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Age Management Life Changing Benefits

The baby boomer population is rapidly growing. Patients past their thirties are looking for integrative therapeutic modalities, thus circumventing some of the problems associated aging.

As we age, the body produces more free radicals, and as a result, the potential for genetic predispositions towards disease increases. Some of the most common issues of predisposition are hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and various types of depression.

Several hormones begin to decline as we age. One in particular, human growth hormone (HGH), is usually the first to decline along with several other crucial hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, and pregnenolone. For example, a sixteen to twenty-four year old individual would have a growth hormone factor of between 182 and 780. By the time this individual reaches the age of forty to fifty, the growth hormone level has dropped to ranges 90 to 360. Once the individual has reached the age of 55 or older, it drops again to 71 to 290. Typically, with such a rapid decline, one will experience an increase in the amount adipose tissue, particularly in the abdominal area. Other symptoms include less energy and stamina, a decrease in libido, and frequently, a poor outlook of life and general overall mood.

Other hormones precipitously fall including testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and many others. As these hormones fall, the aging process leaves one predisposed to higher blood cholesterol levels and the inability to properly regulate blood glucose levels, thus accelerating the aging process.

Several excellent questionnaires exist to help an individual assess how well they are functioning for their current age level and determine what risk factors they are facing.
However, it is crucial to have a thorough physical exam to assess any obvious signs and symptoms of aging along with complete laboratory serology panels. Our laboratory testing is comprehensive and also determines environmental toxins such as heavy metal exposure.

As we age, free radical levels increase, thus one may consider several items to keep the body’s antioxidant status in tact. These items include the proper dosage of vitamin E with selenium, CoQ10, alpha lipoic acid, and glutathione. Several hormones such as melatonin and DHEA along with some of pharmaceuticals known as “smart” drugs are also helpful.

Exercise should consist of thirty minutes of aerobic exercise such as walking or stair climbing and anaerobic exercise such as weight training five times per week. The goal is to burn 250 calories per week from exercise.

Please contact our office for further information on age management.