it is important to point out that the presence of tocopherols interferes with the functioning of tocotrienols. Therefore, the best tocotrienols sources are those with the least to zero amounts of tocopherols. In scientific terms, a source is tocopherol-free when its measurable quantity of alpha-tocopherol is below 0.1%.
Going back to some of our sources mentioned above, the tocotrienol-to-tocopherol ratio is as follows, rice (50:50) and palm (75:25). Therefore, palm and rice bran will give you 25 -50% of tocopherols, mostly alpha-tocopherols. On the flipside, annatto is tocopherol-free. At worst, its ratio would be 99.5:0.5, thus making it the best source of pure, naturally-derived tocotrienols.
Annatto doesn’t require any synthetic curation and contains two of the best forms of tocotrienols, gamma and delta-tocotrienols. Therefore, with the interference of alpha-tocopherol chemically absent, annatto tocotrienols guarantee you the best outcomes in enhancing cellular health and lowering cholesterol levels.
Today, tocotrienols are available mainly through supplements and are almost synonymous with Dr. Barrie Tan, a Malaysian professor, researcher, and scientist whose extensive research has dubbed him the Vitamin E expert. Dr. Tan’s discovery in 2002 of the annatto plant’s properties is revolutionary.
Dr. Tan’s interest in carotenoids (naturally-occurring pigments-red, orange, and yellow- synthesised by algae, plants, and photosynthetic bacteria) led him to the Amazon rainforest where he stumbled on annatto.
Similar to the Southeast Asian rambutan fruit plant, annatto has about 20 to 30 seeds per pod and they're intensely red hence the name lipstick plant. When he touched the annatto fruit, it intensely stained his hand with a maroon colour.
As opposed to the inherent instability of carotenes, annatto is stable and its colour sticks much longer. While he didn’t expect it to be a tocotrienol he immediately suspected that it must contain a powerful antioxidant. Following further research, he found to his amazement that annatto not only contained tocotrienol (delta-tocotrienol) but had no traces of tocopherol thus making it one of the purest sources.
Dr. Tan has conducted lots of clinical trials for the past 20 years and published research work that has systematically shown that delta tocotrienols are effective in fighting chronic conditions amongst them cancer, osteopenia, and NAFLD fatty liver. The key benefits of annatto tocotrienols are manifested in their potency in combating inflammation and oxidative stress.
We at Youth and Earth have used this invaluable research and have our own supplement Tocotrienols EAnnato Delta Gold. Our Tocotrienols come from the annatto bean too and contain 90% Delta-Tocotrienol and 10% Gamma-Tocotrienol.
Simply put, tocotrienols can degrade HMG-CoA reductase, which is a key enzyme that determines how cholesterol is formed. Metabolic pathways form cholesterol in animal cells as well as humans. A factor of this pathway is the sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs) which function like “on and off “switches that control cholesterol and fatty acid biosynthesis.
Tocotrienols, specifically gamma and delta-tocotrienols, are effective both in degrading HMG-CoA reductase and blocking the gene expression of SREBPs. This double whammy slows down lipid storage and prevents cholesterol biosynthesis. For diabetic and obese patients, this leads to a positive health outcome.
Tocotrienols are fat-soluble, which means they must be consumed together with dietary fats. In the first phase also called the lipid phase, the tocotrienols are dissolved in lipids. Thereafter, the lipid droplet mixture is absorbed by the cells of our intestines. Here the lipids are transported through the gut, to the bloodstream and finally the liver.
At the liver, the remnants of these structures are degraded and repackaged into lipoprotein “fat shuttles” and dispersed to peripheral tissues. Research has shown that tocotrienols split faster from the lipoprotein shuttles and get deposited in organs such as the lungs, spleen, kidneys, brain, and heart.
Tocotrienols get absorbed fast into the tissues hence their lower levels in the blood. This impacts positively on their bioavailability compared to tocopherols that remain attached to the lipoproteins throughout circulation to and fro the liver. Studies on the rapid uptake of tocotrienols reveal that within 2-5 hours of taking tocotrienols with a meal, their levels in the blood peak.
Tocopherols not only fail in lowering cholesterol levels but worse still interfere with the working of tocotrienols, if co-administered. According to studies this negative interference happens in several ways some of which include:
Therefore, when supplementing with tocotrienols such as annatto tocotrienol, you may want to avoid co-administering with tocopherols, especially alpha-tocopherol.
Induction of apoptosis is triggered when one or several living organism cells are infected with a virus which leads to cell death. Delta and Gamma-tocotrienols may have cancer-fighting properties, which inhibit the cancer-promoting protein NF-KAPPA B, causing cancer cells to die.
Cell cycle checkpoints function as safeguard mechanisms that ensure cells complete cell cycle phases correctly. Using the de novo pathway, gamma-tocotrienol has been shown to induce ceramide synthesis, thereby reducing tumor growth and metastasis. Gamma-tocotrienol reduces cyclooxygenase-2 expression in gastric cancer. Cyclooxygenase-2 promotes the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells.
The formation of new blood vessels or angiogenesis involves cell migration, growth, and differentiation. However, cancer cells can hijack this crucial process. Delta and gamma tocotrienols inhibit the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway, which is involved in angiogenesis, by suppressing its upstream signaling. This inhibition has also been shown to block proliferation in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
In a 1995 study, a tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) of palm oil was found to inhibit breast cancer cell growth. In the same study, TRF was also shown to be effective in reducing plating efficiency. This means it successfully reduced the ability of cells to form colonies.
In this case, tocotrienols were shown to help reduce the toxic side effects of Epirubicin (EPI), one of the mainline treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma. In a study, tocotrienols were seen to reduce the risk of EPI-induced inflammation and oxidative stress as well enhancing antitumor activity. Even though test subjects have not been carried out on humans as yet, they showed promise. .
Intake of tocotrienols, especially annatto tocotrienols is beneficial to the body in several ways. Apart from the anticancer properties discussed above, research has also established the following additional benefits of tocotrienols.
Here is a brief rundown on the effects tocotrienols have on overall body health.
Cardiovascular health touches on both the health of the heart and that of blood vessels. Tocotrienols can help address the risk factors associated with cardiovascular conditions. Here are some of the ways they help to achieve this.
According to research, tocotrienols, especially the gamma and delta isomers, were found to be effective in lowering the levels of bad (LDL) cholesterol. It achieves this by inhibiting the enzymatic activity of HMG-CoA reductase.
However, it is important to note that human trials are still ongoing to determine the appropriate dosage. In an investigatory human study, it was shown that 250 mg of annatto tocotrienol helped in reducing LDL cholesterol by 18% and overall cholesterol by 15%.
Tocotrienols have been found to boost the immune system’s ability to fight off inflammation. By inhibiting the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-*B) signalling pathways, they contribute to reducing inflammation.
Tocotrienols are also effective in reducing biomarkers of inflammation such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). In several studies, supplementing with tocotrienol has been shown to reduce hsCRP by up to 40% in hypercholesterolemic patients.
Together, tocotrienols such as annatto tocotrienol and Vitamin B3 also boost the body's natural antioxidant capacity.
According to the Blood Pressure Association, 1 in 3 UK adults has blood pressure. With over £2.1 billion every year being spent by the NHS in treating this condition, any development towards finding a solution for hypertension is highly appreciated.
Studies show that supplementing with gamma-tocotrienol helps to enhance arterial function by lowering blood pressure. Even though the studies currently available are confined to animal models, tocotrienols have shown promising results in improving vascular endothelial function.
People's ability to strengthen their bone tissue deteriorates as they age. When left unchecked, this may lead to osteoporosis. Thanks to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of tocotrienols, they have proved to be effective in preventing bone loss and in supporting bone remodelling processes.
In separate studies, tocotrienol supplements were shown to restore bone calcium levels and reduce proliferation in cells associated with the regulation of bone resorption.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) results from excessive fat deposits in the liver. As the condition progresses, the liver becomes inflamed leading to cirrhosis. Through their ability to burn fat stores and relieve inflammation, tocotrienols have been confirmed to improve the health outcomes for NAFLD.
In both animal and human studies, incredible reductions were recorded in fasting blood glucose, circulating lipid levels, and inflammation levels after administering tocotrienol therapy.
Exercise and a healthy diet can help improve metabolism, but severe cases of metabolic disorders may require much more urgent attention. Tocotrienol suppresses adipogenesis - the development of fat-laden cells - by influencing fatty acid biosynthesis and lipid metabolism. In turn, this reduces fat mass and body weight.
Also, by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation, tocotrienols can help prevent multiple systemic diabetes and obesity complications.
Uncontrolled changes in blood glucose levels can have a negative impact on your immune system. This is especially the case in diabetic patients. Through their anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties, tocotrienols were found to have the ability to improve fasting blood glucose which is a key diabetes indicator. Specifically, delta-tocotrienol helps in normalising diabetes-associated blood glucose levels.
Tocotrienols play a role in helping to defend ageing tissues. DNA damage is an underlying factor in most ageing processes. Through a randomised clinical trial, 160mg of tocotrienols was administered to middle-aged and older adults. Within just three months, there was a huge improvement in DNA damage.
As DNA damage is also a contributing factor to aging blood vessels, reducing its rate can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. To further affirm this statement, tocotrienols in the dosage of 100mg/day and 200mg/day were administered to patients. Significant reductions in arterial stiffness were observed.
With ageing comes not just DNA damage, but also immune senescence. When the immune system becomes dysfunctional, it interferes with the body's response to autoimmune disorders and excessive inflammation. Research studies suggest that supplementing with tocotrienol has the potential to lower the risk of preventable infections and reverse certain components of immune senescence.
The fact that tocotrienols also help reduce sun damage by combating oxidative stress, makes them vital ingredients in maintaining skin health. Studies show that the unsaturated farnesyl tail increases the absorption of tocotrienols in the skin tissue, thus helping in lowering the rate of oxidation and subsequent skin damage.
The fact that vitamin E is a valuable all-around nutrient is indisputable. But thanks to advanced research, we now know that the other branch of isomers known as tocotrienols is much more powerful.
Youth and Earth now have an annatto tocotrienol supplement, Tocotrienols EAnnato Delta Gold.
Now you too can experience the many advantages of Annatto tocotrienols because they are free of tocopherol. Whether it is in fighting free radicals, lowering the LDL cholesterol levels, fighting hypertension, or improving risk factors in metabolic disorders, Annatto tocotrienols play a crucial role.
If you are looking for a vitamin E supplement that has greater anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging benefits, annatto tocotrienols could be what you need.
The content of this article is for informational purposes only.
It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or health provider before starting a new health regime or program.
Do not ignore medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you’ve read on this site or any Youth & Earth product.
I’m sure the vast majority of us have had at least one family member who used to eat sand. I’m not talking about mud pies, or playing pretend, no, just straight-forward handfuls of soil. Now before we question little Johnny’s acquired taste, he might have been onto something.
What Johnny may have eaten and added to his diet, are tiny organisms that may have benefitted his overall health. Let’s read on and discover more...
Spore-based probiotics or SBOs ( Soil-based organisms) are the names given to these tiny organisms found naturally occurring in the soil. These SBOs can survive in harsh conditions and have a natural resistance to stomach acid, making spore-based probiotics a perfect choice when dealing with our digestive tract.
In today’s fast-paced world, filled with fast foods and processed meals, gut disorders are common and sadly almost becoming the norm. It’s most likely either you, a family member or a friend has been prescribed some form of probiotics or are currently taking them.
Spore-based probiotics colonizing habits, resilience to stomach acid and resistance to heat and light, it's no surprise they are fast becoming the probiotic of choice. Let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons why...
— MAHATMA GANDHI, Indian activist.
Before today’s modern technologies and various sterilization techniques and farming methods, it was only natural to see some soil on the foods we produced or picked. SBOs were abundant in our daily lives, whether it was in the fresh produce we harvested or simply from the water we drank from fresh springs or wells.
Our gut was exposed to a wide variety of these different species of spore-based probiotics and unless we are consuming our own homegrown, or at least organic raw produce, very little of these bacteria are left on the foods we are eating.
As opposed to the conventional probiotics, which recolonize the gut by reproducing and forming a stable, replicating population, you have to marvel at spore-based probiotics.
Remarkably spore-based probiotics :
Spore-based probiotics or soil-based probiotics are made from soil bacteria and contain endospores. These endospores encase the probiotic strains and are highly resistant to stomach acid. Unlike many other probiotics on the market, this evolution allows spore-based probiotics to survive the journey in our digestive tract potentially resulting in better delivery of probiotics to the intestines.
So how do these SBOs protect themselves?
Think of your SBOs as a tortoise with his thick exterior shell. When the tortoise is threatened he simply retreats into the safety of his shell. Once his surroundings have become safe again, he simply exits his shell and once more becomes active.
Just like that tortoise, when the environment becomes unfavourable, such as the heat stored on a store shelf, or our harsh stomach acids, these bacteria go through sporulation. This multi-step process causes the cell to divide within itself creating an endospore. This endospore contains all the active material from the active cell and is released once the vegetative cell degrades.
So while these SBOs remain inactive within their shells in unfavourable conditions such as the store shelf, or within your supplement bottle. Research on spore-based probiotics reveals that within 8 minutes of the bacilli attaching themselves to your intestinal epithelium, these SBOs become active and start colonizing within the large intestine.
Unlike many other probiotics on the market, this evolution allows spore-based probiotics to survive the journey in our digestive tract potentially resulting in better delivery of probiotics to our intestines where they are needed most.
Spore-based probiotics support tight junctions in the stomach lining. Without these tight junctions, the intestine becomes permeable and allows molecules to enter the bloodstream that should be contained in our GI tract. This intestinal permeability often due to inflammation is known as "leaky gut." A 2017 study concluded that spore-based probiotics reduced the symptoms of "leaky gut syndrome."
Probiotics are generally known for gut health, but a healthy gut leads to benefits way beyond just appropriate bowel movements. Healthy digestive systems have been linked to improved immune response and mental health.
Probiotics that are spore-based have the following benefits:
The importance of a healthy gut microbiome can not be ignored and researchers and health practitioners are doing their best to educate consumers. There are more immune cells in your gut than anywhere else in the body 70% of the immune system is located in the gut.
Most chronic diseases can not only be associated with dysfunction of the gut but can be greatly reduced through dietary corrections, namely dementia, Parkinson’s diabetes type II, rheumatoid arthritis, and Lupus.
Currently, studies are examining the benefits of probiotics for both oral and dermatological health. As mentioned above we see how important a healthy gut is to a healthy state of mind.
Spore-based probiotics begin with the word "Bacillus" namely Bacillus subtilis HU58, Bacillus coagulans SC208 and Bacillus clausii SC109. However further studies and research in 2009 By Dr. Hong (London University, Royal Holloway) show that the concentration of Bacillus endospores in the human gut are found in higher concentrations than natively found in the soil.
This suggests that although bacillus endospores use the soil as a means of transport from host to host, their actual home is located within the gut itself. Any strains listed without "Bacillus" at the start of them, are non-spore and the more "fragile" bacteria, likely to perish in our stomach acid. This is because the probiotic strain itself is not encased in an outer shell (the endospores in spore-based probiotics) making them very delicate and easily destroyed.
Professor Simon Cutting of Royal Holloway University (why this spore-based strain carries the letters HU), was the spore expert who first isolated Bacillus subtilis HU58 from the human microbiome. At Royal Holloway College of University London, Prof. Simon Cutting and his team have studied Bacillus subtilis strain HU58 extensively and in detail. There has been extensive research on the genetics and physiological properties of Bacillus subtilis. Royal Holloway, University of London (RHUL) manufactures it under license.
This spore-based probiotic strain treats digestive disorders, antibiotic-induced diarrhoea, ulcerative colitis, bacterial vaginosis, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and candida vaginal infections. Moreover, it can add nutritional benefits to a wide variety of foods (biscuits, bread, dairy products, etc.), supplements (tablets, capsules), and beverages.
Several studies have demonstrated greater sporulation and germination efficiency with HU58TM. Despite its stability at extreme pH levels and high temperatures, it is resistant to desiccation, antibiotics, and even the stomach's environment.
What was previously known as Vibrio subtilis (in 1835), then renamed Bacillus subtilis in 1872. It is one of the most recognized bacterial organisms and produces endospores enabling it to persist in harsh environments of heat, acid, and salt. Studies have shown it to have strong immune system benefits. In the 1950’s it was used as a basis for topical antibiotics in the treatment of abrasions.
For over 55 years Bacillus clausii is resistant to both physical and chemical conditions (due to its endospores) It is the most widely used spore-based strain worldwide and is highly resistant to most antibiotics during antibiotics treatment.
Bacillus coagulans produce lactic acid and are often misclassified as lactobacillus, however, unlike its counterpart, Bacillus coagulans form spores, making them robust and able to stand against extreme environments such as high levels of acid in the stomach. Studies have shown this spore-based probiotic strain relieves symptoms of IBS, such as abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and constipation.
A small study also showed this spore-based strain lessens the disability of those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and improves their daily activities such as long walks. It can be found in natural food sources such as sauerkraut, kimchi, and yoghurt. Another small study showed increased immune system response upon supplementation of Bacillus coagulans.
The main concern with these traditional probiotic strains is their limited shelf life. We may all be aware of the fragile state of normal probiotics as the labels often tell us to keep them cool or refrigerated; keep away from direct light and protect from moisture. So be very aware that your kitchen and bathroom cabinets with possible changes in temperature and moisture are not ideal places to store them.
Many traditional probiotic supplements start degrading after manufacture, which results in a much lower number of live organisms at the actual time of purchase. Always look for probiotics that ensure CFU count (colony forming unit) at expiry, rather than manufacture time.
The second concern is that most traditional probiotics are vulnerable to stomach acid meaning they never make it into the GI tract where they are most effective.
If you are of good health and you are reasonably fit you could give spore-based probiotics a try as the strains that feature in our supplement are well-researched ones.
Spore-based probiotics colonize very quickly and are far more resilient than their traditional counterparts. They have even shown resistance to most antibiotics. While all these benefits can act in your favour, if you are immune-compromised this may not agree with your microbiome.
Due to their resilient nature, it may be difficult to flush SBOs from your system. People with dysbiosis or a compromised gut may need to stick to more traditional probiotic strains.
When selecting a spore-based probiotic supplement, it is very important to consider the specific strains of bacteria before making your choice. We have taken the utmost care ensuring all our spore-based strains are listed for the consumer, and that only well-researched strains namely, bacillus coagulans, bacillus subtilis, and bacillus clausii were used. Be wary of trusting brands that will not disclose which strains they are using, on the product labels.
Although most studies show safety in infants, these studies point to use in healthy infants and no medical body has endorsed their use for this age group. Please speak to your healthcare practitioner before considering them.
Even our four-legged friends are trying to get their paws onto spore-based or soil-based probiotics. Maybe that's why our dogs pull up our grass so often. Although they are safe for use in pets and will provide the benefits that probiotics do, they may benefit more from species-specific supplements. It is noted that bacteria that are specific to dogs can coexist with similar strains that are present in human supplements.
Although probiotics are considered safe for most people, the most commonly reported side effects are gas and bloating, with the more severe reaction being abdominal pain. If any of these symptoms are experienced, reduce your intake and gradually increase it again over time.
As with any form of supplementation, always consult with your healthcare practitioner before use. Consult with your family paediatrician before starting use in your children and avoid use in premature infants.
Due to their nature spore-based probiotics might not be recommended in those with chronic illness or weakened Immune systems.
It is recommended that you take your spore-based probiotics with food to help them germinate in the intestine.
— DR. CHARLES E KELLOGG, Soil Scientist and Chief of USDA’s Bureau for Chemistry and Soils.
For millennia, humans, and the human gut, in particular, have been exposed to spore-based probiotics. Modern lifestyles, unsustainable farming practices, and the potential risk of contracting diseases (such as listeria, E.coli, salmonella) from contaminated or commercially grown vegetables, have virtually eliminated our exposure to these beneficial microorganisms.
As we age, we can all appreciate the importance of maintaining a healthy gut microbiome and reaping the benefits thereof. Spore-based probiotics ensures that we give our bodies back those healthy microorganisms that were always naturally present in your gut.
Visit our virtual store and try our Spore-Based Probiotic supplement containing Bacillus subtilis HU58, Bacillus coagulans SC208, and Bacillus clausii SC109.
Spore-based probiotics will provide you with a probiotic packed with heat-stable components, stomach acid resistant, and shelf-stable. You can rest assured that they will offer you high bioavailability ensuring that you get your recommended daily dose.
So, isn’t it time you get Spore-Based probiotics and dig in?
The content of this article is for informational purposes only.
It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or health provider before starting a new health regime or program.
Do not ignore medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you’ve read on this site or any Youth & Earth product.
Do you know we share something in common with them?
The answer is polyamines and polyamine synthesis.
Funny enough, the knowledge we have of polyamines are from plants. Our goal, like those majestic trees, is to live a long and healthy life.
In this article, we will investigate one of those polyamines, namely spermidine, the role it plays in autophagy and its use as an anti-ageing supplement.
But more importantly, we’ll also cover how spermidine can benefit you!
— CARL SAGAN, ASTRONOMER AND SCIENTIST
So what are polyamines (PA)? And why are they so important in the role of ageing? Polyamines are present everywhere in living cells and tissues. They are known as biogenic amines which are compounds with more than two amino groups. Polyamines occur naturally in our bodies and unfortunately, as we age these levels decrease.
Polyamines play a role in:
Looking at all the functions of polyamines, we can see why we should be concerned if ageing causes our levels to drop. These essential compounds seem to be very involved in the processes of cell growth and maintaining genetic stability. They, therefore, help slow the process of growing older and improve our lifespan and our health span (our quality of life). The drop in our levels of polyamines is therefore denying us some rich therapeutic benefits.
The main PAs found in mammalian cells and even plants are spermidine, spermine, and putrescine. The polyamine which we have put in the spotlight is spermidine.
The name spermidine is rather suggestive because it was first isolated from semen, which explains its name. Its origin stems from scientist Von Leeuwenhoek, the father of microscopy. In 1678, he reported to the Royal Society that part of his sperm specimens had crystallized. Only much later in the 1920s were these crystals termed as spermine and the reason for them was to protect the DNA of the semen. The actual chemical structure was revealed along with another molecule called spermidine.
When we are young and growing, after pregnancy and even after exercise the levels of our spermidine increase. There is even a notable increase in spermidine in those that have a faster metabolism.
When we approach the age of 60 there is a decline in our levels of spermidine. This decrease is sometimes noticeable as muscle wastage, the onset of hair loss, loose skin and wrinkles.
Our levels of spermidine in our bodies are influenced by an external supply, which is the oral ingestion of spermidine food sources. We ingest around two-thirds of our spermidine through our food. The other one third is through intestinal microbiota (gut microflora) that synthesizes polyamines.
As mentioned before, our spermidine levels drop as we age, which is not good news to us as we may lose those anti-ageing and health benefits. Revolutionary research and interventions with spermidine are ongoing and indicate that it may delay ageing and play a role in protecting our bodies from age-associated diseases.
The natural process of growing older does not necessarily lead to cancer, however, it is noted that the incidence of cancer increases more rapidly at the beginning of our midlife and thereafter. Cancer can be considered an age-related disease.
Ongoing studies reveal that spermidine may play a role in chemoprevention and clinical therapeutics of cancers. Why? Because spermidine activates autophagy, a process that removes defective cells in our bodies. This could really amount to life-changing alternatives for cancer sufferers.
For even the healthy elderly, the brain also undergoes changes. For example, we might forget familiar names or words and multitasking may become a little more difficult. Our memory or thinking skills are slightly affected. Studies involving spermidine in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are still ongoing. Currently, there is no cure for both these heartbreaking diseases and perhaps with further research in the role spermidine plays in mitophagy and the removal of damaged mitochondria and cellular homeostasis, a new treatment option could be offered to those inflicted.
As we age the most common heart problems are the changes to our arteries and blood vessels. Often these stiffen and force the heart muscles to work harder in order to pump blood to the rest of the body. Research on increasing spermidine to suppress age-related cardiovascular issues so that we can increase our longevity has been said to help by about 10%.
We would like to inform you of the anti-ageing properties of spermidine which may solve some of your common day to day problems associated with age. Over time our body’s undergo many changes. Factors such as menopause for older women, hormonal changes, and age-related health issues are all part and parcel of ageing. Even our bodies ability to burn calories slows down with age and along with decreased amounts of physical activity causes us to gain weight.
I’m sure we can all relate to some time or other experiencing issues with our hair, our weight and our need to live longer. You are probably nodding your head in agreement, so let’s see how supplementing with spermidine is anti-ageing and could help us stay more youthful.
Most of us invest a lot of time and money in our crowning glory, our hair. Yet as we age we notice our hair’s texture and colour changes. The dreaded thinning of hair associated with age leaves us feeling despondent and even depressed. For us to really understand the hair loss problem, we need to look at the hair cycle from the time it grows to the time it falls out.
Now every hair passes through 3 phases and every hair goes through these phases at different times. This explains why we don’t have all our hair falling out simultaneously. The phases of hair growth are the growth phase (anagen), the intermediate phase (catagen) and the resting phase (telogen). Unfortunately, as we grow older our hair has a shorter life cycle and the new hair strand is often finer.
Studies have shown that polyamine spermidine can prolong your anagen phase, which means that the longer you can keep a hair in it’s growing phase, the longer the hair grows. So instead of shedding the average 80 to 100 hairs, you could be holding on to around 20 of those hairs a day!
Spermidine has also been shown to play a role in the production of melanocytes which is involved in the hair pigmentation process. Could spermidine be a contender for grey hair reversal? If all else it sounds like spermidine could help you have a thicker, healthier head of hair.
I am sure this sparks most of our curiosity as to how we can achieve this. So keep on reading!
— YOSHINORI OHSUMI, NOBEL PRIZE WINNER 2016.
Autophagy, calorie restriction, intermittent fasting are all terms that have become very popular. They have become synonymous with battling the effects of ageing, in other words prolonging your life. Before we can delve into the more groundbreaking research, we need to understand exactly what “autophagy” is. This will aid in comprehending the significance of spermidine and its ability to mimic fasting.
Let’s look at the word autophagy which gives us a clue to its meaning. Its origin is from the Greek words “auto” meaning self and “phagy” meaning to eat. Does this translate to “self-eating”? In a way it does, as autophagy is the beneficial process where our bodies consume and recycle their own tissue.
As we age the ability of many of our body's cells to activate autophagy slows down. We could use the analogy of the refuse service not collecting the trash and our cellular waste accumulating where it impacts our health negatively. The benefits of autophagy begin with its anti-ageing function in creating younger cells.
Repaired cells work better and more like younger cells. Therefore, when autophagy is running well we may have a younger chronological age and an older biological age. We will investigate this more in a future blog post on chronological age and biological age.
On the cellular level, autophagy:
Sticking to a caloric restricted diet for extended amounts of time is not advisable for pregnant, breastfeeding and the very young. Those that are already underweight, that struggle with weight gain, as well as suffering from diabetes, may put themselves at risk with fasting. It is also not encouraged with individuals that may be too motivated in their approach and embark on food abstinence which could lead to malnutrition. And last but not least, fasting takes self-discipline. The Ketogenic diet involves some meal planning and strenuous exercise takes time and energy. These may just prove too challenging for some of us.
So what if there’s a way we can bypass some of these obligations that are required to induce autophagy and reap the benefits?
Research suggests that by increasing our intake of spermidine via foods or anti-ageing supplements we could still acquire the healthful benefits of autophagy.
Why? Because Spermidine is what is termed as a “caloric restriction mimetic.”
You could say it tricks the body in inducing autophagy. When we are young our spermidine levels are quite high and autophagy is regularly activated by these spermidine levels. We also know that spermidine levels drop with age, so how can we increase our intake of spermidine so that we can enjoy the anti-ageing health benefits of autophagy?
The answer lies in eating specific foods. On the other hand, it could prove challenging reaching that daily intake of spermidine and calculating these amounts. The good news is that spermidine is available as capsules and supplements resolving the amount of guesswork. We can now induce autophagy and reduce the undesirable effects of ageing.
Yes, why not try our Spermidine supplement.
There are many foods that contain spermidine which is mostly plant-based namely, miso, mushrooms, broccoli, lentils, potatoes, cauliflower, legumes, mango and peas. Fermented soybean/tofu called natto, is a good source of polyamines, which makes it rich in spermidine, but it is rather an acquired taste.
Below is a list of foods is said to contain more than three-digit milligram content per kilogram of spermidine which is relatively high:
As seen above wheat germ contains a relatively high amount of spermidine. Our supplement Spermidine is sourced from concentrated Japanese wheat germ extract.
When we look at the wheat plant it is like a long grass with a spike on top. That spiking part houses what is called the wheat berries. The bran, endosperm and germ make up the wheat berry. The germ is what will sprout into a new plant. It is the healthiest and most nutritional part and it is known as the powerhouse. Wheat germ is known for its dietary fiber and minerals that boost immunity.
For those that love a good cheese platter, you will be ecstatic as spermidine is found in cheese which is cured for at least 6 months. Cheese connoisseurs will tell you to look for cheeses with a hard texture, a sharp taste or a pungent cheesy smell. Cheddar, Gouda, Gruyere, Manchego, Parmesan, and Blue Cheese all fall in this category.
But be aware that opting to get your daily intake with cheese, will probably add lots of extra calories. Harder cheeses often contain more fat and saturated fat. As with all things moderation is key.
We are reminded that spermidine is an abundant polyamine found in a majority of human tissues. Due to ageing, the levels of this polyamine does however decrease. Research data indicates that using a spermidine-rich plant extract in spermidine supplementation is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and well-tolerated amongst research subjects.
You will be glad to hear that Youth & Earth’s Spermidine is vegetarian and vegan friendly. Because it is wheat germ based it is not suitable for those that have a wheat allergy. The good news is that the levels of gluten present in one supplement capsule is significantly less than half an average slice of bread. Like all supplements, one should always consult a health practitioner before embarking on any treatment.
We know polyamine spermidine exists naturally in our bodies and as we age our levels drop. As our life span grows, we need to gain knowledge on how to increase these anti-ageing levels of spermidine. Research such as that of Yoshinori Ohsumi, paves the way to a better understanding of autophagy and yet he too mentions that it is still in its infancy.
Ongoing studies reveal that autophagy may restore youthful health as we grow older. We see how spermidine like food deprivation activates autophagy. We can influence our levels of spermidine with the intake of natural foods and the synthesis of gut microflora. There are many food sources providing us with spermidine although the exact amounts of this polyamine may vary. Our Spermidine supplement presents us with an opportunity to gain more control over the required dosage for those anti-ageing results.
If you have enjoyed these incredible facts about polyamines, autophagy and spermidine as a possible supplement, please read our blogs for more informative content on more anti-ageing supplements.
Why not start reaping those anti-ageing benefits for yourself with our Spermidine.
The content of this article is for informational purposes only.
It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or health provider before starting a new health regime or program.
Do not ignore medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you’ve read on this site or any Youth & Earth product.
According to a 2018 study by Dr. Satchidananda Panda on time-restricted feeding, longevity has much to do with when you eat as opposed to what you eat. There are processes in the body that diet, exercise, calorie restriction, and intermittent fasting activates that make us healthier and live longer.
This is where it gets even more interesting! Scientists have figured out a large part of the chemistry involved in the above, and are now using β-Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN), a molecule, to mimic the processes. According to scientists, when NMN is added to diet and exercise, it performs even better in fighting off aging without leaving behind any side effects.
If you’ve committed to anti-aging therapy, there is a chance that you already have a diet plan in place, complete with a workout regime and probably a few supplements. Many people in the anti-aging field today supplement with NMN to augment what they cannot get naturally. This brings us to the question: what is NMN?
It all happened about 20 years ago at M.I.T (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) when Leonard Guarente, a biology professor, and a team of other scientists discovered SIRT1 genes (Sirtuins) in yeast.
Sirtuins control aging: seven of them are found in humans and five in yeast. Essentially, they protect all organisms on the planet, including humans, from deterioration and disease. They work amongst many cellular pathways that control cell death, turn anti-aging genes on and off, help repair DNA, and regulate metabolism. SIRT 1 is one of the four longevity pathways.
When more of these genes were put in organisms, the organisms’ lifespans extended by 5 to 20 percent. It was with this discovery that scientists began mimicking the genes using molecules. One of the molecules they used was NMN and the other, resveratrol.
NMN is a Vitamin B3 (niacin) derivative. It occurs naturally and can be made from dietary sources such as fruits, milk, and vegetables. In the body, NMN is used to generate nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a powerful and essential molecule that is found in every cell of the body. Believe it or not, if NAD+ levels in your body drop to zero, you’d be dead in about 30 seconds.
Also, and probably the most important when it comes to longevity and the fight against aging, NAD+ plays a crucial role in activating Sirtuins. As a matter of fact, without NAD+, the SIRT1 genes can’t work and perform their role of protecting our bodies from deterioration and disease.
Unfortunately, as we age, the levels of NAD+ fall. By the time we are 50 years old, for most of us, our NAD+ levels are about half of what they were when we were 20. This decrease in NAD+ interferes with SIRT1’s ability to defend our bodies and slow down the aging process.
NMN occurs naturally in food such as avocado, broccoli, cabbage, and tomatoes. Now, you might be thinking: “If NMN is found in food, can’t I increase my levels of NAD+ by eating more of those foods? ” That’s a good question and we do encourage you to eat a healthy diet. But, here’s the issue:
Although NMN occurs in these foods, the concentrations are less than 1 mg per kg of food. In other words, to get about 1mg of NMN, you’d have to eat about 1kg of broccoli!
It’s been found that to boost the levels of NAD+ in humans, the levels of NMN should be in the hundreds of milligrams per dose. This is way higher than what we can get from our diets, no matter how much broccoli we eat.
For many years, it was thought that the NAD+ molecules were too large to be taken directly and needed to be raised using a precursor such as NMN. Recently, it has been found that NAD+ can cross the blood-brain barrier and to reach the hypothalamus if taken sublingually. It can boost NAD+ levels in this gland which will benefit the entire body because it controls the metabolism. It’s can also be a potential supplement to help those who have metabolic disorders because of decreased NAD+ levels in the hypothalamus.
NMN, on the other hand, elevates NAD+ levels in cells throughout the body and is a better supplement to take to boost your overall NAD+ levels and slow aging.
According to clinical trials, NMN supplements boost NAD+ to youthful levels. Making the NAD+ molecule available to SIRT1 genes enhances their ability to protect the body against disease and deterioration. As more studies are being conducted, researchers are finding that NAD+ also has an important role to play in regulating our immune systems.
In addition, studies have shown that NAD+ can trigger an immune system response to protect the body from a coronavirus such as COVID-19. A review published March 23, 2020 by Isfahan University of Medical Sciences provides evidence that low NAD+ levels could be tied to higher severity and morbidity rates in the COVID-19 pandemic
“In the depicted molecular pathology pathway of COVID-19, almost all procedures lead to or originate from NAD+ depletion. Consumption of NAD in large amounts to repair DNA decreases ATP levels leading to impairment of all activities and integrity of the cell.”
“Taking NAD+ or Vitamin B3 plus L-tryptophan could replenish
NAD+ and serotonin and recover the body toward hemostasis.”
They’ve also found that macrophages (a type of white blood cell that eats potential invaders such as bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses) use a pathway synthesized by NAD+ to ensure cell survival and control inflammation.
All in all, studies are indicating that NMN and the resulting increased levels of NAD+ can play an important role in helping our bodies fight off infections and bacteria. In other words, it has the potential to boost our immune systems and help them during times of infection and illness.
It’s almost, if not totally impossible, to discuss NMN benefits without looking at the longevity pathways. There are four main longevity pathways identified in organisms including humans:
There are four main longevity pathways identified in organisms including humans:
When activated, each of these pathways regulates lifespan and aging. NMN together with resveratrol work through the SIRT1 Pathway to stop or backpedal the effects of aging. Below are the specific benefits of NMN in activating the body’s defenses against aging.
Cells take in and process fuel to power their functions. As you age they lose this ability, forcing them into a condition known as cellular senescence or biological aging that comes with other detrimental effects.
Previously, NAD+ which is a key element of the cell’s fuel supply was thought to be the only route through which NMN can contribute to cell energy. However, a groundbreaking Washington University School of Medicine study published in the Nature Metabolism journal shows that NMN can be delivered directly into cells without conversion to NAD+.
This direct and faster delivery is possible with the help of a mystery transporter protein called Slc12a8. Another interesting discovery is that Slc12a8 is automatically dialed up by cells when NAD+ levels fall.
This means that supplementing with NMN gives your cells a much quicker path to refuel and promotes cell division and growth.
As you age, conditions such as diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) become prevalent. They are caused by a reduction in NAD+ levels. NMN works through the salvage pathway to boost the levels of NAD+ thereby ameliorating these and other metabolic diseases.
Imagine being 90 and disease-free. You can literally run around with your grandchildren like a 50-year-old! It is possible to achieve this level of youthfulness with NMN supplements.
According to a 2018 study published in the Cell journal, aging mice with a compromised blood flow experienced a reactivation of their blood flow after taking NMN.
The researchers, led by Dr. David Sinclair, a co-director at Paul F. Glenn center at Harvard Medical School, found that as the body ages, the number and functions of endothelial cells (ECs) lining the blood vessels decline.
This capillary decline affects the supply of nutrients, oxygen, exchange of heat, and removal of waste products. If nothing is done to stop or reverse this loss, it accelerates the aging process and along with it comes age-related complications.
Have you found yourself struggling to exercise or wished you could last longer on a treadmill? Well, this is the reason behind the decline in strength and endurance you are experiencing as you age.
However, all is not lost! The study found that NAD+ precursors such as NMN and nicotinamide riboside (NR) working through the Sirtuin Pathway, can help restore the capacity of endothelial cells to form new blood vessels.
There you go, another reason to boost your NAD+ levels with NMN supplements!
Most probably this supplement is already on the watch list of most professional sports teams in America because of its ability to enhance performance by boosting the blood flow. We all hope they get it fast before the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) comes knocking!
- BIOLOGIST DAVID SINCLAIR
Dr Sinclair and his team initially focused their research on male subjects. However, when they started adding NMN to the water of aged post-menopausal female subjects, they noticed an interesting observation: they were able to reproduce for longer. When they studied the egg cells, they found that the DNA and chromosomes were normalized to that of the equivalent of a younger egg cell, and they were able to reproduce once more.
The results of their research indicate that NMN may be effective in slowing down and possibly even reversing menopause. It also holds great potential as a fertility treatment that is non-invasive.
You can find out more about this at the 9 minute mark: https://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/live-long-die-young/11016576
Scientists have researched NMN extensively. To date, there is no evidence that shows any negative side effects.
Dr. David Sinclair named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time Magazine, has been taking NMN supplements for years with friends in the aging industry. To date, he hasn’t experienced any side effects except when NMN is stored in hot/warm temperatures. When this happens, NMN degrades to Nicotinamide poison your body. Therefore, it’s very important to always store your NMN in a cool climate or ideally in a fridge.
If you notice symptoms of reduced effectiveness of NMN such as decreased sleep quality and reduced memory, it might be beneficial to cycle off NMN for one week to allow the body the occasional break.
If you’d like to listen to a podcast where he talks about his research and NMN, you can listen to it here: The Joe Rogan Experience — David Sinclair, Ph.D.
A human trial was recently conducted out of Japan. The purpose of the trial was to determine if NMN was safe to take. NMN was administered to 10 healthy men. Dosages of 100, 250, and 500 mg NMN were given. The single oral administrations of NMN did not cause any significant clinical symptoms or changes in main biomarkers like heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and body temperature. The trial helps to confirm that, in general, NMN is safe and well-tolerated; to that end, the trial can be considered a success.
So what is the recommended dose of NMN?
We recommend the following daily dosages for NMN based on customer feedback based on age.
30-40 years old: 200-400 mg/day
40-50 years old: 400-600 mg/day
50-60 years old: 600-800 mg/day
Over 60 years old: 800-1200 mg/day
Another method to calculate the required NMN dose is to take your weight is based on the following study. Given that 100 mg/kg/day of NMN was able to mitigate most age-associated physiological declines in mice, an equivalent surface area dose for humans would be ~8 mg/kg/day.
As an example, if you weigh:
50kg then multiply by 8 mg = 400 mg per day
60kg then multiply by 8 mg = 480 mg per day
70kg then multiply by 8 mg = 560 mg per day
80kg multiply by 8 mg = 640 mg per day
90kg multiply by 8 mg = 720 mg per day
100kg multiply by 8 mg = 800 mg per day
We recommend you take NMN on an empty stomach first thing in the morning even if you’re fasting. Don’t mix the sublingual NMN with juice or water, it will reduce the bioavailability. For maximum effectiveness, take it directly under the tongue as directed.
Also to improve your NAD+ levels, you can take the delayed-release NMN capsules with a Sirtuin Activator such as a Resveratrol with a full-fat yogurt which helps the bioavailability of Resveratrol.
NMN has been at the forefront in studies aimed at understanding and possibly reversing the aging process. The role of NMN as a precursor to NAD+ is critical in boosting longevity and we’ve listed many of its benefits above. But, here are two more ways NMN fights aging:
As people age, they gain weight. In a 2016 study, it was found that subjects given NMN saw their fat mass decrease and lean mass increase. By supplementing with NMN, you can lose weight and build muscle—two powerful ways to improve muscle health and look and feel younger!
By mediating the synthesis of NAD+, NMN helps in breaking the nutrients into energy, powering important cell functions and reducing oxidative stress. These biochemical processes slow down and potentially halt the aging process. NMN not only boosts your energy but helps in repairing your cells!
As we have shown, NMN plays a crucial role in creating NAD+. When we have high levels of NAD+ in our bodies, cellular energy increases which becomes the fuel of life—powering every organ and cell in our bodies and protecting us from DNA damage. NAD+ also activates Sirtuins which are essential in increasing our life expectancy and slowing down the aging process.
Supplementing with NMN directly increases the levels of NAD+ in our bodies, which counteracts the natural decline that occurs as we age. Research has shown that by supplementing with NMN, the NAD+ levels in older people can be raised to that of a 20-year-old!
Youth & Earth’s NMN increases the level of NMN in your body within minutes, while NAD+ levels are increased within 60 minutes. However, for the NAD+ to start rejuvenating your cells, it generally takes a few weeks.
Most users report that they feel younger and healthier within 2 to 3 weeks. The complete benefits of NMN can be felt after a few months of use—but you’ll already feel the difference within a few weeks!
So if you want to experience the transforming effects of the Youth Earth's NMN, you now have a unique chance to do so. And the best part? You do not have to take any risk. Youth Earth's NMN is covered by a satisfaction guarantee. This means that because they are so sure you will love their NMN, they are willing to provide you with a guarantee.
By using the code WHATISNMN15 you will receive 15% off your first order.
There is concern that NMN depletes methyl groups within our bodies and, therefore, as a precaution, it’s thought to be important to take TMG (an amino acid known as betaine) to donate methyl groups especially if you have been taking NMN for a long period.
In the podcast below with Dr. Mercola, Dr. David Sinclair mentioned that he takes TMG as a precaution to prevent this from happening because, at the moment, the research is not clear [the topic is covered from about 22:00 minutes].
Methylation is a critical biochemical process that occurs in the cell when a methyl group (consisting of one carbon atom and three hydrogen atoms) is transferred from one molecule to another to help that molecule perform its function.
In a nutshell, because of the methylation cycle, methyl groups are required for many crucial processes in our bodies such as producing neurotransmitters and antioxidants, epigenetics (how DNA expresses itself), regulating cardiovascular and nervous system activity, energy production, and heavy metal detoxification. Our bodies have a reserve of methyl groups that it uses whenever it requires methylation for cellular processes and functions.
When NMN is converted into NAD+, nicotinamide (NAM) is formed. High levels of nicotinamide are not good for our bodies and in order for our bodies to get rid of nicotinamide it needs to be methylated into N-methyl nicotinamide that is excreted in our urine. In order to methylate NAM, the body theoretically draws from our reserves of methyl groups. The theory is that the more NMN you take, the more methyl groups are required to get rid of the NAM. And, this might cause a lack of methyl groups to perform all the other critical functions that require methylation which could lead to a whole host of health conditions. To prevent this from happening, you can take TMG which donates a methyl group and keeps your methyl reserves high. It’s important to note that Dr. Sinclair says that he can’t say for sure that this happens because the research isn’t clear.
Although TMG is reportedly safe and beneficial to our bodies, it’s always best to check with your healthcare practitioner before starting to take it, especially if you have a health condition and are using chronic medication. Always follow the recommended dosage.
In Conclusion
No one wants to be 90 and frail; 90 may even be the new 50! Whether in exercise or mental competence, we all want to perform as better or even more than we did when we were younger.
Over and over we are told that aging is an inevitable process and we just have to accept and manage our failing systems. But, what if we told you that the DNA damage, free radicals, oxidation, and mutation processes being touted as the reasons behind aging are to a larger extent false? What if we gave you an alternative by activating your longevity pathway that slows down, stops or reverses the aging process? Wouldn’t you make use of the opportunity?
Supplementing with NMN in conjunction with a healthy diet and lifestyle gives your system a fighting chance at growing older. Youth & Earth’s NMN supplement is is available as a capsule, or powder that can be taken sublingual. We supply NMN to the UK and Europe so don’t miss out on this opportunity to bring back your youthful zest and feel younger for longer! If you are looking for a trusted supplier of NMN look no further.
The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or health provider before starting a new health regime or program. Do not ignore medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you’ve read on this site or any Youth & Earth product.
]]>If you missed the first part of this series, you might like to read What Are the Hallmarks of Aging? Part 1 - Primary Hallmarks
The 9 hallmarks of aging are intricately linked and how, exactly, they relate to each other is still largely unknown. In part 1, we explored the primary hallmarks of aging. These include:
Genomic instability - ongoing DNA damage causing an accumulation of dysfunctional cells or mutant cells.
Telomere attrition - the shortening of the protective caps at the end of our chromosomes called telomeres.
Epigenetic alteration - changes to the “instructions” to the genes on how to build a certain cell.
Loss of proteostasis - dysfunction in the protein production system.
These four factors are thought to be the primary cause of cellular damage. In response and, to mitigate the damage, the body responds with the next three hallmarks which are known as the Antagonistic Hallmarks of Aging. These are:
Mitochondrial dysfunction
Deregulated nutrient-sensing
Cellular senescence
According to the researchers who wrote the original 2013 paper on The Hallmarks of Aging, the last two hallmarks are known as the integrative hallmarks because “they are the end result of the previous hallmarks and are thought to be responsible for the functional decline associated with aging.” These last two hallmarks are:
Stem cell exhaustion
Altered intercellular communication
Let’s take a closer look.
— NIH - National Human Genome Research Institute
Mitochondria are the “batteries” or powerhouses of our cells. They produce energy in the form of ATP that provides fuel to every cell for every function in our bodies. During the formation of ATP, the cells create free radicals (reactive oxygen species). A small amount of ROS is good and is important for several cellular pathways that are important to health.
Generally, the more energy that an organ or muscle requires, the more mitochondria there are. These molecules are unique in that they have their own form of DNA which is separate from our own. However, this means that they also experience their own form of age-related decline.
Mitochondria also have other roles too. They contribute to the immune system and help inflammation, they help thermogenesis (keeps the body warm), they regulate calcium levels, and they also are important for cell survival and death.
Because mitochondria play a key role in many cellular processes, mitochondrial dysfunction and a build-up of ROS due to a poor antioxidant response, are associated with a number of age-related conditions such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
There are a number of ways that mitochondria can become dysfunctional as they age. For example, the molecules that make up the cell membrane of the mitochondria could be altered and that will negatively affect energy production. Or the protein molecules that act as messengers could become faulty, also causing problems with energy production.
Mitochondrial DNA can also experience the shortening of telomeres and DNA damage. Although mitochondria do have repair systems in place to repair and remove damaged DNA, sometimes these systems fail, resulting in a large number of damaged mitochondria and oxidative stress which can affect tissues including skeletal muscle and nervous tissue.
On top of the damage to mitochondrial DNA, as we age, our respiratory systems become less effective which also leads to lower ATP levels as well which further affects cell functioning.
All-in-all, in the same way, that a faulty car battery affects almost every function in a car when mitochondrial become dysfunctional, they can affect the other hallmarks of aging.
Eat healthy foods rich in antioxidants and good fats
Once more, the food we eat and our lifestyle habits play an important role in supporting the health of our mitochondria. Eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidants and healthy fats will provide the body with everything it needs to support the mitochondria.
At the same time, reduce factors that can cause inflammation. Aim for pasture-raised or wild-caught proteins that will have less inflammatory agents such as routine antibiotics and heavy metals. Where possible, choose organic produce or wash commercial fresh produce extremely well to remove any pesticides
Reducing foods that cause inflammation is key and a way to prevent excessive oxidative stress in the mitochondria.
Practice calorie restriction or intermittent fasting
Calorie restriction is a well-known anti-aging hack. It boosts mitochondrial health by reducing free radical production. It also activates AMPK and sirtuins (longevity pathways) that support mitochondrial health and well being. We cover these two pathways in the next hallmark but they are two longevity processes that you definitely want to activate if you want to keep your mitochondria healthy!
If you’d like to find out more hacking age, you might enjoy reading Five Easy Anti-Aging Hacks to Increase Your Longevity
Exercise regularly - particularly weight resistance and HIIT
Mitochondria thrive when we exercise. As the saying goes, “You need to burn energy to get energy.” High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) not only forms new mitochondria, it also increases the size of the mitochondria.
Loss of muscle mass has been attributed to mitochondrial dysfunction. In a study, muscle loss was partially reversed in aged participants after six months of resistance training. Including regular resistance training to your exercise routine will help support your mitochondria.
Take a plunge on the cold side
Taking a swim in a cold lake or pool is good for your mitochondria. It activates AMPK and also increases the number of mitochondria in your cells. Regular cold water swimming or plunging has also been shown to activate brown fat (which keeps us warm) and reduces white fat (the bad fat).
Get into the sun
Regular sunshine not only boosts mood but it also boosts your mitochondria. Just be sure to practice safe sun habits, especially if you’re at risk of skin cancer.
Take natural supplements designed to support mitochondrial health
These two molecules are precursors to NAD, a critical molecule for cell functioning. Without NAD, the family of proteins that help mitochondrial health, sirtuins, cannot function properly. Adding NMN or NR to your daily health supplement regime is one of the best ways to support your cells.
This product has been specifically designed to activate sirtuins and also counteract inflammation. Sirtuins consist of 7 proteins and 3 of them work specifically in the mitochondria.
Krill oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory and will help reduce the oxidative stress and inflammation levels throughout your body. It’s 48 times more effective than traditional fish oil. It also contains choline which supports cell membranes, metabolism, cell signaling, and helps with DNA synthesis. All-in-all, Krill oil is a great option to support mitochondrial function.
L-Carnitine and Alpha Lipoic Acid
L-carnitine, an amino acid, helps transport fatty acids into the mitochondria to be used as energy. It is a critical molecule for normal mitochondrial function. Although research is still being done on this molecule, so far it shows the potential to support mitochondria. To find out more, read How to Use L-Carnitine to Boost Performance and Slow Aging.
Alpha Lipoic Acid is a powerful antioxidant and co-enzyme. It is also crucial for energy production and protects the cells from antioxidants. In a small study, it was shown that taking L-carnitine and ALA together helped slow mitochondrial dysfunction. More research needs to be done on this combination but so far the therapeutic potential is good.
— Efeyen, Comb, and Sabatini
Nutrient sensing is the body’s ability to sense and adapt to intracellular and extracellular levels of nutrients such as sugars, amino acids, lipids, and nutrients such as vitamins.
When there is an abundance of food and nutrients, the body builds and stores because it perceives it as a time of plenty. When there is a lack of food, it triggers survival pathways (longevity pathways) that release fat stores so that the brain and body can continue to function. The body’s ability to sense these fluctuations is extremely important to our health because it helps regulate metabolism and influences aging.
The regulation of the intake of nutrients is dependent on several nutrient-sensing pathways that rely on the mitochondria to be functioning as they should. If the mitochondria are damaged through oxidative stress and lifestyle factors, the cell’s ability to sense nutrients will also be negatively affected. This can have a dramatic effect on aging and can contribute to a number of conditions associated with age.
There are four main pathways that sense nutrients, regulate metabolism, and affect aging. These pathways are intricately balanced and too much or too little can also cause problems.
IIS (Insulin and Insulin-like growth factor) pathways
Our bodies have multiple ways to maintain glucose levels. The ability to take in glucose, store it, use it, and break it down is tightly governed by a number of pathways. When damage occurs to the cell, it can negatively affect the body’s ability to sense and use glucose correctly. For example, when a cell can no longer detect insulin levels, blood sugar will rise to dangerous levels. Deregulated glucose-sensing underlies many conditions related to blood sugar like type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Lower levels of IIS have been correlated to a longer lifespan.
mTOR
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) senses when there is an abundance of protein and nutrients. It is extremely important for cellular growth and repair. If you want to build muscle or heal, mTOR is your friend. Unfortunately, in this case, there can be too much of a good thing, and when the body’s ability to sense amino acids becomes dysfunctional or you are eating too much food for your daily needs, mTOR levels can rise. When the body’s ability to regulate this pathway is affected, it can also result in chronic conditions. High levels are associated with some types of cancers, autoimmune conditions, and depression.
If you’d like to find out more about mTOR, you might enjoy reading: What Is the MTOR Longevity Pathway?
AMPK
AMP-activated Kinase senses when nutrients are scarce and is activated through calorie restriction. It revs up the metabolism and kicks fat-burning into gear. It also helps autophagy which is the body’s natural way to remove and clear out damaged cells so that it can regenerate healthy cells. High levels of AMPK have been associated with longer life and health spans. Low levels are associated with chronic conditions such as metabolic syndrome, obesity, and inflammation.
In a nutshell, AMPK is one of the many longevity pathways that you want to activate. You can find out more in: What is AMPK? How Does It Influence Aging?
Sirtuins
Another longevity pathway that senses energy levels, sirtuins are a family of proteins that control metabolism, cellular health, and aging. In short, they regulate the pathways that control cell death, they turn anti-aging genes on and off, repair DNA, regulate epigenetics, and help our metabolism. They are dependent on NAD+ and can’t function without it. When energy levels are low due to calorie restriction, NAD+ levels are high which activates the sirtuins. Conversely, when there is an abundance of food, then NAD+ levels tend to be low, and, as a result, sirtuins can’t perform their role. Low levels of sirtuins are associated with aging and many other chronic conditions.
The above pathways are intricately balanced and scientists are still researching how they relate to each other. However, there are steps that we can take to support these pathways.
Calorie restriction
The longevity and health benefits of calorie restriction are well known. It’s one of the most reliable ways of preventing age-related disorders because it reduces IIS and mTOR, but activates AMPK and Sirtuins. The challenge is to reduce calories by 10-30% but ensure that you meet your daily nutrient requirements.
It can be very challenging to maintain a restricted-calorie diet in the long term. Therefore, a good option is to consider a calorie restriction mimetic.
Berberine - AMPK activator and calorie restriction mimetic
Berberine works through several mechanisms to regulate blood sugar and mimic calorie restriction. It also activates AMPK. It is so effective that it competes head-to-head with metformin. You can find out more about the comparison between the two in Berberine the Super Anti-Aging Antioxidant.
Our product RELEAF contains berberine, PQQ, and Silymarin. It is specifically designed to activate AMPK and support blood sugar levels.
Resveratrol - potential calorie restriction mimetic, activates Sirtuins and inhibits mTOR
Resveratrol is possibly one of the most well-known longevity polyphenols. It’s thought to mimic calorie restriction, it activates Sirtuins, and inhibits mTOR. Our product PRESERVAGE has been tailored to activate Sirtuins through Reveratrol, Curcumin, Quercetin, and BioPerine.
— biologydictionery.net
Healthy cells divide and multiply throughout their life cycle. However, there is a point (called the Hayflick Limit) when our cells stop dividing and growing. At this stage, they either die or they are “retired” and no longer perform the function that they are supposed to perform. This pause in the cell cycle is known as senescence.
Factors that cause senescence are varied but can be because of oxidative stress, telomere attrition, DNA damage, and other factors that may have caused cell damage.
Senescent cells were first thought to be a protective mechanism to prevent damaged cells from dividing to prevent tumors and cancer. But research is ongoing and scientists now think that they may have a role to play in certain cellular processes because they give off a cocktail of cellular signals.
In a normal healthy body, these “living dead” cells are usually cleared away by the immune system. However, this mechanism becomes faulty with age and senescent cells start to accumulate. But, in the process, the cocktail of proinflammatory signals also accumulates which causes all sorts of cellular damage and also seems to cause other cells to become senescent as well, further exacerbating the problems.
The accumulation of these cells is thought to be one of the main factors that cause the degeneration that comes with age. To find out more, you might enjoy reading Zombie Cells and Aging - How to Fight the Walking Dead Cells
Support your immune system
The first line of defense is supporting your immune system. The immune system is critical in clearing away these cells. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that combats oxidative stress, strengthens the immune system, helps heal and repair wounds, and so much more. Taking vitamin C in liposomal form is one way to make sure that you absorb this crucial vitamin so that you can experience its health benefits. Find out more in Vitamin C Megadose Health Benefits - From Colds to Longevity.
Take senolytics
Senolytic compounds have been used to selectively destroy senescent cells. Although research is ongoing, there are a number of natural products that may help clear away senescent cells.
PRESERVAGE
Our product, Preservage, contains quercetin. This molecule is a plant flavonoid that’s found in berries, apples, green tea, red wine, and onions. Quercetin is a mild senolytic that works through the AMPK pathway to help clear away these cells. It also boosts sirtuins that control cellular death.
Fisetin
Fisetin is a polyphenol that’s found in strawberries, apples, grapes, persimmons, cucumbers, and onions. Fisetin has been shown to be effective at reducing senescent markers. You can take fisetin in supplement form and you can also increase the quantity of the above foods in your diet.
— University of Rochester Medical Center - Health Encyclopedia
Stem cells are the source or progenitor of all body cells. They help cells regenerate. Amongst many other functions, they play a vital role in repairing tissue, immune function, and blood production. Unfortunately, as we age, they lose their ability to divide and their activity slowly decreases.
The major causes of the decline in function are DNA damage, overexpression of proteins that inhibit the cell cycle, and telomere attrition. Another cause is the presence of chronic low-grade inflammation caused by oxidative stress and ongoing secretions from senescent cells. This constant low-grade inflammation is known as “inflammaging” because it is associated with growing older.
While the stem cells can regenerate themselves, as we age the rate slows down and so does the quality. This is thought to be one of the causes of chronic diseases.
Because stem cell exhaustion is a result of the previous factors that influence aging, following the preventative measures mentioned in this article and the first article will help protect your stem cells. Minimize your exposure to environmental toxins that can cause oxidative stress, eat a healthy diet, and exercise. To help your body process toxins, supplementing with glutathione is a good option.
Glutathione is known as the “master detoxifier” and it protects cells and DNA from damage helps optimize the immune system, helps the body remove heavy metals and toxins, and also protects the mitochondria. You can find out more in What is Glutathione and Why Is It Anti-Aging?
Youth & Earth has liposomal glutathione that has excellent bioavailability.
— NIH - National Cancer Institute
Our cells communicate with each other via signaling pathways such as endocrine, neuroendocrine, and neuronal systems. However, as we age, inflammation levels tend to increase thanks to the previous hallmarks of aging, causing an ongoing low-grade inflammatory reaction and this negatively affects their ability to send and receive signals correctly. It’s a bit like “broken telephone” where the cell might not respond or interpret the signal correctly.
The ongoing inflammation (known as inflammaging) eventually deregulates the cellular signals and causes a decline in the immune system. This is thought to be one of the main causes of the decline in function that we see with age.
The most commonly cited causes are a dysfunctional immune system, a build-up of pro-inflammatory tissue damage, pro-inflammatory cytokines secreted by senescent cells, and excessive activation of the NF-κB pathway.
The NF-kB pathway is the main pathway or process that governs inflammation. When kept in balance, it helps the body respond and heal when hurt or damaged. However, ongoing inflammation is destructive, and high NF-kB levels have been associated with many chronic conditions and “symptoms” of age such as loss of muscle, muscle weakness, and bone loss.
Altered cellular communication is an end result of the previous hallmarks. By addressing the factors that cause the hallmarks, you will be able to bring down inflammation in your body which will go a long way in helping your cells communicate. Once more, supplements can also help.
In particular, Krill Oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory that inhibits NF-kB.
Once more, NMN or NR is also recommended to help improve intercellular communication through activating sirtuins.
The theory of the Hallmarks of Aging is still a new kid on the block when it comes to theories related to aging. That being said, from what we do know, there are proactive steps that we can take to prevent each of the 9 hallmarks. It’s important to remember that these factors are inter-related and even the smallest of steps can have an influence on each hallmark.
It’s never too late to start making changes to your lifestyle and adding natural supplements to support your body as it ages. The human body is incredible and by giving it the correct building blocks, you can start to turn back the hands of time.
— Bonnie Pruden
The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or health provider before starting a new health regime or program. Do not ignore medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you’ve read on this site or any Youth & Earth product.
]]>Ever wondered what the oldest people in the world do to stay young? Find out in Lessons From The Blues Zones - Feel Younger for Longer
The human body is like a massive analog clock with thousands of moving bits and pieces. Every moment of the day, these components interact with each other to enable your body to perform a wide range of mission-critical processes such as breathing, locomotion, cell division, and such other functions.
As time passes, this massive system progressively wears out through direct damage, DNA repairs that are not 100% perfect, the accumulation of waste products, and a wearing out of the repair process itself. All these factors impair function, negatively affect physiological integrity, and increase vulnerability to disease and death. In a nutshell, this is what aging is all about.
In a 2013 paper, originally published in the journal Cell, scientists defined 9 factors or categories that seem to influence aging at a cellular level and cause age-related disease. They have called these the Hallmarks of Aging.
The Hallmarks of Aging can best be described as the events or factors that cause a system-wide deterioration in organismal function. These markers are a common denominator across many organisms but, in particular, they are seen in mammals.
The 9 cellular markers are genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, deregulated nutrient-sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, and altered intracellular communication.
That’s quite a mouthful but don’t worry, in this series, we’ll be unpacking each one of these factors in everyday terms.
According to the theory, these 9 hallmarks are interconnected and have an influence on each other. Although, the exact details of the relationship and the influence of external factors are still a mystery.
The researchers grouped them into three categories: Primary hallmarks, antagonistic hallmarks, and integrative hallmarks.
The following primary hallmarks all cause damage on a cellular level and are thought to be the main factors that start to cause your health to deteriorate. The effect of these four is always negative.
Genomic Instability
Telomere attrition
Epigenetic alterations
Loss of proteostasis
These three hallmarks are a response to the damage caused by the primary hallmarks. They are a bit like inflammation in the body. Initially, the response helps to mitigate the damage and has benefits, but if the response becomes chronic (ongoing) or worse, it can cause damage as well.
Deregulated nutrient-sensing
Mitochondrial dysfunction
Cellular senescence
The last two are the combined result of the damage caused by the above hallmarks. Researchers believe that these two are ultimately responsible for the decline that’s usually associated with aging.
Stem cell exhaustion
Altered intercellular communication
In part l of this article, we’ll cover the three primary hallmarks of aging plus investigate ways to minimize the damage.
— NIH - Genetics Home Reference
In short, genomic instability means that there are defects in the processes that control the way a cell divides. As a result, the genome is altered during cell division and does not make an exact copy of the original pattern.
The body uses the instructions in the genome to repair and rebuild cells so that everyone performs its proper function. The mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell) also have their own genomes known as mitochondrial DNA. Because DNA is critical, every cell has a protective mechanism and a repair mechanism to prevent damage.
However, despite these mechanisms, damage occurs over time and can be caused by external and internal factors. External factors include UV radiation, viral infections, and chemicals. Internal factors include damage caused by the products of normal cellular metabolism, namely reactive oxygen and nitrogen species.
And, although there are many cellular processes in place to repair the damage, sometimes the repair is insufficient resulting in a dysfunctional cell or damaged DNA that slips through and is replicated. The ongoing, accumulated damage and insufficient repairs to the DNA (both mitochondrial and cellular) results in genomic instability.
The body has mechanisms in place to deal with the odd dysfunctional cell, but if these cells accumulate it can cause all sorts of damage to the tissues and organs over time. Also if damaged DNA is replicated, it can result in a mutation. Possibly one of the most well-known diseases that indicate this is cancer.
It is thought that genomic instability is one of the key factors that contribute to the deterioration that comes with age.
Although much of this hallmark is a mystery and scientists have not yet found a “cure,” there are some things we can do to minimize damage to our DNA.
1. Limit external factors that may damage your DNA - avoid the sun, minimize pollution exposure, and avoid industrial chemicals
We all know that the sun can damage your skin. As a matter of fact, it’s the accumulation of sun damage to DNA (resulting in mutated cells) over time that eventually causes skin cancer. Watch this video below by Cancer Research UK.
Environmental factors such as smoking, pollution, and even chemicals can damage DNA as well. Simple lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking and avoiding pollution as much as possible can help minimize these external factors.
A simple way to avoid your exposure to pollution is to exercise in the fresh air, away from busy roads, and to close the car windows and air vents (if you don’t have a filter) if you are driving through a very polluted area. To avoid heavy metals and chemicals, install a water filter into your home and avoid eating high quantities of large ocean fish such as tuna that’s known to have higher-than-average quantities of mercury. According to the Environmental Defense Fund, limiting white or albacore tuna three times a month is safe, and canned light tuna can be eaten once a week. If you worried about mercury, consider eating canned salmon instead.
2. Supplement with NMN and antioxidants
One of the key molecules that seem to be critical to DNA repair is NAD+. Researchers have found a correlation between declining NAD+ levels and DNA damage. In a study, it was found that replenishing NAD+ levels through using its precursor NMN, seemed to increase the cell’s capacity to repair damaged DNA. Although more research and studies need to be done on this subject, there are indications that using NMN can help address DNA damage.
Youth & Earth has a pharmaceutical-grade sublingual NMN. It’s absorbed directly into the bloodstream via the mucosa under the tongue.
To find out more about NMN, read: What is NMN and Are There Any Side Effects?
DNA damage occurs because of oxidative stress. In short, oxidative stress is caused by unstable molecules called free radicals that contain oxygen and have an uneven number of electrons. To find a match for the unpaired electron, they scavenge electrons from our cells, causing damage.
Antioxidants help combat this by donating a spare electron to these free radicals. In theory, this prevents them from scavenging the electrons from our cells. Eating a healthy diet, rich in colorful vegetables and fruits, can provide your body with antioxidants, but one way to ensure you are getting enough is to use natural supplements that are antioxidants.
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that is also known as the “master detoxifier.” It protects our cells from DNA damage and also helps the body get rid of toxins such as heavy metals. As we learned above, genomic instability can be caused by toxins, so glutathione is a two-for-one natural supplement to take to combat genomic instability.
Youth & Earth has pharmaceutical-grade liposomal glutathione that is easily absorbed by the body so that you can experience maximum benefits. To find out more about this antioxidant, read What is Glutathione and Why Is It Anti-Aging?
Another antioxidant that prevents damage to DNA is alpha-lipoic acid. This fatty acid helps in energy production, it activates longevity pathways that are key to energy levels, and it also fights inflammation and oxidative stress. Interestingly, it helps the body create more antioxidants as well. You might be interested in reading: The Anti-Aging Benefits of Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA).
3. Exercise
Exercise continues to be one of the top anti-aging hacks. It’s therefore no surprise that regular exercise plays a role in keeping the genome stable. There are a few studies that indicate that regular exercise can help prevent damage to DNA. In one study, a six-month resistance training program for the elderly in an institution, researchers found that the subjects experienced increased resistance against genomic instability.
— yourgenome.org
At the end of every chromosome, is a protective cap called a telomere. According to yourgenome.org, they are sections of DNA that consist of the same code that’s repeated about 3 000 times. Telomeres are a bit like a clock that controls the number of times a cell can divide.
Telomeres have three purposes and they all revolve around protecting the DNA.
Telomeres:
Help organize the chromosomes in the cell nucleus.
Make sure that the chromosome replicates correctly during cell division. Every time cell division occurs, the part of the chromosome that is lost is the telomere, not the actual DNA. If this didn’t happen, and the DNA itself was lost, we would lose whole genes.
Protects the ends of the chromosomes from unraveling or getting stuck on other chromosomes (like the ends of a shoelace).
Unfortunately, with every cell division, the telomeres get shortened until they reach the critical limit where the cell has no more telomere to divide safely. On top of that, telomeres are also shortened by environmental and internal factors that cause oxidative stress. These include a lack of exercise, a poor diet, smoking, and chronic stress.
Researchers have correlated chronic stress and how you perceive your stress with shortened telomeres. Shortened telomeres have been linked to many chronic conditions that are usually associated with age such as Alzheimer’s and cancer.
Once telomeres reach that critical point where there is no more division left, the cell enters a state called senescence where it ceases to divide. It either dies or becomes a senescent cell. Although we cover this in part ll, if you’d like to find out more about senescent cells, you might enjoy reading: Zombie Cells and Aging - How to Fight the Walking Dead Cells
As we age, if we don’t do anything to counteract the loss of telomere length, the amount of healthy cells that can divide, steadily decreases. This leads to poor cell, tissue, and organ functioning and cells no longer repair properly or perform the function they are supposed to form.
Telomere shortening is a natural occurrence but there are ways that you can slow down external and internal factors that may cause unnecessary shortening. You can also potentially increase the activity of telomerase, an enzyme that is responsible for protecting the telomeres.
1. Learn how to manage your stress
As mentioned, it has been found that chronic stress, as well as the perception of that stress, can have a negative effect on telomere length. Learning how to manage stress and reducing unnecessary stress is one way to protect your telomeres.
2. Eat a healthy diet and exercise
Once more, colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats are the stars. Make sure you are eating a healthy diet and drinking pure water so that your cells with the building blocks it needs. Choosing healthy options will naturally help reduce weight and inflammation, both of which are associated with decreased telomerase activity and telomere length.
Regular exercise is associated with longer telomere length and protection against telomere shortening. Although the exact mechanism of how exercise helps protect telomeres is still largely a mystery, it doesn’t take away from the anti-aging health benefits of regular physical exercise.
3. Supplement with NMN or NR and Preservage
One of the best ways to tackle telomere attrition is to target it at a cellular level. Natural supplements that do this are NMN or NR and certain antioxidants.
NMN or NR to boost NAD+ and activate sirtuins
Sirtuins are a family of proteins that regulate cellular aging. They also protect telomeres and, amongst other things, delay cellular senescence. Sirtuins are dependent on NAD+ to function properly. Therefore, taking an NAD+ precursor such as NR or NMN will help increase levels of this molecule in your body and cells.
Preservage - designed to activate sirtuins that maintain telomere length
As mentioned above, sirtuins protect telomere length. NAD+ is needed to activate sirtuins and perform many other critical cellular processes. Our product Preservage contains trans-resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, and Bioperine that are designed to activate sirtuins. This product is even more effective when taken with NMN or NR.
4. Increase anti-inflammatory supplements
Oxidative stress and inflammation are two factors that shorten telomere length. Natural supplements that target these two factors will beneficial in tackling this hallmark of aging.
Vitamin D3 - to reduce inflammation and fight oxidation
There is a correlation between vitamin D levels and telomere length, although the exact relationship is still unclear, researchers found a close enough relationship to warrant further investigation. In another study, researchers found that decreased vitamin D3 levels were associated with genomic instability as well. From building strong bones, to improving mental health, and boosting your immune system, this vitamin has many health benefits.
To find out more, read: Why Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) Can Increase Longevity
Krill Oil - to reduce inflammation
Inflammation decreases telomere length. Krill oil, a source of Omega-3 fatty acids, phospholipids, choline, and astaxanthin, is a power anti-inflammatory that can help reduce unnecessary shortening of telomeres. Astaxanthin and choline are both antioxidants that can also help protect the telomeres.
Our product, Superba Krill Oil, reduces key inflammation biomarkers. It’s easy to take and has less unpleasant gastric side effects than traditional Omega-3 fatty acids. To find out more, read: What is Krill Oil and Why Is It Good for You?
— NIH - Epigenetics
Epigenetic alterations are changes that occur in the “instructions” to the genes on how to build a certain cell.
Although genes contain all the information in the DNA, they need specific instructions on how to build certain cells. For example, why one cell should be a liver cell and another should belong to the hand. These specific instructions are called epigenetics.
However, as we age, exposure to environmental factors can cause changes to the epigenetic mechanisms which can lead to how a particular gene is expressed. The changes to epigenetics are associated with the deterioration that comes with aging.
Once more lifestyle and environmental factors can have a positive or negative influence on epigenetics. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and taking natural supplements can help prevent any changes in epigenetics.
Dietary supplements rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and sulforaphane, have been shown to play a key role in regulating epigenomes. Interestingly, calorie restriction also seems to help by slowing the rate of epigenetic alteration.
Our product Releaf contains berberine, PQQ, and silymarin and it mimics calorie restriction and activates AMPK. PQQ is a powerful antioxidant that has shown to protect cells from oxidative stress and silymarin helps with the absorption of berberine and minimizes any gastrointestinal discomfort.
Once more NAD+ is also crucial in making sure that the epigenome functions as it should, so you can’t go wrong with adding NMN or NR to your daily supplement regime.
— H.Simmons, M.Sc - News Medical Life Sciences
When you hear the word “protein” most of us tend to think of muscles because we know that our bodies need protein to build strength. But did you know that proteins are responsible for every process in our bodies? Enzymes, hormones, messengers, transporters, antibodies, and cellular structures are all made from different proteins.
Like tiny Lego bits, the body uses amino acids to build specific proteins of all shapes that perform various functions. Sometimes these proteins are formed into chains, and other times they are folded to create a structure.
The word “proteostasis” comes from the words “proteins” and “stays the same.” According to News Medical Life Sciences, the process that makes sure that proteins are built correctly and function, as they should, is called proteostasis. It also acts to ensure that any abnormal proteins or excessive proteins are degraded so that there is no accumulation of waste products. Proteostasis is the quality control measures of our cells.
Unfortunately, for reasons that are still largely a mystery, the ability to produce proteins correctly seems to decrease with age and this process becomes faulty. It can cause too little or too much protein, and sometimes it can even produce misfolded proteins (called protein aggregates) that can cause all sorts of damage to our cells.
This dysfunction in protein regulation and accumulation of protein aggregates has been linked to many diseases associated with aging such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease.
Loss of proteostasis seems to be caused by a build-up of environmental stressors such as changes to pH level and oxidation, extreme cold or heat, and pollution.
Once more, lifestyle changes come into play. Regular exercise brings stability to protein production. In a small study, researchers found that individuals (who had hypertension) experienced better proteostasis after regular exercise. They also showed improved quality of life, lower levels of inflammation, and stronger immune systems.
Using natural supplements that can help the body manage the environmental stressors and support proteostasis will also help.
Berberine hits the top spot when it comes to helping the body clear out protein aggregates. In a cellular study, researchers found that berberine cleared out neurotoxic proteins and showed great potential to help with neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers also found that curcumin shows potential and is also a powerful anti-inflammatory.
Our product Releaf has been specifically formulated with berberine to combat the inflammation and accumulation of protein aggregates that are associated with aging. It also lowers blood pressure, balances cholesterol, and improves metabolism through activating the longevity pathway AMPK.
As with the other three primary hallmarks, once more NAD+ is essential for mitochondrial proteostasis and supplementing with NMN or NR will help combat this hallmark.
The four primary hallmarks of aging are destructive in nature. But all of them are influenced to some degree by external factors relating to environment and lifestyle. This is good news because although there is no “cure,” we can minimize the damage by making changes to the way we live our lives.
It’s never too late to start and you’re never too old to learn new things. For example, did you know that your body can still build muscle even in your mid 70’s? The Irish Times recently covered a study that was conducted in Finland on the effect of weight training on individuals between the ages of 65 and 75. Over the six-month supervised routine, all of the people who lifted weights had gained strength and improved their health markers. After the study, those people who only trained weights once a week still grew stronger. Interestingly, those who continued with lifting weights after the study did so because they had gained confidence as well as strength. They felt that they could do more and achieve more in their everyday lives as well.
So make a change today. Even the smallest of changes can make a difference over time. If you’d like to find out more about our natural supplements that are designed to tackle aging deep from within, head over to our product page to find out more.
In part ll, we will cover the rest of the hallmarks of aging plus explore ways to slow them down so that we can live long, happy, healthy lives.
— Chuck Norris
The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or health provider before starting a new health regime or program. Do not ignore medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you’ve read on this site or any Youth & Earth product.
]]>Precursors are inactive chemicals that can be transformed into other active compounds such as vitamins, hormones, or enzymes. They are the substance that needs to “run before” another one can be produced in a chemical reaction.
Another way to view precursors is a bit like the ingredients to a cake. Usually, to make a cake you need some form of wet and dry ingredients. If you don’t have dry ingredients, like flour, no matter what you try, you won’t have a cake.
A good example of this is in our bodies is cholesterol. Despite the general misconception that cholesterol is “bad,” your body needs this substance to make testosterone — cholesterol is the building block for testosterone.
In men, testosterone is made from cholesterol in the testicular Leydig cell and is an essential precursor to all steroid hormones.
Perhaps more well-known precursors are the ones used to make vitamins. We all know carrots contain vitamin A, but that’s not quite right. Carrots contain beta-carotene which is a precursor or building block to vitamin A.
There are a number of vitamins that need precursors in order to be used by the body. Here are a few of the more common ones.
Beta-carotene is a pigment that gives carrots and yellow veggies their orange color. It’s also found in animal sources such as fortified milk, butter, cheese, margarine, eggs, and liver. Your body turns beta-carotene into vitamin A.
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for eye health, cellular health, and the maintenance and health of every organ in our bodies.
Vitamin E is another fat-soluble vitamin, but the only form that the human body uses is alpha-tocopherol. Vitamin E is found in nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and plant-based oils.
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage caused by oxidation.
The molecule, 7-dehydrocholesterol, is a precursor to vitamin D which is uniquely generated in the skin of mammals. The vitamin is formed in the body when the precursor absorbs light energy.
Adequate sunlight exposure reduces the use of supplementation for the vitamin, that said, other sources of vitamin D include egg yolks, liver, and fortified margarine.
Vitamin D helps in the proper absorption of calcium, which is needed for good bone formation. For more on vitamin D, you might like to read Why Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) Can Increase Longevity
Niacin, known as vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin. It’s found in many foods and fortified products. The body converts the amino acid tryptophan into niacin.
Tryptophan can be found in eggs, chicken, cheese, milk, fish, pumpkin and sesame seeds, chocolate, tofu, and soy.
The body uses vitamin B3 for many functions in the digestive and nervous system, and the skin. It also plays an important role in converting proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into energy and prevents Pellagra.
Vitamin D and tryptophan are both found in eggs. By having eggs for breakfast, you can make sure that your body gets in these essential precursors plus other health-building nutrients.
For more on niacin, read What is Nicotinamide Riboside (NR), and Can It Increase Longevity?
Precursors are not only essential in the activation of some vitamins, but they also influence pathways that affect the aging process.
Aging can be defined as the time-related deterioration of physiological functions needed for survival and fertility. This is the process we would like to slow and here are some of the precursors that help us do exactly that.
There’s a vital coenzyme found in every cell of our bodies known as NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide). This molecule is involved in various metabolic processes such as producing cellular energy, supporting cellular respiration, and mitochondrial function. However, its levels decline as we age.
The body naturally produces NAD+ from its precursors that are usually found in the diet. Here are the four known precursors to NAD+:
Interesting fact: Niacin (often used as the general term for forms of vitamin B3) was originally called nicotinic acid. It was discovered by scientists who were studying tobacco (nicotine). To differentiate it from nicotine, they changed the name to niacin. The same applies to nicotinamide being changed to niacinamide.
NR is at the top due to its efficiency in transforming into NAD+. Its efficiency is linked to its small molecular size which allows it to enter cells easily. The ease of the molecule to enter the cells is also enhanced by the pathway it takes.
Next, we have NMN. It has a bigger molecular size compared to NR but also a relevant precursor to boost NAD+ levels. NMN enters most cells by transforming to NR, then back to NMN, and finally becomes NAD+. Some research has revealed NMN can be utilized in the intestines without having to be turned to NR.
Niacin is converted into NAD+ via a different pathway and needs tryptophan to become NAD+. Too much NA is known to cause flushing which is why the above two precursors are preferred.
Niacinamide is also converted into NAD and follows the same pathway as NR but does not follow through all the steps to form NAD+ which is why NR is more effective.
As you can see, the above precursors all come from vitamin B3 that’s found in food sources such as chicken, turkey, fish, beef, pork, mushrooms, peanuts, brown rice, green peas, and avos.
However, it’s not always easy to gauge if you are getting enough vitamin B3 for your body to use to convert into NAD+. Plus, with age, levels of NAD+ tend to decrease. This is where taking a precursor such as NR or NMN is very useful.
To find out more about NMN and NR, you might like to read: NAD+ and Aging - How to Boost Your NAD+ Levels Naturally
The amino acid tyrosine is the precursor that’s used to synthesize vitamin Q10 or Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a “super-vitamin” that is produced naturally in our bodies. Also known as ubiquinone, CoQ10 supplementation helps increase body energy production in the form of ATP and is linked with treating muscular dystrophy, cardiomyopathy, and periodontal diseases.
It’s also an antioxidant found in every cell of our body with the highest concentrations in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas.
The body biosynthesizes CoQ10 from the anti-aging precursor tyrosine through eight aromatic precursors. These precursors need 8 essential vitamins which are pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, C, B12, folic acid, niacin, and tetrahydrobiopterin as their coenzymes. Tyrosine is found in dairy products, red meat, fish, chicken, eggs, oats, nuts, and wheat.
Notably, CoQ10 levels decline as we age with its levels in a 70-year-old being 50% of a 20-year-old. Research has revealed that supplementing with the vitamin could enhance the health of older individuals.
For example, a 4-year study was conducted on 443 older adults supplementing with CoQ10 and selenium improved their quality of life, slowed deterioration of physical and mental performance, and reduced hospital visits.
Supplementing with CoQ10 also helps reduce oxidative stress, a condition characterized by the accumulation of free radicals that accelerate the aging process and initiate some age-related diseases.
Youth & Earth has a liposomal pharmaceutical-grade CoQ10 for sale. The liposomal form has a high bioavailability which allows your body to absorb more CoQ10 than traditional supplement forms.
You might also want to read How Coenzyme Q10 Can Boost Your Healthspan
Molecules that play an important role in the formation of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) are known as energy precursors. ATP is an essential biochemical that’s needed from initiating an embryos first heartbeat, to helping in muscle movement, organ functions, and repairing damaged tissues as we mature. It’s the energy that powers every cell in our bodies.
It’s no wonder that longevity researchers are paying special attention to the makeup and function of this chemical. Another key point is that scientists have recorded diminishing levels of ATP as we age.
ATP’s function is central in the operation of the heart since the heart muscle is the organ that uses the most energy in the body. It also has the highest concentration of mitochondria and oxygen uptake rate. In effect, cardiologists using ATP for patients with heart failure has yielded good results and increased quality of life.
Additionally, cardiologist Stephen Sinatra in his book, Metabolic Cardiology reveals the profound results of using supplements to enhance ATP synthesis.
The increased ATP saw an increase in ejection fraction from between 10% - 20% to between 40% - 50%. The ejection fraction (EF) is a measurement of the contraction and force of the heart muscle. The EF is expressed as a percentage of the quantity of blood the heart pumps into the body with every contraction.
A good diet can go a long way in mitochondrial biogenesis and maintaining good ATP levels. But with advanced age or compromised health, dietary supplements provide an efficient solution in maintaining adequate ATP levels. Energy precursors include:
Other energy precursors include creatine, vitamin E, phosphate, and magnesium.
Conclusion
Our bodies are complex and designed perfectly. For certain processes to take place, it needs precursors that can be converted into other substances like vitamins and even ATP. By eating a healthy diet that is nutritionally sound for your age and level of activity and by exercising regularly, you can give your body everything it needs to function optimally. Of course, supplementing wisely with natural supplements that are designed to target the aging process at a cellular level, will be the “cherry on top” to helping you perform at your best and enjoy life to the full.
— Buddha
The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or health provider before starting a new health regime or program. Do not ignore medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you’ve read on this site or any Youth & Earth product.
]]>Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Autism is a general term for a group of complex neurodevelopmental conditions that affect behavior, communication, and social skills. This difference in development often affects how children and adults understand and relate to others.
Autism is a spectrum disorder because people can experience a wide range in the type and severity of symptoms. It occurs across all ethnic, racial, and economic groups. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism is more common in boys with a male-female ratio of 4-1.
Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, it is generally considered a developmental disorder as symptoms usually surface before children reach the age of 3.
In 2020, the CDC reported that approximately 1 in 54 children in the U.S experience autism. And, in the UK, according to the National Autistic Society, there are over 700,000 adults and children who experience autism. As a matter of fact, a new report on the prevalence of autism in schools indicated a sharp increase over a 9 year period.
The cause of autism is a mystery. Researchers think that it develops from a combination of genetic and environmental influences. A recent study, with over 2 million participants from 5 countries, found that genetics contributed to 80% of ASD cases, with only 20% attributed to environmental causes. There was also no indication that it was caused by maternal factors during pregnancy.
It’s important to know that autism is not an illness or a disease. Someone who has autism just views and experiences the world differently. As far as we know, autism can’t be “cured.” But, as with all people, with the right help and support, those who have autism can live happy and productive lives.
The signs and symptoms of autism can vary tremendously from person to person. Some may be diagnosed early in their childhood, while others may only realize that they struggle with autism when they are adults. Because the symptoms can vary, it’s very important to get a professional diagnosis so that the person can get the help and support that they may need.
According to the NIH and NHS, people who have autism may:
Have difficulty communicating and interacting with people.
Find it challenging to understand emotions and empathize with others.
Have repetitive behaviors or thoughts.
They might talk about the same topic, all the time, and struggle to engage in dialogue.
Like their routine and feel extremely anxious with new places, unfamiliar faces, and situations.
Find bright lights and sounds overwhelming. Some may feel that the sound is turned up way too high for them or they might struggle to differentiate sounds, making everything one big loud noise.
Have intellectual difficulties and take longer to understand concepts. Other’s have extremely high IQ and do well in some subjects, but struggle to grasp others.
Specific hobbies or subjects that they absolutely love. Some might be fascinated with insects and others might collect toy trains.
Have unusual behavior such as avoiding eye contact, hand flapping, toe walking, or other ticks. Sometimes, they are not aware of their behavior, and other times they may find “normal” behavior and social norms as strange.
Because autism is a spectrum condition, it affects people in different ways. Like all of us, adults and children who experience autism have their own strengths, weaknesses, and gifts. As Dr. Stephen Shore says, “If you’ve met one person with autism - you’ve met one person with autism.” Every person who has autism is unique in how they experience the world.
— Dr. Temple Grandin
Many famous highly-gifted people are now thought to have been on the spectrum. These include Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, Albert Einstein, Carl Jung, Sir Isaac Newton, and Hans Christian Anderson… and the list goes on right up to modern-day sports stars and celebrities. As Hans Asperger said, “It seems that for success in science or art, a dash of autism is essential.”
Although once thought to be different conditions entirely, the following now all fall under the range of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Asperger’s Syndrome is a form of autism. Children with Asperger’s do not seem to have a problem with language and tend to score average and above average on intelligence tests. They may have an extremely high IQ but have challenges with emotional intelligence.
As with all autism disorders, the symptoms can vary but people who have Asperger’s may find it difficult to express themselves socially or emotionally. They might have difficulty understanding gestures, tone of voice, and body language. They might not know how to engage in conversation and might have difficulty understanding jokes or sarcasm - they tend to be very literal.
People that have Asperger’s might struggle to form friendships even though they want social interaction. They might not understand social cues or “rules” and stand too close to someone or start up a conversation that’s inappropriate. Other characteristics might be a love of routines, or special interests such as collecting items or a hobby.
Is most likely the condition that comes to mind when "autism" is used and refers to difficulty with social interactions, communication, and play in children under 3 years old.
Also known as Heller’s syndrome, this rare condition is a regressive form of autism. A child who experiences CDD will experience a regression in multiple areas of development including language, play skills, motor skills, cognitive skills, and even bladder/bowel control.
Before 2013, PDD-NOS was considered a subtype of autism but after 2013, it’s now considered to fall on the spectrum. It’s the diagnosis given to children who are on the spectrum but who do not meet the criteria for another ASD such as Asperger’s.
It is important to remember that as the name suggests autism is a spectrum and a treatment that is highly effective for one child, may not work for another. However early treatments have shown to play a big role in the development of children with autism.
Before starting any supplement regime, it’s very important that you obtain guidance from your healthcare practitioner to make sure that you have the correct supplements and dosage. Every person who has autism is unique and will therefore have different requirements.
Here are a few of the natural supplements that have been shown to help ease some of the discomfort associated with ASD. Interestingly, they also help slow aging and prevent many of the chronic conditions associated with age.
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant and is known as the “master detoxifier” of the body. It helps protect our cells from oxidative stress and also removes heavy metals from the body.
Research has shown that children with autism often have low levels of glutathione. This led to a study in which 33 children were randomized into two groups. By the end of the study, children in the group who had consumed N-acetyl cysteine (a precursor to glutathione) had an 80% reduction in their irritability scores.
Furthermore, research has shown that autism is associated with above-average levels of inflammation in the brain and gastrointestinal tract. Glutathione has shown to be a possible autism treatment as it is a safe and powerful anti-inflammatory, but more importantly, controls levels of oxidative stress which cause the inflammation in the first place.
When supplementing with glutathione it is particularly important to remember that liposomal glutathione provides the body with the highest levels of absorption directly into the bloodstream.
Youth & Earth has pharmaceutical-grade liposomal glutathione in capsule and liquid form.
To find out more about glutathione, read What is Glutathione and Why Is It Anti-Aging?
L-Carnitine is an amino acid that’s produced by our bodies. It helps turn fat into energy, improves cardiac function, and has been shown to help brain function and cognitive ability.
A study was conducted to test L-Carnitine as a potential treatment for the improvement of behavioral symptoms in patients diagnosed with autism. Thirty children diagnosed with autism were randomly supplemented with either placebo or liquid L-Carnitine for 6 months. The study went on to show that the group who received the L-Carnitine supplementation (100mg/kg of body weight daily) significantly improved the severity of autism. Also, the treatment was well tolerated and the researchers recommended using L-Carnitine as part of an autism treatment regime.
Unfortunately, the bioavailability of L-Carnitine in traditional supplement form is very low. Much of the amino acid is destroyed in the digestive system. As a matter of fact, athletes who use the amino acid for sports performance usually have it injected. However, thanks to technology, you can now get L-Carnitine in liposomal form. Liposomal supplements have enhanced bioavailability because it protects the supplement from the digestive system. Youth & Earth has pharmaceutical-grade liposomal L-Carnitine available in passion fruit flavor.
To find out more about L-Carnitine, read How to Use L-Carnitine to Boost Performance and Slow Aging
A deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids (more commonly known as fish oil) may be linked to those who struggle with autism. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish oil and some plants such as hemp and flaxseed. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory and is a well-known supplement to help with all kinds of conditions from preventing heart disease, to Alzheimer’s to ease the symptoms of arthritis.
Various studies have found that supplementing with omega-3’s may help with the hyperactivity, stereotypy, and lethargy that some people with autism experience. There doesn’t appear to be any harm in supplementing with omega-3’s and many health practitioners recommend it as part of an autism regime.
Krill Oil a source of omega-3 fatty acids - without the fishy aftertaste
One of the many challenges that parents face with children who have autism is that they are very particular about what they like and dislike to eat. The problem with traditional fish oil is that there are unpleasant side effects such as the taste of fish and burping. This can make some children (and adults!) feel nauseous. Krill oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and is dissolved easily in the stomach acid thanks to phospholipids. As a result, most people experience fewer after-effects.
Krill oil also contains choline and astaxanthin. Choline is an essential nutrient that plays a role in many critical cellular processes and astaxanthin is a powerful natural antioxidant. Both of these molecules may also help address any nutrient deficiencies in autism sufferers.
To find out more about Youth & Earth’s Superba Krill Oil, read What is Krill Oil and Why Is It Good for You?
We recommend that you contact your health practitioner to find out the correct recommended daily dose for children and adults who have autism before starting any supplement regime.
Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, shows potential to help with autism. Several studies seem to indicate that supplementing with this vitamin may be beneficial.
A recent study revealed that children with autism appear to have a much higher vitamin D deficiency than healthy children. Supplementing infants with vitamin D may prove to be a safe effective method in preventing the risk of autism. In two open-label trials, vitamin D improved the core symptoms of autism in roughly 75% of children with autistic disorders.
Getting out into the sunshine can also help improve vitamin D levels. To find out more about the sunshine vitamin, read Why Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) Can Increase Longevity.
Children who have autism often experience discomfort in their gut. Common problems include constipation, bloating, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. This implies that there is a role that gut bacteria and the gut microbiome play in the condition and probiotics may therefore help.
In a systematic review of the literature, researchers found that several studies indicated that autistic individuals have altered gut microbiota. And, in a few cases, studies found that remodeling the gut using antibiotics and transferring good “bacteria” helped alleviate the symptoms of ASD. This review and many other studies indicate that using probiotics to help the microbiome may well help alleviate some of the symptoms and discomfort that autistic people experience.
Taking a good quality probiotic can be beneficial for one’s health. Always check with your healthcare practitioner or pharmacist to make sure that you are taking a broad-spectrum good quality product.
Individuals with autism often struggle with the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Supplementing with a broad-spectrum digestive enzyme may help in this digestion process, making these foods easier to absorb. Always be sure to follow the guidelines as recommended by the product or your healthcare practitioner.
When supplementing for autism, it is important to remember that treatment results will vary for each individual and it will take time to find what program is best suited for your loved one. None of the above-mentioned supplements will “cure” autism, but they may well help navigate and overcome some of the challenges that your loved ones might face.
If you are a grandparent who is new to the world of autism, this article by the Autism Awareness Centre Inc is a great place to start: 10 Ways to Make a Difference for Your Autistic Grandchild
— Anonymous
The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or health provider before starting a new health regime or program. Do not ignore medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you’ve read on this site or any Youth & Earth product.
]]>Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) or niagen is an alternative form of vitamin B3 (niacin) found naturally in trace amounts in milk. If you’re wondering why the word “niacin” seems familiar, you’ve probably seen it added to packaged products such as cereals and flours. Governments believed B3 to be so important that it was mandated to be a part of our staple foods. The U.S recommended the fortification of foods with a form of B3 in the 1940s to fight off the fatal disease pellagra. And there’s now international legislation for a similar fortification in both flours and rice.
As with other forms of B3, nicotinamide riboside is converted within our bodies into NAD+ — an essential molecule in cell functioning. Nicotinamide riboside follows an essential route that allows it to bypass a step other precursors have to follow in the process of becoming NAD+.
NAD+ has been shown to fuel many of our body’s key processes such as:
The conversion of food into energy
The repairing of damaged DNA
The fortification of defense cells
The regulation of our circadian rhythm
Wondering what circadian rhythm is? You might enjoy reading: How to Feel Younger - Take Care of Your Circadian Rhythm
When we are young, our levels of NAD+ are high. But, with age, these levels drop which is thought to be one of the reasons behind the decline that is usually associated with age.
Nicotinamide riboside validates itself as an effective treatment for neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders. It has the following health benefits:
Although it is essential for optimal health, research has shown that our NAD+ levels continually fall during the aging process. With low levels of NAD+ linked to poor aging and various diseases.
Studies have shown nicotinamide riboside to effectively raise NAD+ levels in the blood by up to 2.7 times, whilst being more readily used within our bodies than other NAD+ precursors.
To find out more about NAD+, read: What is NAD+ and How Does It Slow Aging?
Recent studies have shown NR to be a powerful supplement to boost NAD+ levels, activating sirtuin signaling, and improving mitochondrial function. This evidence suggests the vitamin may be used to prevent mitochondrial decline, associated with many age-related diseases. This research, coupled with data that NR increases yeast replicative lifespan, warrants further investigation into NR supplementation to improve the health and lifespan of humans.
In studies on mice with Alzheimer’s disease, nicotinamide riboside raised NAD+ levels by up to 70%. Furthermore, by the end of the study, the mice performed significantly better in memory-related tasks.
A test-tube study went on to show that nicotinamide riboside raised NAD+ levels and improved mitochondrial function in the stem cells of a patient with Parkinson’s disease.
Heart disease remains the world’s leading cause of death and aging is a major factor. Animal studies have shown that increasing NAD+ levels helped reverse changes to the arteries that were age-related. A human study showed nicotinamide riboside helped to raise NAD+ levels whilst reducing the stiffness in the aorta and lowering systolic blood pressure in high-risk adults.
A study, showed nicotinamide riboside to induce a thermogenic response and speed up the metabolism of mice.
High levels of NAD+ have been shown to protect the body against oxidative stress and DNA damage which are often linked to the development of cancer.
Because NAD+ helps regulate our body’s circadian rhythm, supplementing with nicotinamide riboside may treat jet lag and other circadian rhythm disorders.
Studies in mice showed increasing NAD+ levels helped to improve muscle function, strength, and endurance.
Nicotinamide riboside has shown to raise NAD+ levels which are linked to several potential health benefits including healthy aging, brain health, lowering the risk of heart disease, and much more.
Nicotinamide riboside can be found in trace amounts in the following foods:
Cow’s milk
Yeast
Beer
Although nicotinamide riboside can indeed be found in trace amounts in these foods, the most effective way of ensuring proper dosage is supplementation. The recommended dosage of NR usually ranges from 250-300mg per day. Milk contains only 4.8 micromoles of NR per liter which falls far below the therapeutic requirement.
The best NR supplements are those that are supplied by a reputable company that only sells pharmaceutical grade products. Although NR is usually available in capsule form, the most effective method is sublingual form because it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream and bypasses the digestive system and liver.
Youth & Earth has a high-quality pharmaceutical-grade NR (β-Nicotinamide Riboside Chloride) sublingual powder.
Unlike other forms of niacin, NR should not cause any facial flushing. In studies of dosages ranging from 1000-2000 mg daily, NR was well-tolerated with no harmful side effects, suggesting it’s safe for most people.
However, in some cases, moderate side effects such as headaches, nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, and indigestion have been observed.
With remarkable discoveries into nicotinamide riboside during preclinical trials, the supplement may become a treatment for a large number of disorders. Furthermore, its advantages over other NAD+ precursors as well as its safety and efficiency suggest it might soon become be a possible replacement for niacin.
Our body uses NAD+ to fuel our cells but these levels decrease naturally as we age. With its low side effect profile and the ability to boost NAD+ levels, nicotinamide riboside may be our answer to reverse several signs of aging.
— Sophia Loren
The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or health provider before starting a new health regime or program. Do not ignore medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you’ve read on this site or any Youth & Earth product.
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L-carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid that’s found within the cells of our body. It plays a vital role in the body’s energy production through the transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell). Here these fatty acids are oxidized (burned) to produce energy.
Your body produces L-carnitine from the amino acids lysine and methionine which are found predominantly in animal proteins. However, research has shown that vegans or those suffering from certain genetic disorders may not be able to produce sufficient amounts, making L-carnitine a conditionally essential amino acid.
L-carnitine can be found in the following forms:
D-carnitine
It is an inactive form of L-carnitine and should be avoided as it may block other forms of L-carnitine within the body. This can cause symptoms that resemble L-carnitine deficiency.
Acetyl-L-carnitine
Often called ALCAR has shown positive effects again neurodegenerative diseases and in the treatment of aging through the slowing of mental deterioration.
Propionyl-L-carnitine
Is believed to increase nitric oxide which aids in blood flow making it a suitable choice against circulatory problems and high blood pressure.
L-carnitine L-tartrate
Is often found within sports supplements as it helps prevent muscle soreness, muscle damage, and increases muscle recovery after exercise.
L-carnitine's main role in the body is to transport fatty acids into the mitochondria to be burned up and used as energy. But recent research has shown other benefits as well, including cardiovascular health.
Due to its important role in energy production as well as being a generally safe supplement, L-carnitine has been extensively studied. Here are some of the benefits and findings.
L-carnitine helps the body burn fat. But, interestingly, there have been a few studies that have varied in their results with regards to L-carnitine and weight loss.
During a study of 38 moderately obese women who exercised 4 times daily for 8 weeks, there was no difference in weight loss between those who supplemented with L-carnitine and those who didn’t. In another study, 4 weeks of supplementing with L-carnitine did not increase the fat burning effect during a 90-minute cycle.
However, upon analysis of nine trials conducted in primarily obese or older individuals, those taking L-carnitine lost an average of 2.9 pounds more weight while supplementing with L-carnitine.
Although further study is needed into the benefits of L-carnitine, studies show that it may aid in weight loss for older adults or obese individuals. It’s also important to mention that results may vary between individuals and that if you do take L-carnitine, it’s best to take it in conjunction with a healthy diet and active lifestyle.
L-carnitine helps balance the formation and degradation of proteins in the muscles to fight muscle loss. The loss of muscle tends to occur with age (known as sarcopenia) especially if you have an unhealthy diet and don’t exercise. One study found that L-carnitine suppressed the loss of skeletal muscle in subjects that had liver cirrhosis.
Another study found that L-carnitine helped reduce muscle wasting in a subject undergoing stroke rehabilitation. In this interesting study, the subject was initially given botulinum neurotoxin injections to reduce the spasticity in her right leg so that she could walk. Her walking improved, however, it declined after the second and third treatment because of leg pain during walking and muscle wasting. The researchers then prescribed L-carnitine and she experienced a rapid improvement in pain and her continuous walking distance. When the researchers stopped L-carnitine, the subject did not experience a reoccurrence of pain or muscle loss which indicated that the amino acid helped reduce muscle damage during rehabilitation.
Both of these studies, and numerous others, indicate that L-carnitine shows great therapeutic potential.
The benefits of L-carnitine on sports performance remains controversial. Several studies have shown benefits over a long time period and others have shown benefits when administered acutely.
L-carnitine may help to improve exercise recovery, whilst reducing muscular pain after exercise. It has shown to increase oxygen supply to the muscles, whilst delaying fatigue and discomfort through increased blood flow and nitric oxide production. A study has also shown that L-carnitine may increase red blood cell production which is vital for the transport of oxygen throughout the body.
Studies have shown that acetyl-L-carnitine helps to improve learning abilities whilst preventing age-related mental decline. Human studies have gone on to show daily supplementation of acetyl-L-carnitine helps reverse the decline of brain function associated with Alzheimer’s and other brain diseases.
Further studies have shown it to improve general brain function in older adults not suffering from Alzheimer’s or similar brain conditions. In a 90-day study, chronic alcoholics who supplemented with 2 grams of acetyl-L-carnitine daily showed improvements in all areas of brain function.
Studies have shown acetyl-L-carnitine to demonstrate the potential to reduce blood pressure and the inflammation process associated with heart disease. Supplementing with 2 grams of acetyl-L-carnitine resulted in nearly a 10-point drop in systolic blood pressure.
L-carnitine has also shown improvements in patients with chronic heart failure and coronary heart disease. A year-long study showed a reduction in heart failure and deaths amongst participants supplementing with L-carnitine.
L-carnitine has been shown to reduce the symptoms and associated risks of type 2 diabetes.
In a study of type 2 diabetic patients, those supplementing with L-carnitine and their medication saw significant reductions in their blood sugar levels.
Research has shown the amount of L-carnitine in semen is directly related to sperm count and motility. Studies have shown that 2-3 grams of L-carnitine daily for 3-4 months may improve sperm quality. A double-blinded crossover trial done in 100 men, found that supplementation with 2 grams of L-carnitine daily for 2 months improved both the concentration and forward motility of their sperm.
The aging process is thought to be accompanied by a decrease in our mitochondrial function. Recent research has shown that acetyl-L-carnitine supplemented with alpha-lipoic-acid( ALA) may reduce mitochondrial decay.
Alpha-lipoic acid is a naturally occurring fatty acid that also plays an important role in energy production. To find out more, read The Anti-Aging Benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA).
L-Carnitine can be obtained primarily from animal sources like meat, fish, poultry, and milk. Dairy products contain most of their L-carnitine primarily in their whey fraction. For red meat, usually the redder the meat the higher its L-carnitine content. Because this amino acid is found in animal proteins, vegans and strict vegetarians need to consider supplementation.
Below is a list of food that contains the highest sources of L-carnitine:
Your need for L-carnitine is directly influenced by how much your body produces and how much you consume. And, although we can obtain it from animal sources, it’s difficult to determine exactly how much you are getting in. Also, if you are vegan or a strict vegetarian, supplementing with L-carnitine is essential.
As with many other molecules in our body, research shows that our L-carnitine levels decrease with age. Studies have shown that 2 grams of L-carnitine a day is a great way for older individuals to increase muscle function, reduce fatigue, and boost brain health.
Unfortunately, when taken as a traditional supplement, the bioavailability of L-carnitine is very low. To maximize absorption, L-carnitine is usually injected. However, thanks to cutting-edge technology, you can now take L-carnitine in a liposomal form which improves bioavailability and makes it easier for your body to absorb without the inconvenience of injections. Youth & Earth has a liposomal carnitine supplement specifically designed for maximum absorption.
To find out more about why the liposomal form of supplements is so effective, you might like to read: What are Liposomal Supplements and How Do They Work?
Because L-carnitine is rapidly absorbed by the body, it is best suggested to take it early in the morning and/or before exercise. However, it is important to note that it can be taken any time during the day and will not disturb your sleep if you take it at night.
For most people, L-carnitine is generally safe. However, mild side effects may include nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort. It can also cause the body, urine, and sweat to produce what is described as a “fishy” odor. In rare cases, muscle weakness and seizure have been noted. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare practitioner before starting any supplement regime.
L-carnitine supplements have also been shown to raise your trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) levels over time. With TMAO being directly linked to atherosclerosis (a disease which clogs the arteries). While TMAO is a notable side effect, it is mainly visible in chronic amounts of L-carnitine supplementation. Research gathered in this human study suggests large amounts of L-carnitine (6 grams daily) is required for significant increases in TMAO.
A human study has shown no change in the increase of plasma TMAO in dosages of 0,5g, 1g, and dosages of L-Carnitine administer three times daily. One study has even shown taking 3 grams of L-carnitine daily for 21 days to have no negative side effects on healthy users. If you are supplementing with L-Carnitine, we would recommend keeping your daily intake below 2 grams daily and following the recommended dosage.
L-carnitine is an amino acid found within the muscles of our body that functions to produce energy through the oxidation of fatty acids. Although mainly marketed towards weight loss and sports performance, L-carnitine shows a wide range of health benefits and is generally safe when taken in moderation.
It is a great way to improve your energy levels, fight off mental fatigue, and increase your concentration by improving your ability to learn. Studies have shown benefits in those with lower levels and it should be a serious consideration for older adults, vegans, and vegetarians.
We all desire to enjoy our lives as we grow older, so why not fight the signs of aging, improve your brain function, and increase your energy levels by supplementing with L-carnitine daily.
— Marcus Valerius Martialis
The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or health provider before starting a new health regime or program. Do not ignore medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you’ve read on this site or any Youth & Earth product.
]]>NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine phosphate) is a natural molecule that exists in every living thing. It’s a co-enzyme that’s found in the mitochondria — the powerhouse of the cell. It plays a critical role in helping the body form ATP (adenosine triphosphate) the substance that powers our cells and many other vital processes. It’s so crucial to our functioning that if our levels were to drop to zero, we’d die.
NAD+ levels are high when we are young, but as we age, our levels decrease which has been shown to correlate with the deterioration that comes with age. But, the good news is, there are ways to help your body produce NAD+ and scientific research is ongoing on this matter.
If you’ve been in longevity circles, you may have come across NAD, NAD+, and NADH. So what’s the difference? NAD exists in two forms which are NAD+ and NADH. When you read about “NAD” it’s usually an informal term for NAD+. Although NAD+ and NADH are both essentially NAD, they perform different functions.
NAD+ is the oxidized form of NAD. This means that it has lost electrons which is why it has a positive (+) sign after it because it’s positively charged. The positive charge will play a role in what NAD+ does in the body and how it influences other molecules.
NADH is the reduced form of NAD. This means that NAD+ gains a hydrogen molecule and two electrons to balance out the positive charge. This results in a neutralized molecule which will perform a different function to the positively charged version of NAD.
NAD+ and NADH are known as a redox couple because NAD+ is the oxidized form and NADH is the reduced form. The redox reaction that occurs between these two molecules is very important for the formation of energy.
Scientists have discovered a few ways that NAD+ can be made in the body. All of the ways require the presence of an NAD+ precursor. Precursors are a bit like the raw ingredients needed to bake a cake. You can’t make a cake without the ingredients.
It’s important to have some understanding of these ways so that you know how to help your body produce NAD+.
In the body, NAD+ is made in different tissues through the following pathways:
De Novo Synthesis Pathway: This process begins with L-tryptophan, an amino acid that is turned to nicotinic acid mononucleotide (NAMN) through a series of enzymatic reactions. Nicotinic acid mononucleotide (NAMN) is then converted to NAD+.
Preiss-Handler Pathway: Here, niacin or vitamin B3 goes through several enzymatic reactions. This pathway also produces NAMN, as an intermediate molecule which is subsequently converted to NAD+.
Salvage Pathway: The salvage pathway begins with nicotinamide (NAM) which is then converted to nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) with the help of enzymatic reactions then finally to NAD+. The interesting bit with this pathway is that once NAD+ is consumed, NMN is produced which feeds back through the pathway to reproduce NAD+ in a recycling fashion.
NAD+ is responsible for cellular energy generation. However, it also plays a role as a signaling molecule in many other crucial cellular processes that we need for health and life. This includes triggering cell survival, improved cell repair, and regulating circadian rhythms.
Wondering about circadian rhythms? You might like to read: How to Feel Younger - Take Care of Your Circadian Rhythm
Biochemists, neuroscientists, and researchers have been studying this molecule from as early as 1906 and research is ongoing. Here are some of the critical findings on how NAD+ functions within the body.
Sirtuins are a group of proteins that govern the balance within a cell (known as cellular homeostasis) and regulates the health of cells. They are a bit like a CEO of a company that decides who does what and when. They are crucial for longevity and, when activated, are extremely beneficial in preventing conditions that are usually associated with age.
Sirtuins can’t function without NAD+ and, as NAD+ levels decrease, so do the regulatory effects of sirtuins. Although much has been discovered about sirtuins over the years, research is still ongoing.
To find out more, read How Sirtuins and NAD+ Influence Longevity.
Researchers have found that low levels of NAD have been associated with obesity. NAD+ allows everything we eat, including fat, to be metabolized to energy. It achieves this through a redox reaction where NAD+ is converted to NADH thereby oxidizing or burning the fats.
In regulating fat accumulation, NAD+ helps minimize the chances of developing conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver, and a myriad of metabolic health conditions.
NAD+ is important in the functioning of sirtuins and PARPs. As mentioned above, sirtuins are a family of enzymes that rely on NAD+ to regulate mission-critical functions like metabolic processes, circadian rhythm, DNA repair, gene expression, and stress response. It does this through the sirtuin pathway. PARPs — Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases — are a family of proteins responsible for processes such as genomic stability, DNA repair, and programmed cell death.
Both sirtuins and PARPS are vital to cellular health and the functioning of our immune system.
Skeletal muscle development requires significant amounts of energy. NAD+ comes in as a hydrogen/electron transfer molecule that facilitates energy production. Muscle health is vital if you are to sustain exercise, maintain posture, and support a youthful lifestyle. With increases in NAD+ levels, your skeletal muscles not only develop, but also regenerate and develop a capacity to slow down aging and fight infections.
Although researchers are still discovering more about NAD+, one thing is for sure, it plays a key role in the functioning of almost every system in our bodies which is why it’s important to boost your levels as much as possible as you age.
From scientific research, it has been established that as the body ages, NAD+ biosynthesis in the tissues and organs declines.
In turn, activities of NAD+ dependent enzymes also slow down, leading to age-related conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. This decline starts to happen from the age of 40.
Researchers also think that NAD+ levels could decline because:
NAD+ is destroyed by an enzyme called CD38: This enzyme has been implicated in immune response and energy metabolism. Researchers found a correlation between high levels of CD38 and low levels of NAD+.
Reduced expression of NAMPT: With the advancement in age, the expression of NAMPT (Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase), a key protein in the biosynthesis of NAD+, decreases.
PARPs activation: As your body tissues age, your DNA repair process slows down resulting in DNA damage. In the process, PARPs — a family of proteins — are activated to attempt to repair the damage. However, the activation of PARPs increases the consumption and eventual depletion of NAD+.
Research is ongoing, but the take-home would be that NAD+ levels do drop as we age. By supporting our bodies to produce more NAD+, we can slow down, if not even reverse, the decline.
You can increase the levels of NAD+ in your body through diet, exercise, and using supplements that are known as NAD+ precursors. Precursors are like the building blocks your body uses to make NAD+.
You can also protect your levels of NAD+ by reducing the stress that you place on your body through bad eating choices that cause inflammation and toxins, reducing your consumption of alcohol (excess alcohol depletes NAD+ levels), and avoiding sun damage (NAD is used to repair damaged skin cells).
Did you know that krill oil is a powerful, natural anti-inflammatory that can help your body fight the effects of oxidative stress? Find out more in What is Krill Oil and Why Is It Good for You?
Here are a few tips on how to increase your NAD+ levels naturally.
A healthy diet that consists of lean proteins, healthy fats, colorful vegetables, whole grains, and dairy (if you don’t have intolerances) will give your body all the building blocks it needs to function optimally. However, there are a few foods, in particular, that may boost NAD+ levels.
Poultry, meat, eggs, and fatty fish - Niacinamide is found in all of these and so is tryptophan. Including these sources of protein into your diet will not only help your NAD+ levels but will also help your body with numerous cellular processes.
Green vegetables - Spinach, broccoli, kale… the health benefits to eating greens are numerous and well known. Green vegetables are a good source of NAD and some even contain small amounts of NMN.
Dairy products - Milk is a good source of NR and can help boost NAD+. However, if you are intolerant of dairy, then this would not be a good option.
Crimini mushrooms - All edible mushrooms are packed with nutrients. In fact, mushrooms that have been in the sun are a good source of vitamin D3. Cremini mushrooms, in particular, help boost NAD+ levels.
Whole grains and cereals - whole grains are a rich source of vitamin B and including more of these into your diet can help elevate NAD+ levels. If you are intolerant of wheat, then oats might be a good option.
Not everyone can tolerate some of the above foods and, therefore, one of the best and easiest ways to boost your NAD+ levels is to take a supplement that has been specifically designed to do so.
Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) — Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) is a form of vitamin B3 (niacin). Animal and human studies have shown that the NR molecule boosts NAD+ levels. You can take NR in supplement form and it’s one of the more affordable NAD+ precursors.
Youth & Earth has a pharmaceutical-grade NR sublingual powder. (This means you take it under your tongue and it goes directly into your bloodstream with high bioavailability.)
To find out more about NR, read What is Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) and Can It Increase Longevity?
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) — NMN is also a derivative of vitamin B3 (niacin) and is a precursor to NAD+. It boosts NAD+ levels throughout the body and levels of NAD+ have been shown to rise within 15 minutes. To find out more about NMN, read What is NMN, and Are There Any Side Effects?
We also have sublingual NMN that is of the highest standard that has been tested by third-party laboratories.
Niacinamide — Also known as nicotinamide, NAM, (but not related to nicotine from tobacco) is also a form of vitamin B3 (niacin) that also converts into NAD+. Niacinamide is a safer form of niacin because high levels of niacin (also called nicotinic acid) can be toxic or cause side effects like flushing.
Taking a comprehensive vitamin B supplement will also help increase your levels of this molecule.
Tryptophan — Tryptophan is another NAD+ precursor and an excellent supplement in boosting NAD+ levels. It follows the De Novo Synthesis Pathway to boost NAD+. Tryptophan is available in supplement form but is also found in many foods. If you are eating enough protein, you should be getting in enough tryptophan.
Preservage - Youth & Earth’s product PRESERVAGE has been specifically designed to boost NAD+ and activate sirtuins. It contains trans-resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, and Bioperine that specifically target the aging process at a cellular level. Find out more on our product page: PRESERVAGE
Calorie restriction has been shown to extend lifespan in numerous studies. This has been attributed to a number of reasons including activating and inhibiting various longevity pathways, reducing inflammation, improving insulin sensitivity, and reducing aging biomarkers that are associated with chronic conditions. It’s also been shown to increase the levels of NAD+ in cells.
The key is to practice calorie restriction without malnutrition. Studies found that even a small drop in calories (about 300 calories ) can have health benefits. One way to reduce your calories is to limit “treats” to one day on the weekend and replace the treats in the week with healthy options such as low-carb fruit. Interestingly, strawberries contain a molecule called fisetin that helps combat one of the hallmarks of aging. Swapping a nightly rich dessert for a bowl of strawberries can not only help reduce calories, but it will also help combat aging.
Interested in finding out more? Read Zombie Cells and Aging - How to Fight the Walking Dead Cells
There are a number of deliberate calorie restriction practices such as intermittent fasting or following specific diets. it’s important to note that any calorie restriction should be done under the supervision of a health practitioner or dietician to make sure that you are not depriving your body of essential nutrients.
One of the ways to get the benefits of calorie restriction without the risk of malnutrition is to take a supplement like berberine that mimics calorie restriction and activates AMPK - another longevity pathway that regulates metabolism.
Youth & Earth’s product RELEAF contains berberine, PQQ, and Silymarin and helps improve metabolism, regulates cholesterol, and lower blood pressure.
The health benefits of exercise are well known. Apart from improving your overall health, strength, and physical condition, exercise has positive anti-aging benefits right down to the cellular level. Exercise helps your body produce more mitochondria and NAD+.
For more on the health benefits of exercise plus how to get started, read Five Easy Anti-Aging Hacks to Increase Your Longevity
Growing older is part of life. But many of the conditions that are usually said to occur “because of age” can be prevented through adopting a healthy active lifestyle and supplementing wisely. In fact, some medical scholars are pushing for aging to be classified as a disease because they believe it can be cured. NAD+ is one of the many molecules they are banking on.
Increasing your levels of NAD+ is a crucial aspect to consider as part of your anti-aging lifestyle. There are ways to protect and boost your NAD+ levels through a healthy diet and lifestyle.
However, it’s not always easy to tell if you are doing enough to boost those levels sufficiently to combat cellular aging. One way to make sure that you are equipping your body with all it needs is to take a natural supplement that targets NAD+ and the other longevity pathways that are so intricately linked together.
Youth & Earth products are specifically designed to address aging at a cellular level. Every product is tested and is of the highest pharmaceutical grade for your assurance. Contact us today and start your journey towards feeling younger for longer.
— Marv Levy
The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or health provider before starting a new health regime or program. Do not ignore medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you’ve read on this site or any Youth & Earth product.
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Did you know that the cells in our bodies have a lifecycle? They divide and multiply until they reach a stage known as the Hayflick limit where they eventually die and are recycled by the body. This is known as apoptosis and researchers have found that the average human cell divides and multiplies about 40-60 times before this happens.
However, not all cells follow this natural path. Some go off tangent where, instead of dying, they transform into zombie cells — cells that don’t die. In this article, we shall look at how that happens, the implication of having these toxic cells influencing your system, and some natural substances that may help remove these zombie cells from your system.
In short, zombie cells are cells that have reached the end of their lifespan but don’t die. They no longer perform the cellular functions that they are supposed to and don’t multiply or divide.
As we age, our body cells experience cellular damage from all sorts of factors and we accumulate damaged cells. Eventually, these damaged cells enter into a phase known as cellular senescence that prevents the damaged DNA from being reproduced and is a safeguard from cancer. During senescence, the cells stop multiplying and dividing and no longer perform the functions that they were supposed to perform like repairing and maintaining tissues. In a way, they become “aged” or “retired” cells.
Unfortunately, these aging cells start to emit a toxic mix of chemical signals which may cause healthy and active cells in the area to become senescent as well. Senescent cells are thought to be at the center of the aging process. They are also associated with increased inflammation and the risk of developing chronic diseases like cancer among other organ and age-related dysfunctions.
The video below from the Mayo Clinic gives a brief summary of the theory behind senescent cells and why researchers are looking into ways to use them therapeutically.
Several factors are thought to cause cellular senescence: DNA damage, chronic inflammation, decreased sirtuin levels, oxidative stress, nutrient signaling dysfunction, mitochondrial damage, and telomere erosion. Currently, the erosion of telomeres is thought to be the most common cause of cell aging.
Telomeres are non-coding parts of DNA located at the end of DNA strands. They are a bit like the plastic caps on the end of a shoelace that prevents the lace from unraveling. Their main work is to protect the tips of the DNA strands from splitting and unraveling, thereby preventing DNA damage. Unfortunately, when adult cells divide, they lack a complex called telomerase that protects the telomeres from shortening. After each cell division, the telomeres become shorter and shorter and greater damage occurs to the DNA resulting in either cellular death or senescence.
As we age, we experience an increase in telomere shortening and senescence, which is why shortened telomeres and an increased number of zombie cells are two of the hallmarks signs of aging.
Senescent cells were originally found to be a defense mechanism that prevents damaged cells from replicating and turning into tumors. However, researchers have also found that these cells secrete a cocktail of defensive chemicals that shield them from programmed cell death or cell suicide. These secretions all fall under an umbrella known as Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotypes (SASP) and includes cytokines, chemokines, immune modulators, and other destructive chemicals that signal to the immune system that these damaged cells need to be removed.
But, as we get older the mechanism that removes these destructive cells doesn’t work as well which is why they begin to accumulate in the body. Interestingly, these secretions can influence other healthy cells and cause them to become zombie cells as well. The accumulation of SASPs and zombie cells triggers chronic inflammation and is thought to be at the center of many conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, cancers, and the deterioration that comes with age.
The human immune system is naturally designed to identify and get rid of these cells. One of the ways to slow cellular senescence is to support your immune system and to take substances that are designed to target zombie cells.
As we age, the immune system tends to deteriorate. Zombie cells quickly take advantage of the situation and accumulate in different organs and tissues, increasing inflammation and causing damage to our bodies.
Ironically, a weak immune system causes senescent cells to accumulate and these zombie cells further weaken the immune system. This forms a vicious cycle in the body of increased senescent cells and a weakened immune system.
But, the good news is that all is not lost, and the situation can be remedied. Scientists have found and developed certain drugs — called senolytics — that only kill these zombie cells. And, further good news, there are a few senolytics that are natural products that are readily available.
Research is currently underway to find naturally occurring senolytics as well as drugs that can selectively target senolytic cells. Researchers have identified a number of natural senolytics with varying degrees of effectiveness. These include quercetin, fisetin, piperlongumine (from long peppers), and a curcumin analog (a chemical that has a similar structure to curcumin). It’s important to note that more research still needs to be conducted in this area but the following natural compounds show potential and are readily available.
Quercetin is a pigment — known as a plant flavonoid — that’s found in onions, berries, apples, green tea, red wine, Gingko Biloba, buckwheat tea, and St John’s wort. It is a powerful antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory effects that may help with conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes. It’s also a mild senolytic. Interestingly, researchers found that the senolytic activity of quercetin seems to be conducted through the AMPK longevity pathway. Quercetin also helps boost NAD+ levels that help sirtuins (the group of proteins that perform many functions, including regulating cell death).
To find out more about the AMPK longevity pathway, read What is AMPK? How Does It Influence Aging?
Our product PRESERVAGE contains trans-resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, and Bioperine — all molecules that are designed to activate sirtuins and slow cell senescence.
First and foremost, fisetin is a polyphenol. This means it is packed with potential health benefits including powerful antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. Polyphenols are capable of countering neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases among other curative benefits.
To find out more about polyphenols, read Why Polyphenols Are Good for You
Fisetin is a flavonoid. This group of polyphenols is known to inhibit the oxidation process of low lipoproteins thereby minimizing the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiac-related diseases.
Although clinical studies are still ongoing, this naturally-occurring molecule shows great potential to help slow aging and extend our life and healthspan.
Fisetin has been shown to inhibit NF-kB — the longevity pathway that triggers inflammation. It also blocks MTOR, another longevity pathway that needs to be kept in balance to live a long, healthy life. In cell-based preclinical studies, fisetin showed promising results in tackling Alzheimer’s. It was seen to reduce amyloid-beta, the peptides that form the main component of amyloid plaques in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.
Fisetin is a powerful antioxidant that works directly and indirectly through the activation of another antioxidant known as glutathione which is a master detoxifier in our bodies. Many chronic health conditions are associated with a build-up of toxins in the body. Glutathione helps support the detox system which is crucial for good health. To find out more about glutathione, read What is Glutathione and Why Is It Anti-Aging?
Our liposomal glutathione supplement has been specifically designed to help your body to protect and support cellular function.
Several studies have been done to investigate the potency of fisetin in weeding out senescent or zombie cells.
In a September 2018 study, fisetin was found to be effective in reducing senescent markers. In the same study, it was revealed that the flavonoid also enhanced both the healthspan and lifespan of subjects. While fisetin has not been trialed in humans, the biochemistry of mice is the closest to that of humans, and the chance of fisetin working in humans is therefore high.
Just to show how effective fisetin is, the study proved that high fisetin doses administered over a couple of days were able to rid tissues and organs of approximately 25-35% of the zombie cells accumulated in different organs.
In another study, published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), it was revealed that fisetin causes apoptosis (cellular death). It achieves this by targeting different kinds of zombie cells, amongst them endothelial cells. At the time of this writing, human studies involving fisetin are still ongoing but this molecule shows great potential.
Fisetin is a plant-based micronutrient found in a variety of foods almost all of which are readily available in day-to-day diets. It’s also available in supplement form.
Here are some of the common sources to look out for and to include as part of your healthy diet and lifestyle.
To get the same quantity of fisetin that was used in the animal study above, you will need to eat about 37 strawberries a day. Although fisetin is available in supplement form, there is not enough clinical evidence to give a recommended dosage. If you want to use a supplement, it’s best to follow the directions on the label.
It’s always best to check with your health physician before starting any new supplement. If you are on chronic medication, do not adjust the dosage yourself — always work with your doctor so that he or she can monitor your progress.
The safest way to take fisetin is to include more foods that naturally contain this molecule as part of your healthy diet and lifestyle. Whip up a strawberry smoothie and follow the old adage, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away!” Although fisetin is available in supplement form, no clinical studies have been done yet that give a clear indication of safe levels. It’s always best to follow the directions and consult your healthcare practitioner.
Our bodies are incredibly designed and, as we learn more about the science of aging, we can equip ourselves with the tools and knowledge to help us live healthy and happy lives for much longer.
Most of these tools are quite simple: eat a healthy diet (include more fisetin-rich foods), increase your levels of activity and exercise, make sure you get enough sleep, learn how to manage stress, and supplement with natural products that are designed to support your body as it ages and tackle age at a cellular level.
It’s never too late to make a change for the good.
- George Sand - French novelist
The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or health provider before starting a new health regime or program. Do not ignore medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you’ve read on this site or any Youth & Earth product.
Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, better known as AMPK, is an enzyme that’s vital in energy balance. It monitors the energy levels (i.e. the number of ATP molecules) in a cell and helps balance when they are too high or low.
In other words, the AMPK enzyme is like a switch that tells our cells when to store energy and induce the formation of molecules like fat and when to use the existing energy stores (in other words, burn fat).
AMPK is known as a longevity pathway because activating it decreases many of the symptoms that are associated with chronic conditions and aging. It also has other critical roles to play in regulating various cellular processes in our bodies and influencing other longevity pathways as well.
AMPK is an energy-sensing enzyme and is activated when cells start running low on fuel. It plays a key role in determining our metabolism and body fat composition. When we age, our AMPK levels drop which could be one of the reasons why we tend to gain weight as we get older (apart from diet and lifestyle causes). Scientists are still discovering more about this molecule, but here are some of the known benefits of activating AMPK.
The goal of almost every diet is to burn fat and “lose weight.” Activating AMPK causes your body to use up the stored energy that’s in your fat cells, in particular abdominal fat. At the same time, it also prevents your body from forming triglycerides and cholesterol.
Triglycerides are a form of fat that’s found in your blood. When we eat more energy than we need, our bodies store that energy in the form of triglycerides. High levels have been associated with hardened arteries and increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other conditions.
Did you know that fish oil has been shown to lower triglyceride levels? To find out more about the benefits read What is Krill Oil and Why is It Good for You?
Cholesterol is used to build hormones, synthesize vitamin D, and build and repair cells. Your body can manufacture all the cholesterol it needs but high levels have been associated with many heart conditions. Activating AMPK naturally will help keep your cholesterol levels in check.
AMPK increases the production of various antioxidant proteins that create a defense against oxidative stress which causes tissue damage. Oxidative stress is thought to be one of the leading causes of aging. Activating AMPK can help fight off tissue damage from free radicals.
Apart from increasing the production of certain antioxidants, AMPK also inhibits the inflammatory pathway NF-kB. High levels of NF-kB are associated with many chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and more.
To find out more about this pathway, read NF-kB and Inflammation - Finding the Longevity Balance
Mitochondria are the batteries of the cells in our bodies and they produce energy. AMPK naturally boosts mitochondrial activity and production. In fact, a study revealed that low levels of the enzyme decrease mitochondrial activity and muscle performance.
AMPK is key in promoting vasodilation which is a process that causes the widening of blood vessels. The enzyme does this by stimulating the release of nitric oxide in blood vessels. Increased blood circulation pumps oxygen and nutrients to all the cells in our bodies and also allows them to remove waste products. All in all, improving blood circulation is very good for our health.
AMPK, when activated in the brain’s hypothalamus by the hunger hormone ghrelin, increases appetite and consequently weight gain. Whereas AMPK released in the body helps burn fat, and this can result in weight loss. Inhibiting the activity of brain AMPK could result in weight loss.
High levels of blood sugar are detrimental to our health. AMPK stimulates the breakdown of glucose for fuel (in the form of ATP) and the uptake of glucose into the muscles. This helps regulate blood sugar levels.
When AMPK is activated in the hypothalamus, it stimulates glucose production in the liver by inhibiting glucose storage (glycogen synthesis) which can also help combat hypoglycemia, a condition that’s asymptomatic with low blood sugar levels which can negatively affect brain function and stability.
Apart from its ability to rev up our metabolism, reduce blood sugar, and help with fat metabolism, several studies have shown the enzyme has a role in increasing longevity and calorie restriction-induced lifespan through its influence on other longevity pathways.
It activates sirtuins - the crucial anti-aging family that controls cellular health and processes. Sirtuin activity declines as we age and activating AMPK can help keep levels optimal.
For more, read How Sirtuins and NAD+ Influence Longevity
AMPK inhibits mTOR naturally - mTOR is crucial for muscle growth and cellular repair. It signals to the body that nutrients are abundant and growth can happen. However, too much has been associated with cancers, diabetes, obesity, and other age-related conditions.
Interested in finding out more? You might enjoy reading What is the MTOR Longevity Pathway?
As we have found, activating AMPK has many benefits for our health and longevity.
Low levels of AMPK and dysregulation have been associated with many chronic diseases and conditions including obesity, high blood sugar, neurodegeneration, chronic inflammation, increased belly fat, and decreased energy levels because of fewer mitochondria and poorer functioning mitochondria.
As mentioned, AMPK is like a switch and it monitors how much energy we have in our cells. It’s a survival mechanism that turns on when it senses energy and nutrients are low and turns off when it senses that there is plenty. Here are some of the known AMPK inhibitors:
Excess fat intake - Several studies found a correlation between a high-fat diet and decreased AMPK levels. Subjects that were obese also showed low levels of AMPK.
High glucose intake - Ongoing exposure to high levels of glucose can negatively affect AMPK levels. Researchers also found that short term high glucose levels reduced AMPK activation in the muscle, kidneys, and liver.
Excessive calories - in a nutshell, eating more than you need will signal to your body that there’s plenty and it’s time to build up the stores. Excessive calorie intake inhibits AMPK
Excessive protein - High levels of amino acid activate mTOR - the pathway responsible for building and repairing muscle. AMPK and mTOR are intricately connected and when mTOR is activated, it seems like AMPK is inhibited. Scientists are still discovering more about this connection, as well as its relationship with exercise.
Insulin resistance - When the body becomes resistant to insulin, high levels of this hormone can be found in the blood. High levels of insulin inhibit AMPK.
AMPK tends to naturally decline as we age. But there are some things that we can do to activate this pathway naturally which will result in more energy, weight loss, lower inflammation levels, and feeling younger overall. These include:
Taking fewer calories makes fat cells release the hormone adiponectin that activates AMPK in several tissues such as the skeletal muscles. And this is what may connect calorie restriction with a slowed aging process and lower risk for disease.
Intense activity such as exercise uses up energy (in the form of ATP) which stimulates AMPK. Exercise causes muscle contraction, which in turn stimulates AMPK production as well.
For more on exercise, plus some ideas on how to incorporate it into your daily life, read Five Easy Anti-Aging Hacks to Increase Your Longevity.
According to a study, a water-soluble, dietary fiber diet can induce AMPK activity. This helps in weight loss and improved lipid profiles. Water-soluble fiber is found in most fruit and vegetables. It seems like there is quite a lot of truth in the old saying: An apple a day keeps the doctor away!
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) may activate AMPK in various tissues, such as muscles. Studies have shown ALA may reduce hypothalamic AMPK, which could aid with reduced appetite.
To find out more, read The Anti-Aging Benefits of Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA).
Youth & Earth has a potent liposomal form of ALA that’s in combination with vitamin C for added antioxidant protection - Liposomal R-Alpha Lipoic Acid 200mg & Vitamin C 650mg.
Coldwater and heat therapy are anti-aging hacks that have been around for many years.
Exposing your body to cold water, either through a shower, a cold swim, or cryotherapy has been shown to activate AMPK in brown and white fat tissue. The brown fat is the fat that protects our organs and the white fat is caused by excess food and lack of exercise. Regular cold water immersion was shown to increase brown fat and reduce the stores of white fat.
Polyphenols, that substance that gives fruit and vegetables their color, have been shown to activate AMPK. The most effective are berberine, resveratrol, and quercetin have been shown to activate AMPK.
Although increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables in your diet will help boost polyphenol levels, one of the best ways is to take a supplement that has been specifically designed to activate AMPK. Our product, RELEAF, is a rich source of berberine that activates AMPK by mimicking calorie restriction.
Our product PRESERVAGE contains plant chemicals that inhibit mTOR and activate AMPK and is a great source of resveratrol, curcumin, and quercetin.
Here’s a brief video by Dr. David Jones L Ac, MSPH, DACM on 4 ways to boost AMPK. He mentions metformin as an AMPK activator. Did you know that berberine has been shown to be as, if not more, effective as metformin? To find out more, read Berberine the Super Anti-Aging Antioxidant.
AMPK is a critical enzyme to our health and longevity. And, although levels naturally decline with age, there are ways to activate this longevity pathway to reap the health benefits. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, practicing calorie restriction, and supplementing with a product such as RELEAF will help activate AMPK which will lead to increased energy, reduced weight, and improved health. It’s never too late to begin to make a change today.
The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or health provider before starting a new health regime or program. Do not ignore medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you’ve read on this site or any Youth & Earth product.
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Did you know that cells would not be known as the basic units of life if genetic expression never took place? Yes, the genetic expression (how the instructions in the DNA are converted into proteins) is a critical process that leads to the formation of functional products like proteins which in turn dictate what a cell can and cannot do.
Gene expression is not a random process. It is a well-coordinated orchestra of events that ensures genetic information is expressed in the right cell, in the right amount, and at the right time over the life of an organism. The on and off controls are regulated by a protein complex known as a transcription factor (TF).
In this article, we shall look at the longevity pathway NF-kB, one of the most critical transcription factors, what it does, how it is activated, and what inhibits it. This will help us understand the impact it has on aging and lifespan.
Interested in living a long and healthy life? You might enjoy reading The Longevity Pathways - How to Live a Happy, Healthy and Long Life.
NF-kB is an abbreviation of “Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells.” It is a protein complex (a family of proteins) that regulates DNA transcription, the production of cytokines, cellular growth, and ultimately apoptosis or programmed cell death.
How your immune system responds in the wake of infections or stimuli such as free radicals, stress, and bacterial antigens is highly dependent on NF-kB and it’s one of the main regulators of the inflammatory response. It has also been found that NF-kB plays an important role in synaptic activity, a process that is linked to the nervous system and memory.
But irregularities in NF-kB activation have been linked to conditions like autoimmune diseases, cancer, malfunctioning immune system, inflammatory diseases, and viral infections. Also, increased levels have been found in a variety of tissues with aging and are associated with many age-related degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
In a nutshell, the NF-kB pathway is the entire chain of processes that occurs in the activation of NF-kB. It’s the key mediator in triggering the inflammatory response.
We have always believed that aging is an inevitable random process that comes to everyone at different times. Cells age, the DNA repair process starts becoming erroneous, and eventually, we become old. On the contrary, this is a highly controlled process with a bunch of complex proteins at the center of it, one of which is NF-kB. It’s been proposed as being one of the key mediators of aging.
The NF-kB pathway has many roles in the body system. For instance, it helps stimulate antibodies thus waking up your immune system in response to a stimulus. It’s one of the main regulators of the inflammatory process. And, as a transcription factor, NF-kB facilitates the copying of DNA information into RNA as part of the process of making proteins.
It’s also present in the hypothalamus, a neuron rich area at the base of the brain. Here, studies have shown that it controls several processes one of which is aging. As the subjects grew old, the level of NF-kB increased pointing to a positive correlation between the aging process and the accumulation of NF-kB.
Those subjects with decreased NF-kB levels not only lived longer but also had stronger muscles, better memories, and much stronger skins. So, the research seems to indicate that the aging process does not stop but it is significantly slowed down with the appropriate regulation of the NF-kB pathway.
The NF-kB pathway is highly complex. In their natural state, NF-kB proteins are inactive. When the body is exposed to free radicals, bad bacteria, viruses, or anything that it perceives as a threat, NF-kB is activated and regulates the release of genes that trigger inflammation.
Inflammation is one of the ways that our bodies fight off infection and heals injuries. The short-term red swelling that you experience after spraining your ankle is a sign that your body is healing the area. But ongoing inflammation (known as chronic inflammation) is not good and is associated with many chronic conditions and cellular degeneration.
To find out more about inflammation, read How Inflammation Affects Your Health and Causes Early Aging.
In our everyday lives, NF-kB can be activated by many things including physical stress, psychological or emotional stress, the foods we eat, viruses, bacteria, and more. Also, as we age, levels of NF-kB seem to be increased which is why it’s good to put lifestyle practices and a natural supplement regime in place to reduce inflammation and inhibit this pathway.
Because NF-kB is one of the main drivers of inflammation, you can inhibit this pathway by incorporating lifestyle changes that naturally reduce inflammation. You can also take natural NF-kB inhibitors in the form of supplementation.
Here are some of the ways that you can inhibit NF-kB and reduce inflammation:
The effect of calorie restriction on extending lifespan has been well researched, although the exact mechanism by which it works still remains a mystery. One of the ways that it has shown to be beneficial is that it activates sirtuins. The sirtuin longevity pathway, nicknamed the “longevity gene,” controls cellular health. It’s one also one of the key regulators of aging and processes such as inflammation. Sirtuins can inhibit NF-kB which could be one of the reasons why calorie restriction works so well.
Another factor to consider is that calorie restriction naturally reduces weight. Excess weight is associated with chronic inflammation, chronic disease, and high NF-kB levels.
The food you eat can have a significant effect on the levels of inflammation in your body. One of the best ways to bring down inflammation is to reduce your consumption of these foods. Here are the top culprits:
Refined sugar and high-fructose corn syrup (usually in commercially-prepared baked goods, cereals, instant meals, etc).
Refined carbohydrates like white flour, white bread, and other commercial products.
Artificial sweeteners found in “diet” sodas
Gluten and dairy products - especially if you are intolerant to these two.
Processed meat products - these products are usually packed full of preservatives and synthetic flavors that can trigger an inflammatory response
Processed fats (trans fats or hydrogenated oils) - these are fats that have had hydrogen added to them and are usually found in products like margarine.
Excessive alcohol intake
Foods that are rich in antioxidants have been shown to reduce inflammation. By eating a wide variety of fruit and vegetables (think colors and greens) you can increase the foods that naturally bring down inflammation. For example:
Fruits such as berries, oranges, apples, grapes, papaya, and kiwi.
Vegetables such as butternut, sweet potatoes, carrots, kale, broccoli, and spinach.
Nuts like walnuts and almonds
Plant polyphenols such as resveratrol, curcumin (found in turmeric), quercetin (a plant pigment) and piperine (found in black pepper) inhibit NF-kB, activate AMPK and sirtuins. Increasing foods that contain these polyphenols will help in your anti-inflammatory diet. But it’s not always possible to take in optimal levels. One of the ways to do so is to take a natural supplement that contains these molecules. Our product Preservage as been specifically formulated to work deep within the body to help reduce the inflammatory response.
Fatty fish contains omega-3 fatty acids that bring down inflammation. Of course, if you are not partial to fish, one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids is krill oil - it has no fishy aftertaste! Numerous studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation and ease the symptoms of inflammatory conditions. Krill oil is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, choline, and astaxanthin - all known to have natural anti-inflammatory properties. Interestingly, in one study astaxanthin was shown to inhibit the NF-kB pathway in subjects that had inflammation of the eyes.
You can find out more in: What is Krill Oil and Why Is It Good For You?
Moderate exercise has been shown to inhibit NF-kB and activate sirtuins and AMPK. AMPK is a longevity pathway that is known as the “master switch” of cellular metabolism and also inhibits NF-kB.
Also exercise naturally brings down stress levels which are NF-kB activators.
Including regular exercise into your daily routine is one of the best ways to improve your health and increase your lifespan.
Physical and psychological stress triggers an inflammatory response and the associated increased levels of NF-kB. Although acute stress can be beneficial and gives us the energy we need to complete tasks, ongoing chronic stress can be extremely detrimental to our health. We’ve all seen people going through challenging times literally “age before our eyes.” Learning how to handle your stress is one of the key ways to inhibit NF-kB and bring down many other physiological responses that can cause early aging and chronic disease.
To find out more, read: Five Easy Anti-Aging Hacks to Increase Your Longevity.
A small study to measure levels of NF-kB in relation to sleep found that in the morning after a night of sleep loss, NF-kB activation was significantly higher. Interestingly, it was shown to be more significant in females than in males. However, the results were sufficient to bring researchers to conclude that a lack of sleep may well increase inflammation and that more research was needed in this area particularly related to sleep and age-related inflammation.
We all feel much better after a good night’s rest and it’s one of the secrets to feeling youthful and energetic. To find out more about sleep and how to reset your sleep-wake cycle, read How to Feel Younger- Take Care of Your Circadian Rhythm.
The NF-kB pathway is one of the most important chains of processes in the human physiological system. Through this pathway, genetic information is expressed and proteins are formed that determine cell survival, memory, immune system responsiveness, apoptosis (programmed cell death) among other age-related conditions. As with all longevity pathways, it needs to be kept in balance because levels of NF-kB tend to naturally increase with age and increased inflammation is associated with aging and its related chronic conditions.
There are a number of lifestyle changes that you can make that will reduce inflammation and inhibit NF-kB. A healthy lifestyle in conjunction with natural supplements that are designed to slow aging from deep within goes a long way to help you achieve an active, fulfilling life long into the golden years.
- Tom Robbins (American author, age 88)
The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or health provider before starting a new health regime or program. Do not ignore medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you’ve read on this site or any Youth & Earth product.
]]>mTOR is a protein kinase (an enzyme that modifies other proteins) that regulates cell growth and metabolism. It’s a complex pathway that’s critical to many cellular processes. But, in short, it's a survival mechanism that signals to the body and cells that they should grow during times of plenty and not grow when food is scarce. It’s a bit like the central processing unit of a computer that makes all the complex decisions relating to cellular growth and it’s one of the longevity pathways.
For more on the longevity pathways, read: The Longevity Pathways - How to Live a Happy, Healthy and Long Life
As with all longevity pathways, this one should be kept in balance so that the body functions optimally. Although the exact mechanisms are still a mystery, too much mTOR has been linked to a shortened lifespan, cancers, and many chronic health conditions, and too little mTOR could cause other health issues such as liver problems, muscle atrophy, delayed healing, and disrupted insulin sensitivity.
Here’s a brief explanation of mTOR from Dr. David Sabatini:
Because of the many critical processes that it regulates, mTOR shouldn’t be viewed as good or bad but rather that it has a function, timing, and purpose.
Here are some of the ways that mTOR benefits the body when it’s functioning optimally:
When mTOR is activated, it stimulates muscles to grow through the activation of various hormones. Loss of muscle mass is one of the first signs of aging which is why activating this pathway through exercise is so beneficial for your health and longevity.
As mentioned, mTOR signals to your body that it’s time to grow and repair. Some of the ways it does so is to regulate the production of ATP, create new mitochondria, and increase metabolism.
Studies have shown that mTOR is essential for proper metabolic regulation, which is consistent with its role in coordinating anabolic and catabolic metabolism.
Methods to slow aging have often been the pinnacle of medical research. The last decade of research shows the answer might lie within the nutrient pathway controlled by mTOR. mTOR, in response to calorie restriction, has been shown to extend lifespan and slow the onset of age-related diseases.
In a study of male subjects, inhibiting mTOR was shown to block the reconciliation of lasting fear memory. This study suggested that inhibiting mTOR might be a way to help people suffering from acquired anxiety disorders such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
However, the over-activation of mTOR has also been associated with many diseases. Scientists are still unclear on the details as to why they find higher levels of mTOR or why inhibiting it produces beneficial results. Here are some of the conditions that are associated with mTOR:
mTOR is linked to cancer because it increases the process of angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones) which helps the growth of tumors. Scientists are hard at work researching inhibiting mTOR as a potential cancer treatment.
mTOR activation is recognized as a biomarker and one of the main pathways to autoimmune disorders, obesity, and other conditions. In autoimmune disease, the activation of mTOR is thought to be due to oxidative stress. Currently, much research is being conducted on ways to inhibit mTOR as a means of treating autoimmune conditions, obesity, and certain cancers.
The activation of mTOR has been shown to be involved in many physiological processes in the nervous system and higher nervous system functions such as cognition, survival, appetite, and eating behavior, as well as the control of the sleep-wake cycle. Because of the central role that it plays, researchers have hypothesized that changes in mTOR signaling may underlie pathologies such as depression.
Research has shown that blocking the signaling pathways that stimulate mTOR shows the potential for the development of antidepressants.
Diabetes is a condition that’s associated with high blood sugar levels and a resistance to insulin. Here’s a brief video by the Animated Diabetes Patient on Understanding Type 2 Diabetes.
Studies have shown that inhibiting mTOR increases the process of glycolysis (breaking down sugar) thereby increasing insulin sensitivity in muscle cells.
According to researchers, increased levels of mTOR are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. A recent study found that the inhibition of mTOR enhanced learning and memory in younger subjects, whilst maintaining memory in older ones. It’s thought that inhibiting this pathway shows therapeutic potential for this devastating condition.
Growing evidence suggests that a wide variety of autism disorders may be linked to dysregulated mTOR activity. The collected data suggest that disinhibited mTOR may contribute to or cause autism spectrum disorder.
It is important to note that although many of these diseases are commonly associated with the overactivation of mTOR, many genetic and environmental factors influence this risk. Overactivation of mTOR in no way guarantees that every mTOR user will experience or develop these diseases.
mTOR activation is mainly linked to a variety of amino acids, the hormone insulin as well as testosterone. It’s important to remember that activating mTOR through exercise is healthy and it has an important role to play in preventing loss of muscle mass, repairing tissue, and many other cellular processes.
The following are all linked to mTOR over-activation:
Excessive amounts of leucine-rich proteins - regularly eating too much red meat, chicken, tuna, beans, cheese, milk, and eggs will activate mTOR. The recommended daily amount of protein varies from 46-63 grams for most adults.
Excessive calorie intake - regularly consuming more than your body needs will lead to weight gain and will also over-activate the mTOR pathway. According to the NHS, men should eat about 2 500 calories (10 500 KJ) per day and women should eat about 2,000 calories (8 400 KJ). Most people consume way more calories than they need during the day which is why obesity rates are at an all-time high globally.
Excessive carbohydrate intake - carbohydrates fuel our bodies but most of us eat way more carbohydrates than we need. Excessive consumption of carbohydrates leads to weight gain, obesity, cancer, and many other health conditions. Unfortunately most commercially prepared foods and sweet foods contain hidden sugars and unhealthy carbohydrates that send levels soaring way over what they should be. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends about 225 to 325 grams of carbohydrates a day.
Did you know that people who live in the Blue Zones all practice some form of calorie restriction? To find out more, read: Lessons from the Blue Zones - Feel Younger for Longer
mTOR is activated through exercise. Exercise seems to increase mTOR in the muscle, brain, and heart but inhibits mTOR in the fat and liver cells. When activated in the brain, it improves memory and learning and the inhibition in the liver cells and fat cells may be one of the reasons why exercise is so good for these organs.
Interestingly, omega 3 fatty acids also activate the mTOR pathway and encourage the beneficial properties of muscle growth and healing. The exact mechanism is still unknown but researchers think that it may have something to do with its anti-inflammatory properties.
Did you know that Krill Oil is a highly-effective source of omega 3 fatty acids? Find out more in What is Krill Oil and Why Is It Good for You?
If you are functioning at optimal health, then mTOR should be inhibited naturally by the balances and checks that your body should have in place. However, with aging, optimal cell function tends to decrease so here are ways to inhibit mTOR.
Calorie restriction means reducing daily caloric intake without causing malnutrition. It has been linked to extended lifespan and increased health benefits in numerous studies.
Restricting calories inhibits mTOR and also activates AMPK - another longevity pathway that is known as the metabolic master switch. Although fairly easy to do in the short term, it’s very challenging to restrict calories for most of your life. The good news is that you can also take natural supplements that mimic calorie restriction such as berberine to experience the benefits of calorie restriction such as inhibiting mTOR.
Our product RELEAF contains Berberine, PQQ, and Silymarin and is specifically designed to increase AMPK and inhibit mTOR. Silymarin or milk thistle has been shown to significantly inhibit cell proliferation by suppressing the mTOR pathway.
For more on calorie restriction, read: Five Easy Anti-Aging Hacks to Increase Your Longevity.
Exercise both activates and inhibits mTOR in all the right places. It inhibits mTOR in the fat and liver cells but activates in the brain, muscles, and heart. Daily exercise is possibly one of the best ways to balance mTOR and AMPK and is key to extending your life and healthspan.
Resveratrol is a polyphenol that is a powerful antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. It’s found in grapes (mostly the skin and seeds), berries, and red wine. Studies have shown resveratrol inhibits mTOR.
Curcumin, found in turmeric, may have anticancer properties through the blocking of mTOR pathways in tumor cells. When taken with piperine (black pepper) it significantly helps the body decrease inflammation and oxidative stress (one of the triggers that may cause increased mTOR).
Quercetin (a natural pigment found in fruits, vegetables, and grains) has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties. It’s a proven tool in cancer treatment and various other diseases through its ability to inhibit mTOR activity in multiple pathways.
For more on the above polyphenols, read: Why Polyphenols Are Good for You
Our product PRESERVAGE is rich in trans-resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, and Bioperine which helps activate sirtuins and inhibit mTOR.
Research has shown us that to use mTOR in a way that best benefits our bodies, we need to activate mTOR during periods of exercise to maximize muscle growth and keep our mTOR levels low at other times to promote health and longevity.
The following can be achieved by:
Stimulating mTOR through exercise and consuming protein straight after you exercise to maximize muscle growth. Remember, exercise stimulates mTOR in the brain and muscles but inhibits it in the liver and fat cells.
Decreasing protein and carbohydrate intake but keep in mind that these levels will be greatly determined by how much exercise you perform, especially resistance-based exercising.
Increasing good fats while decreasing proteins and carbohydrates, especially on days when you are not exercising.
Taking a caloric restriction mimetic such as berberine.
Our bodies are incredibly designed and with good care, we can live long and happy lives. By implementing a well-balanced healthy diet that’s not high in calories, protein, and carbs, as well as exercising regularly, you use the longevity pathways to your benefit. Don’t forget, taking our natural supplements will also help you on your path to feel younger for longer and give you a leg up to achieve your goals.
The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or health provider before starting a new health regime or program. Do not ignore medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you’ve read on this site or any Youth & Earth product.
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As you go about your daily life, have you ever stopped to think wonder if you have any nutritional deficiencies? For example, does it concern you that your daily intake of vitamin D3 could be below the 10–20 micrograms recommended by the US Institute of Medicine?
Given the pivotal role vitamin D plays in the body, insufficient quantities could hamper your level of activity, productivity, and ultimately compromise your health.
Choleciferol is one of the forms of vitamin D. Vitamins are carbon-containing molecules that are classified as organic and are very important for cell function, growth, and development. So far there are 13 known vitamins – 9 of which are soluble in water and 4 soluble in fats or lipids. Vitamin D together with vitamin A, E, and K are fat-soluble and are absorbed through the digestive tract.
Vitamin D was discovered in the early 20th century as a primary cure for rickets. Initially, there were 3 forms of vitamin D (D1, D2, and D3). However, it was later discovered that vitamin D1 was a product of the irradiation of vitamin D2 and tachysterol and was delisted as a separate form.
The only nutritional forms of vitamin D found in humans are vitamin D2 also known as ergocalciferol and vitamin D3 known as cholecalciferol. The source of vitamin D2 is plant sterols while D3 is made by the skin.
Vitamin D3 is manufactured from a special lipid (a zoosterol) called 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) that’s found in the epidermis layer of the skin. This lipid is also involved in the biosynthesis of cholesterol.
When it is exposed to solar radiation, the sterol absorbs photons from the ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation range. This results in a photochemical reaction known as photolysis which forms precholecalciferol or pre-vitamin D3. It then undergoes another process called thermal isomerization which reorganizes it into a more stable inactive vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol molecule.
When newly synthesized, vitamin D3 is inactive and has low solubility in water. Therefore, it moves out of the plasma membrane of skin cells into the extracellular fluid. Here, it attaches itself to the vitamin D3 binding protein (DBP) and is transported through the blood to the liver.
In the liver, the inactive vitamin D3 undergoes a process called hydroxylation to convert it to calcidiol or 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). This molecule is then transported to the kidney where it’s converted from calcidiol to calcitriol or 1,25(OH)D.
While calcitriol is the most active form of vitamin D3, normally calcidiol is used as the indicator of vitamin D3 status in a person. So when you get a blood test, this will be the form of vitamin D that is measured and it’s the most abundant form of vitamin D3 in the circulatory system.
It’s important to note that healthy liver and kidney function plays an important role in converting the inactive cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) into the more active forms of calcidiol and calcitriol. For more on how our bodies make vitamin D, watch this video by Corporis.
Vitamin D3 plays a crucial role in regulating physiological processes such as calcium metabolism (for bone development and health), immunity, cellular growth, and cardiovascular function. Interested in how it does this? Let’s dig in, here are some of the ways it benefits our health.
Optimal absorption of calcium and phosphorus is crucial in the prevention of osteoporosis and the protection of bone. The total amount of calcium the body absorbs from the diet is dependent on two main factors: One is the actual quantity consumed and the other is the efficiency of the absorption process which is regulated by vitamin D3.
In a 2008 research study, researchers showed that vitamin D3 deficiency ultimately causes calcium malabsorption. In the intestine, calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D3, binds to vitamin D receptors (VDR) and stimulates the calcium transport system.
For phosphorus absorption, calcitriol increases the levels of the sodium-dependent phosphate transport system which helps the cells absorb more phosphorus.
A study published in 2012 showered that calcitriol (the active form of vitamin D 3) has some neuroprotective effects. For instance, it was found to be effective in eliminating amyloid plaques, a typical characteristic of Alzheimer’s.
In an in-depth literature review of the role of vitamin D3 and neurological development and brain health, the researchers concluded that there is mounting evidence to suggest that vitamin D is required for normal brain development and function. They found an association between low levels of vitamin D3 and a broad range of neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson's Diseases, multiple sclerosis, and other neurocognitive disorders. The researchers concluded that more studies are needed in this field seeing as vitamin D supplementation is widely available.
There are two ways of looking at the relationship between vitamin D3 and fractures. First, when vitamin D3 levels are low, individuals may develop conditions such as osteoporosis and weak muscles that can increase the risk of falls and fractures.
When fractures occur, vitamin D3 comes in to help in the healing process. In a small study on vitamin D status and adult fracture healing, researchers found that fracture healing was delayed in participants who were vitamin D deficient. They concluded that the research seems to indicate that vitamin D status at the time of fracture affects fracture healing.
Arterial hypertension is one of the main risk factors behind global morbidity. Vitamin D3 and its effect on cardiovascular health, has been an area that has attracted lots of scientific research, although the results have been inconsistent and more studies need to be done. In a literature review, researchers concluded that the current evidence suggests that lower vitamin D levels correlate with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and related conditions but more conclusive research is needed.
The vitamin D receptor (VDR) is present in immune cells such as antigen-presenting cells, T cells, and B cells. This means that the cells can synthesize the active form of vitamin D3. Research has shown that vitamin D3 can regulate your immune response hence boosting autoimmunity and minimizing susceptibility to infections.
In light of the COVID pandemic, a number of medical societies released a joint statement on vitamin D and COVID: “The current data do not provide any evidence that vitamin D supplementation will help prevent or treat COVID-19 infection; however, our guidance does not preclude further study of the potential effects of vitamin D on COVID-19. Research to date suggests that vitamin D may play a role in enhancing the immune response, and given prior work demonstrating a role for the activated form of vitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] in immune responses, further research into vitamin D supplementation in COVID-19 disease is warranted.”
However, they do recommend, in light of the observational evidence that has been noted, that people get 15-30 minutes of sunlight on their skin daily (without sunburn) or take a vitamin D nutritional supplement to ensure that they have optimal vitamin D levels.
Although more research is needed, there is a growing body of evidence that suggests that it’s important to take vitamin K with vitamin D3 because the joint supplementation may be more effective for bone and cardiovascular health.
Calcium is important in maintaining bone health. However, for it to be absorbed effectively and reach the bone mass, it needs the input of vitamin D3 and vitamin K2. Vitamin K2 (also known as MK-7) is especially important as it activates osteocalcin, a protein that integrates calcium into bone. Vitamin D and vitamin K operate together to ensure that your bones absorb sufficient calcium.
Vitamin K2 is also responsible for activating the matrix GLA protein. The activated protein then binds to excess calcium which enhances arterial flexibility and flow. This prevents arterial calcification, reduces the narrowing of blood vessels, and minimizes the risk of a heart attack.
Vitamin K can be found in the following foods:
Green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, collards, and green leaf lettuce.
Green vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.
Fortified cereals, fish, liver, meat, and eggs.
Yes, because of its essential role in many of the processes in the body such as bone, neurological, and immune health, vitamin D3 is an important anti-aging molecule that you should include in your longevity health regime.
As you age, the production of calcitriol is cut by 50% due to age-related deterioration of the renal function. Declines in renal function lead to reduced activity of the enzyme responsible for converting calcidiol into calcitriol.
Aging also leads to pre-vitamin D3 by about 50% of vitamin D in the skin. Compared to young people, older people have a reduced concentration of 7-dehydrocholesterol, the vitamin D3 substrate in the epidermis. Also, the elderly experience a reduced response to UVB light. This cuts further the formation of pre-vitamin D3 by about 50%.
There are also indications that vitamin D may protect telomere length, an indicator of aging. In a study, it was shown that a nationally represented population of adults, levels of vitamin D were associated with longer telomere length independently of other factors. This is thought to be because of the anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin D.
For more on vitamin D and aging, as well as how to find the “sweet spot,” watch this video below by Dr. Rhonda Patrick.
Looking for more on natural supplements that are anti-inflammatory? Read What is Krill Oil and Why Is It Good For You?
Low vitamin D levels can be caused by a number of factors:
Dietary inadequacy: The NHS recommends that adults need to get about 10 micrograms of vitamin D a day. Consuming quantities lower than this can lead to a deficiency and consuming quantities higher than 100 micrograms might be harmful.
Impaired absorption: The health of your gut plays a key role in the absorption of vitamin D3. People with illnesses such as celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, and chronic pancreatitis may experience reduced vitamin D3 absorption. Also, liver and kidney infections can reduce absorption.
Inadequate exposure to sunlight: People living in higher latitudes such as Northern Europe are at a greater risk of developing vitamin D3 deficiency. During winter, the low angle of the sun in these areas means low vitamin D3 producing UVB light rays. Also, those with a predisposition to skin cancer or who have had skin cancer should avoid being in the sun without protection.
Obesity: The World Health Organization considers a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 and above as obese. In line with this classification, about 70% of Americans above the age of 60 are obese. Higher BMI levels are associated with lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 concentrations.
Age: Younger people have a higher concentration of 7-dehydrocholesterol, and their skin is much more responsive to UVB rays than older people.
For an accurate reflection of your vitamin D (calcidiol) levels, it’s important to get a blood test. The National Osteoporosis Society (NOS) guidelines (the UK, 2013) and the Institute of Medicine (US) have the following classifications for vitamin D:
Deficient - calcidiol levels of less than 30 nmol/L.
Inadequate - calcidiol levels between 30-50 nmol/L (may be inadequate for some)
Sufficient - calcidiol levels greater than 50 nmol/L is sufficient for the whole population
There are two main ways of knowing whether you are vitamin D3 deficient or not. The most accurate is through vitamin D3 status testing and the second is by looking at the symptoms. The symptoms are generally subtle, and could also be attributed to other factors. If you recognize any of these symptoms, it’s best to check with your health practitioner before self-diagnosing.
Here are a few of the most common signs of low vitamin D levels:
Getting sick or infected often
Fatigue and tiredness
Bone and back pain
Depression
Impaired wound healing
Bone loss and skeletal weakness
Muscle pain
There are three main sources of vitamin D3 that you can leverage to boost your vitamin D serum levels.
Some of the dietary sources of vitamin D3 include fish liver oils and fatty fish like mackerel, tuna, and salmon. Interestingly, mushrooms are also a good source of vitamin D particularly if they have been in the sun.
Nowadays most foods are fortified with vitamins making them rich sources of vitamin D3. Animal-based foods such as chicken, beef, pork, turkey, and eggs are particularly recommended.
Getting adequate exposure to the sun, especially during summer, can help boost your vitamin D3 levels. A study published in 2009 showed that exposure to midday summer sun for just 30 minutes is equivalent to a vitamin D3 intake of 10,000–20,000 IU. However, it’s important to note that this method can put you at risk of skin cancer and early aging due to damage from the UVA and UVB rays. It’s best to use this method with caution and be sure to avoid sunburn.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a daily 400 IU vitamin D3 supplementation for both adolescents and older children who do not get enough vitamin D3 through foods. There is also evidence showing that vitamin D3 supplementation in daily quantities of about 700 to 800 IU can reduce the risk of fracture in adults.
Taking a high-quality vitamin D3 supplement is one of the best ways to ensure that you are getting enough vitamin D3.
Vitamin D3 is a potent nutrient that can be obtained from foods, supplements, or simply by basking in the summer sun. Vitamin D3 deficiency is so subtle that often goes unnoticed. This is especially worrying for people who ordinarily consider themselves healthy.
Older adults and those with preexisting conditions that may prevent the absorption of Vitamin D3 particularly in the gut are at high risk. The best and healthy approach is knowing your vitamin D3 status and taking the necessary steps to supplement and enrich your diet where necessary.
Youth & Earth will be releasing a vitamin D liposomal supplement in the near future. This will be of the same high standard as our natural supplements that prevent and slow aging.
You can’t help getting older, but don’t have to get old.
George Burns
The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or health provider before starting a new health regime or program. Do not ignore medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you’ve read on this site or any Youth & Earth product.
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In a nutshell, anti-aging hacks are things you can do to slow down or even prevent the progression of age-related conditions. If you do a search on anti-aging hacks or tips, you’ll find thousands of results with everything from using onions to treat grey hair to the latest injection to smooth out wrinkles. Some of these hacks will work and others might provide a temporary external improvement but won’t keep back the hands of time for long. With so much information out there, it can be difficult to know where to begin to hack aging.
At Youth & Earth, we believe that addressing the cause of aging at a cellular level is one of the best ways. Science has proposed that there are four pathways that can influence longevity: AMPK, SIRT, MTOR, and Nf-KB. And, targeting these pathways can potentially address the cellular causes of aging that will not only help you look younger but also feel younger. When choosing an anti-aging hack, look for those that will influence one of these pathways so that you know that you’re addressing the potential causes of aging at a deeper cellular level.
In this article, we’ve covered 5 easy anti-aging hacks that are simple, can be started at any time, and best of all, don’t cost a thing. The only thing you need to accompany it is a positive attitude to live life to the full and take an active role in improving your health.
For more on the longevity pathways, read The Longevity Pathways - How to Live a Happy, Healthy and Long Life.
Hot and cold stress (or therapy) is an anti-aging hack that reaps the therapeutic benefits of exposing your body to extreme temperatures, in a bid to improve mitochondrial health. Cold-water therapy can be done easily from a cold shower to ice baths and cryotherapy (that involves exposure to -100-250℃ in a controlled environment). On the other hand, heat therapy involves exposure to temperatures ranging from 70-100℃ via sauna and even hot showers on a small scale.
We’ve all seen photographs of people plunging into cold oceans and lakes. Apart from the thrill of doing something that’s challenging and adventurous, there are also some solid health benefits to this practice. Here are just a few of them to get you motivated to take the plunge.
Coldwater therapy (whether it’s taking an ice bath or swimming in winter) activates AMPK (the metabolism “Master Switch” ) that regulates the way our bodies use energy. This includes using stored fat for energy, reducing blood sugar levels, increasing the number of mitochondria (the energy producers in cells), and decreasing inflammation. It also activates good brown fat cells that keep us warm and also helps burn up white fat that’s bad for us and is caused by eating too much.
In recent years, we’ve seen more images and videos of athletes sitting in ice baths. The reason for this is that cold water has been shown to reduce the severity of Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness (DOMS). If you’ve had a physically strenuous day or started a new exercise program, try cold water immersion. A systematic review was conducted from the Cochrane library by three authors to determine the effect of cold water immersion (CWI) in reducing muscle soreness after exercise. Seventeen small trials and nineteen studies were analyzed. The authors concluded that there is some evidence that CWI had therapeutic benefits in reducing delayed onset muscle soreness, compared to no intervention or rest in managing muscle soreness.
Have you ever noticed that your body turns pink when cold? This is because cold stimulates blood flow. When the body gets cold, blood vessels are restricted and blood is shunted to the vital organs. As a result, the heart has to work a bit harder to circulate blood throughout the body to warm you up and shunt oxygen and nutrients to all your cells.
The lymphatic system plays a critical role in removing waste and toxins from your body. An accumulation of toxins can cause cellular damage, inflammation, and premature aging. Coldwater also causes the lymphatic vessels to contract which helps flush waste out of the muscles and tissues.
Did you know that glutathione is the “master detoxifier”? Find out more in What is Glutathione and Why Is It Anti-Aging?
Plunging into cold water can also help your mood because it releases endorphins and noradrenaline that make you feel happy and alive. In 2007, researchers found that cold showers helped alleviate the symptoms of depression even in those who were not diagnosed with depression. If you’re feeling down, try having a swim in the cold ocean or even a short cold shower. Apart from all the physiological benefits, you’ll also experience the psychological benefits of taking on a challenge. For more the health benefits of cold therapy, watch the video below from Growth Mindset.
If you’ve ever been in a sauna, you’ll know how relaxing they can be, especially if you’ve been under large amounts of stress. The heat from the sauna improves circulation, eases pain, and can encourage the body to relax. It’s also been shown to improve cardiovascular health on a similar scale to a cardio workout and using a sauna regularly has been shown to influence longevity.
One study was done on over 2300 individuals aged 42-60 years to determine the effects of frequent sauna bathing on inhibiting fatal cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. The study showed that 4 - 7 sauna sessions weekly for about 11 minutes lowered all-cause mortality. Moreover, even 1 session a week had significant benefits in mitochondrial health and overall longevity. For more on the benefits of using a sauna regularly, watch this video from Jason Bracht.
Before you start to implement any of these tips in your daily life, it’s important to check in with your health practitioner, especially if you suffer from a chronic health condition such as cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure. If you have the go-ahead, here are a few simple ways to reap the benefits of cold and heat.
One of the easiest ways is to end your hot shower with a cold water show of 30-90 seconds. Start with a 30-second burst and gradually work your way up to a long shower. Don’t forget to breathe!
If you’re feeling daring, add two bags of ice to your bathtub and immerse yourself in the cold water for a maximum of 10-15 minutes.
Climb into a cold swimming pool after a workout or take a weekend trip to a cold ocean or lake for a plunge. (Be sure to dress warmly afterward and pack in a flask of hot cocoa for additional endorphins!)
Have a weekly sauna session at your local health club or gym or invest in a home sauna or portable sauna suit.
Did you know that the Okinawans (one of the Blue Zones) follow a principle called “Hara Hachi Bu.” This means that you eat until you’re 80% full. What does that mean? You eat until you’re no longer hungry, not full. Eating a calorie-restricted diet is possibly one of the factors that allow them to achieve such long and productive lives.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Blue Zones, read Lessons from the Blue Zones - Feel Younger for Longer
Apart from the fact that it reduces your chance of being overweight and developing chronic conditions like diabetes, it also activates and inhibits the longevity pathways.
Calorie restriction is a way to reduce your average daily calorie consumption (while avoiding malnutrition) so as to reap its claimed increased longevity benefit. It’s among an array of other dietary strategies like intermittent fasting and protein restriction that are aimed at improving the markers of aging.
Calorie restriction has been linked with curtailing illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, neural disorders, and cardiovascular diseases and has been shown to increase the lifespan of certain insects and animals.
In one of the most well-known studies, the Comprehensive Assessment of Long-Term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy (CALERIE), 218 adults were divided into 2 groups, and one group had their calorie intake reduced by 25% over 2 years. Although the experimental group could not meet the target of 25% reduction, they did succeed in a 12% reduction (about 300 calories). The experimental group lost 10% of their weight over the duration of the study, and they had sustained the weight loss during a follow-up study 2 years later. It was also noted they had lowered risk factors for age-related illnesses like stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. Furthermore, the participants had no severe side effects and experienced a better quality of life, sleep, and mood.
In another 2-year study, participants on a calorie-restricted diet (who ate 15% lower calories than the rest) showed a reduction in oxidative stress by 20%. The restricted group also had a lower basal metabolic rate (by 10%) than the rest when sleeping.
Calorie restriction has been shown to increase the lifespan of many animals in studies. This seems to indicate that it may also influence our longevity as humans. Apart from encouraging weight loss which will immediately benefit your health, it also seems to do the following:
Sirtuins are critical proteins that regulate cellular health through a molecule called NAD+. They turn anti-aging genes on and off, regulate cellular death, repair DNA, and play a role in metabolism. One of the ways to activate this pathway is through calorie restriction.
For more on this anti-aging pathway, read How Sirtuins and NAD+ Influence Longevity.
One of the ways to activate AMPK is to restrict calories or to take a supplement that mimics calorie restriction such as berberine. Activating AMPK has all sorts of benefits that will positively affect your lifespan and quality of life.
This longevity pathway controls cell growth, metabolism, brain function, cell regeneration, and many other critical processes. When it’s regulated correctly, our health and wellness prosper which positively influences lifespan. However, too much mTOR (thanks to consuming too many calories and protein) has been linked to many age-related conditions and diseases. The key is to keep this pathway correctly regulated and calorie restriction is one of the methods to do so.
Oxidative stress is linked with cell and DNA damage and this type of damage is thought to be a key factor that causes aging. Following a calorie-restricted diet without malnutrition has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and cellular damage that leads to inflammation. It also may inhibit the longevity pathway NF-kB that governs inflammation in the body. High levels of NF-kB have been associated with many chronic conditions related to aging.
For more in inflammation, you might enjoy reading How Inflammation Affects Your Health and Causes Early Aging
It’s important to note that calorie restriction does not mean starving yourself. As a matter of fact, studies show that participants who drastically lost weight due to extreme calorie restriction, actually gained more weight once they started eating “normally.” Most of us have experienced this at some time in our lives when attempting a highly-restrictive weight loss diet.
At Youth & Earth, we believe that following a healthy diet and exercising regularly goes a long way to improving your health and boosting your energy. In conjunction with healthy lifestyle changes, taking a product such as RELEAF will also provide much of the health benefits of calorie restriction but in a way that’s more sustainable and will prevent any “yo-yo” dieting.
It’s important to note that before you set out on any eating plan, it’s vital that you consult your healthcare practitioner, especially if you suffer from chronic conditions. Once you have the go-ahead, here are a few simple ways that you can implement calorie restriction into your daily lifestyle.
Follow the principle of Hara Hachi Bu. Eat until you no longer feel hungry, not full.
Eat in a mindful way. Be aware of what you’re eating, and try to eat in a relaxed state so that your body can signal to you when you’ve had enough to it.
Fill up on vegetables and salad instead of carbohydrates such as pasta, bread, and rice.
Restrict “treats”, not healthy food. If you are used to having a daily “treat” such as a biscuit or a piece of cake, try restricting it to every second day. Once you find that you are able to do that, restrict it to every third day. Remember, the participants that were the most successful in sustained weight loss were those who reduced their intake by 12%. By restricting how much non-healthy food you have, you will be well on your way to reducing your daily calories.
Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, is crucial for our health and longevity and is involved in numerous cellular processes. Here are a few of its benefits but research is ongoing.
Vitamin D keeps your bones healthy and strong
Vitamin D promotes bone and calcium homeostasis. Homeostasis is the ability to sustain the function and shape of a cell or protein over time and is usually lost with aging. Vitamin D in conjunction with other minerals helps the body produce bone cells and maintain bone health.
It helps strengthen muscles
New research indicates that vitamin D is vital to building and strengthening muscles. One of the first signs of aging is loss of muscle mass and a decline in muscle function.
It has a positive effect on our immune system
Vitamin D also helps in regulating our immune system - the body’s natural defense against infection and diseases. Researchers have found that vitamin D can modulate aspects of the immune response which can help your body fight off diseases and conditions. There are also indications that vitamin D might help the body fight off the flu virus. Currently, studies are underway to determine if boosting vitamin D levels will help with COVID 19 as researchers have found indications that low levels of vitamin D correlate with the severity of the infection.
Vitamin D may help with depression and mood
It has been found that vitamin D might help alleviate the symptoms of depression. One study found that participants felt much better once boosted their levels of vitamin D. One of the signs of low vitamin D is a shift in mood and feeling depressed.
It also seems to influence longevity genes
Studies on how, exactly, vitamin D influence longevity genes are ongoing but numerous observational studies have noted decreased levels of vitamin D in many of the conditions associated with aging including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Low levels have also been noted in conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
A study published in the journal of Cell Reports identified a beneficial interaction between vitamin D and longevity genes. The vitamin extended lifespan by 33% and slowed aging-related protein abnormalities. This was linked to vitamin D’s properties in suppressing protein insolubility and preventing toxicity linked with Alzheimer’s disease.
One of the best ways to find out if you are low on vitamin D is to have a blood test because a treating true deficiency in vitamin D should be carefully monitored by your healthcare practitioner. There are some situations that may negatively influence your vitamin D levels such as avoiding sunshine because of the risk of cancer and early aging; not eating enough food sources of vitamin D, and chronic health conditions or medications.
Here are some of the signs of low levels of vitamin D:
Fatigue - no matter how much rest you get
Bone pain
Muscle weakness, aches, and cramps
Changes in mood such as experiencing ongoing depression
There are a few ways that you can increase your vitamin D levels. This includes adding more vitamin D-enriched foods to your diet such as fortified orange juice, milk, and yogurt (if you can tolerate dairy) and fortified breakfast cereals. You can also include more oily fish, eggs, and beef liver.
One of the easiest ways is to spend time in the sun. But, a word of caution, too much sunlight puts you at risk of skin damage, early aging, and skin cancer. The best way to increase your vitamin D levels is to take a high-quality liposomal vitamin D3 supplement.
Youth & Earth will be bringing out a liposomal product soon!
Stress is simply the way your body reacts to a challenging situation. It’s the process that kicks into play that makes us either want to run or fight (in other words the fight or flight response). It can be seen as a survival mechanism that kicks off a whole lot of cellular processes that can help us when faced with a threatening situation.
When faced with a challenge, we have two options - we can either respond positively (known as eustress) or negatively (known as distress). The response that we have can either have a positive effect on our health or a negative one.
Positive stress has the following characteristics:
It’s usually short-term in duration. For example, the last-minute packing frenzy before you head out on a holiday or a job interview
You feel motivated and energized as if you can “step up to the plate” and meet the challenge head-on
You feel excited and hopeful.
You feel that you are more than able to cope with the situation even though it might be challenging
Your performance improves - you’re more focussed, have unending energy, and can “get things done.”
Negative stress or distress has the following characteristics:
Negative stress can be short term or long term.
You usually feel worried and anxious - you can’t seem to stop your racing thoughts.
You might feel nauseous or “sick in the gut” or experience other physical symptoms like headaches, migraines, tense muscles, aches and pains.
You feel that you can’t cope; it’s out of your perceived control and ability to handle.
Your performance decreases - you might find yourself struggling to remember things or concentrate. You might find yourself procrastinating or avoiding work and calling in a “sick day.”
Ongoing negative stress can lead to physical and mental issues.
Long-term distress, also known as chronic stress, has an overall negative effect on our health that compounds into premature aging. As a matter of fact, it’s known as one of the “three horsemen of the health apocalypse” that negatively affect our life and healthspan.
When we are stressed, our bodies produce a hormone called cortisol that increases blood sugar levels and blood pressure so that we have the energy to overcome the obstacle or challenge. As a matter of fact, we depend on cortisol to keep us alive and levels fluctuate throughout the day depending on our lifestyle. The problem comes in when cortisol remains consistently elevated over a long period of time even. High cortisol levels are linked to many conditions and symptoms such as weight gain, mental health disorders, hormonal imbalances, and inflammation.
It’s responsible for a weakened immune system that makes our bodies unable to even fight off a cold. High levels of cortisol also trigger inflammation which is one of the main causes of early aging.
Similarly, chronic stress is also associated with a shortening of telomeres. Telomeres are structures at the end of chromosomes that stimulate cell aging. The presence of shortened telomeres indicates cellular aging, predisposing you to chronic disease and even premature death. A study done on women aged between 42 and 69 years showed the connection between phobic stress and shortened telomeres. The study identified shortened telomeres equal to 6 years of premature aging in the highly phobic women compared to those without chronic phobia.
The difference between eustress and distress sounds simple in theory but can be very challenging in practice. Here are a few ways to manage negative stress and harness positive stress.
Become mindful of your thinking
The first step is to be aware of your thinking and the type of thoughts that are racing through your mind. If you find them to be predominantly negative, stop and try to reframe them into something positive. For example, if you find yourself going “I can’t cope with this…it’s too much.” Stop and remind yourself to breathe and tackle the challenge one step at a time. You might not be able to control the circumstances but you can decide how you’re going to react in those circumstances.
Be aware of your breath
When we are in a state of distress, we tend to either hold our breath or breathe shallowly. Deep breathing in and out has been shown to reduce stress levels.
Support your body through stressful times
Life is filled with challenges and situations that are often beyond our control. During times of stress, whether positive or negative, support your body with a healthy diet, exercise, and supplementation to counteract the negative effects of ongoing stress.
Supplements that may help during this time include Superba Krill Oil and Preservage. These two products are designed to help bring down inflammation and boost sirtuins. Our liposomal vitamin C will also help support your immune system.
High-intensity Interval Training puts our bodies under good stress that activates the longevity pathways AMPK and SIRT which brings about all sorts of health benefits from improved cardiovascular function to increased insulin sensitivity. It’s also been shown to lower blood glucose, increase exercise capacity, improve your metabolism independent of the weight loss. It’s also a great way to get rid of the energy that’s caused by stress so as to drop your cortisol levels.
Generally, the idea behind this activity is an intense workout set followed by short rests between the exercises. For example, it could be 1 minute of workout followed by a 30 seconds rest for 15 to 30 minutes. It doesn’t have to be complicated, you could decide to run between lamp posts on your daily walk or climb flights of stairs quickly and rest between flights. The principle is got get your heart rate up and bring it down again.
A study was conducted by the mayo clinic and published in the journal Cell Metabolism to compare the impact of HIIT, resistance training, and combined training on older adults. All the types of training enhanced insulin sensitivity and lean body mass, while HIIT and combined training enhanced the mitochondrial function of the skeletal muscle. Moreover, the 12 weeks study found the exercises improved cardiorespiratory health and mitochondrial cellular function (that deteriorates with aging). The mitochondria of the cell produce energy, the better your mitochondrial function, the more energy you have.
At the same time, exercise stimulates the activation of the longevity gene NF-kB. This inflammatory action is a natural reaction to exercise because it helps build muscle and repair the fibers. Though the inflammation is helpful, exerting high stress can lead to the overproduction of NF-kB that can cause cancer and diabetes. Therefore to mitigate this effect, inhibiting NF-kB production through anti-inflammatory supplements like SUPERBA KRILL OIL could be helpful during and after intense workouts.
Before you set out on a new exercise program, check in with your health practitioners first especially if you suffer from a chronic condition or are on chronic medication. Also, to avoid injury, remember to give your body time to warm up before you head into a HIIT session. Remember to cool down after your workout as well.
Apart from doing short bursts of intense walking or running on a daily walk, here are some home exercises you can try endorsed by Dai Manuel.
Cycling intensely for 20 seconds followed by 90 seconds of light cycling.
Swimming sprint for one lap then a rest interval of a slow swim for a lap.
Treadmill 20 seconds sprint and a rest interval of 90 seconds walk.
In Conclusion
There are many ways that you can use to prevent signs of premature aging, and the ones we outlined are just the tip of the iceberg. By using these anti-aging hacks in conjunction with a healthy diet and lifestyle, you’ll be well on your way to feeling and looking younger for longer.
Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.
Francis of Assisi
The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or health provider before starting a new health regime or program. Do not ignore medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you’ve read on this site or any Youth & Earth product.
]]>Alpha-lipoic acid, (also known as thioctic acid or lipoic acid), is a naturally occurring compound that is synthesized in animals and plants. Our bodies can also produce ALA, so it’s not recognized as an essential molecule. Yet, it’s very important in the production of energy and is a potent antioxidant that protects the body from cellular damage that’s caused by free radicals.
Alpha-lipoic acid is a unique antioxidant in that it is both hydrophobic and hydrophilic. This means it dissolves in both water and fat, which makes it accessible to every cell and tissue in the body. As far as we know, lipoic acid seems to be used in several cellular processes, but as with many molecules, research is ongoing. Here are some of the ways that our bodies use lipoic acid.
As mentioned, our bodies produce small amounts of ALA that’s found in the mitochondria of our cells. The mitochondria is the powerhouse of a cell and, ALA, like CoQ10, is one of the coenzymes that helps in the production of cellular energy. In other words, it helps your body produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
For more on coenzymes, read How Coenzyme Q10 Can Boost Your Healthspan
Alpha-lipoic acid seems to activate AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) but is also shown to inhibit it in the hypothalamus. AMPK is one of the longevity pathways that controls how the body converts and utilizes energy. When it’s activated, it helps the body turn fat into energy efficiently and prevents it from storing fat. In the hypothalamus, AMPK seems to play a role in governing appetite. When AMPK levels are suppressed in the hypothalamus, it seems to decrease the appetite leading to reduced food intake.
For more on AMPK and how it can help slow aging, watch the video below by Lance Hitchings.
NF-kB is the main pathway that controls the complex inflammatory process in our bodies. Inflammation is good when it fights off infection or is part of healing an injury, but constant high levels of inflammation lead to a number of chronic conditions and premature aging. Alpha-lipoic acid seems to inhibit NF-kB which helps to regulate inflammation, apart from its antioxidant properties that also fight inflammation.
If you’re interested in longevity pathways, read:
The Longevity Pathways - How to Live a Happy, Healthy, and Long Life.
Alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant that prevents damage to our cells and DNA by scavenging free radicals. It also plays a role in regenerating other antioxidants. As an antioxidant, it fights inflammation and the associated deterioration that leads to chronic diseases.
It may also help detox the body from heavy metal toxicity and plays a role in the production of glutathione; an important antioxidant that helps the body detox and eliminate potential toxins and carcinogens.
For more on glutathione, read: What is Glutathione and Why Is It Anti-Aging?
Because it’s a powerful antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, alpha-lipoic acid seems to play a role in regulating blood sugar levels and cholesterol. Most of the research has been done on patients that suffer from type 2 diabetes, but in several studies, it was shown that those who took ALA showed improved insulin sensitivity.
Our bodies can naturally produce small amounts of alpha-lipoic acid. It can also be found in small amounts in foods like:
Broccoli
Spinach
Tomatoes
Brussels sprouts
Green peas
Yams
Potatoes
Liver and organ meats
Red meats
But to keep ALA at optimum levels and experience the health benefits thereof as you age, it’s recommended that you take a high-quality alpha-lipoic acid supplement.
Due to its antioxidant properties, ALA has been associated with various anti-aging benefits, including improving nerve function, lowering blood sugar levels, reducing inflammation, and slowing skin aging. Research is ongoing into using this molecule to treat chronic conditions. Here are some of the health benefits:
Alpha-lipoic acid has been in the spotlight as a possible natural remedy for insulin resistance and diabetes. Diabetes is a condition associated with high blood sugar levels that affect 420 million adults worldwide. Undiagnosed diabetes results in blurred vision, rapid unexplained weight loss, and kidney disease.
Insulin resistance is directly linked as a risk factor for diabetes. It’s a condition, also known as prediabetes, whereby there’s increased blood sugar or glucose levels (but not high enough to indicate diabetes).
Notably, insulin is responsible for lowering the blood sugar levels but, with insulin resistance, the pancreas works overtime to produce enough insulin to overcome the body’s resistance and keep sugar levels down. Eventually, the pancreas gives out, producing less insulin that leads to the development of type 2 diabetes.
Alpha-lipoic acid is believed to help lower blood sugar and it enhances processes that can metabolize fat accumulated in the muscle cell, which usually makes insulin ineffective.
Also, alpha-lipoic acid has been shown to help with conditions associated with diabetes such as diabetic neuropathy, that occurs when high blood sugar injures nerves in your body and, most often, your legs and feet. These symptoms include pain, tingling, numbness, and a burning sensation in your feet, legs, fingers, and arms. Intravenous ALA is a recognized treatment in Germany for this condition.
Did you know that berberine also helps regulate blood sugar and that it can be as effective as metformin? Read Berberine the Super Antioxidant for more information.
To find out more about alpha-lipoic acid and how it can reduce neuropathy discomfort, watch this video from Dr. Darren Silvester of Next Step Foot & Ankle Clinic.
Like the rings on the stump of a tree, fine lines and wrinkles become more visible with age. Even though aging is an inevitable process, nature has gifted us with alpha-lipoic acid. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, it’s an active combatant with the signs of aging, including wrinkles, fine lines, and flaky skin.
Results from a human study revealed using alpha-lipoic acid as a topical cream helped in a significant reduction of facial lines and general improvement in skin color and texture. And to cap it all, there were no associated side effects like irritation and peeling.
Alpha-lipoic acid also exercises its antioxidant properties in the skin’s inner layers harboring us from the sun’s harmful UV radiation.
Moreover, as mentioned earlier, ALA increases the levels of glutathione and helps keep this antioxidant at optimum levels, further protecting our skin from damage and reducing signs of aging skin.
Memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease is a condition prevalent among older adults. It’s thought that one of the culprits to this devastating condition is damage from oxidative stress.
Alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful oxidant that slows the development of Alzheimer’s disease in the elderly by counteracting free radicals and inhibiting inflammation. In some studies, combining the supplement with other drugs called acetylcholinesterase inhibitors proved to slow mental degeneration in people with Alzheimer’s disease compared to taking the inhibitors alone.
Interestingly, a small pilot study found that when alpha-lipoic acid was taken with omega-3 fatty acids, the participants experienced no cognitive or functional decline. A larger study is needed to further evaluate this combination, but the researchers deemed it to be a potential treatment for this condition.
Did you know that Krill Oil is a powerful source of omega-3 fatty acids? It also comes without the unpleasant side effect of a fishy aftertaste. Read more in What Is Krill Oil and Why Is It Good For You?
Alpha-lipoic acid does not only help with diabetic neuropathy but also shows potential in slowing carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes nerve pain, numbness, and tingling in the arm. It occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it travels through the wrist or carpal tunnel.
Rates of developing carpal tunnel syndrome increase with age. Nevertheless, alpha-lipoic acid may help remedy this condition. The supplement, when taken before and after surgery for the syndrome, has contributed to higher chances of recovery. It’s important to note lipoic acid helps manage the pain and not necessarily nerve recovery. In light of that, the supplement, when used with gamma-linolenic acid, has shown to improve function in people with carpal tunnel syndrome.
Research is also currently underway to assess if ALA can help sufferers of multiple sclerosis. Pilot studies suggest that it has great potential to help with this condition and further research is needed.
Infections in the upper respiratory tract could lead to loss of the sense of smell. Alpha-lipoic acid has been found to have therapeutic effects on olfactory loss.
Making use of its anti-oxidative effects on nerves, the acid could help in the regeneration of olfactory receptor neurons.
In the wake of the COVID-19, recent findings are showing the condition can affect our sense of smell. And, while the remedies for the novel virus remain in development, alpha-lipoic acid may be an option when these symptoms affect our olfactory pathways.
Alpha-lipoic acid also shows potential in helping weight loss and managing obesity. This is thought to be because of its role in energy production, regulating insulin, and reducing inflammation.
In a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, it was found that treatment with alpha-lipoic supplements resulted in a significant 1.27 kg mean weight loss compared to placebos. The researchers concluded that ALA showed small, yet significant, short-term weight loss and that further research was needed on varying doses and the use of ALA for long-term management of weight.
In a recent human clinical trial conducted by the Linus Pauling Institute and the Oregon Health & Science University, it was found that ALA helped a moderate weight loss in overweight women compared to those who were in the control group. Those who took lipoic acid, also showed lower levels of inflammatory markers and damage from free radicals.
The trial’s principal investigator, Balz Frei, Ph.D., said:
“These beneficial effects of lipoic acid are remarkably consistent with preclinical findings showing that lipoic acid inhibits weight gain, accelerates fat metabolism, lowers triglycerides, and exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects in laboratory animals.”
Because alpha-lipoic acid is made by our bodies, it’s considered as generally safe with little to no side effects. Even so, some may experience mild symptoms like rashes, itching, or nausea.
There has not been sufficient research conducted on the use of the supplement for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women. Small doses may be safe for those in this group, but it’s recommended that you seek medical advice before starting any supplementation.
Additionally, for those with diabetes, seeking medical advice is vital, as alpha-lipoic acid may affect other medicines that help lower blood sugar levels.
If you have a chronic condition, it’s best to consult your healthcare practitioner before starting any supplementation program.
However, no fatal side effects have been reported with adults taking up to 2400 mg.
It’s best to choose a high-quality supplement that has a high bioavailability. Bioavailability is the percentage of a nutrient that enters the bloodstream compared to how much was in the supplement. Intravenous delivery has 100% bioavailability because 100% of the nutrient is injected into the bloodstream. Most traditional oral supplements only have a bioavailability of 10-50%. However, liposomal supplements have a bioavailability that is close to that of IV delivery, and therefore, using a high-quality liposomal alpha-lipoic acid supplement is best.
Youth & Earth has a liposomal R-alpha-lipoic acid supplement. R-alpha-lipoic acid is a potent form of ALA that is more biologically active and has stronger antioxidant and brain-protecting benefits. Our supplement is combined with vitamin C for advanced immune support.
To find out more, go to Youth & Earth Liposomal R-Alpha Lipoic Acid & Vitamin C.
As you can see, there are many health benefits to boosting the levels of alpha-lipoic acid in your cells. Apart from it being a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, it also activates and inhibits the longevity pathways, helps regulate blood sugar, and protects our nervous system. Although you can obtain small amounts from food, supplementing with a high-quality liposomal ALA product is one of the best ways to boost the levels of this wonderful antioxidant in your cells.
The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or health provider before starting a new health regime or program. Do not ignore medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you’ve read on this site or any Youth & Earth product.
]]>NMN is derived from vitamin B3 (niacin) and is found in human cells. It has a critical role to play in how the body uses cellular energy. This molecule is used by our bodies to synthesize NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide).
NAD+ is found within every cell in our bodies and is quite possibly the most crucial molecule in longevity and anti-aging. It helps the body convert the energy from food into energy that we can use by activating special proteins called sirtuins. Sirtuins need NAD+ to regulate cellular health, switch anti-aging genes on and off, and regulate our metabolism.
For more on NAD+, read How Sirtuins and NAD+ Influence Longevity
Without sufficient NAD+ levels, our bodies cease to function. And sadly, these levels decrease with age. By the time we reach 50 most of us have half the NAD+ levels we had in our 20’s. This could be one of the main reasons why energy levels tend to decrease as we grow older. Because NMN helps produce NAD+, it has shown several beneficial actions that indicate that it could help chronic conditions. This includes cardiovascular dysfunction, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and obesity. In addition, recent studies in anti-aging indicate that NMN can be a gamechanger in extending our life and health spans.
Natural NMN is present in various food sources such as fruits, vegetables, and raw beef. Including the following:
Broccoli
Cabbage
Edamame
Cucumber
Avocado
Tomato
Although NMN naturally occurs in many food sources, a study found that you would need to consume 100 kg of broccoli, 69 kg of avocado, or 416 kg of beef just to obtain 250 mg of NMN daily.
To get 250 mg of NMN—enough to raise NAD+—you need to eat unrealistic quantities of food. So, although increasing these foods in your diet will help, taking a high-quality NMN supplement is one of the most effective ways to raise the levels of NAD+ in your body.
NMN can raise NAD+ levels throughout your body and in conjunction with an active lifestyle and a healthy diet, most noticeable benefits may include:
As mentioned, amongst its many functions, NAD+ helps your body convert food into energy that it can use. As we grow older, the levels of NAD+ decrease, resulting in lower energy levels in general. Because NMN is a precursor to NAD+, one of the most noticeable benefits of supplementing with NMN is increased energy levels. This can be within a couple of minutes if you take a sublingual NMN that’s absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
NMN has been shown to improve vascular function, increase levels of NAD+ in the heart, and also protect the heart from injury and failure. When taking NMN, you will most likely notice improvements in your cardiac functioning and physical endurance. For example, you might be able to run or walk for longer than before or you might find that your heart rate recovers much quicker after cardio exercises. Of course, this will also mean that NMN will help decrease the chances of cardiovascular disease and dysfunction.
NMN also helps regulate blood sugar levels and improves insulin resistance. It may also help regulate cholesterol levels.
Taking NMN in conjunction with a healthy diet and active lifestyle will most likely help stabilize your blood sugar levels and decrease your chances of becoming diabetic. When supplementing with NMN, you might well find that you don’t have blood sugar highs and lows throughout the day and that your energy levels remain constant.
Did you know that Berberine is also highly effective at controlling blood sugar levels? Find out more in Berberine the Super Antioxidant.
NAD+ turns on sirtuins which control cell metabolism. Some people have even dubbed SIRTS as being the “skinny gene” because of its metabolism-revving function. Supplementing with NMN was shown to reduce weight gain associated with aging and also helped regulate glucose intolerance.
Apart from increased energy, improved cardiac function, and stabilized blood sugar levels, you will most likely also experience weight loss because of your revved up metabolism.
NAD+ is crucial to brain function. The brain uses a tremendous amount of energy and low levels of NAD+ affect the brain’s ability to function optimally.
Studies are finding that NMN can benefit brain function and help prevent diseases such as Alzheimer’s by increasing the levels of NAD+ in the brain. Doing so was shown to decrease the build-up of plaques associated with Alzheimer’s, protect brain cells from dying, protect nerve cells from degenerating, and to improve memory.
By supplementing with NMN, brain fog and fatigue could become a thing of the past. You might feel more alert and able to recall things more easily as your brain cells receive enough energy to function optimally.
NMN has also been found to improve eye function by preventing the degeneration of photoreceptors and restoring vision. It has also been shown to help with a condition that is related to aging known as dry eye syndrome by increasing tear production. The same researchers also found that NMN improved retinal function. More studies need to be done on this aspect of NMN, but it does show promise. When you supplement with NMN, you may well find that your eyes feel less scratchy and dry, and you might experience improvement in retinal functioning.
One of the most ground-breaking findings of the studies on NMN was its ability to slow down the signs of aging and possibly even reverse them. NMN prevents the expression of genes that control aging and, as mentioned, boosts SIRTS which are very much anti-aging. Interestingly, in one study, it was found that it reversed infertility in aged post-menopausal subjects, making them fertile and able to once more reproduce.
Although results may vary, you may well find certain signs of aging begin to decrease. This could mean improvement in your skin, hair, and overall condition.
As you can see, supplementing with NMN has many benefits to your health. Later on the article, we also cover how it can benefit chronic conditions and the latest findings related to that.
You can find out more about the effect of NMN on aging, in particular, postmenopausal subjects in the video below. (At the 8-minute mark)
NMN supplements can be in a sublingual powder form, delayed-release capsules, and even lozenges.
At Youth & Earth, we have a sublingual powder for superior bioavailability as it is released directly into the blood vessels under the tongue. We also have a delayed-release capsule that is gastro-resistant and prevents the NMN from being destroyed by the gastric system.
When choosing an NMN supplement, it’s really important to make sure that what you are purchasing is, in fact, NMN. Here are key things to look out for when choosing an NMN supplement:
For a substance to be deemed as pharmaceutical grade, it needs to go through a stringent multi-step process. This is one of the reasons why pure NMN is so expensive. The cheaper options of NMN, that are currently on the market, are food grade and may well contain contaminants. In fact, there is sometimes less than 10% NMN in food-grade NMN. To test this out, we had a food-grade NMN sample tested and it came back with 8% NMN.
Most fake NMN supplements use fillers or stimulants to make up the bulk of the product. This can potentially put your health at great risk because you don’t know what you are taking. If you’re buying your NMN from a company that only sells NMN capsules, it could be anything!
Another sign that a product is fake, is the price. If you find a product that is double the weight and half of the price of most other NMN products, chances are the provider is either using fillers or a fake product. There should be a warning bell that goes off if the price is way cheaper than its competitors.
Any supplement company that offers high-quality supplements should have them tested by a third party. This includes purity, contaminants, and heavy metals. As a customer, you should be able to request to see these reports. If they refuse to give them to you, it may be a sign that the product is a fake.
Youth & Earth is one of the first supplement companies to provide NMN in the UK and Europe. We’re also the only one that conducts third-party testing. You can find all our lab reports at the end of each product page.
Due to a comment by David Sinclair in a podcast, there is a genuine consensus that NMN can degrade at high temperatures and is not stable. This might be the case for some NMN suppliers, but not us. We have had our NMN tested for stability and it passed with flying colors.
In the test, samples were placed in aluminum bags and subject to 40°C and 75% relative humidity over 3 months! The worse performing sample at the 3-month mark was still at 98.82% pure. You can find proof of this test at the end of each product page.
With summer around the corner in the Northern hemisphere, the stability of NMN under hot temperatures is something to keep in mind when choosing a NMN supplier.
If a company does not have reviews of its products, then it might be worth looking for another supplier that has reviews from customers.
You can find all Youth & Earth’s Reviews on Feefo
At Youth & Earth, we know you only want the best for your body. We want that too and so we never compromise when it comes to quality. Youth & Earth’s NMN supplements provide 99% pharmaceutical grade NMN. Our sublingual powders contain no binders, fillers, excipients, dyes, or unknown substances. All our products are tested by third-party laboratories to ensure that they are of the highest standard. You can ask us for the lab reports at any time and they are available on every product page.
Pure, high-quality NMN is expensive because of the innovative manufacturing process, as well as all the safety measures that are in place to ensure that the NMN is pharmaceutical grade. To understand the cost behind NMN supplements we need a basic understanding of the manufacturing process.
NMN is made through enzymatic synthesis. The nicotinamide molecule goes through 6 complete stages before the NMN molecule is produced. After NMN is finally produced there are a further 7 stages before completing the final product. These including purification, concentration, crystallization, filtering, drying and grinding, testing with quality control, and the packaging of the final product.
To simplify the manufacturing process there are two stages:
nicotinamide → nicotinamide riboside (NR), and then nicotinamide riboside → β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN).
Let’s take a closer look:
1. Nicotinamide → NR: After adding ribose and water to nicotinamide, and then adding nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase, NR is finally obtained through the catalytic reaction of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase.
2. NR → NMN: We then add adenosine triphosphate and nicotinamide riboside kinase to NR after a nicotinamide riboside kinase catalytic reaction. This is followed by hydrolyzation → extraction → purification → concentration → recrystallization → drying and grinding → quality assurance and checks → NMN.
All these stages are conducted in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that has exceptionally high standards. Every batch undergoes rigorous testing to ensure that there are no heavy metals or any other form of contamination. At Youth & Earth, we take it a step further and have our NMN third-party tested by labs in the UK and in Europe. We also have a stability report and our NMN is stored in a special cold facility while awaiting manufacturing and packaging.
You can view all our lab reports on our product pages.
Although David Sinclair takes 1 gram of NMN daily, When working out how much you need to take, it’s important to consider how the NMN is administered and its bioavailability.
NMN is administered in four options that will affect how much NMN actually makes it into your blood system: powder, sublingual powder, standard capsules, and gastric-resistant capsules.
To understand bioavailability, one has to understand the First Pass Effect. This a well known but not commonly discussed topic in the supplement industry.
In a nutshell, it refers to how much of a substance is destroyed or processed by the liver before it actually passes into the blood system. Here is a video that explains the concept.
Because of the first-pass metabolism, oral consumption of NMN is much less effective than sublingual or gastro-resistant capsules. When NMN is taken orally (either when eaten or mixed with a liquid) most of it is destroyed by the stomach acid. The remaining NMN is then metabolized by the liver. How the liver metabolizes NMN can have a huge impact on bioavailability. It may be that only a fraction of NMN actually makes it into your system.
When taking NMN (or any medication or supplement) is taken sublingually, it is absorbed across the mucous membranes (under the tongue) and passes directly into the bloodstream. From there it travels straight to the brain and other organs, bypassing the “first pass effect” from the liver.
It is for this reason, that we believe taking sublingual NMN or in a gastric-resistant capsule is the most effective and efficient. It may require lower doses than taking NMN powder orally or in standard capsule form.
It’s not to say that 1 gram is not efficient. But, as we know, NMN is expensive and if you are on a tight budget, you may be able to reap the same benefit by taking a smaller dose of delayed-release or sublingual powder.
Liposomal NMN has the potential to have the greatest impact in the long term, but currently, NMN in liposomal liquid or gel form is likely to be ineffective as we know NMN degrades in water and is unstable. Given that to make this form you require water, it’s hard to imagine that the NMN will be maintained anywhere near the same purity. The only form of liposomal NMN we would recommend would be in capsule form.
If you take a high-quality supplement with excellent bioavailability, like Youth & Earth’s NMN, then we recommend the following dosages that are based on customer feedback:
If you take sublingual NMN according to directions, it will entire your bloodstream directly and should start to take immediate effect. Researchers found that oral administration of NMN in water converted into NAD+ within 15 minutes and levels continued to rise over an hour. Keep in mind though that the NMN in these studies was not given sublingually.
However, it’s important to note that will all supplements, to really feel a benefit, they must be taken over a prolonged period of time. We would typically recommend 3 months.
The first sign should be that you are feeling more energetic, have longer endurance, and don’t get so tired as easily. Other signs might be weight loss, elevated blood glucose levels dropping, feeling “fit” when performing cardiovascular activities, and increased overall performance physically and mentally. It’s important to keep in mind that everyone is different and you might not experience the same effects as others and in the same amount of time. Rest assured our NMN is of the highest quality with a high level of bioavailability and, with ongoing use, you’re sure to feel the difference.
Yes, NMN could very well be the gateway to modern therapy and demonstrates several benefits in myocardial and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and diabetes. Along with the most recent discovery of its anti-aging properties, most of the benefits are attained through the synthesis of NAD+. NMN, however, shows far better penetration through plasma membranes and doesn’t have the side effects of insomnia, fatigue, and anxiety often exhibited in higher direct doses of NAD+.
Here are some of the ways that NMN can help with chronic conditions:
The process of aging and many of its age-related complications are directly linked to the depletion of NAD+ in our bodies. The restoring of NAD+ levels have shown to increase the lifespan of subjects. NMN being the precursor of NAD+, can provide these beneficial effects as well.
Deterioration of the vascular system and oxidative stress are common occurrences during the aging process. NMN proved to effectively reverse vascular depletion and oxidative stress.
Age-associated increase in body weight and obesity-related complications, including a decrease in energy metabolism and locomotor activity, age-dependent insulin insensitivity, and higher triglyceride levels were reversed by a 12-month NMN intervention. NMN’s success in this preclinical study prompted researchers of Washington University School of Medicine of St. Louis and Keio University School of Medicine in Tokyo to commence a collective research program for the phase I NMN clinical trial. A positive outcome of this study could curve a new direction for anti-aging treatment strategies.
Other research has shown that NMN may reduce age-associated weight gain in a dose-dependent manner. NMN at a dose of 100 and 300mg/kg administered over 12 months showed a body weight reduction of 4 and 9% respectively, compared to the control group.
In a recent study, NMN was administered to obese subjects to compare its improvement of NAD+ levels in comparison to exercise. NMN showed it was capable of increasing NAD+ in both the muscle and liver whereas exercise only increased NAD+ in the muscles. It further showed to also improve metabolic disorders like glucose intolerance similar to exercise.
All-in-all NMN shows the potential to help reverse the weight gain that comes with aging and it shows therapeutic potential in helping the battle against obesity.
NMN has shown its potential as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. The primary characteristic of type 2 diabetes is insulin resistance which is caused by oxidative stress and various other factors. These are all corrected by NAD+. A fatty diet and aging contributes greatly to this type of diabetes and is usually linked to the reduction of NAD+.
To correct the high-fat diet and aging-induced type 2 diabetes NMN was administered in high-fat, diet-fed female and male diabetic subjects. All of them showed significant improvements in insulin intolerance. In the case of age-induced diabetes, NMN corrected glucose intolerance in both male and female diabetic mice.
NMN has shown promise in the treatment of Alzheimer’s as it focuses on and nurses the causes of this disease. A recent study demonstrated its ability to directly target and treat the underlying causes namely a decrease in oxygen consumption rates (OCR) and NAD+.
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), bleeding on the brain, is a neurological disorder responsible for 10-15% of all strokes. NMN may improve the condition. A study on collagenase-induced ICH showed that NMN treatment increased intracerebral NAD+ concentration post-ICH and provided protection against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or motor neurone disease) and ischemic stroke. Although this intervention failed to improve the localized bleeding it successfully improved the conditions mediated by ICH, suggesting NMN as an efficient ICH treatment.
Ischemia occurs when a part of your body does not get sufficient blood. Ischemic events cause the amount of oxygen and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels found in cardiac muscles to decrease. Reperfusion is the process of resupplying blood to these tissues which have gone through ischemia.
Ischemia followed by reperfusion is a deadly condition dealing with severe tissue damage. Ischemic preconditioning or IPC is the body's way of counteracting this deadly condition. IPC induces Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) a NAD-dependent protein responsible for generating oxygen free radicals. This provides the body with a countermeasure to oxidative stress and injury caused by ischemia and reperfusion.
NMN has shown the ability to activate SIRT1 mimicking the action of IPC to improve ischemia-reperfusion injury. Apart from this, NMN provided during ischemic events promotes cardioprotection. NMN has also shown it’s potential as a protective treatment against ischemic brain injury.
Currently, there are limited medical strategies to protect the heart and brain from ischemia-reperfusion injury. NMN has shown to be a successful means during clinical trials and could be the strategy in combating this disorder in the future.
Yes, a clinical trial was conducted in 10 healthy men to investigate the safety of NMN in single oral dosages of 100, 250, and 500mg. NMN did not cause any significant changes in heart rate, or blood pressure, and was safely and effectively metabolized in healthy men without any harmful effects.
The researchers concluded:
The single oral administration of NMN was safe and effectively metabolized in healthy men without causing any significant deleterious effects. Thus, the oral administration of NMN was found to be feasible, implicating a potential therapeuitc strategy to mitigate aging-related disorders in humans.
In a long-term study in mice, oral NMN was administered for 1 year at 100 and 300 mg per kg of the bodyweight daily. Even at dosages much higher than those advertised for humans, the tests showed no adverse side effects or signs of toxicity.
If you have been taking NMN for a long period, it might be a good precaution to take TMG to prevent any potential methylation issues. In short, methylation is a crucial biochemical process that occurs in every cell in the body and our bodies have a pool of molecules called methyl groups that it uses for this process. If there is a lack of methyl groups, the body might not be able to perform all the critical functions of methylation which could lead to health conditions.
When NMN is converted into NAD+, nicotinamide (NAM) is formed. High levels of nicotinamide are bad for our bodies and in order for our bodies to get rid of it, it needs to be methylated into N-methyl nicotinamide, that’s then excreted and, in order to do that, the body draws on our pool of methyl groups.
However, this might cause a lack of methyl groups to perform all the other critical functions that require methylation. To prevent this from happening, you can take TMG which donates a methyl group. It’s important to note that in a podcast with Dr. Mercola, Dr. Sinclair mentioned that he takes TMG only as a precaution because the research is unclear at this stage.
For more on TMG, read What is NMN and Are There Any Side Effects?
Research into NMN is ongoing and, so far, it’s showing great potential to slow, if not reverse, the signs of aging. NMN is a safe and effective way to naturally raise the levels of NAD+ within the cells of your body and, with it, all the benefits of optimized NAD+ levels.
If you are needing to regain your youth, strength, and health, then try Youth & Earth’s cutting-edge NMN today. Our high bioavailability means that you don’t need to take as much as other NMN products, making your order go so much further. You can also rest assured knowing that you are taking a supplement that is of the highest standard, backed by third-party evaluations.
As with all supplements, you will see the most benefit if you make lifestyle adjustments such as moving more, eating a healthy diet, managing your stress, and ensuring you get sufficient rest. Discover the secrets to feeling younger for longer in Lessons From the Blue Zones - Feel Younger for Longer.
The opportunity to stay young, live long, and love life is at your fingertips. Contact us today with any questions about NMN or any of our products, we’re eager to hear from you.
“Too many people, when they get old, think that they have to live by the calendar.”
John Glenn - Oldest person to board a US Space Shuttle at the age of 77
The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or health provider before starting a new health regime or program. Do not ignore medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you’ve read on this site or any Youth & Earth product.
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Vitamin C has long been touted as the go-to for fighting colds and flu. But taking a vitamin C megadose has health benefits that extend beyond treating the sniffles to helping you live a long and happy life. From easing arthritis to assisting in fat loss, this vitamin is essential to our health in many ways and is an important tool to add to your anti-aging health regime.
Vitamin C or L-ascorbic acid is one of the 13 essential vitamins your body needs to stay healthy. Ascorbic acid is the abundant form of vitamin C that’s found in foods (at about 80-90%). The rest (10-20%), is dehydroascorbic acid, the oxidized form of ascorbic acid.
This critical nutrient is water-soluble which means it can easily diffuse into the bloodstream because of the aqueous nature of the blood plasma, extracellular fluid, and stomach contents. In the body, vitamin C is absorbed by special transporters in the small intestine called Sodium-Dependent Vitamin C Transporters. (SVCT-1). However, these transporters can only absorb up to 200mg. Therefore, only about 14-30% of traditional vitamin C supplements are actually absorbed, the rest is quite literally flushed away due to solubility of this vitamin.
Unlike other mammals, we can’t manufacture vitamin C which is why we need to obtain it from external sources. Vitamin C occurs naturally in variable quantities in fruits, vegetables, and in the organ meat that we eat such as kidney and liver. Increasing these foods that contain vitamin C is one way to ensure that you’re getting a daily dose of this vitamin. But, not sufficient to experience the full health benefits of optimized vitamin C levels.
— Linus Pauling
The body needs vitamin C to help cell growth, development, and repair of all tissues.
For example, vitamin C:
Strengthens the immune system.
Helps form collagen.
Keeps the bones, cartilage, skin, and teeth healthy.
Heals wounds.
Aids in iron absorption.
Protects the cardiovascular system.
Supports fat burning and increases metabolism.
In the body, vitamin C plays the role of a cofactor to many critical enzymes. Some enzymes require cofactors to function as they should. The enzymes that need vitamin C are responsible for the biosynthesis of hormones, neurotransmitters, and gene transcription regulators.
Vitamin C also functions as a powerful antioxidant and the tiniest of quantities can protect crucial molecules from cell damage caused by free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). These molecules include DNA and RNA, fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
The best vitamin C supplements are those that are high-quality liposomal vitamin C. Liposomal technology encapsulates the vitamin C in phospholipids that bypasses the special transporter and allows close to 100% of the nutrient to be absorbed by the body. Liposomal vitamin C, therefore, has a very high bioavailability.
Bioavailability refers to the proportion of a substance (in this case vitamin C) that enters the circulation system upon the intake of a vitamin C supplement or foods. With traditional vitamin C supplements, only about 200mg of vitamin C can be used by the body because of having to pass through the digestive system and the special transporter.
Although common vitamin C supplements may boast high amounts of this vitamin, because of the limitation in how much the body can absorb, most supplements have low bioavailability and a large percentage of the vitamin is excreted.
Incorporating foods that contain vitamin C will help increase levels of this vitamin in your body. But, when taken in from natural sources, the bioavailability of ascorbic acid is high at lower doses, but as your dosage increases, it drops to below 50%. This trend has led some to a general belief that vitamin C should only be taken in smaller doses resulting in many experiencing low levels and possibly even a deficiency.
Most people associate a vitamin C deficiency with images of scurvy-ridden sailors. But even low levels of vitamin C can affect your health and functioning. Here are some of the signs of low vitamin C levels:
Research has shown that low levels of vitamin C can lead to chronic degenerative illnesses. In fact, most infectious diseases are linked to minimal or no vitamin C supplementation.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin C is 40 mg/d. According to experts in this field, this vitamin C level is not sufficient for treating serious infectious diseases. A person requires several hundred to several thousand-fold times the RDA dosage to build a formidable wall against lifespan-threatening diseases.
A vitamin C megadose is an injection or consumption of (in a form like liposomal) ascorbic acid that is way higher than the RDA of 40 mg per day.
Megadose vitamin C given intravenously is a regime that is usually administered by a physician. These huge amounts of vitamin C are administered frequently throughout the day depending on the condition of the patient. Intravenous vitamin C treatment has been used for treating respiratory conditions, allergies, arthritis, and even shingles.
It’s also possible to megadose with liposomal vitamin C. Liposomal delivery allows vitamin C to be delivered directly into the targeted cell which allows you to absorb the full 1000 mg of vitamin C. Liposomal vitamin C has been shown to be as effective as intravenous delivery.
Leading expert on vitamin C, Dr. Thomas Levy states:
For more on liposomal supplements and why we use them at Youth & Earth, you might like to read: What Are Liposomal Supplements and How Do They Work?
Use code DDD20 for 20% off your first order of Liposomal Vitamin C
Vitamin C has been under the spotlight since it was first proved to cure scurvy. Since then, it has become one of the most studied molecules with thousands of medical studies that have made it so well-known.
As early as 1949, Dr. Frederick Klenner reported that he had cured 60 of his patients who were suffering from polio by giving them a vitamin C megadose of up to 20 000mg daily. His findings were published in a journal, but sadly the medical world didn’t show any interest because the Salk vaccine had just been created. He was the first doctor to emphasize that small amounts of vitamin C would not be effective and he published over 20 medical reports on megadoses of vitamin C to successfully treat bacterial and viral diseases.
— Frederick Klenner, MD
In the 1970s, Linus Pauling, a double Nobel prize-winner, became fascinated with the benefits of this humble vitamin. And, from his research and own experience, he became convinced of the benefits of vitamin C in large doses.
He also championed vitamin C megadosing as a way of preventing chronic diseases including cancer treatment and as an effective agent to improve many of the traditional treatments for disease.
Dr. Thomas Levy, the author of Curing the Incurable: Vitamin C, Infectious Diseases, and Toxins, has researched vitamin C in megadoses for years. In the introduction to his book, he says:
“Although vitamin C is an incredibly effective single therapy for many infectious diseases, there are virtually no medical treatments for any infectious disease that are not substantially improved by the addition of vitamin C. The only absolute requirements are that vitamin C be given:
In the right form
With the proper technique
In frequent enough doses
In high enough doses
Along with certain additional agents, and
For a long enough period of time.”
In the last couple of years, this has been shown to be true for the treatment of sepsis and other conditions. Here’s a full interview with Dr. Paul Marik, a critical care doctor at EVMS who uses a megadose of vitamin C in combination with other treatments to cure sepsis.
It’s important to note that megadosing with vitamin C can only be effective if it’s delivered in the correct form such as IV or liposomal form, under specific conditions. Too much vitamin C in another form may cause gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea and nausea. It’s best to consult your healthcare practitioner before attempting any megadose regime on your own.
Although there is no clear evidence yet of vitamin C being able to prevent or cure COVID 19, there are indications that taking vitamin C intravenously may well help. It’s important to note that research is ongoing and vitamin C has been used in conjunction with other interventions.
One of the most recent examples of megadosing vitamin C is in the fight against COVID 19. Experts from Shanghai China found that all patients who received the IV treatment improved and there no one died. There were also no side effects and the stay in hospital was 3-5 days shorter. There is currently a clinical trial on the effectiveness of IV vitamin C for COVID underway in Wuhan China. Results are expected to be out in September this year.
Based on these results and their recommendations, critically ill COVID patients in New York’s state hospital system are being given a megadose of vitamin C (1500mg) that’s repeated throughout the day. It has been found that vitamin C levels drop significantly when a patient suffers from sepsis (an inflammatory response when the body overreacts to the infection. By administering vitamin C intravenously, it helps restore these levels.
Dr. Andrew Weber, a critical-care specialist and pulmonologist, was quoted in the New York Post as saying: “The patients who received vitamin C did significantly better than those who did not get vitamin C. It helps a tremendous amount, but it is not highlighted because it’s not a sexy drug.”
Currently, there’s no medicine to treat or prevent COVID-19. However, here is an interview with Dr. Thomas Levy by Top Santé Magazine on vitamin C and COVID-19, as well as cancer.
Apart from helping treat infections and illness, there are multiple benefits to taking vitamin C in large doses. Here are some of the ways that it can help improve your health and to slow, if not reverse, aging.
Chronic diseases such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, cancer, and stroke are all associated with aging and poor lifestyle habits. Studies seem to indicate that higher levels of vitamin C are associated with a lower risk of developing these conditions.
By making healthy lifestyle choices, eating a well-balanced diet, and supplementing with a high-quality vitamin C that is a good bioavailability will go a long way in reducing your risk of these conditions.
For more on how healthy habits can help extend your healthspan and lifespan, read Lessons From the Blue Zones - Feel Younger for Longer.
Many chronic diseases and the signs of aging are thought to be caused by oxidative damage. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and is known to be an electron donor. This prevents free radicals from scavenging electrons off cells and tissues causing destruction and deterioration in function. According to research, taking vitamin C in doses of about 1,000 mg can help lower oxidative stress.
The immune system needs vitamin C to function optimally. Dr. Thomas Levy describes this vitamin as the “muscle” of the immune system. Vitamin C helps with the production and function of several parts of the immune system. This includes phagocytes (cells that ingest harmful materials including bacteria and viruses), leukocytes (white blood cells), and T-cells whose main role is to scan the body for infections and abnormalities.
Viral respiratory infections can be prevented with a megadose of vitamin C. The cells responsible for immunity accumulate vitamin C and use it to destroy invading viruses and bacteria. Research also shows that the immune system is weakened by inflammatory reactions to infections. With vitamin C, you can indirectly counter this by mitigating oxidative stress. All-in-all, vitamin C is essential for immune function and can help fight infections.
For more on the immune system, you might like to read: COVID 19 - What you need to know plus how to support your immune system.
Having adequate vitamin C levels may well help you lose weight gain that is associated with age. Researchers have found that individuals with adequate levels of vitamin C, oxidize 25% more fat during exercise than those with low levels of vitamin C. This is thought to be because of the role of vitamin C as a cofactor and an antioxidant.
Vitamin C plays an important role in the synthesis of a molecule in our bodies called carnitine. In short, carnitine acts like a shovel and moves fat molecules from storage to the place where it is oxidized (“burnt”) in our cells. When you don’t have enough carnitine, you may feel fatigued and struggle to lose weight. Interestingly, one of the first signs of vitamin C deficiency is fatigue. Vitamin C’s antioxidant properties also help decrease levels of oxidative stress which is thought to boost metabolism as well.
As we age, genetic information also gets altered and metabolic process controls change. These changes ultimately alter the activity of enzymes linked to collagen production. Connective tissue aging is manifested in organs such as the heart, lungs, skin, liver, and kidneys. Vitamin C helps the body to produce collagen, the primary substance in tendons and ligaments.
Activities such as workouts and strenuous training can cause tearing of the connective tissue and this essential molecule has been found to be instrumental in the tissue repair process. So if you are active, taking vitamin C will help your body to heal and protect connective tissue which can help you recover from any injury or strenuous workout and also improve the condition of your joints over time.
The endothelium is the lining of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels and changes in this lining are the first steps towards developing atherosclerosis. Vitamin C has been found to improve endothelial dysfunction in subjects who had heart failure, atherosclerosis, and diabetes. The doses were above 500mg vitamin C a day.
A daily dose of vitamin C (60mg to 4 000mg) appears to help reduce hypertension. Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 29 small short-term studies and found that vitamin C reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure. They noted that there is a need for a good, long-term study on the effects of vitamin C on blood pressure.
If you suffer from high blood pressure, it’s important that you do not rely on vitamin C alone to self-treat your condition. Always consult your healthcare practitioner before changing anything in your treatment.
Aging causes loss in bone density and mass. In turn, this affects posture and leads to weakness. Studies have linked higher vitamin C doses with increased bone mass. Vitamin C supplementation in greater amounts also improves bone mineral density.
Strengthening the bone structure is crucial in fighting the effects of arthritis and related health conditions strongly associated with aging.
There is no unique relationship between depression and aging. In fact, just about anyone can become depressed. In a study done at Amsterdam University Medical Center, scientists used blood samples to establish that depression could also lead to premature aging.
With that said, older adults are at a higher risk of experiencing depression due to a number of factors such as hormonal changes, life experiences, nutritional deficiencies, sleep problems, and more.
Through various mechanisms, vitamin C has been shown to help uplift mood. One of the pathways is through the activation of GABA neurotransmitter receptors which boosts mood.
It makes sense that increasing the levels of vitamin C can help you feel better and lift your mood. Not only because of the activation of GABA but also because you’ll feel more energetic and healthier overall. This can only help your mood!
The efficacy of vitamin C depends on the size of the dosage and the length of time it is taken. Ideally, you would want a lot for a much longer duration. However, the question is, how do you go about it? Here are a few suggestions to start you off.
Keep in mind that if you suffer from a chronic condition or are on medication, it’s best to consult with your healthcare practitioner before starting any form of supplementation.
Despite the massive benefits of vitamin C, how we consume it makes a difference in its bioavailability. If you just want to meet the RDA requirements, you could opt for natural sources of the vitamin by increasing vitamin C-rich foods in your daily diet. However, to experience the most health benefits, you need to take a megadose of vitamin C.
One option is to use an intravenous delivery system to directly increase vitamin C levels in the bloodstream. However, unless you have access to IV, this option is costly and inconvenient.
The second option is to use liposomal vitamin C. The advantage of this delivery method is that it does not depend on vitamin C transporters but rather infuses directly and releases into the blood circulation. As mentioned earlier in this article, liposomal delivery can be as effective as intravenous, but without the inconvenience and cost.
A megadose of vitamin C taken regularly is effective in fighting diseases. Though the dosage varies with the disease being addressed, megadoses of about 3,000+ milligrams per day are recommended when fighting serious infections.
Some chronic viral diseases can metabolize vitamin C in the range of 300,000 to 400,000 mg daily. This means patients will have to get higher doses of the vitamin to recover. Such doses can only be supplied through the delivery methods mentioned above - intravenously or via liposomal technology.
The Linus Pauling Institute recommends that healthy, young, non-smokers should take about 400mg/day to achieve saturation. However, they do mention that the data is limited in how much is required for older adults and children. Researchers at the institute have found that the cellular intake of vitamin C declines with age and therefore the elderly would need to supplement in higher doses.
Youth & Earth’s liposomal vitamin C will release 1000mg directly into your cells. This will ensure that you adequately replenish your vitamin C levels every day with minimal side effects.
Best results are achieved when your body receives optimal levels of vitamin C over a long period of time. It takes time to heal and restore dysfunction and a once-off dose or even a short-term dose might not show any dramatic benefit. If you are undergoing a megadose protocol to treat an infection, then it’s best to follow your health practitioner’s recommendations.
Vitamin C is a powerful molecule and its potency in curing the incurable has been proven to be exceptional. From curing scurvy to boosting your immunity, reversing oxidative damage, and everything in between, this is one of the supplements you would not want to miss in your cupboard.
As you age, it’s worth being sure that you are getting in optimal amounts of vitamin C to maintain the vitality and youthfulness you need to regain your strength and vitality and live your life with purpose. Remember, the effectiveness of vitamin C is all in the form, frequency of intake, dosage, and lastly but certainly not the least, the duration of intake.
The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or health provider before starting a new health regime or program. Do not ignore medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you’ve read on this site or any Youth & Earth product.
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Hyaluronic acid is a clear fluid substance, made from sugars, that’s found naturally in our bodies. It’s highly concentrated in the fluids found in our eyes and joints and about 50% is found in our skin. It binds to water to help attract and retain moisture, protect collagen, and provide lubrication and flexibility to the skin and joints. However, as we age, its levels decline and so does its benefits… which could be the reason why aged skin starts to look dryer and wrinkles become more pronounced.
The hyaluronic acid that’s used in supplements and anti-aging products used to be extracted from the combs of roosters. This method has steadily declined and the preferred method is now plant-based. Modern HA is manufactured in a laboratory by using specific hyaluronic acid-producing bacteria to ferment grains. The fermentation is finally purified and precipitated so that the result is pure hyaluronic acid.
Yes, hyaluronic acid has shown to be anti-aging because it allows the skin and connective tissues to retain moisture and remain hydrated. It also helps maintain collagen levels which tend to decline as we age so hyaluronic acid also protects our joints, ligaments, tendons, and other connective tissues. Supplementing with an effective hyaluronic acid product can potentially slow down and even prevent the deterioration that comes with age.
For more on aging, you might also like to read our article: The Three Factors That Cause Premature Aging.
Hyaluronic acid was first discovered in the early 1940s. Since then, it has become a topic for thousands of research papers. Here are a few of its major benefits.
Our bones, cartilage, and joints all contain hyaluronic acid. The cartilage and synovial fluid (a jelly-like substance in the joint) protect and cushion the bones. Because HA absorbs water, it helps hydrate bones, maintain collagen, and protect the cartilage and joints. And, as a result, it’s highly effective at reducing the symptoms associated with arthritis and other degenerative joint conditions.
For example, one of the many studies found it to help people, aged 70 and younger, with knee pain (osteoarthritis) after receiving 80-200mg of HA daily for two months.
This water-loving molecule can retain to 1 000 times its weight in water, it naturally hydrates dry skin and makes it look softer and smoother. The extra moisture also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Numerous studies have found that it reduces these aging skin signs and improves the suppleness and firmness of the skin.
Hyaluronic acid also helps with tissue regeneration which makes it particularly effective at healing wounds and other skin damage, including sunburn. This is due to its ability to keep the tissue moist, manage inflammation, and stimulate the body to produce more blood vessels in the damaged area. This helps nutrients get to the damaged tissue and also helps the body remove waste from those areas.
Hyaluronic acid also seems to play a vital role in keeping our bones strong and healthy. Studies have found that HA may help slow down bone loss during the beginning stages of osteoporosis and another test-tube study found that HA helped bone cells grow.
Although more research is needed on HA and bone health, the studies are indicating that it can help our bones stay strong and delay bone loss due to aging.
The eye socket contains a fluid that is almost entirely made out of hyaluronic acid. A lack of this fluid can lead to chronic dry eyes because the body is not able to produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. Chronic dry eyes are extremely uncomfortable.
A study found out that 1 out of 7 older adults (aged 65 to 84 years) suffer from dry eye. The research noted the prevalence of the condition doubled after the age of 59, which seems to indicate that we become more susceptible to this condition as we age. Using eye drops that contain hyaluronic acid can bring relief to this condition. Interestingly, researchers have found NMN to be beneficial in treating dry eye and improving eye function. You can find out more about NMN in our article What is NMN and Are There Any Side Effects?
Hyaluronic acid is also used in eye surgery to hydrate, reduce inflammation, and speed up wound healing. It’s been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help replace natural fluids in procedures like cataract removal, repairing detached retina and corneal transplants.
Hyaluronic acid is produced naturally by our bodies and is found in certain foods. There are also foods that you can eat to help your body produce and preserve HA. These include the following:
Including the above foods into your diet will only benefit your natural hyaluronic acid levels. However, supplementing in a form that has high bioavailability is one of the most effective ways to restore your levels and prevent the natural decline in HA that comes with age.
Hyaluronic acid comes in many forms such as serums, creams, oral supplements, eye drops, and injections. If you have a specific condition, and your health practitioner recommends hyaluronic acid, he or she will most likely give you the supplement that will be most effective. For example, if you struggle with osteoarthritis in the knee, he or she might well administer an HA injection.
Serums are widely used in beauty products and anti-aging creams, however these work from the outside in. Also, some oral supplements have a low bioavailability because HA has a naturally high molecular weight which means that you experience fewer health benefits.
At Youth & Earth, we have developed two products that will help restore your hyaluronic levels. INJUV works from the inside out to combat the signs of aging, and to hydrate and rejuvenate your skin. We’ve formulated this product with low molecular weight hyaluronic acid to improve oral bioavailability so that you experience the maximum health benefits from our products.
Our Liposomal Hyaluronic Acid has high bioavailability and allows HA to be absorbed directly into the cells and tissues where it's needed the most. This revolutionary product gets to work deep within the skin and cells, allowing you to look and feel younger.
For more on liposomal supplements and why they are so effective, read What are Liposomal Supplements and How Do They Work?
Hyaluronic acid supplements are generally considered safe and allergic reactions are rare because it’s naturally produced by the body. However, as with most supplements, there are always a few individuals who may experience side effects and we recommend that you consult with your health care practitioner before trying out a new supplement, particularly if you suffer from a chronic condition or are on medication.
Breastfeeding or pregnant women should also seek medical advice before considering supplementing with hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic injections to the skin or joints present a higher risk of side effects. However, the concern is with a reaction to the injection procedure rather than with the substance itself. Side effects that may occur include pain in the joint that’s injected, swelling, and stiffness, redness, itching, or tingling. Individuals might also experience headaches and dizziness. If you are going to undergo HA injections, it’s best to seek medical advice about the known side effects.
If you are struggling with joint pain and stiffness, and your skin is feeling dry and dehydrated, then supplementing with hyaluronic acid will potentially help ease many of these symptoms. For further relief and to help inflammation, you can also try supplementing with our Krill Oil that has shown to be beneficial in providing relief to inflamed joints and many other conditions. You can read more on Krill Oil and its benefits in What is Krill Oil and Why Is It Good for You? As with all health supplements, the most benefit is found when taken in conjunction with a healthy diet and active lifestyle.
Aging does not necessarily mean deteriorating. By supplementing wisely, living an active and healthy life with purpose, you can actively work towards staying younger for longer.
Aging is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength.
- Betty Friedan
The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or health provider before starting a new health regime or program. Do not ignore medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you’ve read on this site or any Youth & Earth product.
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Low levels of omega-3s in the blood have long been associated with many chronic diseases and the deterioration associated with unhealthy aging. As a result, much research has been done on the benefits of supplementing with omega-3s. The most popular supplement has been fish oil. However, most users of fish oil have encountered the unpleasant side effects that accompany it. Find out why Superba Krill oil is a better option to boost your omega-3 levels and why it’s anti-aging.
Superba krill oil comes from the oil extracted from a small shrimp-like crustacean (krill) known as Euphausia Superba that’s found in the Antarctic ocean. Although krill are present in most of our oceans, the krill in these waters are virtually free from environmental contaminants and toxins. Fish oil comes from fatty fish such as sardines, salmon, and tuna.
Although they have similar health benefits, they have a different structure. Fish oil is bound by triglycerides whereas krill oil consists of phospholipids.
Krill oil is a good source of health-promoting nutrients such as:
Omega-3 fatty acids (both EPA & DHA) - essential fatty acids that play an important role in health and longevity.
Phospholipids - special molecules that help omega-3’s cross the cell membrane leading to higher levels in the blood. This makes krill oil unique because the omega-3’s are more easily absorbed by the body.
Choline - a critical nutrient for many processes in our bodies.
Astaxanthin - an antioxidant that protects the krill oil from oxidation, so there’s no need for preservatives. It also gives krill oil a red color.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that are found naturally in marine animals, plants, and nut oils. However, they can also be obtained from various supplements. There are two types of omega-3 fatty acids, namely long and short-chain omega-3 fatty acids.
Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids - Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) are found in marine sources.
Short-chain omega-3 fatty acids - Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA) is found in plant and nut oils such as flaxseed. Though very beneficial, ALA has far fewer health benefits than both EPA and DHA and has to be consumed in far larger quantities.
Numerous studies around the globe show that omega-3’s can help with a wide array of diseases and conditions. These essential fatty acids:
Fight inflammation and help ease the symptoms of inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
Potentially prevent cancer.
Reduce asthma.
Fight anxiety and depression, and benefit other mental health disorders.
Prevent cardiovascular disease and the risk of strokes.
Reduce fat around the liver and inflammation associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Protect and repair the skin.
Boost bone health and improve joint health.
Fight age-related mental decline and conditions like Alzheimer’s Disease.
Improve eye health and prevent macular degeneration.
Despite the known health benefits of omega-3s, a study published in 2016, showed that 97% of the world’s population displayed low blood levels of these essential fatty acids. America, Europe, the Middle East, South East Asia, and Africa seemed to have the lowest levels. This was thought to be predominantly due to their westernized diets.
Krill oil is fast becoming the popular alternative to fish oils. Like fish oil, it boasts high levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), omega-3 fatty acids only found in marine sources. However, krill oil’s omega-3’s are primarily bound to phospholipids, and research suggests these have higher levels of bioavailability than regular omega-3’s found in fish oils.
The phospholipids are also the reason why krill oil has no fishy aftertaste or unpleasant digestion issues. Watch the video below from Akerbiomarine to see the difference between fish oil and krill oil and how the phospholipids help with digestion.
Apart from no unpleasant aftertaste for most, krill oil also boasts the following health benefits:
Both krill oil and fish oil contain EPA and DHA. However, evidence suggests that because molecules in krill oil are phospholipids they may be easier absorbed into the bloodstream. A second study has shown krill oil to be more effective than fish oil in raising omega-3 levels and this may be directly related to their different forms of omega-3 fats.
In addition to its uniquely bound phospholipid omega-3’s, krill oil also has the advantage of choline and astaxanthin. Choline is a fairly new nutrient in terms of discovery and was only acknowledged as an essential nutrient in 1998 by the Institute of Medicine. Although small amounts are made within our livers, the majority of our choline must be obtained through our diets, much like omega-3’s, and therefore supplementing with a good source, like krill oil, is very beneficial.
Often grouped with Vitamin B complex due to its similarities, it’s vital to our health:
It supports our cells - Choline is needed for the development of fats that support cell membranes.
It improves cell signaling - Choline produces compounds that act as messengers within our cells.
Choline boosts metabolism and helps with fat transport - Choline deficiency's in the liver may result in fat and cholesterol build-up.
Helps DNA synthesis - Alongside other vitamins such as B12 and Folate, choline helps with a process needed for DNA synthesis.
Maintains a healthy nervous system - The body uses choline to produce acetylcholine — a neurotransmitter used in muscle movement, memory, regulating heartbeat, and other basic functions.
Omega-3 fatty acids have long shown to have anti-inflammatory properties within our bodies. However, krill oil may have even better anti-inflammatory action, as it appears to be easier for our bodies to use than regular fish oils.
Furthermore, krill contains astaxanthin a pink-orange pigment with both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. A small study went on to show that taking 1000mg off krill oil daily improved inflammation more effectively than 2000mg daily of purified omega-3. An additional study on chronic inflammation showed that 300mg of krill oil daily reduced inflammation by up to 30% after just one month of use.
A study has shown that krill oil significantly lowered joint pain and stiffness in both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis patients, whilst improving functional impairment. In a second small study on patients suffering from mild knee pain, results showed taking krill oil for 30 days significantly reduced pain and improved range of motion. In additional research on mice with arthritis, krill oil has shown to improve arthritis scores and lower the swelling and inflammation of joints.
Research has shown krill oil to improve blood lipid levels, whilst also effectively reducing levels of triglycerides and other blood fats. In a study against purified omega-3, only krill oil was shown to raise levels of the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the beneficial cholesterol). Furthermore, it was shown more effecting at lowering inflammation even at far lower doses.
Upon review of seven studies, results showed that krill oil was not only good at lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides but may also increase HDL cholesterol levels. A controlled trial has also found that krill oil significantly improves insulin resistance scores and the function of the lining of blood vessels. Furthermore, it has also been found that omega-3’s may be more effective at treating patients with chronic heart failure than statins.
Omega-3 has been known to help decrease pain and inflammation. However, a study was done to compare the effects of krill oil vs fish oil in women suffering from premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The study showed that both supplements significantly improved the symptoms of the women, but those taking krill oil used significantly fewer pain meds than those taking fish oil. These results suggest that krill oil may be more effective than other sources of omega-3 when it comes to reducing the symptoms of PMS.
Phospholipids make krill oil more bio-efficient allowing for smaller capsules than regular omega-3 supplements. As demonstrated in the video above, due to its phospholipid structure krill oil’s omega-3’s mix well with stomach contents preventing the fishy aftertaste, belching, and other unpleasant digestive issues so that you can get on with life and enjoy the far-reaching health benefits of regular omega-3 supplementation.
Yes, adding krill oil into your diet is a great option to optimize your health and to potentially slow down aging and the associated deterioration.
As mentioned, krill oil has been shown to be rich in omega-3 fatty acids, choline, and astaxanthin—these all have anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation has been linked to many diseases and conditions associated with aging and is regulated by the longevity pathway NF-kB (Nuclear Factor-kappa B). Overexpression of the NF-kB pathway can lead to cell deterioration and damage caused by ongoing inflammation. Therefore krill oil is one of the ways that you can inhibit this pathway.
With regular use, krill oil will also signal the mTOR longevity gene that will bring additional health benefits to your brain, heart, eyes, and liver.
To find out more about the longevity pathways and how you can use them to slow aging and feel youthful again, read: The Longevity Pathways - How to Live a Happy, Healthy and Long Life.
Apart from reducing inflammation, krill oil has been shown to help with other issues associated with aging such as cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and cholesterol problems. It’s also known to combat oxidative stress, support the immune system, reduce water loss in the skin, and keep the body youthful and healthy. All-in-all, krill oil is anti-aging in every sense.
Our Superba Krill Oil consists of 100% pure krill oil. Each capsule is 1000mg and we recommend that you take 1-2 capsules a day with water. Do not exceed the recommended amount unless directed by your healthcare practitioner.
Krill oil appears to be safe for most adults and does not carry any significant side effects. However, as with all health products, there are always the few who find themselves sensitive to a particular supplement. If you have reacted to a previous krill oil product, it’s best to consult your healthcare practitioner before trying a new product.
Also, if you are allergic to fish or shellfish, it’s best to avoid taking krill oil.
Here are a few side effects that sensitive individuals might experience:
Bad breath
Diarrhea
Heartburn
Decreased appetite
Change in taste
Potentially increased facial oil or breakouts
Safety during pregnancy and breast-feeding has not yet been established and should also be avoided or used with caution. We recommend that you consult your healthcare practitioner before trying any new supplement when pregnant or breast-feeding.
Due to its mild blood-thinning effects, krill oil should be used with caution in those with bleeding disorders or on blood-thinning medication such as warfarin (Coumadin). However, it should be mentioned that most research indicates that dosages of 3 to 6g daily do not significantly affect the anticoagulant status of warfarin patients. But, it’s best to consult your healthcare practitioner before supplementing.
The rate at which you will notice a significant change from krill oil largely relates to what purpose you are using it for. Daily supplementation of krill oil reduced chronic inflammation and arthritic pain after just one month of use. However, a decrease in the symptoms of PMS was seen after 90 days.
As you can see, there are many benefits to adding krill oil to your daily healthcare routine. Packed with omega-3’s plus anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it boasts a smaller dosage requirement than that of traditional fish oil plus it comes with fewer side effects such as a fishy aftertaste and digestive upset.
Our Superba Krill Oil from Aker Biomarine is pure, traceable, sustainable, and backed by science — all qualities that we value at Youth & Earth. Try our Superba Krill Oil today and start regaining vitality and sustaining a great quality of life into the golden years.
The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or health provider before starting a new health regime or program. Do not ignore medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you’ve read on this site or any Youth & Earth product.
]]>So, what is circadian rhythm? To put it simply, the word circadian comes from Latin. The word “circa ” means “around” and the word “dies” means day. It literally means “around a day” and refers to the cycles or rhythms in our bodies (physiological, biochemical, and behavioral cycles) that revolve around a 24-hour period.
Roughly 20 000 nerve cells make up the master clock part of your brain called the suprachiasmatic nucleus or SCN. It’s controlled by a part of our brain called the hypothalamus and receives direct input from the eyes that registers light and dark. So although natural factors within our bodies produce these rhythms, they are influenced by outside factors within our environments.
The most well-known cycle — sleeping during the night and being awake during the day — is an example of a light-related circadian rhythm and is known as the sleep-wake cycle. Other examples of daily rhythms include variations in body temperature and hormonal cycles.
All the cycles in the human body are synchronized and influenced by each other which is why hormones can disrupt sleep, and why continuously disrupted sleep can wreak havoc with your hormones, increase stress levels, and influence all other processes in your body.
To find out more about how stress can cause early aging, read: The Three Factors That Cause Premature Aging.
As it starts growing darker outside our eyes send signals to the brain to tell the body it’s time to slow down and to get ready to rest. In response, the brain then sends signals to the body to release melatonin (the hormone that helps us sleep). As a result, we start to feel drowsy and ready for a good night’s rest.
As we sleep, the body continues to produce melatonin throughout the night with the highest levels being between 2 and 4 in the morning. As dawn begins to break, levels of melatonin start to drop (in response to light) and eventually stop. But, at the same time, the body begins to produce cortisol that activates the body and helps us to wake up.
Because the sleep-cycle is influenced by the internal biological clock that’s in tune with light and dark, any disruption in the stimulus of light or in the natural cycle can disrupt or even change the circadian rhythm. This is why night-shift workers may struggle to sleep deeply during the day and feel sleepy at night.
Anything that interrupts your usual sleep cycle can affect your circadian rhythm. This includes:
Your circadian rhythm regulates thousands of genes throughout the brain and the body. It is responsible for the timing and coordination of all processes including metabolism, immune function, and DNA repair. Recent studies have revealed that these genes are rhythmically expressed throughout the brain and play critical roles in the regulation of normal processes.
The odd bad night is one thing, but ongoing disrupted circadian rhythm and being deprived of sleep, as a result, can put your health at risk. In fact, many studies have found a direct correlation between an abnormal circadian rhythm and neurodegenerative and sleep disorders. New clinical trials are also indicating that dysfunction in this cycle can influence aging and diseases associated with aging.
All-in-all, disruptions in this system link to a wide range of health implications, including:
Sleep disorders
Heart disease
Diabetes
Obesity
Cancer
Psychiatric disorders
Age-related cognitive deficits including Alzheimer's disease
Aging affects all aspects of our lives, including circadian rhythm. As a result, older individuals sleep for fewer hours. They tend to fall asleep early in the evening and wake up fairly early. They may also notice a decline in cognitive function during the evenings.
Although the processes to aging are not yet well understood, studies have shown that the circadian rhythm influences aging and longevity in important ways. A disrupted circadian rhythm has been linked to many of the chronic conditions that are associated with aging and will therefore negatively affect your health and life span.
A review of the literature found a possible connection between sirtuins, melatonin, and circadian rhythm and that these three may play an important role in aging and the formation of cancer. Interestingly, Sirt 1 was found to be linked to the regulation of a core set of circadian genes and that the cyclical synthesis NAD+ in our cells potentially integrates the circadian clock with metabolism and therefore plays an important role in circadian rhythm and the sleep-wake cycle.
Sirtuins are special proteins that play a key role in longevity. To find out more, read: How Sirtuins and NAD+ Influence Longevity.
But, disrupted circadian rhythm and aging does not have to be a one-way street. There are ways to counter these age-related rhythm changes. For older adults, it is particularly important to maintain a constant sleep schedule by going to bed and waking the same time daily. It’s also very important to support your body with a healthy diet and lifestyle.
In a perfect world, we’ll all go to sleep and wake up within half an hour of the same time every day, even on weekends. But, the reality is: life happens and it’s not always possible to have a regular sleep schedule.
The good news is, whether it’s dealing with jet lag or shift work you can reset your sleep cycle to get better rest and even more of it.
Follow these simple easy steps and good practices.
Elevating your heart during the day encourages your body to rest at night. Exercise improves circulation and increased oxygen to our bodies and brains.
It also helps you reduce stress levels by giving a physical outlet for the energy that comes from the “fight or flight” response.
Exercising outside will also help your body register that it’s daytime which will assist the sleep-wake cycle.
Any amount of light—be it natural or electronic—signals to our brain that it’s time to be active and alert. The blue light (light that comes from electronics and energy-efficient light bulbs) has a powerful effect on our “master clock.” To get a good night's sleep, turn off your cellphone, TV, and unplug all screens at least an hour before bed. If you have to work at night, activate the night light setting on your device. You can also invest in blue-blocker glasses.
Remember to turn off hallway lights, face your alarm clock away from you, and if you’re bothered by light from a source outside your home, make use of blackout curtains or a sleep mask.
Shift workers can make use of glasses that block blue light during their daytime drive home to aid their brain into thinking it’s night time.
Over a 24-hour sleep cycle, we tend to have a period of sleepiness in the early afternoon, also known as the “afternoon crash” or mid-afternoon slump. Although people tend to think it could be because of heat or a heavy lunch, it’s actually part of our circadian rhythm. Having a short nap in the early afternoon can be beneficial but keep it to 20 minutes so that it does not disrupt your sleep cycle in the evening.
Taking an afternoon nap is one of the habits of populations who live in the Blue Zones. Find out more about their lifestyle in Lessons From The Blue Zones - Feel Younger for Longer.
If you find yourself awake and staring at the ceiling or watching the alarm clock, get up and try to do something relaxing. Staying in bed while not being able to sleep might train your brain to be active at night.
You could stretch gently while breathing deeply, read a book that’s not too demanding, or even meditate or pray for a short while. Some other ideas, that might help are:
If you find yourself running through a “to-do” list for the next day, write down the list so that it’s off your mind.
Some people find it useful to place an imaginary “worry bucket” next to their bed. When they start worrying about something, they place it in the bucket and tell themselves that they’ll pick it up again in the morning. It might even help to write it down on a piece of paper and place it in an actual container of some sort.
Keep a journal next to your bed and write down all the thoughts that are running through your mind, no matter what they are. Writing down thoughts sometimes helps to get them off your mind.
The time that you fall asleep may sometimes be out of your control but you can choose when you are going to start your day. Having a routine sets your body’s tone for the entire day so practice waking up at the same time as much as possible.
We all know that coffee gives us a much-needed boost to our mornings and helps us get through the afternoon slump. But, coffee or caffeine too late in the afternoon can disrupt our sleep. A study found that caffeine can possibly delay your circadian clock by about 40 minutes. And, another study found that caffeine taken 6 hours before sleep could still cause disruption to sleep.
To make sure that your body has processed the caffeine, try to have your last cup at least 8 hours before bed or choose decaffeinated options for the afternoon.
If you are needing energy, try our NMN supplement that boosts NAD+ levels—giving you energy from deep within, without the caffeine crash.
Our bodies love routine and establishing a good sleep routine goes a long way in helping you get a good night’s rest filled with high-quality sleep. Here are some tips:
Filter out noise and quieten your environment. If you stay in a busy city, find a relaxing background sound online to help you fall asleep.
Keep your room cool, the best temperature for a good night's sleep is 20℃.
Practice meditation or pray before bed. There are many apps that can
Establish a set pattern that gets your mind ready for sleep and your body in a relaxed state. This could be having a long bath or reading in bed, or even sitting in front of the fire with the lights dimmed.
Try this Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) from The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals - NHS Foundation Trust. Please be sure to read the information about the video before proceeding.
In conjunction with exercise, it’s also important to eat a healthy diet that has protein, healthy fats, and plenty of fruit and vegetables. You can also support your body by supplementing with NMN. As mentioned, NAD+ plays an important role in regulating circadian rhythm, and supplementing with NMN will boost your NAD+ levels, increasing your energy plus helping you regulate your circadian rhythms.
To find out more about, read NMN: Your Secret Weapon to Staying Youthful
Abnormal circadian rhythms have been linked to various chronic conditions related to aging: including obesity, sleep disorders, depression, diabetes, and seasonal affective disorder.
However, by establishing a good sleep routine and implementing a healthy diet and exercise, it is possible to regulate your circadian rhythms which will help slow the deterioration that can come with disrupted sleep and age, making you feel younger for longer.
To find out more about Youth & Earth products that are designed to revitalize your body and spirit, head over to our products page.
The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or health provider before starting a new health regime or program. Do not ignore medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you’ve read on this site or any Youth & Earth product.
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