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A combination of a nutritious diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle will help you age gracefully. While exercise boosts cardiovascular function to keep your heart healthy, minerals and nutrients found in your diet will keep different systems in your body working optimally. Dietary supplements can also deliver these compounds to provide health benefits. Here are a few that are helpful for mitigating the effects of aging. 

Top 5 Dietary Supplements for Aging Well

1. Collagen Peptides

Collagen is crucial for building and repairing the body’s soft tissues, including the joints, muscles, and tendons. Proline and glycine, amino acids present in collagen, promote these repairs and help the skin keep its firmness. Research shows that consumption of collagen—2.5 to five grams daily—significantly improves skin elasticity, helping it look younger and smoother. Collagen dietary supplements can often be added to smoothies and soups. Take as directed by the label or your doctor.

2. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is known for helping combat colds and the flu, but as an antioxidant, it can also help repair aging skin by stimulating collagen production. More collagen equals a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. As a dietary supplement, especially when combined with omega-6 fatty acids, this helpful vitamin may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and loose skin. Recommended daily allowances vary by age.

3. Zinc

dietary supplementsZinc is a trace mineral the body can’t produce naturally. It aids the immune system, promotes wound healing, and may protect the skin from the sun’s UV rays. Early research with rats shows that zinc deficiencies can inhibit DNA repair and accelerate the aging process. Recommended servings of zinc are up to 40mg per day.

4. Selenium

This mineral may help protect the body from cancer, including UV-related skin cancer, although the science is not yet conclusive. It does help with keeping tissues elastic and delays the hardening of tissues due to oxidative stress. Oral and topical applications of selenium in animal studies protected against excessive UV damage. In addition to dietary supplements, you can get your fill of this mineral from Brazil nuts or grass-fed beef and chicken.

5. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cells and prevents damage to the enzymes that create cell membranes. Vitamin E is thought to mitigate the harmful effects of free radicals. It protects the skin from the sun’s radiation and is found in many topical cosmetics. As a dietary supplement, it not only helps the skin, but also boosts immunity and keeps blood vessels from clogging. Adults need around 15mg per day.

 

Try dietary supplements along with a healthy lifestyle to mitigate the effects of aging. Based in Westport, CT, the Center for the Healing Arts, PC offers holistic, integrative medicine, including nutritional supplements, bio-identical hormone therapy, and IV vitamin treatment. Call (203) 799-7733 to schedule an appointment or visit their website for a complete list of their services.

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