Ways that Supplements Enhance Longevity:Strengthen the immune system. From stress to pollutants to disease-causing bacteria, the list of invisible enemies that can trash our health is huge. And the immune system, our bodies' frontline defense, deals with all of them. A strong immune system can mean the difference between downtime and one good workout after another. But to stay finely tuned, the immune system requires proper nutrition, which can include supplements, such as amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and herbs that keep it strong. Maintain cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular health is essential for optimal performance and longevity. The heart and vascular system distribute blood, which provides oxygen, carries nutrients, and removes waste from cells. When the heart and lungs are strong, the body can obtain more oxygen; remove more waste products, such as lactic acid; and perform at higher levels for longer periods of time. We can protect our cardiovascular health by using specific supplements that support this system, including essential fatty acids, herbs such as hawthorn, Vitamin E, and various minerals. Prevent bone loss. In our skeletal system, bone is constantly being broken down and rebuilt by bone-building cells called osteoblasts. A healthy skeletal system is vital for success in any athletic endeavor since it protects the internal organs, provides support for the muscles, and gives us the incredible range of motion we require. With age, our bones gradually become weaker. Fortunately exercise and proper diet, including supplements such as calcium, can help slow this loss of bone mass, so we can maintain our performance levels. Restore hormone levels. With age, levels of many of our hormones decline, including growth hormone, which can result in slowed mental alertness and memory skills; declines in strength, endurance, and lean mass; lowered sex drive in men; and even those telltale signs of aging—lines and wrinkles in our skin. Researchers theorize that by naturally increasing levels of hormones with supplementation, our bodies' hormones, along with their benefits, may be restored to youthful peaks. Prevent free radical damage. Imperfect diets and active lifestyles take a toll, not just on our muscles, but on our entire bodies, by increasing the release of free radicals. Fortunately, the use of antioxidants may help minimize the amount of free radicals that damage cells. The proper use of antioxidants may improve recovery time, reduce muscle soreness, postpone fatigue, boost immune functioning, and perhaps even defy the aging process. Detoxify the body. You change the oil in your car to keep it running smoothly, but how often do you think about your liver? A clean and healthy liver allows our bodies to quickly eliminate toxins and waste products that slow down cellular actions and downshift our engines. Supplements such as antioxidants and key herbs such as milk thistle support the detoxifying abilities of the liver, so we can keep running smoothly and trouble free. |
