Anti-aging medicine is the fastest growing segment of medical care. Baby boomers and people as young as 30, are searching for the fountain of youth and ways to improve their appearance and sense of well being. Emerging research suggests that the effects of chronically high levels of glucose in the bloodstream due to poor dietary choices, obesity and subsequent insulin insensitivity, are to blame for most of the effects of aging. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) have been linked to diseases of aging like cardiovascular disease, nervous system disorders and visual problems such as macular degeneration. AGEs are made from normal proteins in the body that, when exposed to chronically high levels of glucose, become cross-linked with glucose. These new glycated proteins are defective and damage cells.
How do we limit the amount of AGEs formed in the body? Of course, by controlling blood glucose levels through a low glycemic index diet, exercise and weight loss. If problems with glucose are showing up on laboratory tests, your doctor should order a test called Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) which is a glycosylated form of hemoglobin (a normal body protein that carries iron). HbA1c reflects the overall levels of glucose in the past three months and should be under 7 for diabetics. To further limit production of AGEs, avoiding lengthy, high temperature cooking methods devoid of water is important, as well as restricting the amount of animal products and meats.
Nutrients that can help reduce AGEs include alpha-lipoic acid and benfotiamine (a bioavailable lipid form of vitamin B1). As well, supplements to help control blood sugar levels include chromium picolinate, vanadium, cinnamon, garlic and onions, bitter melon, gymnema sylvestre, fenugreek and bilberry.
Posted by Dr. Jennifer Stagg on September 12, 2006 04:33 PM
