It is known that the ageing process starts internally, years before the damage is readily apparent on the face and body. This happens when free radical DNA damage accumulates over time just through normal every day living. When you then add to that smoking, too much exposure to UVA/UVB rays, pollutants etc the damage can accelerate - the liver has too much to eliminate as does the kidneys along with all the other organs.
Further, the thymus gland shrinks to less than a third of its size to when we were children, our supply of (human) growth hormone declines with age, as does our production of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and other critical antioxidants - the list goes on and on.
The only way to reverse this DNA damage is to supplement those nutrients that are on the decline. However, it is also important that those supplements be readily taken-up by the body (bioavailability). Not all supplements are created equally and none more so than CoQ10.
"The trick is growing up without growing old"
The Science Part (very briefly!) - Free radicals are atoms with an odd (unpaired) number of electrons. Once formed these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction, like dominoes. They bounce around looking to scavenge electrons from normal cells causing damage to DNA and the cell membrane. Cells may function poorly or die if this occurs and this damage accumulates with age. And the damage eventually becomes evident - in the mirror (face, neck, hands etc)
To prevent this free radical damage the body normally has a defence system of antioxidants. Antioxidants donate an electron to the free radical atom to keep it from causing further damage without becoming a free radical itself. So immediately we can surmise that an abundance of antioxidants in our bodies can minimise damage to our cells and DNA, preventing further ageing.
Paradoxically, the immune system does recruit free radicals to help kill off bacteria and viruses. So, yes, too much of a good thing (antioxidants) can be harmful to your health! Balance is the key. Because your natural defences weaken as you age, you need more antioxidants (less when you’re younger).
Our internal supplies of antioxidants such as Coenzyme Q10, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Catalase and Glutathione Peroxidase diminish with age.
Although we do get antioxidants from eating fruits and vegetables the chances of getting the therapeutic amounts necessary to combat free radicals are minimal, especially as we get older. Unless large amounts are consumed and not just once in awhile but every day (it takes 1kg of peanuts to provide 30mg of CoQ10, a minimal dosage for maintenance). Then, mix into the equation the nutrients lost to the extreme heat of cooking!
The principle micronutrient antioxidants are the eight forms of vitamin E (full-spectrum), beta-carotene, and vitamin C. Additionally, selenium, a trace metal that is required for proper function of one of the body's antioxidant enzyme systems, is sometimes included in this category. The body cannot manufacture these micronutrients so they must be supplied in the diet.
Remember "We are not programmed to die; we are programmed to survive" If you keep this in mind, you will always have the right mindset in the search for the most appropriate anti-ageing strategy for you.
And finally, a bit of humour: "You know you are getting old when the candles cost more than the cake" Bob Hope
It is known that the ageing process starts internally, years before the damage is readily apparent on the face and body. This happens when free radical DNA damage accumulates over time just through normal every day living. When you then add to that smoking, too much exposure to UVA/UVB rays, pollutants etc the damage can accelerate - the liver has too much to eliminate as does the kidneys along with all the other organs.
