Fight Cellular Aging: Natural Supplements For Longevity & Heart Health
Fighting and slowing cellular aging can improve longevity and heart health. Certain supplements can help by slowing inflammation and encouraging efficient cell function.
You’re Aging Down To The Cells
M itochondria, the tiny powerhouses within cells, use oxygen and nutrients to generate energy. Aging can cause mitochondria to become damaged, leading to fatigue, cellular stress, and even an increased risk of heart disease. Certain natural supplements may help protect mitochondrial DNA, the genetic blueprint that keeps these power plants functioning optimally. Supporting mitochondrial health can promote cellular energy production, reduce inflammation, and potentially improve heart health and overall well-being. While a balanced diet is crucial, some supplements can offer targeted support for mitochondria. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) acts like a spark plug, essential for energy production within the mitochondria. B vitamins, particularly B complex or individual ones like thiamine (B1) and riboflavin (B2), help convert food into energy and may combat fatigue associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that fights free radical damage that can harm mitochondria.
Aging impacts
Wrinkles, aching bones, forgetfulness, reduced speed and strength. These are signs of an aging body. Aging is not only happening in the places we can see and feel. Deep down, on a cellular level, every cell goes through a wear and tear process. Like any machine, proper maintenance is necessary for optimal performance for as long as possible. Cellular aging is a natural part of life, but the speed of aging can significantly impact health, future diseases, and quality of life. This is especially true with heart health, as genetic damage impacts this critical organ tremendously. Proper habits, including supplementation, can help slow cellular aging.
What you should know about cellular aging
The human body is an intuitive organism, replacing damaged cells with new, youthful ones ready to perform at a higher level. Over time, this process slows down, and the quality of cells declines with age. This cell aging process happens on a microscopic level. Cells contain instructions called deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) packaged in chromosomes. Over many years, as cells divide, DNA function diminishes, leading to cellular aging. Additionally, oxidative stress can accelerate aging. Cells are also vulnerable to epigenetic changes, where external factors influence genes without altering the DNA code. Accelerated cellular aging leads to inflammation, reduced tissue and muscle function, and a higher risk of chronic diseases.
Why your heart is in danger
Cellular aging also has direct impacts on specific organs, like the heart. Cell damage can speed up the aging of the heart, leading to reduced size, stiffness, and impaired function. As a result, the risk for heart-related illnesses, like cardiovascular diseases (CVD), increases significantly. While rapid cellular aging is concerning, there are ways to stem the tide. For instance, adopting healthy habits, like diet and exercise, can help in the long term. Adding certain supplements, like the ones mentioned below, can provide the body with an additional boost necessary for optimal cell function. This benefit can also provide the heart with the support needed for longevity.
The power of antioxidants
What better to combat or slow oxidative stress than antioxidants? With oxidative stress, the body has more free radicals than antioxidants. Therefore, consuming antioxidant-rich foods is one of the best ways to combat cell aging. At the same time, incorporating antioxidant supplements, like vitamins C and E, reduces those unstable molecules that cause cellular damage. Multiple studies have shown that antioxidants effectively slow the development and risk of age-related diseases.
Have you heard of NAD+?
An unknown but powerful supplement, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), may benefit cell aging. NAD+ is a molecule located in each cell, which helps with cell function, repair, and gene expression. This molecule production decreases with age. Scientists believe that higher levels of NAD+ in the body will lead to faster cell repair and more efficient energy production. These benefits may lead to slowing down cellular aging. More NAD+ also means better gene expression, which plays a role in improved epigenetic function.
Your daily dose of alpha lipoic acid
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is another antioxidant that can reduce free radicals and even help suppress cellular aging. ALA impacts the cells by neutralizing free radicals inside and outside the cell. Reducing free radical damage protects the cells from some of the stress related to aging. This compound can also work synergistically with NAD+ to enhance overall cellular efficiency.
Fight inflammation with vitamin D
The body synthesizes vitamin D through sunlight absorption. Getting enough vitamin D goes a long way in supporting immune health, bone health, and glucose metabolism. These are just some of the many benefits, as this vitamin impacts the body on a cellular level. By reducing inflammation, vitamin D helps with cell growth. Studies also show that supplementation is linked to slower epigenetic aging. Adding a high-quality supplement to consistent sun exposure can be the fountain of cellular youth.
Keep your heart and cells forever young
These are just some of the many vitamins, minerals, and compounds that contribute to fighting cellular aging. Other honorable mentions include coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), curcumin, collagen, and resveratrol. When combined with healthy habits, supplements support longevity and a healthier heart. However, not all supplements are created equally. A pharmacist can guide the most bioavailable options on the market or make a custom solution as needed. Consistent use can give the body the resources necessary to keep the heart and cells young and healthy.