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by Dave Foreman

For most, combining the words "healthy" and "aging" in the same sentence might seem like mixing oil and water. Yet we all want to "age gracefully" and live active, vibrant lives. Is it possible to be healthy as we age? Of course it is, or I wouldn't do what I do for a living and practice what I preach. There really isn't any trick to healthy aging, it just takes commitment. Let's take a look at some simple techniques I use to help "slow" the aging process and remain healthy.

Avoid Rusting

The body's aging process can be associated with rusting. In this case, we rust from the inside out and the outside in. Rusting is caused by Free Radical Damage. Free radicals are highly offensive compounds that can and will cause damage to any cell in your body. Free radicals come from our normal metabolism and our environment - for example, exposure to radiation (x-rays, sun exposure etc.) cigarette smoke, unsaturated fats, alcohol, ozone, automobile exhaust, heavy metals and many other sources found in our air, water and foods. If we don't do something about neutralizing these free radicals, the aging process is accelerated. Conditions such as cancer, heart disease and many of the health issues of aging are all linked back to free radical damage.

In order to help neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals we need to take antioxidants. I prefer to use antioxidant combination formulas as opposed to one single ingredient. My personal favorites are Super Critical Antioxidant (New Chapter), Antioxidant Cocktail II (Vitamin Shoppe Brand) and Advanced Longevity Formula (M.D. Select). Many people think there are enough antioxidants in their multivitamin to help fend off free radical damage, but you're wrong. To fully address the aging processes (rusting) use a combination antioxidant formula on a daily basis.

Fish Power

Being in my mid-40s now, I have become more aware of the need to take enough Omega-3s. Many who meet me say I look younger than my age (except for my graying hair). I attribute it to my daily use of Fish Oil. The benefits of Omega-3s are enormous. For those concerned with healthy aging, Omega-3s from Fish Oil can directly impact the majority of our concerns.

Here are the big ones:

- Heart health

- Cholesterol and blood pressure

- Nervous system support

- Alzheimer's disease, depression, ADD and anxiety

- Skin health

- Smooth/supple skin, acne, eczema and psoriasis

- Hormonal support

- Fight inflammation

- Support immune health

- Eye health

- Macular degeneration and glaucoma

- Lower blood sugar

- Improve bone health

My recommended dose of Omega-3s begins at 2-3 grams per day. (Read the supplement facts panel for the amount of Omega-3s per serving and divide that into your daily dose. Remember, just because the label says each capsule contains 1000mg of fish oil doesn't mean that is 1000mg of Omega-3s.) For people with more pressing needs, 5-10 grams per day may be necessary. When it comes to fish oil products I recommend Coromega®, Carlson Laboratories, Vitamin Shoppe Brand.