Men and women typically reach their physical peak in their late 20s to early 30s.
After that, the human body begins to break down faster than it repairs itself. This is particularly problematic given that today people can reasonably expect to live into their 80s and beyond.
Living longer sounds great on its face. But who wants to live that long life if feeling good enough to enjoy it isn’t also part of the equation?
Fortunately, just as medical science has discovered ways for humans to live longer, scientists are also discovering new ways to manage, delay, and reverse the physical symptoms of aging.
Hormone replacement therapy can go a long way toward helping us to manage the aging process. But nutrients are important, too. And one specific group of nutrients has multiple anti-aging capabilities. We’re talking about the B vitamins…
B Vitamins 101
The history of this group of vitamins goes all the way back to 1889. At that time, a Dutch doctor by the name of Christiaan Eijkman was in search of a cure for a degenerative disease called “beriberi”. Dr. Eijkman discovered that chickens that consumed polished rice had symptoms that were like symptoms of beriberi, while those that consumed unpolished rice did not. The chemical that was responsible for the difference between the two was later isolated and named vitamin B1 (also known as thiamine).
Over the next few decades, researchers discovered seven more B vitamins: B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12.
In general, B vitamins are important because they help your cells to generate energy from the food you eat. They also help your body to create the red blood cells needed to carry oxygen through your bloodstream.
Your body gets B vitamins by breaking down protein-rich foods like meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy. Vegetarian-friendly sources include whole grains, leafy green vegetables, and legumes.
B Vitamins and Aging
All eight of the B vitamins possess powerful anti-aging properties:
B1 (Thiamine) helps your body to combat aging by aiding in the production of new cells that will replace old, worn-out cells. B1 also helps your body to combat the effects of stress.
B2 (Riboflavin) is a powerful antioxidant that protects your cells from damage by combatting free radicals.
B3 (Niacin) has a number of anti-aging benefits:
- It boosts high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) to protect you from heart disease.
- Your body converts B3 (and a closely related version of B3 known as nicotinamide) into a molecule called NAD+, which is essential for cell repair and replacement, immune system support, and DNA repair.
- Niacin and nicotinamide help your body to produce ceramides. These are healthy fats that bind your cells together and help your skin to block out bacteria and viruses.
- NAD+ helps to generate enzymes that protect brain cells against neuro-degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
B5 (Pantothenic Acid) helps your body to generate testosterone, which helps men and women to maintain a healthy sex drive and helps to preserve muscle mass.
B6 (Pyridoxine) fights inflammation and helps the body to cope with stress. This is important because inflammation and stress both contribute significantly to the aging process. B6 also helps your body to regulate the amino acid homocysteine, thereby reducing risks associated with heart disease and dementia.
B7 (Biotin) promotes healthy skin, hair, and nails.
B9 (Folate) contributes to brain health and helps to combat depression and memory loss.
B12 (Cobalamin) is critical for cellular metabolism and DNA replication. These processes help your cells to continually renew themselves. A lack of B12 can cause fatigue, hair loss, and premature aging of the skin.
Are You Getting Enough of the B Vitamins?
For better or worse, the B vitamins are all water-soluble. This means your body can’t store them. Appropriate amounts need to be consumed on a regular basis.
Meanwhile, most people have a hard time getting enough B vitamins from food alone. B12 is particularly notorious for not being absorbed well through the digestive tract. This is where B supplements come in. Most people will benefit from taking a good B-complex supplement, and many people will benefit from taking B12 by injection.
Are B vitamins missing from your better aging plan?
At Renew Youth, we’re here to help you find the solutions to better aging…everything from hormones to supplements to lifestyle changes.
Want to learn more? Call us at 800-850-7511 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation.