11 Supplements to Slow Aging & Live Longer

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We are all looking for the magic anti-aging solution to extend our lives.

A number of supplements have been found to do just that. Numerous studies show that they can repair cells, slow the natural effects of aging, and help individuals to stay healthy and live longer.

But no need to worry, if you don't have a lot of money to spend on supplements, many of these substances found in the supplements can also be obtained from food. 

Benfotiamine

Benfotiamine is a fat soluble form of vitamin B1. It is a potent inhibitor of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs), considered major culprits in the aging process. Benfotiamine exhibits direct antioxidative capacity and prevents induction of DNA damage in vitro. It has shown much promise in stalling the aging process.
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Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is used as a general tonic to increase energy, improve health and increase longevity. It is commonly used to relieve stress, strain, fatigue, pain, skin, joint, digestive issues as well as neurological issues. Other benefits include brain health, vitality, and anti-cancer properties. It shows great anti-glycation effects.

R-Lipoic Acid

A powerful antioxidant with many benefits. Many of the benefits of r-lipoic acid closely mimic those of caloric restriction. R-lipoic acid's effects on mitochondrial function are the most striking. A study in a short-lived strain of mouse demonstrated that r-lipoic acid can dramatically increase lifespan. The National Institutes on Aging are currently funding studies to see if r-lipoic acid can truly slow down the aging process. Get the 'stabilized' version, which has longer shelf life and absorbs much better than ordinary ALA or RLA. Best taken on an empty stomach with a glass of water, not at the same time as acetyl l-carnitine. Take with biotin, which lipoic acid can compete with. R-lipoic has better research support than the alpha-lipoic version.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

A derivative of the amino acid L-carnitine, is a vitamin-like compound that transports fatty acids ("fuel") into cells. It has been approved in Europe as a "drug" to treat heart and neurological disease. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant in the brain. Good for celular metabolism. A study supports other acetyl-l-carnitine anti-aging research, showing that carnitine helps activate genes that offset cellular stress and also extend lifespan.

Milk Thistle (silymarin)

A healthy liver contributes to longevity and milk thistle has been used to treat liver ailments since the days of ancient Rome. It strengthens the liver, protects liver cells from incoming toxins, and allows the liver to release and process toxins that are already there. Milk thistle repairs damage to the liver caused by hepatitis, cirrhosis, poisonous mushrooms, drugs, and toxic chemicals. Preliminary research suggests that this herb also helps lower cholesterol, and boosts the body’s production of its own powerful natural antioxidant, glutathione. Numerous studies from Europe have shown conclusively that taking milk thistle supplements helps extend the life of patients suffering from cirrhosis. The protective effects of milk thistle studied in various tissues, suggest a clinical application in cancer patients as an adjunct to established therapies, to prevent or reduce chemotherapy as well radiotherapy induced toxicity. Milk thistle also helps repair damaged cells and generate new ones when needed.

Vitamin D

Research on D and longevity is mounting steadily. In 2007, an intriguing study found that those who take vitamin D supplements can increase their life expectancies by one to two years. In 2008, a King's College London study of more than 2,000 women found those with higher vitamin D levels showed fewer aging-related changes in their DNA. After adjusting the results for the age of the volunteer, women with higher levels of vitamin D were more likely to have longer telomeres in these cells, and vice versa. Professor Brent Richards, who led the study, said: "These results are exciting because they demonstrate for the first time that people who have higher levels of vitamin D may age more slowly than people with lower levels of vitamin D. "This could help to explain how vitamin D has a protective effect on many aging-related diseases, such as heart disease and cancer." Supplementation is especially important when ones exposure to sunlight is limited. Use the D3 variety.
Evidence backs D as longevity booster

L-Carnosine

L-carnosine is a naturally occurring combination of two amino acids, alanine and histadine, that was discovered in Russia in the early 1900s. Because much of the research was done in Russia, it has been largely unavailable in the United States until recently. Now, though, there have been a number of studies and experiments in other parts of the world verifying everything done in Russia – and more. Most notably, there were a series of astonishing experiments done in Australia that proved that carnosine rejuvenates cells as they approach senescence. Cells cultured with carnosine lived longer and retained their youthful appearance and growth patterns. What's probably the most exciting result of the studies is that it was discovered that carnosine can actually reverse the signs of aging in senescent cells.

N-Acetyl Cysteine

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is the most common form of the amino acid cysteine. Its most important job is as a building block in producing the network antioxidant glutathione.
Gluthatione is a potent substance made in every cell of your body. Glutathione levels of 41 centenarians between the ages of 100-105 years old were compared with those people between 60-79 years old. They found that the mean glutathione activity was significantly higher in centenarians than in the group of younger elderly subjects, and that centenarians with the best functional capacity tended to have the highest glutathione activity. The study concluded that that high glutathione levels are associated with increased survival.

Coenzyme Q-10

CoQ10 is found in every cell in the body. It diminishes with age, and implicated in so many health issues that it is one of the best longevity substances known. Many studies indicate, and numerous scientists believe, that as we age our cells degenerate and die because of a lack of cellular energy. Coenzyme q10 is one of the most powerful ways to keep cells healthy as we age. CoQ10 has been widely recognized as a powerful nutrient for patients with various types of heart disease, especially those individuals suffering with congestive heart failure. The typical dosage of Coenzyme q10 for promoting healthy cardiovascular function is 200 mg to 400 mg per day.

Antioxidants

A blend including green tea and berry extracts is a good base. Good old Vitamin C, too. Other helpful ones are grapeseed extract, vitamins A and E, and pycnogenol.

Multi Vitamin

Research shows that cells from individuals who take a multivitamin have a younger biological age than cells from individuals who don’t take a multivitamin. [STUDY] This is quite interesting. If you are looking for recommendations, the whole food multis by Megafood is an excellent one. It is 100% whole food.

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