Scared of AGING?

Why do some people never seem to grow old? Some have grey hair or balding by the time they hit 30 whilst others have dark hair well into their 60-70. Science explains this is our genetic makeup affecting bone mass, muscle strength, memory, skin texture and metabolism.

Having said that if you are not well-endowed, do not despair. You cannot stop the biological clock from ticking but can prevent or reverse premature aging and turn back the hands of time by as much as 10-20 years. Science has discovered the damaging effects of aging and can be counteracted if positive actions are taken to manage the controllable factors.

(Do you still remember the faces of those gorgeous movie stars we used to adore on the big screen?)

How to slow aging process?

+ If aging is a state of mind, by staying positive and optimistic, we can achieve a healthy body too. So letting go negative emotions like anger, fear and regret, can relieve our adrenal glands unnecessary burden and stress. With it, our immune function is improved and leaving us less susceptible to infectious diseases.

+ Another controllable factor that most people do not put in efforts to manage is dieting. Recent studies found out that this premature aging problem is compounded with 92% of the human population not eating right (unbalanced diet) and thus are partially malnourished. By not consuming a necessary nutrient on a daily basis, we become deficient in that nutrient. After a prolonged period, this can develop into a deficiency disease. For instance, being short of calcium for too long can cause osteoporosis.

An adult human body requires 11 different vitamins, 14 different minerals and 8 different amino acids on a daily basis to feed our trillion cells. Note all these essential nutrients cannot be manufactured in the body, and have to be extracted from food. Being deprived of them over a prolonged period, our bodies are unable to operate optimally. As a result, people complain much about tiredness, depressed, severe lethargy, moody, temperamental these days. As we force our body to cope with mounting stress but fail to provide a strong immune system, our cells break down faster and die prematurely. As a whole, serious deficiency diseases can cause permanent disability or death. Now, we appreciate better why a nutritional supplement can be a life-saver or quality life saver to be taken religiously.

+ The key culprit to aging is free radicals, produced as a normal cell function in young, healthy bodies. However, sunrays, smokes, food additives and other pollutants trigger unhealthy free radical production. At excessive levels, their unstable molecular structures enter our body and damage DNA, proteins, and components at cellular level. This is manifested as wrinkles, loss of elasticity and dry skin texture. On more intensive basis, other chronic and degenerative diseases take place. The extent of damage is dependent on the body's immune and detoxification functionality. Antioxidants can prevent cellular damage by contributing its own electron to stabilise the free radicals' molecules or scavenge them.

+ The responsibility of regenerative and immunological task is carried out by HGH (human growth hormone), the hormone that regulates the building, rebuilding and healing processes.

According to the National Institute of Health Research the pitutiary gland secretes less and less HGH as we age. At our peak of 21, HGH level declines and by 40 our body is producing a mere 5% of the needed HGH, making it difficult to maintain proper cellular and tissue regeneration which results in poor healing and insufficient tissue construction. Avoid the consumption of excessively sweet foods, as it results in a rise of sugar level that is counterproductive to the release and utilisation of HGH. This is especially so before going to bed, as the primary supply of HGH is released during such time.

Can we replenish the level of natural growth hormone given its ever declining trend? The answer lies in the three elements below.

Protein, Amino acids, HGH

Protein is essential for healthy growth, strong muscles, immune function, absorption of nutrients, enzyme function and is needed for the manufacture of hormones, antibodies, enzymes and tissues.

The body needs sufficient input to perform a specific task. For instance, our skin regenerates itself every 5-7 weeks. Collagen and elastin are essential to having a strong healthy and elastic skin. Without which, the skin becomes dry, cracked and wrinkled.

Once protein is consumed, the stomach acid and enzymes begin to dissolve or break down the long fibrous protein into tiny absorbable amino acids, that find its way into the bloodstream to be circulated throughout the body and are used in all body systems as 'building blocks".

Amino acids are designated as non-essential and essential (28 in kind). Non-essential amino acids are produced by the liver (about 80% of all bodily needs) or manufactured from other amino acids whilst essential amino acids are food-derived. Aminos are about 16% nitrogen, vital for production of energy to fuel all the cells for normal functioning.

Signs of falling hair, fatigue, weakened muscles, wrinkled skin, failure to think clearly can be attributed to amino acid deficient. With passage of time, mild symptoms can be developed into serious illnesses. When more aminos are introduced into the body, the symptoms can be reversed.

The right mix of amino acids can act as a natural human growth hormone releaser to defy aging process. This hormone is released by the master gland during the first hour of the deepest levels of R.E.M sleep. That is why a one hour power nap can be so rejuvenating. More releases occur around 3-4 pm and 11 pm-1 am each day (no tea break and supper please). After the secretion, HGH travels through the liver where it metabolises into IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) necessary for promoting glucose metabolism, stimulating growth of immune factors and becomes a source of fuel for cells.

An important amino acid like Arginine can help to fix up the many health problems including:

- Improves immune function and wound healing, which has regenerative effects and can be one of many reasons tissue deterioration during the aging process can be reversed. Hence, it can prevent the symptoms of premature aging. (Journal of Nutrition)

- Reduces the growth of tumour cells significantly and metastasis of cancer. (Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition)

There are countless scientific studies documented on the effects of HGH that demonstrate anti-aging effects are dubious whilst many peer reviews and journals are trying to prove that HGH the new 'Fountain of Youth', endorsed by educated experts in the field do benefit most people, prevent and reverse symptoms of premature aging.

Here are some credible quotes:

* Stanford Medical Researchers:

"It is possible that physiologic growth hormone replacement might reverse or prevent some of the inevitable effects of aging.

* The New England Journal of Medicine (most credible medical journal in the world):

"The overall deterioration of the body that comes with growing old is not inevitable. We now realise that some aspects of it (aging) can be prevented or reverse."

"The effects of 6 months of HGH on lean body mass and adipose tissue mass were equivalent in magnitude to the changes incurred during 10-20 years of aging. This means that your lean body mass (muscles) can become as if they were 10-20 years younger. This is important because a person loses 2% of their muscle mass and strength each year after 35. What this means is, a 60 yo person who has aged normally has lost 50% of their muscle mass but over 6 months of increased HGH they could turn back the hands of time 10-20 years and this is a 20-40% increase in muscle mass. The 60 yo would feel as if they were 40 yo. This is true of their energy levels, mood and overall health as well. In fact one of the most common reasons the elderly wind up in a rest home is because their leg muscles become so weak they cannot stand on their own anymore. They become dependent on someone else for all their care and were confined to a wheelchair simply because they allowed their legs to become weak. It should be noted that the average elderly person only lives 9 months after they are confined to a wheelchair."

"The adipose tissue (fats) can be reduced as well, and this is important because there is too much obesity and it is one of the fastest growing diseases contributing to arthritis, heart disease, cancer and a lowering quality of life. HGH combines with amino acids builds muscles that burn fat for fuel and the consumer can become stronger, leaner and reduce significant heart risks......"

* Dr Rudman (Author of New England Journal of Medicine) :

"Growth hormone given to elderly men regrew the livers, spleens and muscles that had shrunken with age back to their youthful sizes, which means this could keep someone from being confined to a wheelchair, or being institutionalised, which certainly would increase their quality of life."

* Dr Klatz:

"HGH is the ultimate anti-aging therapy. It affects almost every cell in the body, rejuvenating the skin and bones, heart, liver, lungs and kidney while bringing organ and tissue function back to youthful levels...It is an anti-disease medicine that revitalises the immune system, lowers the risk factors for heart disease and stroke, and prevent osteoporosis. It is cosmetic surgery in a bottle because it irons out facial wrinkles, restoring the elasticity, thickness and contours of youthful skin, reversing the loss of extra cellular water that makes old people look like dried up prunes."

In essence, both Dr Rudman and Dr Ronald Klatz stated that growth hormone given to elderly can reinstate the body to its youthful condition with regrew livers, spleens, heart, lungs, kidneys, muscles, skin and bones.

Dr Chein and Terry from the Wisconsin College of Medicine quantified and published many other benefits like improvements in vision, sleep quality, skin elasticity, sexual performance, quicken wound healing and better quality of life.

* Scientific research has proven that increased levels of HGH can safely do the followings:

+ Regenerate damaged tissues (Journal of Clinical Investigation)

+ Prevent Symptoms of aging (New England Journal of Medicine)

+ Reverse Symptoms of aging (National Academy of Sciences)

+ Rejuvenate deteriorated organs (New England Journal of Medicine)

+ Amino acids increase HGH levels and "improve the quality and longevity of life" (Age Aging)

These studies illustrate the fact that thousands of people have been safely studied in controlled clinical studies and the benefits of HGH are published. There are few thousands of such studies published and hundred of thousands of elderly people in the world living a vibrant life filled with vitality, health and energy to go that extra mile.

Synthetic HGH Injections?

Not only are they very expensive (one IU costs S$100 per day) , the side effects can be disastrous if not handled properly. A drug, Metformin (used for diabetic treatment) that has fat-shedding properties and ability to retain lean muscle mass can potentially cause lactic acidosis, where the blood becomes dangerously acidic, causing death, especially applied on patients who are on very low carbohydrate diets (eg. Atkins diet) and also those with liver and kidney problems.

Also, once started on the HGH injection is hard to get off, and HGH level drops quickly within 3 weeks once stopped. Taking supplements can increase HGH level safely though at 1/3 the effectiveness of drug injection. Those needing instant boost like drowning victims, professional players, bodybuilders or long term treatment for dwarfism and nerve damage may benefit since body either cannot produce or require more HGH in the shortest possible time.

Oral HGH releasers?

There are no conclusive evidence to prove that oral HGH releasers are effective to deliver any anti-aging result. This is because HGH, once dissolved in a liquid, becomes very unstable and degrades quickly. Worst if they are displaced on the shelves for a long time.

Our comments

Aging is a disease that can be well-handled if you understood the biological mechanism involved. Anti-aging scientists around the world believe that the human body is capable of healthy living well above 100 years of age. Hence, let us do it right and age graciously into our golden years!

VIVA Corner

Taking sufficient amino acids is of vital importance to allow for various metabolic functions, development ands promote growth. Unfortunately, some amino acids are destroyed during the cooking process and eventually become difficult for us to meet the requirement from our food intake. As such, free amino acids which are available in dietary supplements have been widely used.

Also proteins are large molecules tightly bound together into long chains of amino acids, making the absorption process difficult and taking longer hours to break down to be utilised. The unique characteristic of this VIVA product, Ageguard as compared with other anti-aging products found in the market is its free-form bio-availability nature, meaning the chain of full-range amino acids is nicely broken down for easy absorption and only those with left spin fitting our cell receptors are selected. Hence, its ability to act fast as a natural HGH releaser.

VIVA Ageguard is a proprietary formulation of free form amino acids from soy and rice protein with other unique ingredients. A consistent user over 6 months' period should see enhanced benefits such as youthfulness, increased muscle mass, more burn fat, increased skin thickness and regenerated tissues. Athletes can use it to improve their physique and performance. Down-syndrome kids can try out given their low hormonal levels as there is no side effect administered on a long-term basis.

How to look GREAT after 50

  

“I have trouble chewing.”
“Food just doesn’t taste the same anymore.”
“I can’t get out to go shopping.”
“It’s too much trouble to cook for one person.”
“I’m just not that hungry.”

Sounds familiar? These are a few common reasons why some older people do not eat healthy meals, even though they understand healthy food choice is a smart thing to do to stay well. If you are not already taking a pro-active position, the chances of seriously jeopardising your health increase exponentially as you grow older.  The combined effect of inactivity and poor nutrition accelerates the aging process.

TAKING CARE WITHIN……..

For those in this age category, there are some tips to get you started:

+  Eat many different colors and types of vegetables and fruits.

+  Make sure at least half of your grains are whole grains.

+  Eat only small amounts of solid fats, oils and foods high in sugars.

+  Limit saturated fat (found mostly in foods that come from animals) or trans fats (found in some margarines, shortening, cookies and crackers)

Having Problems with Food?

+  Your sense of taste and smell may change. Is not surprising food consumed may seem to have lost the flavor. This is especially so for those on drug medications for prolonged periods are likely to lose their taste buds and appetite.

+  Foods may no longer be palatable.  Some people may become lactose intolerant, or experience symptoms like stomach pain, gas or diarrhea after eating or drinking food with content of dairy products.

+  Your appetite is reduced naturally.  This is because the digestion process slows down due to lowering metabolic rate.

Note:  For the 50s, the population of friendly bacteria in the digestive tract drops significantly, especially in the large intestine.  The enzymes in the digestive organs like stomach, liver and pancreas are also depleting.  Poor digestion, absorption of nutrients and constipation are inevitable.  Statistics showed colorectal cancer starts to manifest among men in this category.

Do I Need to Drink Water?

+  With age, you may lose some of your sense of thirst.  Drink plenty of liquids like water, juice, milk and soup even if you are not thirsty.

+  Try to drink several large glasses of water each day. Your urine should be pale yellow.  Drink more if it is a bright or dark yellow.

Note:  The number of filtering units or nephrons in the kidneys that helps to remove wastes from the bloodstream is reduced.

What about Fiber?

Fiber is found in most foods from plants such as fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds and whole grains. Eating more fiber can help to prevent stomach or intestinal problems, like constipation and helpful in lowering cholesterol and blood sugar.

Here are some tips for adding fiber:

+  Eat cooked dry beans, peas and lentils often.

 +  Leave skins on your fruit and vegetables if possible.

 +  Choose whole fruit over fruit juice.

 +  Eat whole-grain breads and cereals.

 +  Drink plenty of liquids to help fiber move through your intestines.

Should I cut back on Salt?

The body needs sodium, but excessive intake can lead to a rise in blood pressure for some elderly.  Sodium is found in fresh food and aplenty in many canned and prepared foods.

Monitoring the salt intake is important to prevent many health problems.  If you are over age 50, about 2/3 of a teaspoon of table salt equivalent to 1500 milligrams (mg) of sodium is all you need each day. That includes all the sodium in your food and drink, not just the salt you add when cooking or eating. Sea salt is a better choice.

Useful tip: Spices, herbs and lemon juice can add flavor to your food to substitute salt.

What about Fat?

Fat comes readily in food and the fat added during cooking. It is an energy provider (high calories) responsible for hundreds of bodily functions and helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.  However, high intake is always associated with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.  Excess fat often appears in the stomach of a man and the thighs of a woman.

Lowering fat intake is important for an elderly as their metabolism is declining.  In contrast to carbohydrate, molecules of fat are more complex and require additional energy and time to be converted into energy.

To lower the fat in your diet:

+  Choose cuts of meat, fish or poultry with less fat.

 +  Trim off any extra fat before cooking.

 +  Use low-fat dairy products and salad dressings.

 +  Use non-stick pots and pans, and cook without added fat.

 +  Choose an unsaturated vegetable oil (check the label)

 +  Avoid deep-frying; opt for broil, roast, bake, stir-fry, steam, microwave or boil foods.

TAKING CARE OUTSIDE……..

Makeup and cosmetic surgery give you glamour temporarily.  Would you not prefer more lasting beauty in a natural way?

How the skin condition can change

*  Your skin changes with age.  It becomes thinner, loses fat (collagen) and no longer looks as plump and smooth as it once did.

*  Your veins and bones can be visible.

*  Scratches, cuts or bumps can take longer to heal.

*  Prolonged period of sun-tanning or overexposure to ultra-strong sunlight may lead to wrinkles, dryness, age spots and even cancer.

Distinguishing features of aging skin:

+  Dry Skin and Itching
Many older people have dry skin on their lower legs, elbows and lower arms that are rough and scaly. 

Possible reasons are:



·   Not drinking enough liquids
·   Staying out in the sun
·   Being in very dry air environment
·   Smoking
·   Feeling stressed
·   Losing sweat and oil glands (natural aging process)
.   Health problems such as diabetes or kidney disease
.   Using too much soap, antiperspirant or perfume and taking hot baths do make dry skin worse.
.   Some oral medicines can cause skin allergy.  Scratching for older people with thinner skin can cause bleeding that may lead to infection.

+  Wrinkles

Over time, skin begins to wrinkle.  Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and oxidative stress from the sun reduces skin elasticity.  Even by staying indoor, gravity can cause skin to sag and wrinkle.  Eradicate bad habits like sun-tanning and smoking if you do not want to see too much wrinkled skin.

+  Age Spots

Overexposure to the sun for prolonged periods causes age spots or “liver spots”.  Such flat, brown spots are bigger than freckles, and often show up on areas like the face, hands, arms, back and feet.  They are harmless and can be avoided by applying  sunscreen or sunblock to prevent further sun damage.

How to keep your skin healthy

+  Sunlight can be beneficial in providing Vitamin D to our body and lowering bad cholesterol.  However, limit the time exposure in the sun and avoid it at its strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m, even if it is cloudy skies as its rays can penetrate through clouds.  Is not any better if you are in water.

+  Whilst outdoor, use a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) number of 15 or higher. It is best to choose sunscreens with “broad spectrum” on the label.  Put the sunscreen on 15-30 minutes before you go out, and reapplied about every 2 hours, when engaging in activities in non-shaded places.

+  Wear protective clothing.  A hat with a wide brim can shade your neck, ears, eyes and head. Look for sunglasses that block 99-100% of the sun’s rays. If you have to be in the sun, wear loose, lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants or long skirts.

+  Your skin needs vitamins and antioxidants just like other parts of your body.

More comments

+  Understanding how hormones work in the body to serve you better and keep aging at bay.

+  Do not forget to adhere to your physical exercise routine.  Is never too late to exercise.

+  Antioxidants and other nutritional supplements can definitely help to retard aging and improve skin and health condition.

Your body condition definitely deteriorates with age.  However, there are things you can do to help to reduce aging effects.  Look around and you would be able to find many people aging faster than their metabolic age.  Do not let that happens to you.  Age graciously and be an envy of everyone!

ALWAYS STAY HEALTHY AND YOUTHFUL!!

Source: http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/skin.html

As we AGE

Age-related physical changes are noticeable eg. wrinkles, bulge at the waistline, graying hair and liver spots. What are not visible like gradual loss of bone tissue and the reduced elasticity of blood vessels are not attended to for majority of people till it poses a health challenge.

By knowing how your body changes with age helps to prevent alterations in cell, tissue and organ functions that cause the deterioration and thus aging. Unknowingly, we are taking preventive steps to stop the development of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

At 20s…..

* We start off with about 100 billion neurons in our brain. At 20, we hit the peak and can lose up to 10000 per day. If the decline is not arrested, it will affect memory, coordination and brain function.

* In our mid-20s, the skin starts to age naturally.

* Lung capacity starts to decrease after 20. By 40, some are already experiencing breathlessness, partly due to the muscles and rib cage which control breathing stiffening up.

** Unnatural breakdown of body parts can be caused by risk-seeking behaviour especially among hot-headed teenagers such as extreme sports (physical injuries), risky sexual activities and over-consumption of alcohol that can result in premature deaths in worst scenario.

At 30s,

* Bones are constantly regenerated. Children’s bones grow fastest, followed by teens. By 35, bone loss begins as a natural aging process.

* Similarly muscles undergo same renewal process. However by 30, the breakdown is greater than buildup. By 40, the loss is 0.5-2 percent each year. Arrest the fall by doing regular exercises.

* Male hair receding usually starts in the 30s. A hair growing from each follicle usually can last 3 years but no longer so. Gray hairs appear around 35. Half of all men may show some signs of male pattern hair loss by age 40. This happens because DHT, a by-product of testosterone, damage hair follicles in men.

* Quality of male sperm starts to decline by 35 and a third of pregnancies end in miscarriage for those 45 onwards hoping to have babies.

* Women see declining fertility after 35 as the number and quality of eggs in the ovaries start to fall. Also, the lining of the womb may become thinner, making it less favorable for egg to be fertilised as the environment is not conducive for the sperm. At this time, women’ breasts start to sag with lost of tissue and fat.

** Above problems can be aggravated by emotional swings that can end up in depression as this age group tends to have a lot of flux in their lives like career changes and assuming new roles (eg. parents). Biologically, at the peak they experience fast lifestyle with low activity rate and a higher basal metabolic rate, eating inevitably becomes a favorite pastime for most. This is usually the starting point for storage of fats from the excess calories taken in.

At 40s,

* Lesser saliva is produced to help in clearing away bacteria. As such, our teeth are vulnerable to decay. At 40, tissue is lost from gums commonly called receding gums.

* Eyes start blurring and long sightedness happen to most in the mid 40s.

* Men start feeling the effects of a decline in testosterone, typically at about 1% yearly once hitting 30. This can be complicated by more serious conditions like atherosclerosis or metabolic syndrome (see below). 1 in 10 men are affected by erectile dysfunction. This figure increases to 1 in 2 by age 60 and 3 out 4 by age 70.

* The heart is less effective in pumping blood as its muscles weaken and shrink in size. Blood vessels become less elastic while arteries can be clogged with fatty deposits, delivering lesser blood to the heart. Men over 45 and women over 55 are vulnerable to heart attack and high blood pressure.

** Those who ate poorly and neglected their health during their teens may see chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension and heart disease creeping in at this stage of life. With lower metabolic rate, those who are sedentary tend to gain weight around the waist or bum.

At 50s,

* The number of filtering units or nephrons in the kidneys that help to remove wastes from the bloodstream is reduced.

*  Presbyopia creeps in with the tissue around the eyes losing their tone. It may herald the start of other eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration.

* Liver begins to decrease in size when your muscle mass is on the decline.  Handle medicated drugs and alcohol more carefully.

* Half of men over 50 face prostate enlargement problem because the prostate receives large amount of testosterone feeding the growth of the cells in it. If not treated, it can turn into cancer at the ripe old age of 70-80.

* The protective function of estrogen that helps to keep blood cholesterol levels in check is diminishing when women hit menopause. Even then, they are less at risk than men in suffering from heart attack or stroke.

* The population of friendly bacteria in the digestive tract drops significantly after 55 especially in the large intestine. The enzymes in the digestive organs like stomach, liver, pancreas are also depleting. Poor digestion, absorption of nutrients and constipation are inevitable. Statistics show colorectal cancer most common among men in this category.

At 60s,

* More than half lose hearing at this age due primarily to a thickened eardrum and lost of hair cells.

* The 10000 taste buds scattered on the tongue is halved by now. Chewing becomes harder if you have dentures or dentition. Thus food is not properly broken down before sending down to the stomach.  Lack of stomach acid compounds the problem contributing to a host of other digestive complications.  Further down the colon may show sign of weakness with sluggish movement and decreased muscle tone.

* Voices become quieter and hoarser. The soft tissue in the vocal box (larynx) weakens, affecting the pitch, loudness and quality of the voice. A woman’s voice may become huskier and lower in pitch. A man’s voice can be thinner and higher.

* Loss of bladder control is normal for those hitting 65. Women suffer more due to menopause, as declining estrogen levels make tissue in the urethra (the tube through which urine passes) thinner and weaker, reducing bladder support. Bladder capacity is half that of a 30 year old.

* Men at this age group face an increased risk of depression. Those retiring relinquish their role of breadwinner and worry about household finance. Also bothering them are health-related matters, impending mortality, dependence on others and loss of friends and loved ones.

*  After age 60, your body needs 350 fewer calories to maintain weight and good health.  By eating like you were in your 30s without much physical energy expended, weight increases rapidly.

At 70s,

Liver is the strongest organ that can last so long and starts aging in the later part of our life. By this time, the liver, brain and heart have shrunk by as much as 30% in size and function.

Drastic physical changes like loss of muscle and reduced energy production are partially responsible for decreased perception of cold. Inability to dissipate normal body heat and a decreased sense of thirst make them susceptible to both hypothermia and heatstroke - both can be deadly.


At 80s,

The brain size is further reduced to that of a 3 yo child.

Most of the health challenges mentioned above just get worse with passing years.










More comments

Statistics showed women live longer than men. However, during the aging process, women naturally lose muscle and strength faster than men. For older women who are on a diet, consuming more protein may help preserve muscle mass and foster a better muscle-to-fat body composition. Researchers assessed the women's strength, balance and ability to do physical tasks by using magnetic resonance imaging to gauge the muscle volume of each woman's right thigh and measured the amount of fat around the thigh and within the thigh muscle found that those who consume additional protein lost 3.9% more weight and gained 5.8% more thigh muscle. This led to better balance and improved task performance.

If you have been leading a healthy lifestyle and include supplements in your daily routine, most of the health challenges mentioned above can be mitigated and delayed. When the body is most lacking in one or more nutrients it is unable to function efficiently. Also we should always ensure that sufficient amount of growth hormone is available throughout different stages of our lives in order to maintain the body's metabolism in optimum level and also achieve the desirable health status.

Do not take it lightly that aging contributes to the deteriorating condition as aging itself is a disease.

VIVA corner

VIVA Ageguard, a proprietary formulation of free form amino acids with arginine as key component, safely provides our body the necessary nutrients required to build healthy tissues, rebuild healthy cells, improve the healing process, and restore youthful function in vital body systems. In its broken chain form, the amino acids are rapidly assimilated into the bloodstream and used for the production of HGH. VIVAshield is an excellent proposition with its 4 in 1 potent antioxidant components.

SECRETS of keeping YOUTHFUL and HEALTHY

 

Aging is the act of getting older and for most people is more than a disease state. The process begins the minute we are born and accelerates at 25 onwards when cell death surpasses its renewal rate. This biological process is definitely not within our control to change.

At 60 one can still be as vibrant as someone in the 30s by making healthy changes in diet and lifestyle choices eg. balanced diet, exercise, sufficient sleep, manage stress etc.

An external risk factor that is not visible but controllable -

Free radicals are the main cause of aging, disease development or death. They are produced abundantly in cigarette smoke, industrial wastes, pollution, ultraviolet light, chemicals, cooking process etc that can be linked to chronic and terminal illness like cancer, heart disease and arthritis. We can avoid such nuisances but cannot live without oxygen. Oxygen-based free radicals impart oxygen for our very existence but is also our greatest enemy. Why so?

Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms that are extremely unstable and highly reactive. If they are present in excessive amounts, they begin attacking the body at the cellular level. Free radicals are known to attack the cells’ protective membranes and genetic material (the nucleic acids, DNA and RNA) causing cellular damage and malfunctioning. To make matter worse, the immune system may then attack the damaged cells as if they were foreign invaders (termed as auto-immune)

As they are so chemically reactive, they exist for only one-millionth of a second each, making studies quite impossible. However, their short presence can cause considerable damage to our cells. During this process our cells are being bombarded, leading to a halt in proper division. They can change form and release damaging proteins that harm bodily tissues, further contributing to the aging process. Coupled with slowing metabolism and nutritional deficiencies for most elderly over 60, the aging problem is aggravated. It is at this point that the correct nutrients are urgently required for the support, repair and regeneration of cells.

1st secret: Antioxidants to defy aging

Research found that 90% of older people living in urban area had an inadequate intake of most essential nutrients namely Vitamin A, B, C, calcium, selenium, iron and protein. Scientists discovered that Vitamin A, C, E and selenium are scavengers of free radicals. They are powerful antioxidants that can readily part atoms to the free radicals to stabilise their structure and deactivate their damaging effects.

For instance, when free radicals deplete our skin’s collagen, they cause the skin to lose its firmness and elasticity. The cellular turnover slows down, causing dullness, wrinkles and sagging skin. Antioxidants (both oral and skin applications) help to keep skin firm by protecting the skin’s collagen and elastic tissue from free radial attacks, thus preventing premature aging and wrinkles.

2nd secret: Taking Royal Jelly, a path to youthfulness and longevity

Royal Jelly is a natural food that can be useful in the fight against aging and sustaining youth. As a potent multi-vitamin supplement, it contains rich source of amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins (A-K), minerals, trace minerals, nucleic acids, enzymes, neurotransmitter acethylcholine and natural hormones that are vital for healthy immune system and anti-aging treatments.

Parotin in royal jelly can be transported through blood circulation to various parts of the body to revive the function of skin tissue, muscle tissue and cartilage tissue to normal stage. As such, it is a great help in ironing wrinkles for both sexes and to improve skin complexion making it fairer, smoother and most luscious. Its recent medical studies showed that it can inhibit and prevent cancerous diseases, enhance our natural immunity to fight off viruses and infections as well as boosting our energy level and improving our longevity.

3rd secret: Restore Human Growth Hormone (HGH) level to delay aging

Aging is directly linked to a reduced output of one or more of the endocrine system hormones, particularly human growth hormone (HGH), which is produced by our pituitary gland. This master gland controls the output of hormones to vital organs and body functions and is directly responsible for stimulating tissue repairs, cell replacement, brain functions and enzyme function. In addition, this hormone strengthens the immune system and helps the body resist oxidative damage.

HGH is produced in the greatest amount during the adolescence period when one experiences the fastest growth. After this period, HGH level drops at a rate of 14% per decade and by age 40 we produce only about 5% of the needed HGH. Accompanying the gradual drop, problems emerging we dread most - weight gain, loss of interest in sex, sagging skin and muscles, wrinkled skin that lacks good tone and texture.

No wonder many turn to HGH therapy to reverse or retard age-related symptoms of physical and mental decline. However, artificial hormone through injection may work counterproductive if not properly administered and can have side effects too. In view of this, we should stick to taking free form amino acids exclusively from soy and rice protein that act as HGH releaser to defy the aging process and also promote youthfulness without any side effect.

More comments

One can have vitality and a zest for living at any age. Growing older is an inevitable process but pain and illness can be avoided. Keeping a healthy body delays the biological aging process and thus achieve better metabolic health. Adding the right supplements if one is not taking a balanced diet can be useful to boost immunity, and prevent or cure most disorders.

Source: Prescription to Natural Healing

Viva corner

VIVA VIVASHIELD 4 in 1 combination of antioxidants is the first product in the world that has been clinically proven and published in the Medical Science Research 1996 Vol 24 No 5 to significantly reduce the levels of peroxides in the blood. It also contains a significant amount of phytochemicals (naturally derived anticancer agents).

VIVA ROYAL JELLY is made from 100% pure royal jelly. It promotes healthy endocrine function, relieves symptoms of menopause, improves skin complexion, reduces fatigue and boost energy.


VIVA AGEGUARD is a proprietary formulation of free form amino acids extracted from soy and rice protein with other unique ingredients, that act as natural HGH releaser by stimulating the pituitary glands to secrete more of the growth hormone.

The benefits of VIVA Ageguard: Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, improved sleep, improved energy, improved appearance of hairs and skin, cut fats and build muscle mass, promote youthfulness.


Other useful products are VIVA DAILYGUARD, a multivitamin supplement for those lacking a balanced diet, suffering from malnutrition and physically sick.


VIVA OMEGA 3 is highly recommended for those suffering from joint problems and cardiovascular disease.

MEN, Mind Your HEALTH Now!!

 

In the quest to strive for the best, majority of the men ignore their most important asset – HEALTH. Statistically, men die younger than women do. A recent national survey found that women are far more likely than men to get routine preventive care. In part because women tend to seek regular medical attention arising from issues like birth control and pregnancy, and to get screening tests like Pap smears and mammograms.






Owing to their neglects, men are susceptible to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, stroke, pulmonary disease, kidney disease, Alzheimer’s disease. In general, men have poorer health and thus medical professionals are now targeting on males to mind their Health now!

The risk of being a MAN. 4 major concerns:

1. Aging and Andropause


Many men are not aware their bodies are undergoing silent changes on the journey downhill around the age of 45 because is not easy to spot warning signals. Like his other sex counterpart, menopause also strikes men and the term used is andropause.


Women usually treat irregular or no menstruation as an indicator of the beginning of menopause. A noted difference between them is females do not have any more protection from female hormones whilst men continue to enjoy declining level of androgen in the body till their golden age.


During andropause, he starts to witness a decline in vitality and virility due to falling hormone level, especially those of testosterone - the male hormone responsible for his good health, sex drive and fertility. The severity varies from one man to another. Once recognised, most men treat menopausal symptoms as a sign of aging and do nothing to alleviate the condition.


Symptoms

Symptoms experienced from ages 40-49 is estimated between 2-5%, rises to 6-30% for ages 50 -59, further rises to 20-45% for ages 60-69 and 34-70% for ages 70-79, and virtually all men over 80. For the younger counterparts, they are usually the busy executives who burn out the fastest due to stress or those who are unable to cope with stress well.

+ Men start to experience ebbing sex drive and can develop into impotency. He gets frustration in obtaining and sustaining an erection. However, if his spouse is also undergoing mid-life crisis, both may abstain from sex activity and this problem becomes less of a psychological burden.

+ More worrying is that he may develop chronic illnesses like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis (more fractures and breaks) and prostate enlargement (urinary problems). With mounting problems, he may feel there is a lack of interest in life, get exhausted easily, depressed and develop insomnia.

+ A decrease in lean body mass, along with decreases in muscle mass and strength. This can result in an increase in fat surrounding the internal organs, which increases the risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

+ A decrease in body hair. To assess for hypogonadism, which is in part the clinical basis, the doctor will check for physical signs in men including hair loss particularly in the armpit and genitalia.

+ In the andropausal years the mind becomes less sharp and nimble. The older male becomes less swift in mental calculations and his judgment is not as accurate as before. Memory loss can be accelerating too.


+  He may suffer mood swings, irritability and depression.

It is important to remember that not all of these symptoms need to be present to identify andropause. Also, it is important to remember that symptoms do not all appear to the same degree in all men. Some men may suffer from only one or two of these symptoms and at varying degrees.


In the long term, testosterone deficiency may result in an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and more chronic diseases.


What to do?

 +  Testosterone replacement therapy for andropause may be of help to some men. Treatment goals include restoration of sexual functioning, increased libido, increased sense of well-being, prevention of osteoporosis by optimizing bone density, restoration of muscle strength and improved mental functioning. Biochemically, testosterone replacement should aim not only to reach normal levels of serum testosterone. However, men with a history of prostate cancer or breast cancer should avoid such treatment as the testosterone can make both of these hormonally sensitive cancers grow more rapidly. Other negative effects may include fluid retention, liver toxicity, fertility problem, sleep apnea, tender or breast enlargement.

+  All but one of the hormone levels drop as we age. Cortisone, the stress hormone is the only one that increases. Fortunately, regular exercise can counteract cortisone and stress.

+  Getting older does not have to mean gaining those extra pounds. Instead, work around to keep the weight off and being smart about it. With lesser muscle mass in the fifties, lesser calories are required. Thus, you cannot afford to eat like in your twenties and expect not to put on weight. Keep to a balanced diet of 200 fewer calories a day unless you work out consistently combining aerobic and cardiac exercises. Also watch your diet: no excessive alcohol; avoid cholesterol food, processed food and sugars.

+  The best way is for men to take responsibility and face all the challenges. Most importantly, changing his lifestyle to staying fit, be positive thinking and look at some good anti-aging products to help in reversing the biological clock.


+  Some researches indicate that free form amino acids from soy and rice protein can help to stimulate the production of HGH. Also, they aid in improving immune function, vision and sustain youthfulness.




2.  Prostate Enlargement

Although Asian men have the lowest incident and mortality rates of prostate cancer in the world, the figure is rising rapidly in the past two decades. Singapore sees an increase of 118% from 6.6 to 14.4 per 100,000 person years, whilst Japan rose by 102%.

Prostate Gland

It is part of the male reproductive organ, which is located right in front of the rectum and under the bladder. It secretes a slightly alkaline fluid that carries, nourishes and transports sperm.

The prostate goes through two periods of growth. The first growth happens during early puberty, growing from pea size to walnut size. At mid or late 30s, the prostate cells start to reproduce more rapidly, resulting in prostate gland enlargement or BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperlasia). The enlarged tissues are often compressed to the urethra and partially block urine flow. Besides, the wall of the bladder becomes thicker and irritable. It begins to contract even when it contains small amount of urine causing more frequent urination. Inability to empty the bladder can interfere with sleep, cause recurrent infection or result in kidney damage. About half of the men in their 50s experience varying degree of prostate problem rendering them to more frequent urinating, has a strong urge to urinate, dribbling or a feeling of not being able to empty the bladder fully.

BPH can prolong till later part in life. Half of the male population suffers from some BPH symptoms. Hence it is advisable to include PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test and rectum examination in your routine body checkup.

Recommendation:

+ Taking phytosterois-rich foods such as saw palmetto, pumpkin seed, pygeum and wheat germ to aid men with BPH.
+ Tomato concentrates are rich in antioxidants and contains lycopene with abundant carotenoids present. (note tomato must be boiled to derive this substance). A Harvard research study confirms that lycopene plays a vital role in health of the prostate and promotes healthy urinary system.
+ Scientists also suggest taking soya to prevent prostate cancer and going bald. It is found that the digestion of soya causes a molecule called equol to be produced in the intestine. This substance blocks the functioning of the male hormone DHT, a byproduct of testosterone that encourages prostate growth. This explains why Japanese men who eat more soya rarely have prostate cancer.
+ Vitamin E is also believed to reduce the chance of prostate risk. The best absorbed form of alpha tocopherol is found in foods like sunflower seeds, spinach, almonds and sweet peppers.
+ An interesting finding that men who ejaculate regularly – 13 to 20 times a month is less prone too.

3. Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Impotence means that a man’s penis does not get hard enough to maintain an erection in sexual intercourse. The medical term - erectile dysfunction is different from premature ejaculation where ejaculating takes place within a minute after initiation of intercourse.

Causes

1) Vascular (blood vessel) disease – Most men with impotent problem has this defect. The amount of blood flowing to or remains in the penis is limited and thus hinders erection. This can be due to blood vessels being damaged by hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) or trauma.

2) Nerve damage (neuropathy) – Nerves must be working normally for a man to get and keep an erection. Nerves can be damaged by diabetes, multiple sclerosis, prostate surgery or damage to the spinal cord.

3) Psychological factors – Psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, guilt or fear can contribute to sexual problems affecting mostly young men. If they do not overcome their embarrassment or “performance anxiety” this physical problem can worsen their relationship problems and affect self-esteem, and could be a sign of underlying health problems.

4) Medications – Many medications cause problems with sexual function, including drugs for high blood pressure, depression, heart disease and prostate cancer.

5) Hormonal problems – Rarely a cause, abnormal levels of certain hormones, such as testosterone, thyroid hormone and a pituitary hormone known as prolactin, can interfere with erections and sex drive.

Remedies for Impotence

a) Ginseng: It has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine as a male sexual tonic as its phytochemicals are believed to increase stamina, lessen fatigue and improve overall well-being. Another study done in the West concluded that an extract from ginseng known as ginsenosides enhances the effects of nitric oxide which helps to relax blood vessels in the penis for greater blood flow, and thus an improved erection.
b) L-Arginine: It is an essential amino acid known to bolster the immune system and increase human growth hormones. With the amount of nitric oxide boosted, blood vessels are dilated to enable an erection.

c) Gingko Biloba: Traditional Chinese medicine has been using it to boost oxygen supply. When more blood penetrates the tiny capillaries in the penis that may be starved off oxygen and nutrients, the blood vessels are able to dilate to produce an erection.
d) Co-enzyme Q10:  This can be used to increase significantly seminal plasma and sperm cells in infertile men with a disorder of sperm motility. It also provides the body with necessary energy and effectively neutralises free radicals in the body to reduce the oxidation damaging the cells, which in turn triggers increased libido and sexual stimulation.
e) Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): It assists in the processing of amino acids, which are responsible for the creation of some hormones (eg. testosterone) and formation of neurotransmitters that affect mood and enhance sexual stimulation.
f) Vitamin B3 (niacin): It increases blood circulation and is involved in the synthesis of sex hormones.

(4) Cancer and Diabetes

Cancer is the second killer disease in Singapore accounting for 25% of all deaths after cardiovascular disease and stroke (36%). Men has higher chance of dying from cancer especially lung cancer (1 out 5) caused by smoking. Carbon monoxide from tobacco smoking can dramatically reduce hemoglobin’s ability to transport oxygen. Vitamin B aids in hemoglobin reproduction can help to recover partial loss.

About 10% of the adult population in Singapore has diabetes. It claims victims predominately over 40 years old. Possible complications of type 2 diabetes include cardiovascular disease, blindness, nerve damage and kidney damage.

Recommendations:

Prevention is more than cure

As our body are filled with cancer cells waiting to explode, taking lots of antioxidants help to suppress their breakouts. Foods and supplements containing Vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), C, E and selenium can help to fight free radicals synergistically and offer optimal cell protection. They reduce the amount of free radicals in our body caused by air pollution, chemical substances, exposure to UV radiation, cigarette etc. At the same time, they enhance respiratory functions, improve allergic and asthmatic condition and prevent the onslaught of degenerative diseases like heart disease, diabetes, cancers and premature aging of various bodily organs.

Conclusion

Health is not merely the absence of diseases but a lifestyle as well. Being able to at least maintain the level of activity they are used to, both physically and mentally, is one of the key objectives of many men in any age group.

Look for best known alternative to drugs or surgery by taking right foods and supplements as early as possible in your life. They are the best natural medicine for the body.


Other than adopting an appropriate diet, other lifestyle changes like losing weight, regular exercise, reducing alcohol intake and managing stress are crucial for healthy living.

Viva corner

(1) Scientists at VIVA Life Science have specially designed this product VIVA PROSMETT to cater to the need of the men’s urinary system. It is a formulation of multiple botanical and herbal concentrated extract to produce synergistic effects. Ingredients include (as discussed in text above): saw palmetto, pumpkin seeds, stinging nettle root, pygeum bark, soy bean (containing beta sitosterol and soy isoflavones), lycopene from tomato, rice bran powder, wheat germ powder, burdock root powder, carrot, broccoli and kelp. Another ingredient zinc is essential for proper functioning of the immune and endocrine systems. Note that the prostate gland has high amount of zinc and thus a deficiency can cause a significant drop of testosterone levels in the blood.

(2) VIVA AGEGUARD provides free form amino acids that acts as natural human growth hormone (HGH) releaser to enable a youthful level of testosterone to maintain for prevention of muscle mass loss, wrinkles and hair loss. It can also improve vitality, enhance lean muscle mass in the body, improve memory, strengthen heart function and promote youthfulness.

(3) VIVASHIELD with a combination of 4 potent antioxidants to protect against free radical attacks which may cause cancer.


(4)  VIVA LIQUICK GINGKO is well documented to improve the peripheral blood circulation and impotence.

(5)  VIVA B-EASY is a Vitamin B complex that can relieve stress, fatigue as well as prevent anxiety and depression.