Is it really possible we can slow the aging process? Is anti-aging just another fad? The term is used so commonly we lose the importance of its meaning. We hear it on the news, at spas, the gym, yoga classes, doctor’s offices, health food stores and in magazines and journals. Is there a quick test to determine if we’re aging too quickly? I believe the answer is yes.
While it’s true we can’t turn back the clock or chronological aging, we can improve something
more important – our cell health and vitality or biological age. Here’s an example of the two forms of aging: Imagine two cars made at the same time. Over the next 30 years, one car is driven hard, kept outdoors and exposed, while the other car is driven carefully and left in a covered garage. Both cars still remain the same chronological age, but now have a different biological age in terms of paint fading, wear on the engine, etc. There are many definitions of biological aging, but we’ll define it as increased cellular oxidation or free radical stress.
What exactly is a free radical? Technically, it’s any atom or molecule with an unpaired electron. This is a very unstable condition, as free radicals steal electrons from innocent neighbor molecules to make up their own deficiency. When this process of free radical pathology or ‘oxidation’ (remember the faded paint on the car?) occurs in the body, it creates inflammation, damage and aging of our cells and tissues. Many leading theories of heart disease, cancer, memory loss and pain can be related to free radicals.
It’s been said, “you’re only as old as your cells”. Factors that increase aging include:
The good news is that our body can produce natural ‘anti-oxidants’ such as glutathione, coenzyme Q10, catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase which help to combat oxidation (4). The problem is these substances are quickly used up, leaving free radicals to damage our cells and increase cellular & biological aging, something we don’t feel.
Some of our molecules are more vulnerable to free radical attack than others. Our cell membranes, much like the skin on a balloon, are some of the most sensitive and damaged structures (5). These membranes are made of protein, water and various fats (lipids). In fact, the best-studied molecules of free radical attack are called lipid peroxides or oxidized fats (6). Once damaged, the fate of the cell is doomed to altered function or death unless there’s immediate intervention with diet, lifestyle, detoxification and/or antioxidant supplementation.
The OXIDATA® TEST is a quick, accurate test that takes only minutes toscientifically determine if your cells are aging too fast and need antioxidants. Technically, the test measures a lipid peroxide known as malondialdehyde, or MDA. Are you biologically aging too fast? Don’t guess or needlessly take too many or the wrong antioxidants. Discover what your body actually needs with an inexpensive, scientific test done at home using a small sample of urine. The cost is only $25 per test plus $10 shipping within the continental U.S. Call us to send your test!
