Anti-ageing Treatments

While you cannot completely avoid free radicals, as they are produced in the body as part of normal everyday metabolism, you can help protect your cells against their effects by ‘mopping’ them up with antioxidant nutrients. Here is a list of recommended supplements, herbs and other snippets to help fight against ageing.

Supplements and Anti-Ageing

• A good combined antioxidant supplement should contain beta-carotene, vitamins C, E, K, B1, B5, B6, zinc and selenium.

• Co-enzyme Q10 is a nutrient that assists with energy production and oxygen carrying capacity in our bloodstream.

• DHEA is an adrenal hormone and is known as the ‘elixir of vitality, youth and longevity’. Have your levels measured and consult a qualified practitioner for a recommended dose.

• Omega 3 fish oils are important for healthy cell function, brain health, memory and concentration.

NB. For best results, try these recommended supplements for a period of three months. These supplements are best taken under the care and guidance of your healthcare practitioner.

Herbs and Anti-Ageing

Apart from the antioxidant aspect, there are various herbs that can help support the body as it approaches old age.

• Ginkgo biloba is a herb that increases circulation to the hands and feet and to the brain, enhancing memory and concentration.

• Garlic supports and helps to heart health including mild hypertension (high blood pressure). It assists in lowering cholesterol and helps to improve peripheral circulation. Garlic also helps to modify bowel flora - ie. improve your good gut bacteria

• Echinacea helps prevent ‘immune ageing’.

• Hawthorn is an excellent herb for heart health.

• Turmeric (an ingredient used widely in curries) is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory herb. Dietary curmunin (active ingredient in turmeric) has been shown to lower oxidative brain damage and plaque build up.

• Korean Ginseng is a herb traditionally regarded for longevity. It helps to prevent oxidative or cell damage. This herb is commonly found on menu's in countries such as China and Korea which interestingly have lower cancer rates.

NB. You should not take any of the above herbs if you are taking the oral contraceptive pill, fertility drugs, HRT or any other hormonal treatment or other medication unless they are recommended by a registered, experienced practitioner.

Lifestyle and Anti-Ageing

• Get plenty of exercise but not to excess. At least 30 minutes three times a week is ideal.

• Yoga is wonderful for keeping the joints supple, and meditation reduces stress, which can age us faster than any other factor.

• Too much sun is ageing but we do need some sunshine to produce vitamin D, which helps keep bones healthy. Wear a sunscreen during the summer months whenever you are outside to protect the skin.

Other Therapies for Anti-Ageing

• Homoeopathic medicines prescribed by your homeopath or naturopath can help with physical and emotional stress, which contributes to the ageing process.

• Acupuncture can help facilitate the free flow of energy through the body.

• Lymphatic massage is great for stimulating your lymph flow and removing toxins.

Of course, everyone is different and has their own range of health problems, and their own family history of possible inherited conditions. There are many factors to be considered for anti-ageing.

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