7 Dietary Supplements for Optimum Health During the Mature Years

Aging is unavoidable, but age-related diseases and declines in physical and mental functioning may be escaped with the right actions. And taking the right actions should start when you're in your 30s, don't wait till your 60s. It's really never too late to treat your body right, but it's certainly a lot better to start as early as possible. We all want to look and feel our best at all ages and you may be able to do just that with these 7 scientifically validated dietary supplements.

Turmeric
Another factor that influences premature aging is inflammation. Age-related inflammation increases the risk of disease, poor physical functioning, and mortality. Fortunately, turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory and also relieves pain — two things virtually all seniors must address. In addition, an overwhelming body of evidence suggests turmeric combats arthritis and that big “C” word — suppressing the initiation, progression, and metastasis of cancer. Take 500 mg of turmeric twice daily to quench inflammation and promote healthy cellular division.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D is actually a hormone that your body produces when skin is exposed to sunlight. Research suggests this vital hormone controls up to five percent of the human genome, supports healthy teeth and bones, helps prevent cancer, supports healthy cardiovascular function, and reduces age-related macular degeneration and the risk of autoimmune disorders. In other words, it is a powerhouse for reducing the risk of age-related diseases. Talk with your doctor about your current vitamin D levels, but most people will need 1,000 to 8,000 IU daily.

Probiotic
The fact that more bacteria exist on and in the human body than in cells gives us a clue to the importance of maintaining a healthy microbiome. Probiotics aid the absorption of calcium, fats, B vitamins, proteins, and phosphorus. They also support healthy immune function — to help keep colds and flus away, reduce allergies, improve depressive symptoms, and support a healthy inflammatory response. Take at least 8 billion organisms (CFUs) of multiple clinically-proven strains daily.

 CoQ10
A vitamin-like substance and potent antioxidant, co-enzyme Q10 plays an essential role in energy production and cardiovascular health. It is highly concentrated in vital organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver. In seniors, it can help keep your heart healthy and your energy levels high enough to enjoy a variety of activities. Aim for 50 to 300 mg daily of the ubiquinol form.

Omega-3s
Omega-3 fatty acids play a vital role in growth and development, brain function, cardiovascular health, and inflammation. If you want a healthy heart and brain, fish oil should be a regular part of your daily supplement routine. Take a fish molecularly distilled supplement that provides 250-500 mg of both EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) daily.

Lipoic Acid
Premature aging can be triggered by cellular damage caused by oxidative stress and a continual onslaught of free radicals. A key to slow down aging is to combat this onslaught with antioxidants that have a prolonged effect. One such long-acting and highly versatile antioxidant is lipoic acid (LA), which uniquely works in both water - and fat-soluble environments in the body. This gives LA the advantage of protecting our cells — inside and out — and crossing the blood-brain barrier to provide potent protection against free radical damage and preserve cognitive function. Choose a supplement with 300 mg of alpha lipoic acid (ALA), preferably with a high concentration of the R-LA.

Moringa
People are more stressed and starved (of nutrients) today than ever before. Our bodies are deprived of the steady stream of nutrients required to function optimally. With age, digestion may also slow down, causing nutrient deficiencies that need to be hedged against. The Moringa oleifera tree has been dubbed “The Miracle Tree” because it is currently recognized as the most nutrient-dense botanical on earth. This nutrient-rich tree provides a complete plant protein, antioxidants, omega fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, all produced by Mother Nature not scientists in a lab. So your body will recognize and utilize these nutrients, unlike the man-made vitamins found in cereal and synthesized supplements. Aim for at least 9 grams of leaf, seed cake, and fruit powder daily.

Always consult your physician or pharmacist before taking a dietary supplement, especially for dosages that might work best for you given your specific health conditions and supplements or medications you might be taking. Employing these supplements beginning around age 40 (earlier if you have a family history of heart disease or dementia) may help you live not only a longer, but a healthier and happier life, with less disease. The greater quality of life you realize will allow you to enjoy more activities with those you love long into your mature years of life.