Benefits of Looking Under the Hood…

Quick Question 👇

If you heard a rattling noise coming from your car engine, would you crank up the radio to drown it out or take it to the repair shop to fix the cause of the noise? 

I’m guessing you’d want to get it fixed. Am I right? 

Then why is it when it comes to our bodies and our health…so many people choose to cover up their symptoms rather than figure out the cause? 

In functional medicine, we look under the hood 🚙 

And when it comes to correcting the source of the problem, we work to optimize function on a CELLULAR level. 

Or even subcellular—like the mitochondria. 

This is part 2 out of 4 in my series of posts on mitochondrial health, and what I want you to take away is this: 

When we support the mitochondria, we optimize the function of the body from the inside out. That means…

✅ Better Energy

✅ More Stamina

✅ Mental Clarity

✅ Healthier Metabolism

✅ Graceful Aging

Follow me for tips on optimizing mitochondrial function (coming soon!) or message me for help 📩 

5 Supplements for Healthy Aging

We all know that to age healthy we need to eat well, exercise, and manage stress, but…

…nutritional supplements can give an added boost of support!

Here are 5 top supplements to support healthy aging:

💊 Curcumin

Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric. It supports a healthy inflammatory response and interacts with many cellular pathways related to aging. 

💊 Resveratrol

Resveratrol is an antioxidant found in red wine and the skin of red grapes. It helps neutralize free radical damage and supports cardiovascular health with age. 

💊 Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN)

NMN is a precursor molecule that converts to NAD+. NAD+ is a coenzyme that’s essential for cellular energy production and DNA repair—processes that are closely associated with aging.  

💊 Collagen

Collagen is a structural protein in our skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and blood vessels. Collagen production slows down with age, contributing to common signs of aging. 

💊 Omega-3s

Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that support a healthy inflammatory response, potentially combatting the phenomenon known as “inflammaging.”

This wraps up my post series on healthy aging, and here’s what I hope you take away:

✨We cannot stop the clock, but we can always take action to create a healthier future for ourselves✨ 

Drop me a quick comment below—what is something you do every day to make sure your future years are the best yet? ⤵️

5 Things That Make You Age Faster

Hoping to keep your youthful skin, flexible joints, and sharp mind even as the years pass by?

One of the best ways to age gracefully is to avoid the things that make you age FASTER. 

Like these top 5: 

1️⃣ Smoking

Smoking cigarettes increases free radicals and MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases), which cause the degradation of collagen and elastin—leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. 

2️⃣ Excess Sun 

Overexposure to UV rays is a major cause of free radical damage to the skin and the telltale signs of aging—including wrinkles, blotchiness, and age spots. 

3️⃣ Lack of Sleep

A UCLA study found that a single night of partial sleep deprivation activated genes related to biological aging. Lack of sleep can contribute to inflammation, memory loss, and mood changes with age. 

4️⃣ Being Sedentary

Movement and exercise are critical for fending off age-related declines in bone density and muscle mass. Exercise also supports heart health, brain function, better sleep, and more. 

5️⃣ Stress!!!!!

Stress interacts with many of the mechanisms of aging—including blood sugar regulation, inflammation, hormonal changes, and shortening of telomeres. 

I have one more post coming your way in this series on healthy aging. I’ll let you in on my favorite supplements to keep you looking and feeling your best with age. 

See you then!

7 Theories of Aging You Can Act Upon

Whether you’re more concerned about the fine lines, memory lapses, or sexual function…

…we can’t do anything about the aging process unless we understand WHY and HOW it is happening. 

So let’s take a look at 7 theories of aging:

1️⃣ Free Radicals

Free radicals create oxidative stress to damage cellular DNA. They increase with exposure to cigarette smoke, air pollution, and unhealthy foods. 

What can we do? Loading up on antioxidants from fruits, vegetables, herbs, and supplements.  

2️⃣ “Inflammaging”

Changes in the immune system can shift the body into a state of low-grade and chronic inflammation, also called “inflammaging.”

What can we do? Eat an anti-inflammatory diet, exercise, and minimize stress. 

3️⃣ Protein Cross-Linking

Protein cross-linking happens when sugar forms a chemical bond with proteins. It leads to stiffening of the blood vessels, stiffening of the joints, loss of skin elasticity, and other signs of aging. 

What can we do? Keep blood sugars stable and minimize sugary food and drinks. 

4️⃣ Heat Shock Proteins

Heat shock proteins protect cells from damage under stressful conditions, but they decrease with age.

What can we do? Anything the body perceives to be mildly stressful, like exercise, cold showers, and fasting. 

5️⃣ Telomeres

Telomeres are sections of DNA at the end of each chromosome that protect it from unraveling. Scientists consider shortening telomeres to be a hallmark of aging. 

What can we do? Eat a plant-rich diet, exercise, and minimize stress. 

6️⃣Stem Cells

Adult stem cells help old and damaged tissues regenerate by replacing damaged cells. But their ability to do so declines with age.   

What can we do? Cell-based therapies are an emerging area of regenerative medicine.

7️⃣Hormones

From declining levels of growth hormone to all the changes associated with menopause and andropause, hormones can contribute to many of the signs of aging. 

What can we do? Hormone replacement is an option but should be considered only under the supervision of a healthcare professional. 

Stay tuned because I have 2 more posts coming your way—with practical strategies to support healthy and happy aging!

Want to Age with Grace? Start Now!

Let’s take a minute to talk about aging. We know graying hair and wrinkles are expected, but what else?

🤔 Did you know that aging can also affect your immune system, digestion, and sexual wellness?

Some signs of aging begin as early as our 30s (like fine lines), while others may not become apparent until our 50s, 60s, or later (like thinning bones). 

🔹Fine lines and wrinkles

🔹Dry skin

🔹Blotchy skin or age spots

🔹Sagging skin

🔹Graying hair

🔹Thinning bones

🔹Decrease in height

🔹Stooped posture

🔹Decreased muscle mass

🔹Weakening grip

🔹Aching joints

🔹Stiff joints

🔹Constipation

🔹Urinary Leakage

🔹Decreased Libido

🔹Difficulty reading small print

🔹Trouble hearing in a crowded room

🔹Memory lapses

🔹Slowing of thought

🔹Trouble multitasking

Nobody can avoid aging, but there are plenty of things we can do to minimize the effects and age with grace! 

👀 Watch for my upcoming posts where I’ll be sharing insider tips for healthy aging—so you can stay active, happy, and vibrant no matter how many candles are on your next birthday cake.