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We all have heard about the countless negative effects of stress on our health, mind and bodies, but how does stress impact the aging process? Stress weakens our immune system. A compromised immune system makes us more susceptible to disease and inflammation. As inflammation is directly tied to the visible signs of aging, it stands to reason then that stress accelerates aging.

If you think about periods of great stress in your life, you can probably remember that you were not only not feeling well, but perhaps not looking well either.

So what can you do? Stress is not easy to combat, especially during these trying economic times. But here are a few things to consider:

Get some exercise — Exercise is a remarkable tool for reducing stress

Meditate — Even if you can’t find the time to pursue a structured form of meditation, taking 5-10 minutes to clear your head and focus on feeling better is important

Eat Well – Don’t compound your stress by eating foods that put more stress on your body. Fresh fruits and vegetables, cold water fish and other foods rich in antioxidants and essential components of an anti-inflammatory diet are crucial to maintaining good health.

Neuropeptides are tiny strings of amino acids (the building blocks of protein) which act as sophisticated intercellular messengers. As we age, these neuropeptides become less and less abundant.

Pheromones are chemicals produced on the skin that elicit non-detectible odors which affect the behavior of other people around us. The pheromones are known to activate positive changes in the areas of the brain related to cognitive skills and emotional well being.

Special Delivery

Neuropeptides are used to harness the power of pheromones; to deliver pheromones to the brain, similar to those found naturally in the body. Neuropeptides enhance the effects of pheromones by making the receptor sites (known as the vomeronasal organ) in the nose more sensitive. The increased sensitivity of the receptor sites creates a greater impact on the person receiving the odor, thereby enhancing the efficacy of the pheromone compound. The benefits of pheromones in the anti-aging aromatic are many and can personally affect us psychologically and cognitively by increasing our sense of well-being, and enhanced thinking, and socially, eliciting positive emotional responses from those around us.

Because these benefits are physiological as well as psychological there is an anti-aging component to regular use.

Benefits include
• Sharpens memory and mental clarity
• Elevates self-confidence
• Decreases stress and anxiety
• Enhances well-being

Super Supplement #4: Carnitine
Carnitine is a water soluble nutrient, very much like a B vitamin, that allows us to convert fat into energy. Carnitine and its derivative, acetyl L-carnitine (see below) are two of the most important nutrients for weight loss. However, for carnitine to have optimum effect, we must have adequate essential fatty acids (such as omega-3s) present in the diet. Carnitine is critical for energy formation and an active metabolism. Small amounts of carnitine can be obtained from foods such as meats and dairy products, but to get an adequate supply we must take carnitine supplements. Carnitine provides anti-aging benefits in that it enhances energy production in the cell, which is needed for cellular repair. Studies have also shown that carnitine helps prevent muscle loss during illness and also prevents the muscle loss associated with aging, known as sarcopenia. Carnitine is protective of liver function and enhances and protects the immune system, especially under stressful conditions.

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION: The recommended dose for an adult under the age of 30 without ill health or obesity is approximately 500 milligrams per day. For those who are obese or have other health problems, the recommendation is 1500 to 2000 milligrams per day, taken in 500 milligram doses 3 or 4 times per day.

Carnitine Tips
For carnitine to have optimum effect, make sure you have an adequate omega-3 intake.

Do not take carnitine in the evening as it may interfere with sleep.

Carnitine may be taken with or without food.

For better utilization of fat for energy take omega 3 fish oil with carnitine.

Perricone MD products with this super supplement (click below to shop PerriconeMD.com):
Perricone MD Health & Weight Management

Super Supplement #5: Acetyl L-Carnitine
Like carnitine, acetyl-l-carnitine improves mitochondrial function, but to an even greater degree – because it can pass through the mitochondrial membrane. And like carnitine, acetyl-l-carnitine functions best when there is adequate dietary intake of omega-3 essential fatty acids. Both forms of carnitine are important in a weight loss regimen because they act as natural anti-inflammatories, they aid in transportation of fats into the mitochondria to be burned. They also enhance the sensitivity of insulin receptors, helping to decrease blood sugar and circulating levels of insulin. As we have learned, high levels of insulin are inflammatory and ‘lock’ our body fat in place.

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATION: 500 milligrams per day; however, individuals on a weight loss program may take up to 1500 milligrams of acetyl-carnitine daily.

Acetyl-l-Carnitine tips:
Carnitine and acetyl-l-carnitine are not to be used by people with bipolar disease (manic depression) or those who are susceptible to seizures (epilepsy) unless recommended by their physician.

Do not take acetyl-l-carnitine after 3 PM to prevent any difficulties with sleeping.

Exercise naturally increases our levels of acetyl-l-carnitine, however, if we are obese, over thirty, or have other health problems, it will not raise them to therapeutic levels; therefore supplementation is necessary.

Acetyl-l-carnitine may be taken with or without food.

For better utilization of fat for energy take omega 3 fish oil with carnitine.

Perricone MD products with this super supplement (click below to shop PerriconeMD.com):
Perricone MD Health & Weight Management

Nutritional supplements have come a long way from the minimal, “one-a-day” multivitamins of past generations. Now we have highly targeted antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that can do everything from sharpening our brain power, repairing our bodies on a cellular level, increase the burning of body fat, regulate blood sugar and insulin, increase muscle [...]

Antioxidants = anti-inflammatories Dr. Perricone recommends a variety of unique nutritional supplements in addition to the complete spectrum of vitamins and minerals recommended by nutritional experts worldwide (B-complex, Vitamin E, Vitamin C Ester, Calcium, Magnesium, etc.). His research has shown that nutrients that possess anti-oxidant properties act as natural anti-inflammatories. These nutrients offer anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, [...]

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