by Bruce Polack, Pure Pharmacy Corporate Trainer
Healthy aging is a balance between many factors, lifestyle, diet, sleep, exercise and attitude. To truly excel at aging well, enhancing these key factors with proper supplementation, can determine our ultimate success.
Let’s focus on 4 core supplements with solid results.
Fish oil is an essential fatty acid, our body doesn’t make them but does require them. Fish oil is made of many components: the 2 major parts are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid,) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid.)
EPA is anti-inflammatory, including in the arteries, and helps reduce the risk of heart disease. One study found fish oil lowers the chances of heart attack and stroke by 47%.
The DHA portion helps the brain develop and maintain it’s health. This is especially important in expecting mothers; DHA helps the child’s brain develop. Another study done in the UK found that a child on fish oil from conception to teen age had a higher IQ than the group that didn’t take fish oil.
Fish oils have also been used along with diet and exercise to help lower levels of certain blood fat (triglyceride) and raise levels of good cholesterol (HDL). Fish comes from the ocean which is often toxic, make sure the oil you chose has been cleaned properly.
The B vitamins are not made in the body, and are not found in many foods. B’s are a building block for the body.
They directly effect energy levels, brain function, and cell metabolism. The list goes on: cell health, growth of blood cells, digestion, hormones, cholesterol production, cardiovascular health, muscle tone and much more.
If you require a specific B, it is best to start with a B complex and build from there. B’s can also be found in a good quality multi-vitamin.
The next foundation supplement is magnesium; magnesium affects over 300 processes in the body. From mood, to bowel movements, to leg cramps.
In the brain magnesium acts as the gatekeeper for NMDA receptors, which are involved in healthy brain development, memory and learning. It prevents nerve cells from being over stimulated and dying.
Magnesium helps the heart muscle cells relax by countering calcium, which stimulates contractions. These minerals compete with each other to ensure heart cells contract and relax properly. Therefore maintaining a consistent rhythm, and potentially lowering blood pressure.
Magnesium helps with leg cramps by acting as a natural calcium blocker, helping your muscle cells relax after contracting. When magnesium levels are low, your muscles may contract too much and cause cramps or spasms.
Unabsorbed magnesium in the digestion track draws moister into the colon, acting as a natural stool softener, helping with constipation and regular bowel movements.
Vitamin D works with calcium and phosphorus to create stronger bones, as well helps increase bone mass.
Additionally, vitamin D has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which support the immune system and can help ward off infections.
Some research suggests vitamin D may play a role in reducing the chance of certain diseases, such as heart disease, multiple sclerosis, and type-2 diabetes.
Other research has found vitamin D may play an important role in maintaining energy levels, regulating mood, and may even decrease the chance of depression.
With core supplements in place, and a positive balanced lifestyle, you too can strive for healthy aging.
