An anti-aging therapy is a process that uses certain techniques, such as good nutrition or exercise, to boost the likelihood of extending life and good health, devoid of age-related diseases. Certain life extension therapies include nutrition and exercise, as well as nutritional supplements and lifestyle changes. Those who choose to follow an anti-aging therapy may incorporate more than one process to aid in heightened effectiveness, as a combination of these techniques haven been proven to promote good health in both the short and long terms. Eternal youth and immortality will not come from a good diet or exercise, but these components can help with any anti-aging therapy to help avoid later disease and signs of aging.
The cornerstone of any anti-aging therapy is a well-rounded nutrition plan, which incorporates plenty of fresh vegetables, lean proteins and no sugar. Sugar seems to age the skin prematurely by producing advanced glycation end products which damage the collagen and elastin, stealing elasticity from the skin and making it appear dull and wrinkled. Many life extension plans involve plenty of antioxidant-rich herbs and spices, like turmeric and cinnamon. Antioxidants, which are also available in vegetables and fruits, target free radicals associated with aging and help promote better health in the body.
Nutrition, although a powerful method to decrease the signs of aging, will not work to supply the body with youthfulness or health if it isn't balanced with a good exercise program. Regular exercise decreases blood sugar and insulin, which decreases inflammation in the body, a culprit to accelerated aging. Exercise also increases blood flow to the brain and has been shown to decrease the risks for age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's and diabetes. Moving the body is an incredibly important component in any anti-aging therapy because it can decrease body weight, as being overweight increases the risks of developing age-related disorders.
Various nutritional supplements, like human growth hormone and glutathione, are marketed toward those seeking to help slow the aging process and increase the chances of longevity. Human growth hormone decreases in the body as it ages, and many people start to supplement with this naturally occurring hormone as it has been shown to increase bone density and slightly slow the aging process. Glutathione, a powerful antioxidant associated with decreasing oxidative stress, also starts to decline as the body ages. There is some evidence to support that supplementing with amino acid precursors to this antioxidant can decrease the aging process by helping fight free radicals.
