vitamin C acts as both a co-factor for cell function and repair as well as an antioxidant. The green, leafy vegetables also contain B vitamins, which are vital for maintaining neurologic function. OTHER ANTI-AGING STRATEGIES Severe calorie restriction – Severely calorie-restricted diets have been the focus of aging for quite some time. Extensive studies in rats reveal that when the number of calories is sig-nificantly lowered there is less free radical oxidation damage, and as a result, fewer free radicals being generated in the con-version of food to ATP. Studies also show a reduction in heart oxidative damage, increased mitochondrial differentials and energy efficiency, with a lower incidence of age-related disor-ders. 5,7 Although calorie restriction in seniors has been dem-onstrated to offer beneficial metabolic, hormonal and func-tional changes, the precise amount of calorie intake or body fat mass associated with optimal health and maximum lon-gevity in humans is not known. In addition, it is possible that even moderate calorie restriction may be harmful in specific patient populations, such as lean persons who have minimal amounts of body fat. 9 Frozen mesenchyme cells – Frozen mesenchyme cells obtained from porcine tissue are one of the newest and most potent nutrients available for the treatment of aging and dis-ease. They are undifferentiated pluripotent embryonic connec-tive tissue cells that, when ingested, have the ability to become almost any type of cell to help restore damaged or aged cells. Researchers at Dalton Cardiovascular Centre in Missouri added fluorescent dye to pluripotent porcine stem cells and injected them into humans. They found that not only were they able to track these cells over 100 replication cycles, but also they migrated to areas of damage and injury with greater affinity than anywhere else. 6 Quite surprisingly, a similar effect is noted when these cells are ingested. Mesenchyme cells also possess a metabolic function whereby they improve mitochondrial metabolism, increasing ATP production and restoring energy levels. Similarly, they have been shown to regulate the MMP (metalloproteases) activity, prevent collagen breakdown, and control inflammation and degenerative joint conditions. Growth hormone – Despite its lack of approval by the FDA, HGH remains a popular anti-aging therapy. It does appear to offer some benefit in men at improving muscle mass and reduc-ing body fat but at the risk of numerous side-effects, including diabetes, arthralgia, oedema and gynecomastia. Its potential to increase the division rate of malignant cells cannot be ignored and long-term studies will be needed to determine its safety with respect to cancer. My strategy is to ensure the body has sufficient substrate in the form of amino acids to synthesize growth hormone to its natural level. 10 I think, again, the best approach to aging, is to embrace it with a healthy aging attitude and doing all you can to ensure the your life course is in a healthy state of progression with a sudden decline at the far end of the chronological age versus an early slow deterioration that minimizes function and joy of life for a prolonged time. Taking responsibility is never too late and never too early, in our path to our senior years. Thank you to Dr. Penny Kendall-Reed for her insight. • For article with references, please see www.canadianchiropractor.ca. www.canadianchiropractor.ca CANADIAN CHIROPRACTOR | FEBRUARY 2012 • 39
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