The Power of Positive Aging

A Supplemental Look From Prairie Naturals, by RoseMarie Pierce, B.Sc.Pharm

Aging as a Process

Chronologically, aging is inevitable and the rate at which it happens is the same for everyone. However, biologically we all age at different rates. Biological aging, or bio-aging, is a complex process and thankfully, one which can be slowed down or even reversed. Bio-aging is an indication of the physiological changes in the body and is influenced by a series of factors, including:

• Nutritional intake and nutrient absorption
• Adequate supplies of alkaline minerals and buffers
• Proper balance between antioxidants and free radicals
• Exposure to biological stressors e.g., alcohol, smoking, and toxins
• Physical activity and exercise
• Genetic and cellular changes stemming from behavioural and social experience

Let’s pause for a minute to take stock of our own aging process by answering the following two “Health Quizzes”

Have YOU experienced any of the following?

• □ Do you have low energy more frequently than usual?
• □ Do you find multitasking difficult or have brain fog?
• □ Do you have gas, bloating & cannot eat a whole meal?
• □ Do you need reading glasses or have poor night vision?
• □ Do you need to urinate more often, especially at night?
• □ Do you have more aches and pain upon arising?
• □ Are you experiencing thinning hair or split nails?
• □ Do you notice less muscle strength or muscle mass?

If you said YES to two or more of these biological changes, then answer the next quiz.

• □ Is your lifestyle supporting positive aging?
• □ Do you exercise at least 20-30 minutes daily?
• □ Do you eat a nutrient-dense, alkaline-rich diet?
• □ Do you eat colourful fruits and vegetables daily?
• □ Do you sleep restfully 7 or more hours each night?
• □ Do you take prescription medications regularly?
• □ Do you have a healthy social network?
• □ Do you read and find ways to exercise your brain?
• □ Do you know if you produce adequate stomach acid?
• □ Do you check your urine pH every morning?

There are steps that can be taken to bio-age well, starting with diet.

pH Balancing is important
for positive aging

An alkaline diet is the key to ensuring a proper acid/alkaline (pH) balance.

Benefits of an alkaline diet and lifestyle.

An alkaline diet increases the body’s mineral content which, in turn, leads to better bone density. Skin, nails & hair are improved because it builds up proteins and collagen. Focusing on a proper pH balance in the diet helps to preserve muscle mass which means a decrease in the amount of age-related muscle loss. This diet and lifestyle also supports kidney and liver health by promoting detoxification and it encourages a healthy microbiome and stomach acid production which helps with digestive issues and acid reflux. Improved cardiac health, lower blood pressure, an increase of oxygen to the brain and an increase in lymphatic drainage all lead to improved mental clarity, less brain fog, less colds and flus. These are all benefits coming from a pH balancing alkaline diet & lifestyle.

What Are Free Radicals &
How Do They Affect Aging?

Free radicals are unstable and highly reactive atoms. They can damage cells and accelerate the progression of cancer, cardiovascular disease and other age-related diseases. Oxygen free radicals or ROS (reactive oxygen species) are increasingly considered responsible for aging changes. ROS are generated in our cell’s mitochondria (the powerhouse of cells) but damage the DNA causing “mitochondrial dysfunction.” A key example of ROS is the free radical superoxide.

So, what can be done? Aging slows down when we decrease free radical generation. We can do this by:

• Eating anti-inflammatory, alkaline foods (veggies, herbs, spices)
• Consuming antioxidant rich greens, berries (dark coloured)
• Supplementing with Co-enzyme Q 10 
• Making healthy life-style choices (exercise, reduce stress and improve sleep habits)

• When reading about inflammation and the acceleration of aging, you may see the term: inflammaging. This refers to a chronic, systemic, low-grade inflammatory process throughout the body that develops with advancing age and is a strong contributor to many age-related symptoms and diseases. Most commonly it is seen in symptoms such as:
• Sensory decline, e.g., vision and hearing
• Bone and muscle loss
• Weakness and loss of strength
• Weight gain and fat gain
• Memory problems and brain fog
• Digestive issues
• Skin changes i.e., wrinkles and sagging, also thinning hair 
• Fatigue and low energy or mood swings
• Sleep troubles
• Looking or feeling older than you are

There can be many causes of inflammaging, including a poor diet with high levels of inflammatory foods, nutrient deficiencies especially of minerals and antioxidants, and imbalances in blood sugar with insulin resistance. The blood sugar imbalance is most common in females who have high estrogen or testosterone levels and in men with low testosterone levels. Other contributing factors to inflammaging may include Leaky Gut Syndrome, chronic stress, poor sleep, chronic infections, and also exposure to environmental toxins and EMFs.

Inflammaging is a highly significant risk factor for both morbidity and mortality in the elderly people. The most common chronic diseases facing Canadian seniors are cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. These can all be affected by aging and inflammaging.

Prairie Naturals Role in healthy Bio-Aging.

However, the news isn’t all bad. While there are many factors which influence our overall biological health and age, there isn’t just one cause of accelerated aging. Remember, biological age is influenced by a series of factors, including nutritional intake and nutrient absorption along with adequate supplies of alkaline minerals and buffers. So, Prairie Naturals offers many healthy choices that can positively influence your aging process.

Look out for Prairie Naturals’ Positive-Aging products, they can be found
within the following:

• Alkalizing supplements and superfood powders
• Fat and Water-soluble antioxidants and omega-3 fats
• Condition-specific formulas
• Digestive aids and enzymes