By Dr. Fred Hui

Aging may be inevitable, but it can be slowed down drastically by making adjustments to lifestyle, dietary habits and supplementation. Following our simple preventative approaches may make you feel 40 something forever!

1. Keep the battery charged
A good night’s sleep is essential since it charges our batteries. Melatonin is a nightcap produced by the pineal gland in our brain, which regulates the sleep-awake cycle. The production of melatonin declines with age and we may need to top it up with supplemental melatonin.

Long naps (more than half an hour) during the day upset the sleep-wake cycle. Avoid caffeinated drinks in the evening and be sure to sleep in complete darkness; darkness reinforces sleep and an eye pad enhances the darkness effect. Active exercise (even gentle effort) during the day also induces sleep at night. See the Truestar Sleep section for more information.

2. Rewind the biological clock
Levels of other natural hormones like DHEA, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and thyroid hormone also decline with age. Replacement of these hormones rewinds the biological clock. DHEA boosts energy and vitality. Testosterone, estrogen and progesterone may be taken as creams which are rubbed on to the skin on daily basis. Natural rather than synthetic preparations of these hormones are best and they have little or no side effects.

3. Keep the engine warm
Thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland in our neck keeps us warm. The body temperature should be 37 C or 98 F. Blood tests may not detect the deficiency of thyroid hormone since the problem may be of conversion inside the cell rather than production. If you have temperature lower than 37 C consider taking desiccated thyroid supplement. Our body also needs ‘warm’ foods. Chinese medicine classifies food as ‘warm’ or ‘cool’ by their temperature as well as by their nature. Fruit and vegetables are considered cooling, whereas meat and protein are considered warming.

4. Top up the fluids
Aging is the autumn of life, when leaves shrivel and dry up. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Consume good amounts of salt unless you are hypertensive or have a failing heart. Oil also prevents drying. The best oils are omega-3 fats such as flaxseed oil, fish oil and extra virgin olive oil.

5. Use premium gasoline
Watch your weight by cutting down on carbohydrates (sweets, fruits, bread, potatoes, pastas and other starches). They provide short-acting fuel and increase the insulin level, which increases appetite and forces us to eat more. This adds to our waistline and clogs our blood vessels. A diet rich in protein (lean meat, oily fish) and good fats provides us with essential amino acids and essential fatty acids. Take lots of greens and an appropriate amount of carbohydrates.

6. Keep the highways free of traffic
Aging decreases digestive enzymes, resulting in poor digestion and motility of gut. This may cause malabsorption and constipation. Digestive enzyme supplements and ‘good’ bacteria, like yogurt, help combat this challenge. Daily bowel movement may be facilitated by taking enough fluids, plenty of fiber and magnesium supplements. Magnesium citrate can be taken orally. Gradually increase the dosage until the bowel becomes loose.

7. Intercept the vandals
According to the most recent theory, free radicals are responsible for cell aging. Free radicals are the ‘punks’ who steal electrons and cause damage to the cell membrane which maintains the biological balance within and outside the cell. They also damage the mitochondria which are the ‘power generators’ of the cell. Damage to the DNA or RNA may result in either cell death or uncontrolled replication (cancer).

We need to fight these vandals with plentiful antioxidant supplements such as beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione and coenzyme Q10. Eat a lot of antioxidant-rich food such as onions, garlic, vegetables (the more color the better), whole fruits (grapes, apples, tomatoes) and green tea.

8. Keep flushing the pipes
Poor circulation may result in angina, shortness of breath, achy calf muscles, retinal degeneration, poor memory, cold hands and feet and decreased function of every organ in our body. Regular exercise, good hydration and use of blood thinners such as baby Aspirin help promote good circulation.

9. Clean the germs
Traditional medicine uses antibiotics to clear the germs from body. An interesting method used by some clinics is the administration of hydrogen peroxide as series of intravenous treatments. Garlic and onions are believed to have antiseptic properties.

10. Revitalizing and rust proofing
Chelation therapy improves circulation by cleansing and ‘rust proofing’ the blood vessels. This is a preventative approach to curb angina, stroke and blocked circulation. Good circulation halts aging in every organ!

11. Maintain a happy, healthy computer
Laughter is the best medicine! Meditation is a power nap. Keep exercising your brain by doing intellectual work–it may be just playing card games or puzzles! Love others and love yourself. See the Truestar Attitude section to enhance your happiness today.

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