If I go online and type “anti aging” into the search bar, I’ll soon be bombarded with millions of ways to keep looking young. Some of them may work, but others.well, there’s a lot of strange stuff out there. If you’re looking for some help on the anti aging front, you may want some advice from a trusted voice.
Aging is something we all have to go through, and it comes with some unwelcome side effects. We get slower, and tire more easily. Fertility declines. There’s a loss of both strength and mobility. Lots of diseases and medical conditions, including arthritis, osteoporosis and dementia, become more common. There are cosmetic changes too, such as the gray hair and wrinkles that many people try so hard to hide.
Scientists have been trying to find a way to slow – if not stop – the effect of aging for years. There’s no absolute cure, at least so far. There are, however, certain supplements and practices that may be able to ease the process. Combined with the basics of healthy living – good diet, plenty of exercise, a sensible amount of sleep and no smoking – aging doesn’t have to be so bad.
Curcumin is one dietary supplement associated with reducing the impact of aging, possibly because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. If you’re wondering what that is, it’s one of the main constituent parts of turmeric, a popular spice. It’s been used as an alternative medicine for centuries, though modern scientific research is mixed on its effectiveness. Green tea is another possible dietary supplement with mixed scientific backing.
Another way that people have tried to reduce the effects of aging is through the use of collagen. This is a type of protein that helps connect other tissues, organs, muscles and bones together. Both human and bovine (cow) collagen have been used in medical contexts, such as helping burn victims recover. They are also used as fillers to alleviate wrinkles and other signs of skin aging.
You can also try to alleviate the symptoms of aging by reducing or removing certain things from your life. Smoking and too much alcohol are known to have a host of negative effects, and this can include aggravating the aging process. They’re also associated with stress. Stress can cause problems in pretty much every area of your physical and mental health, including making you age more quickly and with more side effects.
Of course, you can’t just remove stress from your life, but you can find ways to alleviate it. Sleep, diet and exercise are important. It also helps to have a positive attitude. Allow time for your favorite hobbies or to spend time with friends and family. Break unwelcome tasks into manageable chunks. Learn to identify and manage your own bad habits.
Some of these methods treat the symptoms of aging directly, while others are useful for alleviating other causes or conditions associated with aging. Antioxidants and anti-inflammatories are popular as anti aging supplements. As always, consult with your doctor if you have any doubts about what you are taking, especially if you are taking other medication. Supplements should complement a healthy lifestyle, not take the place of a good diet and exercise regimen.