Life Extension

The Life Extension Foundation suggests several strategies for combating the effects of aging in an effort to slow down the aging process. None of the therapies has been actually proven to slow the aging process but there is evidence that they can suppress some of the elements that are linked to the aging process.

Aspirin is a well-known medicine used to treat headaches and other pains. It is also accepted as a treatment to reduce the possibility of a heart attack. Aspirin works by making blood platelets less likely to stick together. This keeps the blood flowing more smoothly.

DHEA is the shortened name for dehydroepiandrosterone. It is an adrenal hormone that is related to more commonly known hormones like testosterone and estrogen. As a person ages their body produces less and less of the DHEA. Many life extension followers take a supplement of DHEA because scientists feel that it plays a key role in numerous functions like memory, mood and immunity. Studies have shown that reduced levels of DHEA are associated with rheumatoid arthritis, depression, diabetic complications, certain types of cancer, osteoporosis and even obesity.

Melatonin is a hormone that the body produces naturally. It is made in the pineal gland which is located below the brain. The body releases melatonin during the sleep stage. It helps the body recover each night from the stress of the day. It is an antioxidant and helps the body fight off many diseases. Taking melatonin helps to supplement the naturally declining amount that the body produces.

A more complicated supplement is an amino acid known as acetyl-L-carnitine. It increases the production of energy because it helps the body better manage fatty acid and the oxidation process in the cells. Studies support that this amino acid stimulates brain activity.

Another supplement that requires a bit of knowledge about the human body is coenzyme Q10, known as CoQ10. It aids in the healthy functioning of the mitochondria. Mitochondria are parts of cells that produce energy by converting fats and sugars. As people age their bodies produce less of the CoQ10 so their bodies don't function as well as they once did. And some diseases seem to attack the mitochondria making them less able to produce needed energy. Taking CoQ10 supplements helps to keep the cells working at a higher level.

One well known item that is used to battle the effects of aging is Green Tea. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps to block the development of unhealthy cell groupings that could develop into cancer. One of the elements in green tea is epigallocatechin gallate, more commonly known as ECGC. Its antioxidant properties are many times more powerful that vitamins C and E.

Fish oil is also frequently used to combat the aging process. It contains omega-3 fatty acids that are known to help fight heart disease and other disorders of the circulatory system.

Hormones are often talked about in the news and are sometimes abused by those wanting to increase their muscles beyond the normal range. Used for life extension, hormones like pregnenolone, testosterone, estrogen and progesterone can help maintain bone density, mental functioning and physical strength.

These practices and others including calorie restriction are done in an effort to extend the life span in hopes of living long enough to benefit from expected advances in science and medicine that will be able to reverse the aging process.