We already know the basics: exercise, get plenty of rest, drink
at least 8 glasses of water a day, eat foods high in fiber, eat
a low-fat diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.
This is all good advice, but sometimes--more than we'd like--we
don't manage to follow this plan. Therefore, it may be a good
idea for you to supplement with some important vitamins and nutrients
that will not only help protect your body from disease, they may
even be able to slow down the aging process.
ANTIOXIDANTS AND FREE RADICALS
First, what are antioxidants, and what is the big deal
with free-radical damage? These are two terms you probably
hear or read about fairly often, and you will read about them
on this site. But you may not have a clear understanding about
just what they are and why they are important, so this should
help clarify:
Free radicals are highly unstable compounds that are created
in the body during normal metabolic functions or introduced from
the environment, such as pollution, sun, exposure to toxic chemicals,
alcohol, smoking, etc. Free radicals are unstable because they
contain “extra” energy. While trying to reduce their
energy levels, free radicals react with specific chemicals in
the body and interfere with the cells’ ability to function
normally. Research indicates that free radicals can harm cells,
tissues, and organs, and free radical damage is involved in illnesses
ranging from cancer to heart disease. They are thought to be a
key factor in the degeneration that occurs in the aging process.
Antioxidants can come to your body's rescue by reducing
the energy of the free radical, or preventing the free radical
from developing at all, or by interrupting the free radical's
oxidizing process to minimize the damage. In addition to taking antioxidants internally in the form of vitamins and supplements, look for skin care products that are loaded with antioxidants to help protect your skin.
VITAMINS AND NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
Here are some recommendations* on the best vitamin supplements
to help you stay younger both inside and out. This list is by
no means exhaustive, but there is substantial research indicating
that these supplements may provide powerful protection against
free radical damage in your body and may lower your risk for diseases
such as cancer and heart disease. Some of them may reduce the
negative effects of starches and sugars in your diet—which
can help with weight loss—reduce inflammation, and help keep
your skin soft and supple.
:
Look Younger, Live Longer in Three Easy Steps"by Dr. Nicholas
Perricone
