DHEA, short for dehydroepiandrosterone, is the most abundant naturally occurring pro-hormone in the body. It is a hormone precursor only occurring in humans and upper level primates.
DHEA was first identified in 1931 by Dr. Adolf Butenandt, who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1939. Frequently called “the anti-aging hormone”, DHEA is a base for more than 50 hormones that are smaller or more specific carbon chain molecules in human biochemistry. As a precursor for all estrogenic and androgenic hormones, humans make DHEA naturally from birth. Men and women produce more and more DHEA every year until about age 25, when levels are at their peak. After age 25, DHEA levels begin to decline at a rate of about two percent per year thereafter.
What does DHEA do?
One of the primary roles for DHEA is a base hormone precursor. DHEA also supports the immune system
allowing for a greater number of and activity of natural killer (NK) cells. Low DHEA levels are associated
with many diseases of aging, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, osteoporosis, depression and
dementia.
DHEA promotes tissue formation after exercise, and counterbalances the inflammatory effects of
cortisol. So it helps reduce soreness after workouts, and helps us to rebuild muscle, cartilage and bone.
DHEA also serves as a base for sebum (skin oil), protecting skin cells from both UV and chemical
carcinogens. In addition, DHEA stimulates formation of connective tissue and cartilage and improves
bone strength.
DHEA supports:
- Energy, focus and mental acuity
- Immune system
- Lean muscle tone
- Bone strength
- Cardiovascular health
- Libido and sexual performance
- Deep REM sleep
- Softer, more hydrated skin
DHEA reduces:
- Abdominal Fat
- Risk of Cancer
- Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Poor quality sleep
- Joint pain
- Muscle soreness
It is not possible to eat any particular foods to increase DHEA. DHEA supplementation is generally recommended people 35 and up to maintain health.
Available without a prescription, DHEA is safe; and not addictive or habit forming. DHEA is available in the U.S.A. without a prescription.
It is very important to use DHEA properly to get the many benefits DHEA can provide. DHEA should be used as a properly made skin cream, rather than being taken as a pill. When taken orally as a pill, most DHEA is eliminated by the liver before it can have any beneficial effects.
Don’t waste your time and money taking DHEA pills, or cheap ineffective imitations. Twist 25 DHEA cream is a pharmaceutical grade bioidentical DHEA cream. Twist 25 DHEA cream is the best quality DHEA supplement available.
Are you feeling the aches and pains of getting older? Do your knees or knuckles hurt? Let’s face it, we’re all getting older. But now we can do something about it. Stave off those arthritic aches and pains. Not pain killers...Do something to maintain healthy joints!
Several recent medical research studies have shown that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) helps to protect against arthritis. The medical research findings showed that DHEA could potentially help stave off the development of and progression of osteoarthritis (OA) because DHEA allows for enhanced cartilage formation.(1) That’s great news !
The medical research findings continue to support maintaining DHEA levels. Why? Well, The Life Extension Foundation's medical research team explains the scientific findings here:
“The role and therapeutic potential of the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in male and female rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients is supported by a broad base of evidence."(2)
These findings are further supported by peer reviewed medical research performed at Washington University School of Medicine by doctors Villareal, Holloszy and Kohrt. The research study is titled “Effects of DHEA replacement on bone mineral density and body composition in elderly women and men” The research showed that DHEA supplementation in older men and women could help improve age related changes in fat mass and improve bone mineral density (BMD).(3)
It’s a good idea to ask your health provider about DHEA. If he or she is not familiar with the research, be sure to share these findings and information about Twist 25 DHEA cream being a more beneficial way to use DHEA than oral DHEA.
Physicians believe that DHEA helps maintain strong bones as we get older in part because DHEA is a precursor to estrogen and testosterone, both of which are known to help reduce bone loss; but it appears that DHEA also has separate bone preserving effects that are unrelated to its metabolism into other hormones. The Mayo Clinic indicates that “Evidence suggests that higher DHEA levels may be linked to higher bone density, particularly in women who have undergone menopause. Research reports that DHEA supplements may help increase bone density.”(4)
After considering these medical research findings that show DHEA helps support bone strength, cartilage and connective tissue formation, while it also reduces inflammation, it makes sense to conclude that DHEA is a great way to combat arthritis.
Fight those aches and pains !We invite you to use Twist 25 DHEA Cream twice daily for three weeks and see for yourself. Naturally maintain youthful energy to look your best and feel your best!
References:
(1) http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2474/16/178
(2) www.lifeextension.com/Protocols/Immune-Connective- Joint/Rheumatoid-Arthritis/Page- 07
(3) www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11106916
(4) www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/dhea/evidence/hrb-20059173
Written by Erin Chamerlik, Nutrition Educator, MS, MT(ASCP)
There are two substances that fall into the category of Fountain of Youth. They are Vitamin D and bioidentical DHEA.
Both of these substances are made from cholesterol. Cholesterol is life giving and not the villain it has been made out to be. We now know that dietary cholesterol and high levels of cholesterol in the blood are not the cause of heart disease. Dr. Sandro has a great article on this topic.
If you are searching for the Fountain of Youth, continue reading to learn more about Vitamin D and DHEA, which both come from the surprising source, cholesterol.
Vitamin D
Adequate levels of Vitamin D are important for bone strength, improved mood, physical performance, healthy immune function and even reduced rates of certain cancers.
A deficiency of Vitamin D3 can result in obesity, diabetes, depression, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, autoimmune disease and diseases of aging including arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease and hypertension.
Vitamin D is a steroid hormone made from cholesterol. When our skin is exposed to sunlight, cholesterol can be converted into Vitamin D3. Daily sunlight exposure is the best way to get Vitamin D3, but most people are not outside for 20 minutes every day with their skin exposed.
Food sources of Vitamin D include egg yolk, fatty fish and beef liver. It is very difficult to obtain adequate Vitamin D3 from food sources alone.
Vitamin D3 Supplementation is recommended. Usually 2,000 IU to 5,000 IU daily. It is best to also supplement with Vitamin K2 to prevent calcification of the arteries.
Test - Once a year have a Vitamin D blood test and aim to be in the range of 50 - 80 ng/mL. The blood test you need is called 25(OH)D. An at-home test kit is available here.
DHEA
DHEA stands for Dehydroepiandrosterone – the medical world is rife with acronyms, now we know why! DHEA is a precursor hormone also synthesized from cholesterol, secreted by the adrenal glands and metabolized in the gonads and skin.
When DHEA levels are low, the body will not have adequate hormone production. This imbalance can leave one feeling flabby, fatigued and stressed and susceptible to many diseases of aging.
Quick Facts about DHEA
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DHEA is the most abundant hormone precursor in the body.
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In men and women alike, DHEA peaks by age 25 then drops each year after at a rate of about 2% each year.
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The aging process is tied to a decrease in hormones like DHEA and growth hormone, and is tied to an increase in cortisol (the stress hormone).
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DHEA has a multitude of benefits backed by scientific studies.
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When DHEA is applied to the skin it is about 90% more active than when we take it as a pill. DHEA metabolism occurs in the skin naturally.
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DHEA is converted to other hormones like estrogen, testosterone and about 50 other hormones.
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DHEA is not addictive or habit forming, and is available over the counter without a prescription.
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DHEA has no dangerous side effects.
DHEA is a Building Block for hormones, sebum, collagen, cartilage and more.
Benefits of DHEA
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Supports cardiovascular health
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Helps improve deep REM sleep
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Critical for lean muscle development
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Reduces both visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat
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Supports formation of cartilage and collagen
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Allows softer skin and fades age spots
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Reduces risks of UV and chemical carcinogens
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Reduces effects of menopause and andropause
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Helps reduce risks of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
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Improvements in mood, libido, skin health and bone strength. Less anxiety and depression.
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Improves energy, focus and sense of well being
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DHEA counterbalances the damaging effects of chronically elevated cortisol so it is often called the anti-stress hormone
Anti-aging Plan
The best anti-aging plan is a comprehensive approach.
How to slow the aging process:
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Eat a nutrient-dense diet, centered on unprocessed, whole foods with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits.
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Hydrate properly. Drink filtered water; about half your body weight in ounces of water (for example, a person weighing 150 pounds needs approximately 75 ounces of water per day).
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Get 8 hours of sleep per night.
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Maintain healthy hormones. Twist 25 DHEA cream daily is a good start. Have your hormone levels tested.
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Supplement wisely, including Vitamin D3, Omega-3 fish oil, magnesium and Vitamin K2.
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Reduce and manage stress.
“Of all the bioidentical hormones I have used in my practice, the one that gives the biggest bang for the buck is DHEA. It is inexpensive [available without a prescription] and has proven to be an effective treatment for a wide variety of conditions. If I only had one adrenal hormone to use, it would be DHEA.” Dr. David Brownstein, MD
References
(1) Brownstein, David. “DHEA to the Rescue.” Newsmax Health. NewsMax Media, 16 May, 2011. Web. 03 Aug. 2015.
(2) Hossein-nezhad A, Holick MF. Vitamin D for Health: A Global Perspective. Mayo Clinic proceedings Mayo Clinic. 2013;88(7):720-755. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2013.05.011.
(3) Labrie C.; Flamand M, Belanger A, Labrie F. High bioavailability of dehydroepiandrosterone administered percutaneously in the rat. J Endocrin 1996;150(Suppl):S107-S118.
(4) Labrie F, Bélanger A, Bélanger P, Bérubé R, Martel C, Cusan L, Gomez J, Candas B, Chaussade V, Castiel I, Deloche C, Leclaire J. Metabolism of DHEA in postmenopausal women following percutaneous administration. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2007 Feb;103(2):178-88. Epub 2006 Nov 3. PubMed PMID: 17084625.
(5) Naeem, Zahid. “Vitamin D Deficiency- An Ignored Epidemic.” International Journal of Health Sciences 4.1 (2010): V–VI. Print.
(6) Penckofer S, Kouba J, Byrn M, Ferrans CE. Vitamin D and Depression: Where is all the Sunshine? Issues in mental health nursing. 2010;31(6):385-393. doi:10.3109/01612840903437657.
(7) Stevenson S, Thornton J. Effect of estrogens on skin aging and the potential role of SERMs. Clinical Interventions in Aging. 2007;2(3):283-297.
(8) “Vitamin D and Bone Health.” Osteoporosis Clinical Updates. National Osteoporosis Foundation, February 2012. Web. 03 Aug. 2015.
About the Writer
Erin Chamerlik is the founder of Get Better Wellness, Inc., a wellness-focused health and nutrition education company located in Nashville, TN. Learn how you can reach optimal health through a whole food eating plan that integrates ancient wisdom with an innovative, science-based approach to health and wellness.
Erin extends her message through weekly podcasts, public workshops, social media (Twitter, FaceBook, Pinterest and Instagram) and she blogs at GetBetterWellness.com
Connect with Erin Chamerlik - Get BetterWellness
It is not possible to eat any particular foods to increase DHEA. DHEA supplementation is generally recommended people 35 and up to maintain health.
