Fountain of Youth - A Surprising Source

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

• DHEA is the most abundant hormone precursor in the body.
  

• In men and women alike, DHEA peaks by age 25 then drops each year after at a rate of about 2% each year.
  

• 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).
  

• DHEA has a multitude of benefits backed by scientific studies.
  

• 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.
  

• DHEA is converted to other hormones like estrogen, testosterone and about 50 other hormones.
  

• DHEA is not addictive or habit forming, and is available over the counter without a prescription.
  

• DHEA has no dangerous side effects.
  

DHEA is a Building Block for hormones, sebum, collagen, cartilage and more.

Benefits of DHEA

• Reduces risks of cancer
  

• Supports cardiovascular health
  

• Helps improve deep REM sleep
  

• Critical for lean muscle development
  

• Reduces both visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat
  

• Supports strong bones
  

• Supports formation of cartilage and collagen
  

• Allows softer skin and fades age spots
  

• Reduces risks of UV and chemical carcinogens
  

• Supports immune system
  

• Reduces effects of menopause and andropause
  

• Helps reduce risks of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
  

• Improvements in mood, libido, skin health and bone strength. Less anxiety and depression.
  

• Improves energy, focus and sense of well being
  

• 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:

• Eat a nutrient-dense diet, centered on unprocessed, whole foods with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits.
  

• 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).
  

• Exercise daily.
  

• Get 8 hours of sleep per night.
  

• Maintain healthy hormones. Twist 25 DHEA cream daily is a good start. Have your hormone levels tested.
  

• Supplement wisely, including Vitamin D3, Omega-3 fish oil, magnesium and Vitamin K2.
  

• 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

How DHEA Supports the Immune System

Did you know that in January 2015 the CDC is reporting widespread influenza infections in 47 out of 50 states in the USA.?

So what can you do to stay healthy and not be as vulnerable to getting the flu or a winter cold like so many around us? Use a daily skin cream called Twist 25. Why? Science shows that DHEA increases both the number of and the activity of natural killer cells. Like many people, you've probably already read about some health benefits of DHEA; Right? DHEA is a prohormone that’s metabolized in the adrenal glands, gonads, and dermis - the skin. 

By the age of 35 or so, levels of DHEA production begin to decline, so many body functions begin to not work quite as well as they used to. If you’re 35 or more, there are probably a few little differences in how fit you are, or how mentally sharp you are, or maybe you just don’t sleep soundly at night anymore. By using DHEA supplement cream, you can maintain levels of this crucial hormone precursor to enjoy a variety of health benefits to stave off these problems (and keep you looking younger, too).

Did you know, that DHEA cream supports the immune system too? In fact, this has been demonstrated in numerous medical research studies. This is yet another reason to use DHEA cream every day, especially with major flu outbreaks in 47 out of 50 states in the USA. (By the way Twist 25 DHEA cream is made and sold only in the USA) 

Medical Research Studies Show DHEA Supports Immune Response

There are a great number of medical research studies showing that DHEA helps improve immune function because DHEA increases the number of immune helper cells and significantly decreases the number of immune suppressor cells.  One study in particular has garnered a lot of attention in the medical community. Nine healthy, elderly men were given 50mg of DHEA every day over a period of 20 weeks. Researchers noted that the supplementation appeared to increase the activation of lymphocytes, which are cells that kills viruses and even the abnormal cells that are susceptible to becoming cancerous. They also noticed that T-cell function increased, which also helps to boost the immune system.

The Healing and Protecting Qualities of DHEA

In studies involving laboratory animals, researchers have also noticed that DHEA supplementation appears to restore cytokines to youthful levels. These are immune chemicals that aid in healing and protecting cells throughout the body. It makes sense that a hormone that helps the body fight aging would also support healthy immune function, and this is further evidence that DHEA can, indeed, help the body stay healthier, stronger and less susceptible to illness. We’re looking forward to seeing additional research on this subject to further illuminate the immune system benefits of DHEA supplementation, but so far, the results have been very encouraging indeed.

Stay Healthy with DHEA

No one likes being sick. We all know it’s important to get adequate sleep at night, drink plenty of water and eat right to stay healthy; and many folks also take supplements like vitamin C, zinc and/or other multi- vitamins to avoid getting sick and support  a strong immune system. Now you can add another important thing to maintain health: Twist 25 DHEA cream. If you already use it for its many great health advantages – Great, keep doing so. If you haven’t already used it, it's time to start. There is a major flu outbreak in 47 out of 50 sates right now!