Reversing the aging process

By Mike Ventresca, Vital Choice Healthstore

In his book, Lifespan, Dr. David Sinclair, co-director of the Center for Biology of Aging Research at Harvard Medical School, makes some pretty bold statements. In a nutshell, he believes that it’s possible not only to slow down aging, but even to partially reverse it.

For decades, Sinclair has been researching the role of various proteins and compounds in the body responsible for repairing DNA, and maintaining what’s called the epigenome (which regulates which genes get turned on and off). Sinclair points out that as we age, our body becomes far less able to repair DNA damage. As more DNA gets damaged, the epigenome becomes dysregulated leading to improper genes turning on and off. It’s this dysfunction, and not age itself, that leads to age-related diseases.

So, what can we do? One major takeaway from Lifespan for me is the importance of a molecule called NAD+. NAD+ is a coenzyme that plays a critical role in proper cellular energy production, regulating the sleep/wake cycle and regulating metabolism. It also helps with repairing damaged DNA. NAD+ levels naturally decline with age. Sinclair suggests this decline is a major factor in the body’s reduced ability to repair and protect DNA from damage. So, if you increase your NAD+ levels, your cells may be better protected against both impaired function and oxidative stress.

Research shows you can boost your NAD+ by supplementing with the building blocks your body uses to make NAD+. Two choices I like are NMN from Jarrow Formulas and NAD+ Cell Regenerator from Life Extension. Both provide powerful ingredients clinically shown to increase NAD+ in the body.

Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store, 9243 Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. Call 440-885-9505 or visit VChoice.com. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.