Tag: aging

Stress 壓力

Stress can come from any situation or thought. Interpretation of that scenario can lead to feelings of frustration, anger or anxiety. A healthy body is able to detect and respond to stress. Prolonged exposure to stress may lead to fluctuating responses or an insensitivity / hypersensitivity to stress, which may further lead to undesirable habits and conditions such as alcoholism, temper issues and depression.

Under sudden stress, adrenal glands release cortisone, deoxyribose, adulterine and IL-6. These require A, B2, C, E, pantothenic acid and linoleic acid.

Adrenaline accelerates the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates into energy for the body to use. This causes to body to excrete amino acids, potassium and phosphorous. It also depletes magnesium in muscle tissue and reduces calcium storage. It can destroy membranes (soft protein structures) if constantly released or becomes uncontrollable. Ulcers, breathing problems and eczema can result.
Cortisol ages brain cells and builds fat around the body’s midsection.
Interleukin-6 has direct effects on most cells in the body and is associated with many disorders, including diabetes, arthritis, cancer, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease.

Our enzymes and bodily fluids responsible for the millions of actions our bodies undertake everyday are made from micronutrients and amino acids which are reduced by stress. With inadequate supplies, the body tries to make something similar, but which is actually a histamine, an agent which causes inflammatory responses. Histamine is useful where there is actual cell injury since it brings white blood cells and blood to the area. If histamine is produced randomly, it can be an unnecessary irritant.

Stress is regulated by the release of calcium. If there is inadequate supplies in the blood, calcium is forced from bone where 99% of it is stored. Therefore, long periods of stress can result in osteoporosis and arthritis. If that occurs, calcium is not a first priority. Vitamin C and glucosamine is. Vitamin C is needed together with amino acids to fulfil its potential.

Phosphorous comes from processed meats and foods. This mineral replaces calcium and magnesium in our bodies, leading to lower absorption of those essential minerals. If the body has inadequate magnesium, calcium gets stuck in membrane structures leading to splinters, stones and arthritis.

The body does not absorb nutrients well when under stress, which can cause a multitude of other problems. It promotes the growth of free radicals that can oxidise and damage body tissues, especially cell membranes. Stress suppresses the immune system and long term stress will increase susceptibility to illness and slow healing.

In short, stress is to be avoided as much as possible.

Possible signs and symptoms

Twitching or trembling, muscle tension, headaches, sweating, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing and abdominal pain. General fatigue, inability to sustain concentration and short tempers.

Applied nutrition

Nutrition serves to help the body respond properly to stress. It is also essential to target and reduce the source of stress, and to help interpret and discuss appropriate responses to the stress being experienced.

Supplement Benefit Suggested Dosage
Vitamin B All B vitamins are necessary for health and proper functioning of the nervous system. B5 is an anti-stress vitamin needed by the thymus gland 5x twice daily
Vitamin C Essential to adrenal gland function. Stress depletes the gland’s anti-stress hormones 5x twice daily
Calcium + magnesium Replaces minerals lost by stress. Deficiency is common in highly stressed persons and can result in anxiety, fear and even hallucinations 4x twice daily
Q10 Also includes taurine which increases energy and protects brain, heart and immune system 2x twice daily
Multivitamin + phytonutrients Supplements nutrition lost or prevented from absorption from stress As directed
Selenium E Disarms free radicals caused by stress, improves immunity 1-2x daily

Osteoporosis 骨質酥鬆

Osteoporosis is the loss of bone tissue resulting in thin, brittle bones that are prone to fracture. Peak bone mass is reached about age 35 for men and early 30s for women. Bone density decreases with age.

Maintaining adequate calcium intake along with physical activity will slow the process. For women, the menopausal years also pose a risk for developing osteoporosis and require increased calcium intake.

Applied nutrition

A diet that is low in calcium with a high intake of tea, coffee, soft drinks and alcohol with a lack of weight-bearing exercises will increase the risk of severe osteoporosis. Act to increase calcium intake and absorption and to also prevent arthritis risk.

High animal protein intake has been shown to reduce bone mass – as compared with people on vegetarian diets. Always strive to maximise plant protein intake to satisfy daily needs.

Supplement Benefit Suggested Dosage
Calcium + magnesium Necessary for maintaining strong bones Women under 50, men under 65: 2x twice daily. Else 4x twice daily
Glucosamine For bone and soft tissue development As directed on label
Double X Provides essential vitamin D, boron, copper, zinc and nutritional balance As directed on label
Protein powder protein and soy isoflavones promote bone mass At least two scoops, twice daily (40g total)
Vitamin B Provides strength to protein in bone tissue and promotes progesterone production 3x twice daily
Multi-carotene Strong antioxidant retards ageing process 2x twice daily
Vitamin C Important for collagen and connective tissue formation 4-6x twice daily

Menopause 经绝期

Menopause is the transition in a woman’s life when the ovaries stop releasing eggs, menstrual activity decreases and eventually ceases, and the body decreases the production of the female hormone oestrogen and progesterone. This natural process usually occurs in women between the ages of 38 to 58, though good health would push the time later. Poor diet, stress and inactivity may increase the symptoms of menopause.

The menopausal years may also increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. Calcium and magnesium supplementation may be of assistance before and during menopause in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Recent studies suggest that the increased consumption of soy-based foods may be of assistance for women in their menopausal years.

Possible signs and symptoms

Fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, hot flushes and sleeplessness.

Applied nutrition

 

Memory loss 失忆

One reason many people suffer memory loss is due to a prolonged, insufficient supply of necessary nutrients to the brain. With age, poor circulation to the brain can also result in symptoms of poor memory, lack of concentration confusion, lack of energy and fatigue. Occasional memory lapses are normally, however, with a balanced healthy diet and lifestyle, our memories should remain active well into our nineties.

Possible signs and symptoms

Loss of memory; fatigue; lack of concentration; frequently misplacing objects; having difficulty performing a series of actions (such as cooking); unable to respond effectively to problems at home or work; changes in behaviour.

Applied nutrition

 

Hair loss 掉头发

Hair loss is the thinning of hair on the scalp which normally occurs with age in both men and women, but is usually more pronounced in men.

Some men never go bald but everyone’s hair thins out over the years. Despite much research, there is little men can do to slow down or reverse hair loss since it is likely caused by make hormones and genetic constitution.

Acute environmental or psychological stress can result in sudden, rapid shedding of hair. Although losing clumps of hair is alarming, the body will often adjust itself and in most cases, the hair grows back.

Using natural wheat-germe based hair products can help hair follicles stay clean and promote healthy hair growth.

Applied nutrition

Supplement Benefit Suggested Dosage
Protein Helps manufacture healthy hair 1 scoop,
2x daily
CoQ10 Improves scalp circulation, increases tissue oxygenation 1 tab,
3x daily
Omega 3 Improves hair texture. Prevents dry, brittle hair 1 tab,
2x daily
B Complex B vitamins are important for the health and growth of hair. Deficiencies have been linked to skin disorders and hair loss 3 tabs,
3x daily
Vitamin C + bioflavonoids Aids scalp circulation. Helps antioxidant action in the hair follicles 3 tabs,
3x daily
Selenium E Increases oxygen uptake, improving circulation to the scalp. Improves health and growth of hair 3 tabs,
3x daily
Multivitamins + minerals + phytonutrients Stimulates hair growth by enhancing immune function As indicated

Arthritis 风湿病

Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints. It causes painful joints, swelling and stiffness, which can be due to a variety of causes. There are also many different forms of arthritis – two of the most common being Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis generally manifests itself in pain, swelling and inflammation at the affected joint.

Osteoarthritis is associated with ageing and can affect any joint. The cartilage of the affected joint is gradually worn down, eventually causing bone to rub against bone. Bony spurs develop on the unprotected bones causing pain and inflammation. There are other causes such as congenital effects, trauma and metabolic disorders. Joints appear larger, are stiff, painful and usually feel worse the more they are used throughout the day.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease which initially attacks the synovium, a connective tissue membrane that lines the cavity between joints and secretes a lubricating fluid.

Applied nutrition

Supplement Benefit Suggested Dosage
Protein A  high-quality protein supplement specially formulated wholly from plants. It supplies balanced amounts of the nine essential amino acids. 1-2 scoops,
3x daily
Omega 3 These fatty acids are necessary for health and cannot be generated by the body (essential fatty acids). These increase production and activity of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. They may assist in relieving symptoms associated with arthritis 1 tab,
2x daily
Calcium + magnesium Needed to prevent bone loss. Calcium is a natural tranquilizer. Together with magnesium, it relives anxiety, tension, nervousness and muscular spasms. 3 tabs,
3x daily
B Complex  Needed for proper digestion, formation of cells, production of myelin and the protective coating around the nerves. Prevents nerve damage 3 tabs,
3x daily
Parselenium E A powerful antioxidant that protects the joints from damage by free radicals. Increases joint mobility. Low levels of vitamin E is found in people with arthritis and Lupus. 1 tab,
1x daily
Vitamin C + bioflavonoids Powerful free radical destroyer and anti-inflammatory agent.  Bioflavonoids enhance the activity of vitamin C. 3 tabs,
3x daily
Glucosamine HCI Very important to the formation of bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and synovial joint fluid. 3 tabs,
3x daily

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) 老人痴呆症

Alzheimer’s disease, a form of dementia, is a progressive form, incurable disease of the brain caused by the degeneration and eventual death of nerve cells in the brain. It affects memory, thinking and behaviour.

Memory impairment in one of the following areas will also be present: language, decision-making ability, judgement, attention, personality and other areas of mental function.
Possible signs and symptoms

During early stages, the symptoms of AD may be subtle and resemble signs that people mistakenly attribute to “natural ageing”. These include:

  • Repeating statements
  • Misplacing items
  • Getting lost on familiar routes
  • Personality changes
  • Losing interest in hobbies
  • Difficulty performing tasks
  • Having trouble finding names for familiar objects.

Possible causes

In addition to age and family history, risk factors for AD include: longstanding high blood pressure; history of head trauma; being female; and high levels of homocysteine – a bodily chemical that contributes to chronic illnesses such as heart disease, depression and possible AD.

To reduce AD risk, all persons should be encouraged to engage in activity which stimulates mental activity in all stages of their lives.

Applied nutrition

Supplement Benefit Suggested Dosage
Protein Basic building block and necessary party of living cells in the body. Produces collagen and promotes skin repair, smoothing and softness. 1 scoop, 2x daily
Co-enzyme Q10 Increase oxygenation of cells and increase generation of cellular energy 2 tabs, 2x daily
Iron + folic acid Aids controlling homocysteine levels 1 tab, 2x daily
Calcium + magnesium Sustains nerve integrity, calms the nerves. 2 tabs, 3x daily
Lecithin + vitamin E Needed to improve memory. Deficiencies of antioxidants expose the brain to oxidative damage. Helps to transport oxygen to the brain cells and protects them from free radical damage. 2 tabs, 2x daily
Multivitamin + minerals + phytonutrients Provides general nutritional supplementation. As indicated on packaging
B Complex Important for proper brain function and digestion. Deficiency can cause depression and mental difficulties in people with AD 2 tabs, 2x daily
Omega 3 These are the brain’s cellular building blocks 1 tab, 2x daily
Ginkgo biloba + ginseng Assists brain function and concentration. Builds memory. 2 tabs, 2x daily

Take honeybee products (honey, propolis) and increased intake of fruits and vegetables.