For centuries people have been searching for the fountain of youth. Although this is in itself a fantasy you can increase your chances of living longer by making a few adjustments to the way you eat. Basically it all boils down to one factor diet. The old saying you are what you eat holds true when it comes to anti-aging. Eating better is the key to better health and increasing your chances of living longer.

What do we mean by eating better? Here are a few points:

Cutting down our salt, and pure sugar intake
Cutting down but not eliminating carbohydrates

Eating more of these foods:
Fruits
Vegetables
Legumes and lentils (peas, beans) etc
Whole grain breads, rice and cereals
All fish except for shell fish

Added to this list are foods that give extra boosts of phytochemicals that help the immune system and a variety of body functions. Blueberries, cranberries and strawberries all contain phytochemicals. These are readily available in grocery stores. However to get the benefit of the phytochemicals, these berries must be vine ripened and picked within the last 48 hours. You can also grow these small fruit trees and shrubs yourself and enjoy that fresh from the garden taste.

Other super foods include:

Chlorella, is a small green algae which is loaded with, proteins, carbohydrates, all of the B vitamins, vitamins C and E, amino, enzymes and rare trace minerals

Spirulina is a complete plant based protein that helps the auto immune system. It also contains trace mineral contents it helps with blood sugar maintenance and brain function.

Sea vegetables (like seaweed), this would include seaweeds like kelp.

Broccoli Sprouts, you can get these at many grocery stores in the produce section or at the health food store.

Quinoa is a grain protein and is a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates.

Soybeans and soy products like tofu or soymilk. These are also available in the produce section of the grocery store.

Flax seed- this is a good source of Omega-3 oils, which are helpful in heart conditions.

Diet is very important when it comes to anti-aging and with these suggestions you can easily make a few adjustments to your diet. At first it is a little hard to adjust but once you get into good eating habits you will feel better and look better. Plus you will be able to have more energy to do the things you want to do and get more out of life. Research has proven that when you add exercise to healthy eating you can indeed prolong your life by just a few simple changes to your lifestyle.

Antioxidants have been widely praised in the media. Many know they are linked with anti-aging properties. However this is not new, it all began with one mans theory a half a century ago about how free radicals were associated with aging, and science has been trying to catch up with it ever since.

As Dr. Nicholas Perricone, M.D., states in his 2001 book, The Wrinkle Cure: When it comes to aging, its not Father Time thats public enemy number 1. Its the very busy, very nasty little molecule called the free radical.

The Free Radical Theory of Aging was published by Denman Harman in 1956. He theorized that aging is a result of free radical damage of the cells of the body. This is also called oxidative stress.

Today, a great deal of experimental evidence supports the premise that length of life is determined by the crucial balance of antioxidants with free radicals in the body. Oxidative stress is being shown to be at the root of disease and aging.

One example is that the life of the fruit fly was up to 30% longer when it was genetically altered with an addition of enzymatic antioxidants. Not only that, but the altered fruit flies also showed a reduced amount of age-related oxidative damage.

Studies of humans have also shown evidence of free radical damage playing a large part in human aging. One 1996 study compared markers of free radical damage in the blood and found evidence of the highest oxidative damage associated with the disabled elderly, an intermediate amount with the healthy elderly, and the lowest levels with the healthy adults.

The study also found that higher blood levels of antioxidant Vitamins C and E were associated with less disability, and signs of free radical damage were associated with more disability.

We need to rethink our concept of aging. We accept disease, disability, senility, wrinkles, and all the other many signs of aging as natural. Instead, we should view this as unsuccessful aging ie., aging associated with deterioration, disease and disability.

Successful aging is what happens when the human body is able to fight off oxidative stress, and continue to regenerate and repair itself. Successful aging is getting older healthily, without significant pathological conditions.

What the evidence is telling us is that it is crucial we take antioxidants and free radicals very seriously if we want to age gracefully and avoid the many pitfalls of unsuccessful aging.

Even young people can be victims of unsuccessful aging, if they are not providing their bodies with the necessary balance of having have enough dietary antioxidants to fight off the free radicals.

In our modern culture, many of us are guilty of not getting adequate nutrition. Its ironic, when we are the richest we have ever been that we should be feeding our bodies so poorly.

An interesting example of how a person can seriously damage their body with the wrong diet was seen in the Documentary Super Size Me by Morgan Spurlock who ate only McDonalds for a month. In just 30 days of having a junk food diet as his sole source of nutrition, his health was spiraling downwards and out of control.

The fact that he gained 25 pounds in a month was the least of his worries. He experienced a toxic liver, a significant increase in cholesterol, headaches, depression, a lower sex drive and poor skin. He returned to normal after his experiment ended.

Unfortunately a great many of us continue to do damage to our bodies, by smoking cigarettes, drinking coffee, eating junk food, and not eating our vegetables. When the media began warning us of free radicals, many of us did not understand the massive damage we were causing our bodies or how to prevent it, especially as most of the signs of damage are invisible until it is too late.

Free radical damage is accumulative and spreads like wildfire over time. Do your body a favor. Feed it a diet rich in antioxidant nutrition. Make it a habit, eat your fruits and vegetables, take your vitamins, and try to stop or cut down on damaging bad habits. You will thank yourself in 20 years.

Use antioxidants wisely to age successfully. Maybe like the fruit fly, you too can live 30% longer.

Wrinkles, facial lines, pouches, folds, and blemishes.

These are just to name a few of the many signs of aging in the face. Older people, most especially the women, dread these signs once they appear on the face. However, these changes in the skin and facial features cannot be avoided as these are inevitable part of aging.

Some adults falsely believe that wrinkles and other facial signs of aging only appear once they get older. Unknown to many, wrinkles begin to develop in a person’s face starting from birth. With this, many adults only begin taking care of their face when they are already in their 50s or 60s. Hence, it is highly recommended for everyone to start taking care of their skin when they are still young. Maintaining a sound anti-aging skin care regimen is also a must even for those who are only in their 20s.

Meanwhile, there are two best ways for one to take care of their aging facial features: One is through artificial options and the other by means of natural methods. In artificial options, the use of chemicals and surgical procedures are among the treatments to choose from. However, most of these treatments are only temporary and the effects will eventually wear off. When this happens, the person will then be forced to undergo the procedures and pay for the expensive fees again.

On the other hand, the natural anti-aging skin care methods are a lot safer and cheaper compared to the artificial options. Treatments, regimens, and products under the natural method also have lasting effects. With natural anti-aging skin care methods, one is sure to maintain a healthy physical and mental well-being.

Anti-aging treatments: keeping the skin healthy through natural ways

If a person decides to undergo any natural anti-aging skin care method, he needs to change the old lifestyle he’s used to and adapt to a new one. However, good results do not happen overnight. Better appreciate small changes, and in time, a more beautiful and vibrant skin will come out naturally.

The following are natural anti-aging therapies that are proven to give better results:

* Quit smoking.
Premature wrinkles are among the many side-effects of smoking. This bad habit also speeds up a smoker’s aging process, and what’s worst is that it dries the skin. Clearly, smoking is indeed a very harmful vice to one’s health and skin. A person should definitely avoid smoking if he wants to have or maintain a healthy and good-looking skin.

* Eat a lot of collagen-enriched foods.
Adding collagen-enriched foods in one’s diet helps keeps the skin healthy and vibrant. Collagen provides anti-oxidants in the body, thus, protecting the body system from free radicals. It is important to eliminate free radicals in the body for these can cause skin complications.

* Always equip the skin with sunscreen protection.
Perhaps the most essential anti-aging skin care method is to regularly apply sunscreen protection on the skin. Sunscreen skin care products not only protect the skin from the harmful rays of the sun, but these also help keep the skin moisturized; preventing wrinkles, facial lines, and other premature aging signs.

Cosmetic surgery is becoming a normal practice for many people, almost to the point that its like going to the dentist. However this does not mean all is well in this cosmetic candy land. Yes, plastic surgery is very common and you have lots of doctors and surgical choices available to you, but there are other factors one needs to think about before making their way to the doctors office. Along with deciding on the right doctors and particular surgical procedure you want done; it would be wise to contemplate if the risks are worth the potential results.

When you are deciding on what doctor will perform your surgery be sure you have reviewed all of his or her credentials. Its also advisable to talk with the doctors past patients and staff. If you have any friends or family that have had cosmetic surgery; talk with them about their doctor and how their procedure went. When deciding on a surgeon it is very important you verify that they are certified and properly accredited. There are many horror stories related to cosmetic surgery based on people not doing their due diligence on this important detail.

After choosing your doctor you may want to factor in the distance and travel time from your home to the hospital. This plays an important role after your surgery since you will need to visit with your surgeon for follow up care. Make sure you arrange for a friend or family member to pick you up after your procedure. You will most likely be unable to drive due to medication or other surgery related reasons. However, not all surgeries require you to have another person drive you home, but you probably will not feel like driving after the operation even if you feasibly could.

Most procedures are not covered under insurance policies unless your health is adversely affected and can only be corrected through a particular operation. Even then you must get a referral from a specialist who must provide in written detail why its imperative you have the procedure done. It is important to note that insurance companies are getting more lenient with their approvals on certain plastic surgeries; especially if the operation could lower the risk of you needing future medical care in the short and long term.

Taking care of yourself post and pre-op will play an important role on how well you heal after your cosmetic surgery. You must keep all bandages on and clean. Avoid over exerting yourself as you will likely be restricted in most normal everyday activities. In many cases swelling will be present and persistent as your body readjusts to its new look and feel.

Mentally you may feel fatigued or even disappointed, but these feelings resolve once the bandages have been removed and surgical areas have reduced in swelling. With cosmetic surgery you are changing your physical appearance so it will take getting use too. Some after post-op are still unsatisfied with the results and may need or want further procedures. Cosmetic surgery should be well thought through and you must be mentally ready for any adverse outcome. So take time deciding what will be right for you.

The skin is the largest organ of the body, and is significantly affected by the aging process. Estrogen receptors have been detected on the cellular components of the skin and lower levels of estrogen influence the skin-cell metabolims. Changes in the skin collagen leads to diminished elasticity and skin strength. There is a distinct reduction of collagen production after menopause. Changes in vascularity are found following menopause. Dermal blood flow decreases significantly in postmenopausal women.

Repair functions in skin are regulated by a group of chemicals called ‘cytokines’. Included in these are epidermal cell growth factor (ECGF), transforming growth factor (TGF), and angiogenesis factor. AF stimulates the rebuilding of the microvascular system within the skin. TGF and ECGF stimulate rapid cell proliferation for the replacement of dead or damaged cells.

Excessive exposure to UV rays causes oxidation of the collagen and elastin fibers in this skin. This, in turn causes ‘crosslinking’. Cross-linking causes the collagen in the skin to become tangled and stiffen. This results in sagging and loss of skin elasticity, and allow facial expressions to put deep lines and wrinkles in the skin. Some of this UV damage can be prevented by the use of sunscreens and sunblocks. Some of this damage can be reversed by the use of ‘peels’ – where the outer layer of the skin is removed by the use of mild acidic formulas, which removes the damaged layers and stimulates the production of a stronger, thicker layer of skin.

Free radicals are molecules created by oxidative chemical reactions within the body. These free radicals damage cellular DNA and cause mutations of the skin cells. Free radical damage can be prevented by the use of anti-oxidants, both internally and topically. Antioxidants attract and bind these free radical molecules, rendering them harmless.

Premature skin aging can be avoided by preventing excess exposure to sunlight and pollutants, as well as providing with skin with the nutrients it needs to repair itself. Provide your skin with the building blocks it needs by maintaining adequate consumption of the following nutrients:

NUTRITION FOR AGING SKIN

ZINC: Zinc is required for collagen production and elastin synthesis, as well as DNA repair. Zinc is required for DNA duplication, which is required for cell division. Zinc is required for the production of certain proteins that remove damaged or mutated tissue as well as for superoxide dismutase, a power antioxidant.

COPPER: Copper helps to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, helps to thicken the dermis, increases vascularity and oxygenation and works to stimulate superoxide dismutase.

SULFUR: Sulfur is a component of the protein Keratin found in nails, hair and skin. Sulfur is essential for the production of collagen and it is required for the production of the connective tissues.

Vitamin A: The vitamin necessary for healthy skin. A serious lack or excess intake can cause dry, rough skin, among other problems. Ascorbyl palmitate applied on the skin decreased the level of formation of free radicals*.

Vitamin C: Known for its antioxidant properties.  Photoprotective properties of topically applied vitamin C have also been demonstrated, indicating its use in the prevention and treatment of skin aging. Topical applications of 5% vitamin C cream is an effective treatment, clinically shown to improve photodamaged skin.**

Vitamin D: Vitamin D has been shown to reverse skin damage, increase wound healing. Vitamin D is produced in the body in response to sunlight, and has been shown to have a beneficial affect on skin repair and hair growth. Vitamin D rarely requires supplementation, and 15 minutes of daily low-sun exposure should stimulate adequate production of this hormone-like vitamin.***

Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a power antioxidant. Experiments show that that it may protect against the degredation of collagen, and prevent skin damage by environmental insult and aging.***

CoQ10 (Ubiquinone): Internal and topical application of CoQ10 has a beneficial effect of preventing photoaging. CoQ10 penetrates into the viable layers of the epidermis and reduces the level of oxidation. Reduction in wrinkle depth following CoQ10 application has also been shown in clinical trials. CoQ10 prevents oxidative DNA damage and suppresses the degredation of collagen.****

References:

*Skin protection against ultraviolet induced free radicals with ascorbyl palmitate in microemulsions. Jurkovic P, Sentjurc M, Gasperlin M, Kristl J, Pecar S. Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.

**Topical ascorbic acid on photoaged skin. Clinical, topographical and ultrastructural evaluation: double-blind study vs. placebo. Humbert PG, Haftek M, Creidi P, Lapiere C, Nusgens B, Richard A, Schmitt D, Rougier A, Zahouani H. Department of Dermatology, Hospital Saint Jacques, University of Franche-Comte, Besancon, France.

***Vitamin D enhances mitogenesis mediated by keratinocyte growth factor receptor in keratinocytes. Gamady A, Koren R, Ron D, Liberman UA, Ravid A. The Basil and Gerald Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Petah-Tikva, Israel.

***Age-dependent increase of collagenase expression can be reduced by alpha-tocopherol via protein kinase C inhibition.  Ricciarelli R, Maroni P, Ozer N, Zingg JM, Azzi A.Institut fur Biochemie und Molekularbiologie, Universitat Bern, Switzerland.

****Coenzyme Q10, a cutaneous antioxidant and energizer. Hoppe U, Bergemann J, Diembeck W, Ennen J, Gohla S, Harris I, Jacob J, Kielholz J, Mei W, Pollet D, Schachtschabel D, Sauermann G, Schreiner V, Stab F, Steckel F.Paul Gerson Unna Research Center, Beiersdorf AG, Hamburg, Germany

Each of us really has two ages: our chronological age and our body’s age. Our genes may contribute to our aging process, but it is our lifestyles that can really cause us to accelerate aging. By changing our habits and consuming an anti-aging formula, we can no only stop the aging process, but we can actually reverse it.

When we’re in the market for anti-aging products, though, how do we tell the best from the rest? After all, there are any number of vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, herbs, minerals, and antioxidants that are bandied about as the Fountain of Youth. Here are essential ingredients that you should look for in any anti-aging supplement:

Essential Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) greatly contribute to reversing the effects of aging. They act on many of the body’s systems, including the metabolism, nervous system, joints, and immune system. Because they help maintain cell membranes and increase the body’s intake of oxygen, they can even act as an “anti-wrinkle” formula. They also have significant cardiovascular benefits.

Unfortunately, our bodies can’t manufacture essential fatty acids, so we must consume them. The best supplements contain flaxseed, which contains the Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids elcosapentoenoic acid, alfa-linolenic acid, docosahexoenoic acid, and gamma-linolenic acid. An anti-aging natural supplement should also contain oleic acid, an Omega 9 fatty acid.

Minerals

A good anti-aging formula will contain trace amounts of minerals. Gold, for example, helps boost the immune system and shore up brain function and the nervous system. Some people report that gold also enhances their mood. Similarly, the human body needs copper for a variety of functions, including keeping connective tissues healthy, maintaining the metabolism, and in keeping the nervous system humming along. Chromium is also essential, in that it helps regulate blood sugar by processing carbohydrates and fats. Likewise, manganese helps ensure proper growth, bone and cartilage formation, and brain function. Moreover, manganese is a wonderful antioxidant formula; it has any number of properties that fight free radicals and the damage that free radicals cause.

Plants and Herbs

There are several plants and herbs that, when combined with other ingredients, contribute greatly to an anti-aging supplements. Alfalfa, for example, is a good source of many of the vitamins and minerals necessary to keep the body’s systems functioning correctly. Olive leaf extract can help boost the immune system, while pumpkin seed has natural anti-inflammatory properties. Milk thistle is a strong antioxidant, and can also help with liver function, and astragalus root can help ward off colds and heal wounds and injuries.

The bottom line is that our genes aren’t necessarily our destiny. When we make a conscious choice to lead a healthy lifestyle, and take a good anti-aging formula, our body’s “age” can actually be younger than our chronological age. A younger body means a better quality of life – something that each of us should strive for.

The best method of aging skin care is to start young. The effects of age on skin doesnt happen overnight, and actually starts occurring right after youre born. Actually, you could even argue that your skin begins to age the moment it is formed inside the womb. Although it seems to age all of a sudden for a lot of people, in a period of just a few years, the visible effects of aging skin are the result of a process that has been happening for as long as youve been alive.

Anti-aging creams are heavily marketed and advertised on television, with the promise of making the consumer look younger and reducing visible wrinkles on the skin. Traditionally, they have been targeted towards women, but products specifically targeting men are now common, often sold as part of collections of men’s grooming and skin-care products by major brands like Zirh, Biotherm and many others.

This change may be due to the fact that many societies in recent years have seen an increased focus on young looks, including in men, and some men report that they feel it is easier for younger-looking men to get an attractive job than it is for older-looking men. Additionally, it has become more socially acceptable for men to be conscious about their looks.

There are a range of cosmetic ‘treatments’ for the appearance of wrinkles on the skin such as plastic surgery and botox injections. Advertising presents anti-aging creams as an alternative to these more costly and invasive cosmetic treatments.

No matter how old you are, its never too soon or too late to be worried about aging skin care. Your skin, being the outermost layer of your body, is the part of you that people see, and reflects your overall state of health and age. If you are concerned at all about how you appear, its therefore a good idea to take good care of your skin.

So the sooner the better with aging skin care. What causes skin to age is a few different things, but the major visible reason for aging skin comes down to damage done to the elastic proteins your skin has to keep it tight. What causes the damage is chiefly free radicals. What the heck are free radicals you ask? A free radical is just a fancy chemistry word for an oxygen compound gone wrong.

Another key form of aging skin care is to avoid tobacco and alcohol. Smoking anything, especially tobacco, is a great way to infuse your entire body with free radicals, and too much drinking will do the same.

The best ways I know for aging skin care are the above preventative measures, as these are the only real ways to keep young looking skin. Once wrinkles occur, you cant get rid of them without surgery, and aging skin care products are just different ways of covering them up.

So do any of these anti-aging creams work at all? And what do they do exactly? The answer to if they work or not is yes, no and sort of all rolled into one.

There are literally thousands of different anti-aging creams on the market today. Since women are especially concerned with the effects of age to their skin, most of these anti-aging creams are marketed towards women, but many men have turned to their use as well.

Most of these anti-aging skin products will produce the appearance of reduced wrinkles, which can be noticeable in even just a few weeks of consistent use. However, there arent any known anti-aging creams that will actually eliminate wrinkles or otherwise permanently reverse aging effects to your skin.

Anti-aging creams will remove layers of dead skin, and hydrate the lower layers giving them a plumper and fuller look that helps reduced the appearance of wrinkles. The wrinkles are not permanently removed, and will reappear after the discontinued use of the product.

Therefore, you have to keep applying it everyday and will go through a lot of it quite fast. Since the cost of many of these ant-aging creams is not cheap, maintaining the reduced wrinkle effect they offer can become expensive.

You can achieve a somewhat fuller, plumper skin appearance by using less expensive moisturizers. The only scientifically tested and proven anti-aging cream ingredients are vitamin C and E, as well as Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA). These three ingredients are proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, but there are likely many other ingredients that will produce similar effects.

Results of any particular product will vary from user to user, and a good strategy would be to try several different brands before settling on one that works best for you.

Anti-aging creams aside, the two most effective things you can do to slow down the appearance of wrinkles is not smoke, and apply sunscreen at the beginning of everyday if you plan on being outside for more than ten minutes. SPF 15 or higher is recommended. As much as you may want a tan, excessive UV exposure is a sure way to bring on wrinkled skin before its time.

No one looks forward to wrinkles, low energy and other effects of aging on the body.

When searching for their “fountain of youth,” the biggest mistake that people make is buying an anti-

aging cream and calling it a day. But the key to delaying the effects of aging is to change your lifestyle.

According to the National Institute on Aging, exercising regularly is the first step in fighting the effects of aging. Exercise helps you maintain healthy bones and joints, control weight, improve your mood and strengthen your muscles. Experts say that exercise also conditions the skin to make collagen, the support fibers that help keep wrinkles and lines under control.

The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion suggests eating a balanced diet that’s low in saturated fats and contains at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Also, more doctors are stressing the importance of taking a supplement to reduce the signs and symptoms of aging.

For example, Revive, from the “Spray” line of sublingual sprays, was developed by doctors to help prevent or reduce sleeplessness, low energy, poor muscle/fat balance, poor skin elasticity and low libido. It is able to provide relief of these symptoms of aging by restoring the body’s endocrine system functions, which are instrumental in regulating mood, tissue function and other internal activity.

Recent study results show that Revive starts to work immediately after use. According to Gwen Sconears, 70, of Gridley, Calif., the spray even helped her 45-year-old son, Randy Molanari, who suffers from a debilitating disease.

“My son has severe muscular dystrophy and has noticed significant improvement in his muscular pain and improvement in his energy level. After seeing my son’s results with Revive, I began taking the product as well. Not only do I feel great with less back pain, people have told me that I look much younger,” she said.

When it comes to choosing an antiaging eye cream, the possibilities are endless. The choices range from high end department store brands, to affordable names brands and can be found in all shapes, sizes, and forms. So you can imagine that when it comes time to choose an antiaging eye cream that will produce the best results for you, the job is a tough one. Whether your target area is above the eye, below the eye, or the eyelashes, the possibilities are definitely there.

For the Eyelashes

Although not your ordinary antiaging eye cream, the products available for your eyelashes are enriched with a complex of lecithin along with plant extracts. Its meant to promote growth of the lashes, and is clinically proven to do so while conditioning your existing lashes. Many Internet websites and beauty stores carry this type of treatment, so your best bet is to shop around for particular differences in products as well as price.

Wrinkle Reducers

A few different kinds of antiaging eye cream can be found that reduce wrinkles while promoting healthy skin. Some of these wrinkle reducers are left on over night and then washed off, while others are meant to be used under makeup or as a lotion alone. The severity of the eye lines you are trying to reduce or smooth will probably make a big difference in which type of antiaging eye cream you decide to use. For more deep lines or crows feet, you will probably want to sue an overnight treatment, couple with a leave on treatment. And for softer lines that need just a bit of smoothing, a leave on conditioner should do the trick.

Age Defying Choices

In addition to worrying about wrinkles, lines, and brittle eyelashes, we simply want to defy our age. Its natural, as getting older means feeling older. What better way to feel younger than to look younger? With age defying antiaging eye cream choices, defying age is a possibility. The choices in this area include firming cream and glow enhancers but the line tends to also offer natural choices such as chamomile antiaging eye cream, and herbal treatments.

Many products offer multiple benefits in one treatment, while others come in kits and require multiple steps. The severity of your problem areas dont really matter as to whether a one step or multiple step treatment is the best choice, however pricing, time availability, and satisfaction should be the deciding factors.