In seniors a tragic and growing problem is memory loss, and brain dysfunction. Specific environmental and genetic factors increase the risk of hypertension, stroke, diabetes and childhood diseases including cerebral palsy and autism. The brain has over 100 billion neurons. Each neuron has 2,500 possible interconnections with each other. Nearly 60% of the brain consists of lipids and lecithin affecting structure, function and communication. A diet high in fats and low in antioxidants can lead to the formation of lipofuscin in the brain neurons. The brain consumes a disproportionate amount of oxygen. Hence, it becomes subject to free radical activity. Inflammation also contributes to the aging of many of the body’s organ systems, primarily the skin and brain. Oxygen consumption is mainly used by cellular mitochondria as a catalyst for energy production (ATP), which is an absolute necessity for physical strength, energy and maintenance of life. ATP production helps synthesize hormones including cortisol, adrenalin, dopamine, DNA repair enzymes, nucleic acid and other key substances.
Table 1 presents key assessments that may be useful to ascertain a patient’s biological age.
| Table 1. Assessment of Biological Aging |
| Lipids, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, Non-HDL, ratio, free fatty acids, glucose |
| Microscopy under 40 x and 100 x. Objectives to phase contrast for live blood smears to observe morphology, shape of cells, and lipid material comparing fasting to postprandial –2 to 4 hours after a typical meal. It is important to perform a fasting and postprandial lipid testing (2 to 4 hours after eating) |
| Observation of dry blood smears under bright field microscope 4 x or 10 x. Detect Reactive Oxygen Toxic Species (ROTS masses) |
| Oxidative stress markers. Uurine lipid peroxides, 8-OHdG |
| Nitric oxide test saliva |
| Telomere testing |
| Toxic metals or element exposure hair, urine |
| Urine 24-hour metabolites of estrogen including 16aOHE and 2 OHE, Free T3, cortisol metabolites, androgen metabolites, Human Growth Hormone (HGH) |
| Blood Tests for binding proteins: transcortin for binding proteins of cortisol, SHBG-binding proteins of estrogen and testosterone, IGBP-3 binding protein for IGF-1, DHEA, thyroid for free T3, C-reactive protein, LH, FSH, Male PSA, female progesterone |
To slow aging we must repair and replace a significant number of cells subject to stressors of low oxygen and toxins. The anabolic repair process can be restored with hormone intervention to keep up with the catabolic process to preserve the organisms. Testosterone and growth hormone have proven to be effective anti-inflammatory agents in the efforts to restore organ and brain function. Sex hormones are highest in the longest lived people of Okinawa. Suzuki reported that centenarians (age 100+) in Asia had higher natural levels of testosterone, DHEA and estrogen than 70 year old men or woman in the USA. Dr. Weeks reviewed over 3,500 patient’s age 18 to 102 years. His research showed that those with the highest frequency of intimate contact lived the longest with fewer wrinkles, better posture, stood taller, and had a lighthearted attitude. Optimizing hormone levels to youthful levels of a 22 year old with herbs and bio-identical hormones may improve organ and tissue repair and combat aging.
Over time we must cleanse and refresh our cells and organs to allow proper replication of genetic information, reduce stress to the tissues, increase functional excretion of waste by-product, cellular waste and enhance enzyme stimulated biochemical reactions.
The advent of stem cell therapy may also assist in slowing the aging process. As we age, the stem cell reserves we are born with become less active. The production of hormones as well as the human body water content in tissues decline. Our cells lose genetic material as the chromosomes shorten with each replication. Individuals lose their ability to regenerate and repair tissue compared to when they were younger. Most signs of aging relate to oxidative stress and tissue damage from biochemical, hormonal decline and a decrease in mitochondria, accelerated by dehydration and reduced oxygen supply or removal of waste. All these contribute to the loss of youth and vitality of the individual cells and organs.
PHYTOCHEMICALS
New research reveals that whole phytochemicals nutrients are most effective when they are part of a whole food matrix. These whole food complexes help fight inflammation by acting as an effective free radical scavenger and anti-oxidant. These potent antioxidants and bioactive nutrients aid in treatments against chronic diseases of aging. Bioactive agents include beta glucan, which is found in various exotic mushroom species, activated barley and seaweed. Beta-Glucan and Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD) Enzyme 2 are beneficial phytochemicals that are super slow burning carbohydrates and assist in controlling appetite and reducing body fat. These beta glucans can also help control cholesterol. Beta glucan 1:3 and 1:6 boost the immune system. SOD reduces oxidative stress at the cellular level. These phytochemicals have been shown to assist in the reduction of acute or chronic pain, disease, symptoms of aging and to combat degenerative heart disease, hypertension, diabetes type 2, and arthritis/chronic inflammatory joints.
We must take steps to balance harmful effects of estrones from the environment. Other harmful sources of excess estrone production can come from processed oils and concentrated fats in the diets.
Crucifers extract Diindolylmethane (DIM) and Indole-3-Carbinol (Ic3) released from crushing, chewing and digestion of raw broccoli, bok choy, cauliflower, brussel sprouts requires fatty acids to be absorbed efficiently. DIM does not limit estrogen activity in the brain or decrease estrogen production. It safely clears metabolites.
Wasabi powder, D-Glucolactone and chrysin have been found to detoxify chemical exposures and harmful unmetabolized hormones.
FREE RADICAL SCAVENGERS
Roy Walford, through his research as a biologist, stated that diabetics age 15 to 20 years faster than their chronological age. Diabetics have a decrease in total SOD activity in most organs. For example, the kidneys have 72 percent less. This oxidative injury can account for higher rate of kidney failure. The lifespan of humans is directly related to the level of SOD and glutathione peroxidase protection against the deleterious effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Improving diet, exercise and nutritional supplementation often leads to immediate and significant improvements in the appearance of the blood.
There are less lipids and glucose, cleaner arteries, a significant decrease in free radical damage, lipid peroxidase, blood pressure, reduced body fat and increased energy. This is clear, direct feedback coming from one’s own body. Changes in the blood can pave the way to long term success and healthy changes in lifestyle. The medical literature supports the use of microscopy, lipid, glucose, and insulin testing to identify the best dietary therapy, exercise and supplements for control of diabetes, heart disease and stroke prevention. The clinical protocol is supportive of healthy, clean, youthful arteries.
Many neurological and psychiatric diseases are improved with glutathione because its serves as an antioxidant for the brain where more oxidative by products are generated per gram of tissue than any other organ. Glutathione is made up of three amino acids (glutamic acid, cysteine, glycine) generated inside the cells from asparagus and watermelon. L-Citrulline (found inside the rind of watermelon) is excreted into the circulation and reabsorbed in the kidney and converted into L-arginine. Other pathways work together to release nitric oxide gas into the arterial wall. Cytidine-5-diphosphate choline is essential for synthesis of phospholipids in brain tissue assisting in neuron communication.
As we age, the arteries produce superoxide, which is a form of reactive oxygen toxic species (ROTS).