Boosting Vitality and Longevity for Seniors

You've heard of the Fountain of Youth, right? We have learned by now that such a place exists only in legend. However, while researching the subject, I came across some pretty exciting information that could be particularly relevant for seniors looking to maintain their health and vitality.

For example, take Florida. Yes, Florida. According to Wikipedia, "Ponce de León was searching for the Fountain of Youth when he traveled to what is now Florida in 1513." Many people in Florida might tell you that he found it, and there might be some truth to that.

God has given our bodies something in the region of 50 trillion cells to look after, give or take thirty or forty—ha! Actually, no one knows, but the estimates range from 10 trillion to 100 trillion. There are a lot of them. The very least we can do is honor that gift by keeping them as healthy as possible for as long as possible, especially as we age.

Pollution, stress, poor diet, and lack of exercise can damage atoms within our cells. You may have heard of 'free radicals.' I'm not talking about crazies escaping jail and causing mayhem in town. This is about atoms inside the cells that damage and destroy cells – free radicals.

Damaged cells can replicate themselves, so our bodies produce increasing numbers of damaged, already sick cells. This can contribute to premature aging and many additional ailments, which are of particular concern for seniors. (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3249911/).

So, what's to do? How do you get rid of free radicals? Your body needs antioxidants that neutralize the free radicals, thereby removing their harmful effects. There are many types of antioxidants, the most well-known one being vitamin C. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which are high in antioxidants, can help combat the effects of free radicals and promote healthy aging. (Source: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/how-older-adults-can-get-started-healthy-eating).

There is a unique molecule called Glutathione (GSH), produced in large quantities by every living cell in our bodies and is essential to life. Yet it is estimated that, in an average healthy individual over 20, GSH levels decrease by about 10 to 12% per decade. This rate of decline can be accelerated by the stresses listed above, making it a significant concern for seniors. (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4684116/).

Science has shown us that low levels of Glutathione cause cell sickness and cell death, but the opposite is also true: high levels of GSH restore cellular health, regardless of age. This is promising news for seniors looking to maintain their health and vitality.

Taking a GSH supplement orally is useless because it is destroyed in the digestive system. It can be taken intravenously, but the injections are expensive, and the benefits are short-lived.

However, there are natural, inexpensive ways of maintaining and increasing GSH levels that seniors can incorporate into their daily routines.

A 20-minute swim in ice-cold water could help, but that might not be the most practical or appealing option for many seniors. Other ways to boost GSH levels include:

1. Whey Protein. (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6566985/)

2. Lipoic acid (found naturally in your body, also a dietary supplement). (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4684116/)

3. Milk Thistle. (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4109649/)

4. SAM-e (found naturally in your body, also a dietary supplement). (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6316347/)

5. N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) (used as a prescription and over-the-counter supplement). (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5241507/)

NAC has been the gold standard for many years, but you must take much of it. 8,000mg (16 capsules) should give you about an 80% increase in your GSH level.

It should be noted that raising cellular levels of GSH will have many benefits, but it will not, in itself, cure anything. It is essential for life, and maintaining high levels will give your body the best chance for health and longevity, which is especially important for seniors.

Interestingly, tests on centenarians (people over the age of 100 years) have shown they all share one common characteristic: They all have high levels of GSH. (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3047502/). This suggests that maintaining high levels of GSH could be a critical factor in promoting longevity and healthy aging.

While the Fountain of Youth may remain a legend, seniors can take practical steps to maintain their health and vitality by combating free radicals and boosting their GSH levels through a healthy diet and lifestyle and possibly through supplementation under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

The great news is that if you know Jesus, no matter what your GSH levels are on Earth, he'll take you to your final home in heaven, where you'll live forever!

 This spiritual perspective can give seniors a sense of peace and purpose, knowing that their ultimate destination is secure, even as they strive to maintain their physical health and well-being in their earthly lives.

Please share your thoughts and any response you may have in the form below.

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