Optimum wellness and aging

Aging has recently become a popular topic within both clinical and research medicine.  Most likely due to the large number of baby boomers approaching their 60-70’s who are longing to look and feel younger.  For centuries mankind has been fascinated with prolonging life as evident in the many mythologies of life enhancing elixirs to the stories of races of immortal peoples.  Many of these mythologies come from the Eastern cultures of India and China.  Within these cultures is a tradition of meditation, yoga and regular consumption of indigenous herbs.  Perhaps a study of these practices may shed light on not only life extension but more importantly optimum wellness throughout life.

What is aging?

  What processes are occurring within the body that account for all the visible and non-visible effects of an aging person?  A useful metaphor is if one can imagine the effects of a shiny piece of iron in the sun and elements.  The longer it is exposed to the elements the shine of the metal changes to a dull rust.  This process is caused by oxidation.  A similar process occurs in the body everyday from the act of making energy from food to fighting off infections.  In all these processes the body produces free radicals (chemicals that promote inflammation and oxidation).  For every person there is going to be a certain level of these free radicals, however there are a large number of other factors that promote or prevent oxidation of health tissues and hence can affect the aging process.

One of the most important of these factors is diet.  By consuming a diet rich in anti-oxidants one can counteract many of the oxidative processes that are occurring daily.  One of the reasons that humans have longer life spans compared to other mammals is because of the natural level of antioxidants in our cells.  Many of the dietary anti-oxidants include Vitamin C and E, selenium, beta-carotene, flavenoids, sulfur-containing amino acids and coenzyme Q10. While I generally recommend that patients take a high quality multi-vitamin, the easiest way to obtain these anti-oxidants and flavenoids without researching each individual vegetable and fruit is what I call the “rainbow plate”.  A rainbow plate is simply to include all the colors of the rainbow on the plate.  Flavenoids are very active anti-oxidants and are found in brightly colored plants.  When shopping include dark green leafy salads (no iceberg lettuce!), bright orange sweet potatoes, carrots and bell peppers, purple eggplant, white turnips, red beets and tomatoes,   blueberries, raspberries, red beans while avoiding the simples “whites”  including white rice, white bread and white pasta. 

Stress is another factor that is controllable

            While in an immediate stressful situation, the body prepares for the “flight or fight” response by increasing heart rate, blood pressure and blood sugar to prepare for an immediate threat.  This is a good thing if you are being chased by a wooly mammoth, however long term chronic stress and the hormones that are triggered become harmful the longer that they are present.  A good way to think about it is to think about a fever.  The fever serves a purpose to temporarily provide an inhospitable environment to the bacteria or virus to grow.  There is a lot of energy that goes into producing a fever and there are side effects including lethargy, decreased appetite, muscle aches, etc..  However, after the threat is gone the fever subsides, long term, the fever would have damaging effects on the body.  Work, family and all the extra commitments that are taken on can age you.  It is important to take the time to do “self-care” if only for a brief time.  Make a commitment to add this to your  anti-aging program.

 Exercise is crucial for both stress management and longevity.  It is important to remember that the body is a beautiful piece of equipment and if not used regularly the hinges and joints become weak and rusted.  Exercise stimulates the brain and stimulates the areas in the brain that preserve balance and coordination.  In China it is common to see people of all ages taking part in Tai Chi, which is a gentle exercise that moves through a sequence of poses in a fluid pattern.  The sequence is repeated over and over again until it becomes imprinted in the brain and can serve as a meditation in movement.  This activity strengthens core muscles and keeps joints and ligaments limber as well as stimulating the memory and brain in a way that promotes memory and cognitive function.  Many of these Chinese Tai Chi masters live well into the late 90’s.

            There are many herbs that have traditional use for “anti-aging” and function as  adaptogens.  An adaptogen is a tonic herb that normalizes and balances physiology and helps the body cope with stress as well as increasing immunity.  What is interesting is that many of the herbs that have been traditionally used as adaptogens and “longevity” herbs are also very powerful antioxidants.  Ashwaganda is an Ayurvedic herbs which translates to “like a horse” referring to its legendary ability to promote and increase sexual function.  It is in a category of herbs in Ayurvedic medicine called “rasayana” which are herbs that promote physical and mental health and promote resistance to disease and other environmental factors.  Ashwaganda is used for debility/exhaustion, memory loss and nerve disease. A recent study in India showed that Ashwaganda protected experimental animals from spinal cord damage by acting as a powerful anti-oxidant.  Another Ayurvedic herb, Amla, is perhaps one of the most famous Eastern longevity herbs.  It is the strongest rejuvenative herb and a very powerful anti-inflammatory.  Interestingly, Amla is perhaps one of the richest sources of Vitamin C.  It is reported to maintain the health of the eye tissue and to prevent premature graying of the hair.  A popular means of consuming Amla is in Chyavan prash a sweet jelly or powder that is found in specialty markets or through local naturopathic or ayurvedic physicians.  The typical dose is 5 grams of powder in 1 cup of water long term.  Another Eastern herb, from the Chinese culture, He Shou Wu is also used to prevent premature graying of hair.  Gotu Kola has been used by the Yogis in the Himalayans for many years for food and prior to meditation to awaken the crown chakra and balance both hemispheres of the brain.  Gotu Kola is an herb primarily for nerves and brain.  Ginkgo biloba is also becoming very popular. Ginkgo biloba is the world’s oldest living tree species.  It will grow where other trees cannot and is resistant to insects, disease and pollution.  Perhaps this quality is transmitted to those who take the tree.   It is like the other herbs discussed a powerful antioxidant for the brain, eye and retina.  The effects of Ginkgo are most pronounced in the elderly and there is research effort on the effects of Ginkgo on the early stages of Alzhemiers. Ginkgo appears to work by making the part of the brain responsible to memory and reasoning more responsive to the neurotransmitter acetycholine.   Many Japanese kampo herbal formulas include Crataegus, which is a tonic for the cardiovascular system and is believed to help the plaques on blood vessels shrink, thereby increasing blood supply to the brain.  The previously mentioned herbs He Shou Wu may act similarly. 

             It is important before beginning a program that includes herbs to have a consultation with a trained naturopathic physician that is familiar with the use of these herbs, and can safely prescribe them at therapeutically active doses. Herbs are powerful medicines and can interact with medications and have side effects.  In good health!

Dr. Lawler (Natural Doctor), is in private practice in Snohomish, WA.