I think that the list of things that people dread the most include public speaking, spiders, snakes and AGING!

The latter is especially a concern for people in the entertainment industry and many of them have taken the route of the knife to turn back the hands of time… not always with the greatest of results.

What we all have to acknowledge is that time marches on for everyone, and eventually our bodies show the effects of getting older, no matter who you are.

But the good news is you can safely and naturally help S L O W down the aging process and encourage better physical health as well as a more youthful appearance!

Let’s take a look at what aging really is, and how you can help slow down that biological clock.

So what exactly is aging?

In order to understand how you age, we need to peek inside your cells.

Inside the center (nucleus) of your cells, your genes sit on twisted strands of DNA called chromosomes.  At the ends of your chromosomes are stretches of DNA called "telomeres."

Telomeres protect your genetic code and make it possible for your cells to divide.  Cell division is needed so you can grow new skin, blood, bone and other cells.

Telomeres are like the plastic tips on your shoelaces.  They prevent the ends of your chromosomes from fraying and sticking to each other, which can in turn mix up your genetic information and lead to cancer, other diseases or death.

But unfortunately, nothing lasts forever and that includes your telomeres.

Every time one of your cells divides, the telomeres get shorter and shorter.  When they eventually get too short, the cell no longer can divide, and it becomes inactive or dies.

As this process continues over time, you begin looking and feeling OLDER AND OLDER!

Factors that speed up the aging process

Although telomeres shorten over time and nothing can be done to completely stop this, there are certain factors that can accelerate the aging process.

Number one is a poor diet--especially eating foods such as margarine, vegetable oils, sugar, artificial sweeteners, soda and refined carbohydrates.  All of these substances trigger inflammation in your cells, which promotes disease and can make you look FAR older than your years. 

Stress is another major ager.  Chronic stress causes the repeated release of the hormone cortisol which can harm your gut microbiome, weaken your immune system and damage your cells.

Environmental and household toxins cause inflammation in your cells, stress your liver and kidneys, and can put you on a path of disease and aging. 

Decreased levels of hormones also play a big part.  Hormones impact every major organ and system in your body, so when your hormone levels diminish, you can feel the effects from head to toe.

Embrace your internal fountain of youth!

Now that you know how aging occurs and many of the factors that can make it that much sooner that Boy Scouts will offer to help you cross the street, now is the time to SLOW down that aging process!

Here are 7 very effective strategies than can help:

1) De-stress

There are many ways to help de-stress: Meditation, yoga, counseling, deep breathing, prayer, aromatherapy and acupuncture, to name a few.  Pick what feels right to you and help get rid of that stress.

And remember that regular exercise is the best stress buster there is! (More on that below.)

Lastly, help your gut microbiome recover from the harmful effects of stress with a full-spectrum probiotic supplement like Super Shield! 

Super Shield’s effective blend of 13 robust probiotic species will help support strong immune function (to help prevent disease), encourage more regular BMs, ease gas and bloating, and even encourage healthy cholesterol levels!

2) De-tox

Avoid common sources of household and environmental toxins like unfiltered tap water, bug sprays, weed killers, cigarette smoke and medications as much as you can.

Start by using a filter for your tap water and avoid lawn and pest chemicals.

Buy organic produce whenever you can.  Shop local farmer's markets or participate in community supported agriculture (CSA) programs. 

If you smoke, please stop now. 

Help support your liver’s detox efforts by drinking a large glass of room temperature filtered water with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice every morning, as well as incorporating onions and garlic into your meals.

Lastly, if you’re on any medications, talk to your doctor about alternatives, decreasing your dose or getting off them altogether. 

3) Eat real foods and get antioxidants

The best way to avoid age-accelerating unhealthy fats, refined carbs and sugar overload is to eat REAL foods.

Real foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, poultry and fish, legumes, nuts, dairy, eggs and healthy fats (like olive oil, real butter, coconut oil and avocado).

Nutrient-rich foods like these are believed to protect cells and their telomeres from oxidative damage.  Plus antioxidant foods like berries and artichokes can slow down aging and help prevent or reduce cell damage.

4) Get regular exercise

Regular exercise is an anti-aging MUST.

It helps your body eliminate age-accelerating toxins, it increases your heart strength, helps improve digestion, promotes better sleep, helps lower blood pressure, helps you maintain a healthy bodyweight and by strengthening the muscles surrounding your joints, it can decrease the symptoms of arthritis!

Pick an activity that works for you, get your doctor’s OK and get moving.

5) Consider bio-identical hormone replacement therapy

Unlike synthetic hormone replacement, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) works to help naturally reestablish the way your body sends messages to your tissues and organs to keep them healthy…and helps keep you feeling younger!

6) Supplement with Omega-3 essential fatty acids

Studies are showing that the Omega-3 essential fatty acids EPA and DHA can play a crucial role in slowing down the telomere action associated with the aging process.

So if you want to jump on the bandwagon to help preserve the youth of your cells, as well as help lower cholesterol, experience fewer joint aches and improve your memory (among other things), a top-notch fish oil supplement like VitalMega-3 can help ensure you get what you need. 

Every 2-capsule dose of VitalMega-3 gives you a soothing 1,200 mg of crucial Omega-3 fats, including the superstars EPA and DHA in the recommended 3:2 ratio.

7) Use natural skin care products

Store-bought skin care products typically contain toxic ingredients and chemical fragrances that are linked to all sorts of issues – including hormonal imbalances, infertility, allergies, kidney problems and even cancer!

But our outstanding line of Holistic Blends skin and hair care products includes ingredients such as certified organic shea butter, avocado, vitamin E, vitamin C, pure organic essential oils, witch hazel, and the superstar… Hempseed oil!

Hempseed oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and amino acids, it moisturizes and nourishes your skin and hair, plus it’s a potent antioxidant which helps fight the aging effects of free radicals.

(Note: Hempseed oil does NOT contain THC.)

Our skin and hair care line includes bar soaps, body butter, shampoo and conditioner, face cream, facial toner, lip balm, sunscreen and sleepy time balm.

Time marches on and we are all going to age.  That is a certainty.

But as you can see, there’s so much you can do to help slow the aging process internally and keep looking and feeling great well into your golden years!

To your health,

Sherry Brescia