For many, aging is a negative aspect of life, since it is usually equated with decline in appearance and health. However, aging should be viewed as a privilege since the alternative is, well – loss of life. We’re fortunate because advances in aesthetics and regenerative medicine have made it possible to prevent or lessen the negative effects of aging. Rather than loathing the inevitable process of life, let’s age with pizzazz!
Pizzazz is an attractive combination of energy and style, vitality and sparkle. People with this quality are stimulating and fun to be with; they have that certain something.
What is that “certain something?” Attractiveness, health and vitality. Attractiveness is 1) portraying an outward appearance that says we care about how we look, 2) smiling often and 3) radiating confidence. Wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin can make one feel unattractive; especially because the image reflected in the mirror doesn’t parallel how we feel. Fortunately, there are non-toxic methods to improve the appearance of aging skin, such as facials, microcurrent treatment, organic peels, platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections and micropen facials. After all, feeling good about your appearance enhances confidence and makes it easy to smile!
To explain how we can improve health and vitality, it’s helpful to understand the aging process. The speed of which our cells begin to lose their vigor and longevity depends on the influences of our environment, our thoughts and our genes.
Our environment determines quality of shelter, clothing and food. Environmental toxins, disease, extreme temperatures, processed foods, contaminated water and excessive physical labor contribute to declining health. Ironically, illness also accelerates aging.
It’s well known that our mental-emotional state impacts our body’s ability to repair and regenerate. Distress (perceiving difficult situations in negative light) results in the release of stress hormones that shorten telomeres, the protective protein caps at the end of DNA strands that allow for continued cell replication.
Genes do play a role in aging. However, the study of epigenetics has provided evidence that our environment and even our thoughts can affect our genes so they are not the end-all in our aging fate.
Ultimately, our immune system is the key player in healthy longevity. Everyone is continuously fighting off bacteria, viruses, parasites, cancer and other invaders. The immune system’s ability to maintain health depends on how burdened it is. It is also affected by the availability of resources, which include energy (ATP), proteins, antioxidants and micronutrients. During wakefulness, the body consumes the majority of the supply, so the immune system is most active during deep sleep.
Every time the immune system is activated, an inflammatory response ensues. Since inflammation is the basis of all chronic disease, decreasing inflammation is crucial for healthy aging. Taking anti-inflammatory herbs and supplemental nutrients can significantly reduce inflammation. IV therapy can provide glutathione, the body’s major antioxidant, to decrease inflammation for those with chronic inflammatory conditions. Identifying and avoiding food allergens is essential for decreasing gastrointestinal tract inflammation, which can lead to intestinal permeability and body wide inflammation.
Maintaining a healthy body weight is crucial because fat tissue is highly inflammatory. Exercise decreases excess fat, produces chemicals that regulate the immune system and decreases stress hormones. Getting adequate rest and consuming a toxin-free, nutrient dense diet is imperative for lowering inflammation.
You’re probably wondering about those achy joints and declining energy. Prolotherapy and PRP injections can repair joint tissue and relieve pain. Nutrient IV therapy can circumvent the aging digestive tract and provide your body with needed nutrients for repair, regeneration and energy production.
Growing older is a privilege and our elderly years don’t have to be ominous.
Aging with pizzazz means owning oneself at any age, caring for oneself and making the best of everything. When you feel good, it’s easy to leave each situation better than you found it – now that’s pizzazz!
By Cheryl Hamilton, NMD
Cheryl Hamilton, NMD, began her healthcare career 32 years ago. She completed her undergraduate work in nutrition at Colorado State University; worked in the health and fitness industry; owned and operated a nutritional counseling business; taught collegiate nutrition, health and wellness courses; and raised four children before attending the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine. She is passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of women and their loved ones. Her office at the Women’s Health and Healing Center is located at 8363 E. Florentine Road, Suite C, in Prescott Valley. For more information, call 928-515-2363.