Anti-Aging Supplements & Medications

Many people ask about the supplements I take and whether they should adopt the same regimen. While I don’t advocate for a "one size fits all" approach, I’m happy to share what I personally use. It’s important to research these supplements and determine what works best for you. Here's a look at the supplements I take and why I believe they're beneficial:

I switch between these two as they are both precursors to NAD+, which plays a vital role in cellular energy production and metabolic health. Both offer similar benefits, including:

• Supports Cellular Energy: Enhances mitochondrial function.
• Promotes Healthy Aging: Increases NAD+ levels to reduce DNA damage, inflammation, and cellular aging.
• Cognitive Support: Protects neurons and improves brain function.
• Improves Metabolic Health: Regulates blood sugar and insulin sensitivity.
• Cardiovascular Health: Promotes healthier blood vessels and reduces arterial stiffness.

Sources: Healthline - NMN, PubMed - NR and NMN in Metabolism and Longevity.

A powerful antioxidant found in blueberries, pterostilbene has been linked to:

• Cognitive Health: Protects neurons from oxidative stress.
• Cardiovascular Benefits: Lowers cholesterol and improves circulation.
• Cancer Prevention: Promotes apoptosis in cancer cells.
• Anti-Aging: Mimics calorie restriction pathways for longevity.

Sources: Healthline, PubMed.

Often called the "sunshine vitamin," Vitamin D3 is essential for:

• Bone Health: Aids calcium absorption to strengthen bones.
• Immune Function: Enhances immune response.
• Mood and Cognitive Function: Reduces depression and may protect against cognitive decline.
• Heart Health: Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Sources: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health - Vitamin D, Healthline.

Mind Lab Pro is a nootropic supplement designed to enhance cognitive performance, memory, focus, and overall brain health. Here are some of its key benefits:

Mind Lab Pro contains ingredients like Bacopa Monnieri and Phosphatidylserine, which are known to support memory formation, retention, and recall. These ingredients help by promoting neuron communication and supporting brain plasticity.

Ingredients such as Citicoline and L-Theanine help improve focus, attention, and mental clarity. Citicoline boosts acetylcholine production, enhancing cognitive function, while L-Theanine helps promote calm and alertness without causing drowsiness.

Mind Lab Pro includes Rhodiola Rosea and Vitamin B Complex, which aid in reducing fatigue, improving mental stamina, and supporting consistent brain energy levels throughout the day. These ingredients help you stay mentally energized even under stress.

Rhodiola Rosea and L-Theanine also play a role in reducing stress and anxiety. Rhodiola helps to balance cortisol levels, making it effective for reducing stress, while L-Theanine promotes relaxation, enhancing mood without causing sedation.

The inclusion of Lion's Mane Mushroom and Maritime Pine Bark Extract helps protect the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation. These ingredients support long-term brain health by promoting neurogenesis (the creation of new brain cells) and improving blood flow to the brain.

Lion's Mane Mushroom is particularly noted for its ability to stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), which supports brain plasticity and regeneration. This helps the brain adapt, recover from injuries, and maintain overall cognitive health as you age.

Mind Lab Pro is designed as an all-in-one nootropic stack, combining several ingredients to promote overall cognitive function, memory, focus, energy, and mood. The formula offers both immediate mental performance benefits and long-term brain health support.

Sources:

• Healthline
• Mind Lab Pro Official Website

TMG, or betaine, provides several benefits:

• Liver Health: Prevents fat buildup in the liver.
• Cardiovascular Health: Lowers homocysteine levels, reducing heart disease risk.
• Exercise Performance: Boosts muscle energy and endurance.
• Cognitive Support: Supports mood and mental clarity.

Often used in diabetes management, Metformin may also have anti-aging properties by increasing insulin sensitivity and reducing glucose production in the liver. I recommend starting with a lower dose due to possible side effects.

Spermidine supports cellular health by promoting autophagy (the body's way of cleaning out damaged cells) and may play a role in extending lifespan, reducing inflammation, and enhancing cognitive function.

This vitamin plays a crucial role in bone and cardiovascular health by helping direct calcium to the bones and preventing arterial calcification.

Hydrolyzed collagen peptides offer numerous health benefits, particularly for skin, joints, bones, muscles, and more. Here are the primary advantages:

Collagen peptides enhance skin elasticity, hydration, and appearance. As we age, collagen production decreases, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. Studies show that hydrolyzed collagen supplementation can help reduce wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, and promote a more youthful look.

• Benefit: Boosts skin elasticity and reduces signs of aging.
• Source: Healthline, PubMed.

Collagen peptides support joint cartilage, helping to cushion and protect joints. They may reduce joint pain, especially for those with osteoarthritis, and have been linked to improved bone density, offering protection against osteoporosis.

• Benefit: Supports joint health, reduces pain, and promotes bone density.
• Source: PubMed, Arthritis Foundation.

Collagen peptides contain essential amino acids that support muscle repair and growth, especially when combined with resistance training. This can be particularly beneficial for older adults seeking to maintain or increase muscle mass and strength.

• Benefit: Enhances muscle growth and recovery, especially when paired with exercise.
• Source: Healthline, PubMed.

Collagen peptides help maintain gut health by strengthening the lining of the digestive tract. Glycine, an amino acid found in collagen, supports the integrity of the gut lining and promotes digestion, potentially reducing conditions like leaky gut syndrome.

• Benefit: Supports gut health and improves digestion.
• Source: Medical News Today.

Hydrolyzed collagen can strengthen nails, making them less prone to breakage, and promote hair growth by supporting healthy hair follicles. Regular supplementation has been linked to stronger nails and more robust hair.

• Benefit: Strengthens nails and promotes hair growth.
• Source: Healthline, PubMed.

Hydrolyzed collagen peptides are an easily digestible form of collagen with wide-ranging benefits, including improving skin elasticity, joint function, muscle mass, bone strength, and gut health. They are a popular choice in supplements for those seeking overall wellness and anti-aging effects.

• Healthline: Collagen Health Benefits
• PubMed: Collagen and Joint Health
• Arthritis Foundation: Benefits of Collage

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is well-known for its ability to retain moisture, making it a powerful supplement with various health benefits, especially for skin, joints, and overall well-being. Here are its key advantages:

Hyaluronic acid is highly effective at retaining water, helping to deeply hydrate the skin from within. This hydration can reduce dryness, improve skin texture, and contribute to a more youthful appearance by enhancing skin elasticity.

• Benefit: Enhances skin hydration, reduces fine lines, and improves skin elasticity.
• Source: Healthline, PubMed.

HA plays a crucial role in maintaining joint health by increasing levels of hyaluronic acid in the synovial fluid, which lubricates and cushions joints. This can reduce stiffness and discomfort, particularly in those with osteoarthritis.

• Benefit: Lubricates joints, alleviating discomfort and stiffness in conditions like osteoarthritis.
• Source: Arthritis Foundation.

Hyaluronic acid supports tissue regeneration and reduces inflammation, promoting faster wound healing. This makes it especially beneficial for skin injuries, ulcers, and burns.

• Benefit: Speeds up wound recovery by promoting tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation.
• Source: Medical News Today.

Oral HA supplements help maintain eye hydration, making them especially helpful for those with dry eyes. It supports moisture levels in the eyes, leading to greater comfort and less irritation.

• Benefit: Improves eye hydration, relieving dryness and discomfort.
• Source: Mayo Clinic.

Hyaluronic acid aids in moisture retention and collagen production, both crucial for slowing down signs of aging. This helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, sagging skin, and other aging symptoms. It also protects against free radical damage, which accelerates aging.

• Benefit: Slows the appearance of aging by improving skin hydration and reducing oxidative damage.
• Source: Healthline, PubMed.

Emerging studies suggest that HA may improve bone density and support overall bone health by enhancing the generation of cartilage and other connective tissues. This can be especially beneficial in preventing age-related bone loss.

• Benefit: Supports bone density and may help prevent osteoporosis.
• Source: National Institutes of Health (NIH).
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Hyaluronic acid capsules offer a range of health benefits, from enhancing skin hydration and joint lubrication to supporting eye health, wound healing, and even bone density. This makes HA a valuable supplement, particularly for aging individuals or those dealing with skin, joint, or eye-related conditions.

• Healthline: Hyaluronic Acid Benefits
• Arthritis Foundation: Hyaluronic Acid
• Mayo Clinic: Hyaluronic Acid Benefits

At 63, I haven’t experienced the typical decline often seen in my peers, and I attribute part of this to my supplement regimen. However, I strongly encourage everyone to do their own research and consult a healthcare provider to tailor a regimen suited to their specific needs. Hopefully, the information shared above can serve as a useful starting point. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to navigate the vast amount of supplement options and their benefits, but taking the time to explore and understand them can lead to a more informed and beneficial approach.