Humanity has always been obsessed with the question, “HOW DO WE LIVE LONGER?”
However, in terms of health span, longevity is not only about the number of years we live but also the quality of life that matters. Both these goals are achievable by focusing on the key elements that can help us become healthier and thus increase lifespan. It starts by improving metabolic health, one of the fundamental cornerstones to a longer and healthier life.
In simple terms, it means keeping your blood sugar levels balanced, which is a crucial measure of metabolic health. Today, 90 million American adults and 11.7 million Canadians have prediabetes, and most are unaware they have blood sugar issues. When cells become resistant to insulin, blood sugar elevates. If not addressed, it can lead to a cascade of health issues, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, cancer, and even dementia.
One of the first steps to improve metabolic and cardiovascular health is to lose a few pounds. According to clinical research, losing a mere 5% of body weight can have a positive impact on blood markers that reflect metabolic and cardiovascular health. Meal replacements are an easy and highly effective method for losing weight and can also be convenient. Meal replacement shakes are rich in nutrients with an optimal ratio of macro- and micronutrients, and most have fewer calories than regular meals.
When looking for a meal replacement, choose shakes that contain at least 3 g of fiber and a reasonable amount of high-quality protein. The right combination of fiber and protein will diminish cravings and help retain muscle mass. In a recent clinical study conducted on overweight participants, meal replacements with PGX (a globally researched fiber) led to meaningful reductions in body weight (13 lb or 6 kg) and a 7% weight loss on average, after a 12-week study period. The study showed that replacing two meals a day significantly impacted losing weight in a short period. For instance, if you weigh 200 lb, a 7% weight loss reflects a 14 lb weight reduction, which will positively impact your blood sugarand lipid markers. Study participants who consumed the meal replacement shake with PGX twice a day noticed a reduction in food cravings, increased energy, and improved gut health.
Another well-established factor in the quest for longevity relates to MITOCHONDRIAL HEALTH, WHICH IS KEY TO METABOLIC HEALTH.
Studies have pointed out that metabolic diseases are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. There is little doubt about the importance of mitochondria to overall general health. Mitochondria are little organelles found in every cell (except red blood cells), and they play essential roles in metabolism. These tiny powerhouses convert nutrients, carbohydrates, and protein, improve fat metabolism (i.e., fatty acids and amino acids), and turn it into energy or electricity (called ATP).
The human body’s cells act like factories by providing the “electricity” that allows us to breathe, think, see, smell, run, and sleep. So, you can imagine what happens when these critically essential organelles are compromised; many physiological functions don’t work, creating health issues. Chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, cognitive dysfunction, neurodegenerative diseases, pain syndromes, depression, anxiety, metabolic syndrome, and other health problems are linked to impaired mitochondrial function. A growing body of evidence shows that mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in most chronic diseases and contributes to aging, but there are ways to strengthen mitochondria. Nutritional supplements focusing on mitochondrial health are available in natural health stores. Look for a supplement that provides mitochondria with crucial nutrients, like CoQ10, acetyl-L-carnitine, glutathione, and superoxide dismutase, to nourish metabolic function, increase energy, and promote longevity.
GLUTATHIONE – NATURE’S GIFT
Nature truly takes care of us; glutathione is one of its greatest gifts. Glutathione is the body’s most potent antioxidant, and what it can do physiologically is nothing short of miraculous. Glutathione is in every cell in the body and can stop damage to important cellular functions. Glutathione is made up of three amino acids: glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid. Powerful antioxidants like glutathione are essential for a long, healthy life. The lack of glutathione plays a role in many health issues, such as inflammation, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, liver disease, and metabolic diseases like diabetes and premature aging.
ABSORPTION
Glutathione rapidly oxidizes in the gastrointestinal tract after oral ingestion, so absorption and therapeutic use can be limited, making glutathione ineffective. Today a new form of glutathione known as LipoMicel glutathione (encapsulated in a LipoMicel improves absorption, which can matrix) improves absorption, which enhance efficacy. In human clinical can enhance efficacy. In human studies, researchers achieved studies, researchers achieved higher glutathione concentrations higher glutathione concentrations by encapsulating the compound by encapsulating the compound in LipoMicel, compared to regular/ in LipoMicel, compared to regular/ standard formulations. standard formulations.
DAILY CHOICES
Little adjustments in our habits and diets can help us live longer and healthier lives. The good news is that we can do several things to improve our healthy lifespan by supporting metabolic health. For example:
- Eat a fresh, organic wholefood diet with lots of veggies and fruit
- Replace one or two meals per day with a healthy protein shake
- Reach for fresh, healthy snacks (eat an apple or pineapple when you crave something sweet)
- Support mitochondrial function by providing cells with essential nutrients to protect your DNA and decelerate aging
