As we age, taking vitamins and supplements are important. You may have heard of anti aging supplements, but before you go out and stock up on what you think you need, a few basic tests are necessary.

Why Should You Test First?

Everybody ages differently. Some people may have insufficient nutrients in certain areas than others. Others may be getting enough and extra supplementation may tamper with with certain processes.

Taking incompatible or the wrong amounts of supplements can be the difference between feeling okay or feeling beyond compare (or maybe even feeling not-so-good).

What Tests Should You Take?

Although consulting a doctor is generally recommended, many tests nowadays can be ordered online, done at home, mailed back to the lab and results are viewed online. Many insurance companies may not cover preventative testing and there are less expensive options online.

Organic Acid Testing

Will indicate what vitamins and minerals you require. You can use it when you are first starting a supplement program or to "fine tune" what you are already doing. It can unveil a variety of needed nutrients, such as co enzyme Q10, alpha lipoic acid, carnitine and others. (If you don't know what these are, I'll be covering them in my next article.) This test is done with a morning urine specimen.

Salivary Hormone Testing

Although there are other methods for testing hormones, using saliva has proven to be very effective. The five hormones typically tested for are testosterone, progesterone, estrogen, cortisol and dhea.

These hormones usually become imbalanced as we age. Getting these hormone levels in the correct balance can result in:

• increased energy
• memory improvement
• better weight control enhanced sexuality
• improved sleep

Once more, these tests can be performed at home, although some states may want a physician referral.

Food Allergy Testing

Food allergies are more widespread than you think and can clash with a nutritional program. Even some of the healthiest foods can be a issue if you have an allergy. A simple finger stick done at home is sent to a laboratory with the results returned in a couple of weeks.

Iodine Sufficiency Test

This is a litmus test for thyroid disorders which are becoming increasingly more prevalent today. If you have symptoms of weight gain, moodiness, or thinning hair, you may have a thyroid disorder and not even realize it. This is a urine test.

Vitamins and anti aging supplements are an important for any anti aging program and the benefits are great if it's done correctly.

Want to regain your youthful vigor? This is the first in a series of articles on anti aging supplements. Get updates on the series, current research in the aging field and the free book.

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The latest anti aging news and research

By GiGi Konwin
Published: 2/25/2008

If you want to slow the aging process, consider anti aging supplements. Here are some things to watch for. Everyone wants to slow the aging process, even those who want to "age gracefully". However, there is a debate going on over whether using anti aging supplements will really work.

There are some that still believe that plenty of exercise, a proper diet and the right amount of sleep is really all you need to fight the aging process.

And if it works for them, who am I to argue? I'm a big proponent of exercise, diet and sleep. You have to start there for any anti aging program to work. But if you're doing all that and you're still feeling the effects of age, you may want to consider supplementation.

The fact is that researchers have now proven that vitamin supplementation can prevent several common chronic diseases. The average American diet does not provide the optimal amounts of nutrients. However, supplementation is not an adequate substitute for a good diet.

To start, a good quality multivitamin is the core of any supplementation program. With or without iron is a subject of argument, but I would recommend if you need iron supplementation, it should be taken separately as most people get sufficient iron in their diet and too much can pose problems as well as impede absorption of other vitamins.

Tips on Buying Anti Aging Supplements

* Research before you buy. Know what you are buying, the proper amounts, and any side effects

* Buy a quality brand. It should have a certificate of analysis, adhere to GMP standards, and use standardized herbal extracts.

* Check first for reactions if you are taking any prescription medications. Some supplements clearly state they are not to be used with certain drugs.

* Always check with your physician or an anti aging specialist for the proper dosage and combination.

Beyond that, here is a list of widely accepted (in the anti aging field) supplements you should explore further. I will be going into each one separately in future articles, but here is a brief summary:

* Alpha lipoic acid - a strong antioxidant that has proven to be helpful in a wide variety of conditions including diabetes,stroke,memory and brain function and numerous other benefits

* Acetyl L-carnitine - enhances memory as well as mental quickness

* Coenzyme Q10 - has been shown to improve many conditions associated with aging but is most known for it's cardiac or heart disease benefits.

* Green tea extracts - green tea catechins may play a role in cognitive enhancement, maintaining proper weight and lowering risk of certain cancers

* Omega 3 Fish Oil -Fish Oil supports healthy heart and cardiovascular function, the function of cellular membranes and healthy brain development.

* Resveratrol - found in red wine, this powerful antioxidant provides anti-inflammatory, cardio protective and neuro protective functions.

* Ascorbyl palmitate - a fat-soluble Vitamin C, this antioxidant helps protect cells from free radical damage.

* Vitamin E - actually Annatto Tocotrienols, a new type of Vitamin E, helps to promote the cardiovascular system.

Bruce N. Ames, PhD, a professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of California, Berkeley, swears by: his daily 800 mg of alpha-lipoic acid and 2,000 mg of acetyl-L-carnitine. In these amounts, he says, the chemicals boost the energy output of mitochondria, which power our cells. "I think mitochondrial decay is a major factor in aging," Ames says--it's been linked to diseases such as Alzheimer's and diabetes.

This is not a comprehensive listing, nor should you go out and buy a bunch of supplements. Always check with your physician first and you may want to see a doctor specializing in anti aging.

You may also want to be tested first for any deficiencies - an important step before you start any supplementation.

Should you start an anti aging supplements program? That's a personal choice and one Totally up to you. Give any program a chance to do its job - usually a month or two, before deciding if it works for you.

This is part of a series of articles on anti aging. To receive updates and a free copy of Healthy Aging, go here: Anti Aging Supplements
By GiGi Konwin
Published: 3/4/2008

Vitamin therapy can often solve many medical problems and conditions while contributing to antiaging by keeping organs, etc. functioning normally and feeding the body with nutrients it requires to work as it did in your youth.

Of course there are numerous types of vitamins and they are basically divided into two categories: either fat-soluble or water-soluble.

Fat-soluble vitamins include Vitamins A, D, E and K. These are stored mainly in the liver and are not lost by regular ways of cooking. Also, international units is the way they are measured.

Water-soluble vitamins include Vitamin B Complex and Vitamin C. These are easily lost in cooking and therefore, care should be taken in preparing as to not overcooking. Water-soluble vitamins are eliminated by the body and are not stored, therefore, they must be consumed daily, in foods and supplements. They are measured in milligrams or micrograms.

Vitamin therapy has many advantages, as research has shown. With the help of your doctor (and only with your doctor's consent) vitamin therapy can heal many illnesses or pains. Naturally, vitamin therapy is better than medication as the latter often comes with short or long termed side-effects.

Again, vitamin therapy can cure a number of your complaints, however, you must consult your physician before beginning any new therapies or exercise regime.