Because the Baby Boomer demographic is so large, the generation has been responsible for shaping many trends in our country. Baby Boomers have been directing and influencing behavior in the marketplace for decades, so it is no surprise that as the tail end of the generation has reached their fifties, a focus on healthy living is inspiring them to make choices that keep them looking as robust on the outside as they feel on the inside.

According to Pew Research Council data, a typical Baby Boomer feels almost a decade younger than their actual age, due in large part to advances in medicine, as well as a cultural emphasis on healthy living and active lifestyles. The desire for youthfulness has led many Baby Boomers in search of ways to turn back the clock. While surgical procedures are an option, many Boomers are turned off by the invasiveness, risks, cost and lack of permanence. More are looking for ways to age gracefully, from the inside out.

Aging begins in the cells, long before it shows on the surface. However, age-related decline relating to heart health, brain function or joint mobility are not surface issues. These are related to issues deep within the DNA of the cells, such as telomere function and mitochondria health.

Graceful aging accompanied by vibrant health is best achieved by supporting the body from the cellular level. With that in mind, targeted nutritional ingredients to support healthy aging from the inside out are becoming popular key elements to help slow and improve the aging process.

These ingredients are designed to support cellular energy production and address the chemistry associated with theories of aging that include healthy telomere length and mitochondrial efficiency. Longevity formulas that include these ingredients support mental and physical energy from the inside out to promote an overall restorative effect for lifelong health.

Some healthy aging ingredients have been shown to protect and support telomere length, an essential part of the cell’s DNA that affects the rate at which cells age. Telomeres are the protective caps on the ends of DNA strands that shorten and fray with cell division. Shorter telomeres are linked to many age-related health and appearance issues.

Key ingredients have also been shown to support mitochondrial function, protect delicate cellular structures, and aid in the creation of new mitochondria. Healthy mitochondria produce the energy that powers cells. As people age, mitochondria begin to lose that function and decrease in number, which can affect brain and body performance.

Key nutraceuticals have a direct impact on the proven issues important to healthy aging, such as telomere length, mitochondrial function, insulin and cortisol balance, healthy levels of free radical production, healthy cell membranes, a healthy balance of cross-linking and balanced cellular turnover.

Astragulus root extract supports and protects telomere length, helps maintain healthy heart function, and supports immune function by contributing to the healthy production and activity of specialized white blood cells.1

Bitter melon fruit extract supports positive apoptosis and provides antioxidant support to protect DNA from the damaging free radicals that play a role in aging. It also helps maintain normal, healthy blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity.2

Grapeseed extract is a powerful antioxidant. It acts as a free radical scavenger in the body by donating beneficial electrons that help stop the cascade of oxidation, which can speed the aging process. It also promotes healthy collagen and elastin content in the skin’s connective tissue.3

Green tea leaf extract supports cell membrane integrity and helps reduce fat storage to support hormone sensitivity, the ability of the cell membrane to accept hormones. It also supports healthy cortisol function, healthy cholesterol levels and lipid profiles.4

Turmeric root extract supports healthy cell division and the detoxification of aging cells to promote a healthy inflammatory response and support for brain function.5

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) fights free radicals to support the creation of cellular energy by protecting the mitochondria.6

Quercetin promotes unique protective mechanisms for the hardworking heart muscle by boosting mitochondrial activity to maximize oxygen utilization and tissue repair.7

Pomegranate fruit extract is highly effective in the suppression of free radicals for a healthy inflammatory response. It also supports healthy cell replication and heart function, exercise tolerance and healthy prostate and breast tissue.8

Resveratrol can mimic the effects of caloric restriction, which has been shown to promote longevity in a variety of organisms.9 It also supports healthy insulin sensitivity, enhanced mitochondrial function, dopamine receptors and a healthy inflammatory response.10

Apigenin, a powerful plant flavonoid, supports brain cell protection and cognitive function. It also promotes production of superoxide dismatuse (SOD), the enzyme that helps break down potentially harmful oxidation in cells for a healthy inflammatory reaction.11

Pterostilbene, a compound from the same family as resveratrol, has been shown to work synergistically with resveratrol to support longevity genes and healthy prostate and breast tissue.12

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) protects and augments delicate mitochondrial structures to promote youthful cellular function with antioxidant support, healthy cell proliferation, mitochondrial defense and helps regulate calorie restriction. PQQ prompts CREB (cAMP response element binding protein), which regulates DNA function and gene expression. CREB stimulates new mitochondrial growth and plays an important role in the formation of neural pathways and long-term memory.13

Jack Grogan is chief science Officer for Uckele Health & Nutrition (uckele.com). He is a recognized expert in hair mineral analysis, a valuable tool in determining the causes of nutritional imbalances or deficiencies. With experience in the fields of biology, biochemistry and nutrition, he has been influential in the development of hundreds of proprietary nutritional formulas and programs. Uckele Health & Nutrition is a health company committed to nutritional science and technology, and formulating and manufacturing a full spectrum of quality nutritional supplements incorporating the latest nutritional advances. 

References

1. Boccardi V, Paolisso G. “Telomerase activation: A potential key modulator for human healthspan and longevity." Ageing Research Reviews. May 2014;15:1–5.

2. Devasagayam et al. “Free Radicals and Antioxidants in Human Health." Announcement: 4th International Symposium on Diabetes. January 2005.

3. H Murad et al. “The effect of an oral supplement containing glucosamine, amino acids, minerals, and antioxidants on cutaneous aging: a preliminary study." Journal of Dermatological Treatment. Jul 2001;12(1):47-51.

4. Péter Szelényi et al. “Inhibition of microsomal cortisol production…A potential new target for treating obesity-related diseases." BioFactors. 2013;39:534–541. DOI:10.1002/biof.1095.

5. S. Salvioli et al. “Curcumin in Cell Death Processes: A Challenge for CAM of Age-Related Pathologies. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine." 2007;4(2):181-190.

6.  Rajindar S. Sohal, Michael J. Forster. “Coenzyme Q, oxidative stress and aging." Mitochondrion. , June 2007;7:S103–S111.

7. Conquer JA et al. “Supplementation with Quercetin Markedly Increases Plasma Quercetin Concentration without Effect on Selected Risk Factors for Heart Disease in Healthy Subjects." Journal of Nutrition. 1998;128(3):593-597.

8. Johanningsmeier SD, Harris GK. “Pomegranate as a Functional Food and Nutraceutical Source." Annual Review of Food Science and Technology. 2011;2:181-201.

9. Sun A et al. “Resveratrol as a Therapeutic Agent for Neurodegenerative Diseases." Molecular Neurobiology. 2010;41(2):375-383.

10. Timmers S et al. “Calorie Restriction-like Effects of 30 Days of Resveratrol Supplementation on Energy Metabolism and Metabolic Profile in Obese Humans." Cell Metabolism Press. 2011;14(5):2011.

11.  Williamsa RJ, Spencer J. “Flavonoids, cognition, and dementia: Actions, mechanisms, and potential therapeutic utility for Alzheimer disease." Free Radical Biology and Medicine. 2012;52(1):35–45.

12. Istvan Lekli, Diptarka Ray, Dipak K. Das. “Longevity nutrients resveratrol, wines and grapes." Genes & Nutrition.2010;5(1):55–60.

13. W Chowanadisai et al. “Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Stimulates Mitochondrial Biogenesis through cAMP Response Element-binding Protein Phosphorylation and Increased PGC-1α Expression." The Journal of Biological Chemistry. 2010;285:142-152.