By Richard Malik, ND
As published as two parts in the Lakeville Journal, Millerton News, & Winsted Journal
on 31 August 2006 & 28 September 2006

For ages, people have been searching for the fountain of youth in the hope of feeling better and living longer. From both biochemical and whole body perspectives, scientists have investigated the causes of aging and disease. The understanding garnered from this research allows us to take steps to slow the aging process and prevent disease – providing us with our own, modern fountain of youth.

It is easy to identify the characteristics of aging. However, the molecular and biochemical components of aging are not only hidden from plain sight, but occur long before the obvious physical manifestations. How would we know that our DNA is being corrupted or that our proteins, enzymes, and neurons are becoming less capable and efficient?

Damage to our cellular DNA is one of the main culprits that lead to aging, degenerative diseases, and cancer. DNA damage reduces the efficiency of our proteins and enzymes. Premature cell death or uncontrolled cell growth may also stem from DNA damage. Folic acid, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin B6 are three nutrients that are important players in the body’s own ability to repair damaged DNA.

Oxidative damage is injury to the cells in the body from highly reactive oxygen molecules and other similarly reactive substances. Believe it or not, but the body is responsible for producing many of these damaging compounds in the process of making energy available for all of life’s functions. This production of energy (and oxidants) occurs in the mitochondria of each cell.

These reactive molecules are not very selective about what they damage. They indiscriminately harm all parts of the cell, including DNA, enzymes, and even the mitochondria that produced them.

Fortunately, the body can prevent oxidative damage through numerous anti-oxidant processes. Zinc, copper, selenium, and iron are three elements that are critical for proper functioning of enzymes that neutralize oxidants. Vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene are nutrients that help neutralize oxidants on their own without any enzymatic activity.

You have probably heard of many of the essential nutrients I mention. Vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and lean meats are rich in these nutrients. Fortified foods have some of these nutrients added to them. However, using the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) as a standard, it is estimated that as much as half of the United States population is deficient in at least one of these nutrients. The RDA is an important standard to prevent deficiency diseases. However, for optimal wellness, consumption of most of these nutrients should be higher than the RDA.

So, if you are not able to ensure an adequate intake of these nutrients by consuming plenty of vegetables, whole grains, fruits and lean meats, vitamin supplementation is important in the prevention of disease and slowing the aging process. A high quality, high potency multi-vitamin can easily serve this purpose.

Remember, it is possible to take too much of any nutrient. Before adding several individual high dose supplements to the diet, it is a good idea to talk to someone that understands their safe and effective use. Vitamins are a great tool, but not a panacea; be aware that vitamin supplements do not contain fiber, essential fatty acids, flavonoids and other important components of healthy food.

Nutrition plays an important role in aging gracefully, but it is not the only factor. Next month I will discuss other approaches to strengthening the body’s ability to maintain health through the years.

Every culture has its own tools to enhance vitality and increase longevity; some overlap while others offer new perspectives. Qi-Gong (pronounced chi kung) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine practice that teaches awareness of the flow of energy (Qi) in the body. The discipline utilizes postures, breathing, vocalization, meditation, and mental exercises. Students learn to balance their Qi by increasing the Qi in areas of the body that are deficient, while draining Qi from areas that are in excess. Qi-Gong is commonly used to improve energy and stamina or to treat specific diseases – even cancer. Acupuncture is also a Traditional Chinese Medicine approach that works with Qi, but it uses needles to bring the body’s Qi into balance and optimize health.

Yoga is similar to Qi-Gong, but in the United States Yoga is more common and popular. Yoga is a far-eastern Indian discipline that uses postures and breathing to bring balance to our physical and mental states; tonify the body; prevent and treat disease; and for self-realization and enlightenment. In America, some people use Yoga as a primarily spiritual practice while others use it as a form of exercise and stretching. This difference is reflected in the different styles of Yoga instructors. If interested in doing Yoga practice, it is important to find an instructor that you feel safe with and whose approach you enjoy.

From a practical standpoint, Qi-Gong and Yoga are similar in the sense that they both improve balance and flexibility; increase blood flow to muscles and joints without overworking these tissues, and support relaxation and clarity of thought. Qi-Gong is often practiced using flowing movements while Yoga participants will hold a posture for seconds or minutes.

Herbal medicine plays a central role in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Indian Medicine (properly called Ayurvedic Medicine). Both disciplines have found herbs that strengthen us as we get older, slow down aging, and improve cognitive function.

Panax Ginseng is an herb that was originally popular in China and Asian countries. It is used to increase energy; stamina; and aid in the recovery from fatigue, debility, and convalescence. Because it is very popular, it is quite expensive compared to other herbs. Fortunately, if obtained from a reliable source, it is also very potent and effective in relatively small doses. Ginseng does need to be used with caution as it can cause high blood pressure and skin reactions if used in excess and should be avoided in cases of acute infection or fever.

Ashwaganda is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used to strengthen the weak. Translated into English, Ashwaganda means “the strength and smell of a horse.” From its name, you can gather something about its smell and taste. Ashwaganda’s benefits include enhanced immune and cognitive function; improved stamina; and some believe it acts as an aphrodisiac. Studies have shown that Ashwaganda can improve recovery from anemia. Ashwaganda is generally safe and is effective in larger doses.

The last two herbs from abroad that I will mention have similar uses. Gotu Kola has been used medicinally in Ayurvedic Medicine, South America, and in our own western herbal heritage. It promotes healing of tissue after cuts or surgery and helps maintain elasticity and integrity of the skin. In Ayurvedic Medicine, Gotu Kola promotes memory and prolongs life span. We use the leaves of the Ginkgo Biloba tree to improve capillary circulation; this improves cognitive function and encourages healthy skin.

Herbs can be medicinally powerful if the products are potent and taken in adequate doses. As with all medicinal substances, herbs should be taken with care and knowledge of effects and possible side effects. Although they are natural, specific herbs can aggravate some health conditions.

There are many effective ways for each of us to find our own Fountain of Youth. Through the use of scientific understanding of anti-oxidants and aging; traditional and time-proven methods of enhancing health; and common sense, there are many paths to feeling stronger, healthier, and more alive at any age.