The oldest fully authenticated age to which any human has ever lived is 122 years and 164 days.1
The life span of our population has made impressive gains over the past century – we now live an average of 20 years longer than our counterparts in 1900. According to population studies, the average Australian male can now expect to live until 72.6, and women to the ripe old age of 81.8. 2
The reduction in mortality in the earlier part of the century has been attributed to improvements in living conditions, such as better water supply, sewerage systems, food quality and health education. The continuing reduction in mortality in the later part of the century was due to improving social conditions and advancements in medical technology such as antibiotics and immunisation.
However in the last two decades behavioural changes - such as improved diet and the reduction of smoking - have been at the forefront of anti-ageing.
People are becoming more and more aware of these everyday factors they can control, which are important in delaying the ageing process and increasing health and vitality in later years.
The Importance of Diet
Bio-molecular research tells us our bodies are made up of trillions
of cells. Millions of cells are formed each day. Millions of cells
die each day. To be properly formed each new cell requires the right
chemicals, and most of the chemicals are manufactured from nutrients
in our diet.
The old saying “we are what we eat” has a lot of truth in it. If we don’t have the right nutrients our cells are likely to be malformed, which over a period of time can lead to several serious disease states.
Which nutrients are needed?
Omega 3 fatty acids – Fish oil
Did you know the brain is more than 60% fat? Not all fats are bad,
in fact some are absolutely necessary.
We all know we should reduce our intake of saturated fats found in meat and butter. But increasing the amounts of polyunsaturated “healthy fats” in the diet is just as important.
The two main polyunsaturated fats are Omega 3 and Omega 6. Omega 3’s are found mainly in the oil of fatty fish, and Omega 6’s mainly in grains and plant-based oils.
For thousands of years most humans have lived on a ratio of 1 part Omega 3’s to 1 part Omega 6’s – the ratio best suited to optimal cell health.
However modern diets have a much larger emphasis on Omega 6’s – the Australian ratio is now estimated to be out of balance by as much as 1:20, due to over-reliance on grain-based products, processed foods and vegetable oils 3. Therefore while both Omega 3 and 6 are necessary, it is much more important to increase Omega 3’s.
What can Omega 3’s contribute to the fight against ageing? There are thousands of studies in many different areas demonstrating the value of this amazing supplement. Links have been found between the Omega 3’s found in fish oil and mental agility and growth and development. It can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and lower total serum triglycerides in healthy people. Fish oil is important for heart health, to temporarily relieve the pain of arthritis and may also be useful for other inflammatory conditions.4
Getting the right ratio of fats in the body may be a very important step to challenging the ageing process.
Antioxidants – The Body’s Defence Army
The second major factor which may lead to age-related illnesses
are free radicals. These are cell-attacking molecules which are
believed to be one of the main causes of cellular damage and the
ageing process.
Free radicals are a natural by-product of metabolic processes in the body, but are also triggered by chemicals, smoke, pollutants and solar radiation.
However the body has an answer – Antioxidants. Antioxidants are nature’s defence against free radicals, stabilising and preventing them from damaging healthy tissues and cells. The body has its own antioxidant ‘defence network’, however as we get older this can weaken because of pollution, diet or other environmental influences. Many of us do not eat enough dietary antioxidants – such as fruit and vegetables – to support it. Therefore supplementation is important to take up the slack and give this vital network a boost.
Rich sources of Antioxidants include:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Selenium – a mineral with extremely powerful antioxidant properties
- Herbal antioxidants, such as Milk Thistle, Grapeseed Extract and Green Tea.
The Liver
To keep fit and well, and keep diseases at bay we must have a well
functioning liver. The liver protects us from the effects of toxins
in our food such as fatty foods, alcohol and prescription drugs.
Often referred to as the body’s “chemical workshop”, the liver is truly remarkable. One of it’s main functions is the detoxify and excrete bacteria, food additives, alcohol, drugs, heavy metals and chemicals from our system.
It is very important the liver is kept in good condition. If toxins or chemicals are not processed properly they can flow through the body and cause severe damage.
Because the liver can still function with up to 80% deterioration, symptoms may not be noticed until the damage is severe. Symptoms of poor liver function include gastric disturbances, constipation, haemorrhoids, bad breath, nausea, allergies, headaches, obesity and hangovers from alcohol.
Fortunately the liver has amazing restorative powers. Milk Thistle, together with other herbs can help restore and maintain a healthy liver. (link to “Liver Friendly Herbs” section on ‘Liver’ website sheet)
Supplementary Measures for Healthy Aging
- Take a calcium supplement, supported with Vitamin D, to help
prevent osteoporosis
- Exercise is important – it increases oxygen to the body’s
cells, strengthens the lungs, keeps muscles toned and bones strong,
increases flexibility and improves mental wellbeing.
- Reduce alcohol, which is a liver toxin.
- Quit smoking – it dramatically reduces the risk of many
diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (blindness).
- Keep a positive attitude and outlook on life. The world’s oldest ever person began fencing lessons at the age of 85, was still riding a bicycle at 100, and acted in a movie at the ripe old age of 114.
References
Available on request
This material is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist, please contact your healthcare professional.
