Research shows that as we age “declining health is the number one concern (37%) about getting older, followed by financial worries (23%) and dependence on others (6%). Asked their greatest fear about growing old, Americans mentioned losing mental capacity twice as often as declining physical ability (62% vs. 29% respectively). 84% of Americans surveyed said they believe they can do things to stay healthy as they age, and 83% say they are currently taking steps to do so. Of those, more than half (56%) of Americans surveyed say they are exercising and 26% are watching their diet.”
A recent article posted on Endocrineweb.com was titled “Vitamin D and DHEA Help Men Avoid Frailty: Study.” The article was about a recent medical study that showed that older men (age 70 -88) who had higher levels of Vitamin D had better bone health, muscle mass and strength. In another study, Australian researchers evaluated more than 4,000 older men ages 70 to 88, and they likewise found that vitamin D levels predicted independently who would become frail.
So, there is very convincing medical research that shows that maintaining vitamin D levels as we get older is very important. In addition, reliable peer reviewed medical research shows that low levels of DHEA in older men were also found to increase the risk of becoming frail. Men and women with higher levels of DHEA have been found to have stronger bones; and better cognition as measured by memory, verbal fluency and visuospatial awareness.
DHEA is a naturally occurring pro-hormone that our bodies produce more and more of each year from birth through puberty and into adulthood. But then DHEA production levels out between the ages of about 20 to 25 and begins to decline. After age 25, DHEA levels decrease by about 2 percent each year. So by age 35, we produce 20% less than when we were in our prime; by age 50, we only produce about half as much DHEA as we did at age 25. The decrease continues to where, by age 75, we are only producing 5 or 10% of optimum levels. To stave off this decline, it would be better to supplement DHEA levels as we get older, as shown in the graph below. Simply apply a little Twist 25 DHEA cream morning and evening each day to help maintain your DHEA level.
It is very important to be sure you’re using a quality DHEA supplement. When you shop for a DHEA supplement, there are low-cost products available, but ‘buyer beware!’ There is a price to pay for inferior quality. Twist 25 DHEA cream is made with pharmaceutical-grade ingredients and provides bioidentical DHEA the right way, absorbed in the skin. Twist 25 DHEA cream is made with coconut oil, vitamin E and coenzyme Q-10. Developed by a Board Certified medical doctor and specialized cream chemists, Twist 25 cream is available without a prescription. This cream has been researched, tested and perfected for more than 20 years. Physicians and pharmacists recommend Twist 25 DHEA cream and provide it for their patients.
Apply Twist 25 DHEA cream every day and take Health2Go Vitamin D3 or Health2Go Vitamin A-D-K capsules every day, beginning as soon as you can to stay as healthy, strong and sharp as possible.
Avoid frailty as you get older. Enjoy life. Health2Go is here to help.
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Written by Erin Chamerlik, Nutrition Educator, MS, MT(ASCP)
Yin and Yang of Bone Health
Many people do not realize that our skeletal bones are living tissue constantly being remodeled. Complementary forces are at play to maintain and build healthy bones. This constant change between these two forces is necessary, and we cannot have healthy bone growth without the opposite force of breaking down bone, called resorption. Prescription medications for osteopenia and osteoporosis known as bisphosphonates work against nature by preventing resorption.
Do Women Really Need to Take Bone Drugs?
Dr. Susan Brown, PhD, medical anthropologist and certified nutritionist, says,
"Quite simply, my answer is no. In almost all cases, taking a prescription medication is not needed. Women from around the country come to our bone center for a natural approach to strengthening their bones — and it’s been working for more than 20 years. Osteoporosis and osteopenia medications are big business, but despite all the hype and marketing from drug companies, there is a safer, more effective and natural approach to bone health available to you."
Good News
While genetics do play a role in bone health, there are several environmental factors that also effect bone strength. This is great news, because that means that there are several action steps we can take that will support healthy bones and make a big difference in the quality of our bones. This is true even for those with weak bones. Diet, physical activity, stress, smoking, avoiding excess caffeine and alcohol use, as well as hormone balance, all play a critical role throughout life in bone strength.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Certain nutrients can slow bone loss and help in the formation of new bone.
While it is well known that calcium and Vitamin D are important nutrients, there are other nutrients that the body needs for bone health that are just as important. Dr. Robert Thompson M.D wrote that overconsumption of calcium can actually increase the risk of osteoporosis (Thompson, 2008). There are 20 different nutrients that the body needs, not just calcium. These nutrients include vitamin K2, Vitamin A and minerals like magnesium, boron, zinc, and strontium. Consider taking a quality multivitamin and a blend of Vitamins A, D, and K. A good bone-building supplement like Bone Guard will cover the required mineral nutrients.
Vitamins A, D, and K are fat soluble vitamins that work together to support strong bones, a healthy immune system, vision health and cardiovascular health. Vitamin D increases the amount of calcium that the body absorbs from the intestines. It must be accompanied by vitamin K2 to sweep calcium out of the soft tissues and put calcium where it belongs - in teeth and bones. MK-7 is the form of vitamin K2 recommended by natural health expert and author, Kate Rheaum-Bleue, ND. Dr. Rheaume-Bleue’s research shows that all three vitamins must be taken together since, “vitamins A and D are required for the production of vitamin K2-dependent proteins.” This synergistic combination of fat soluble vitamins is found in Health2Go’s A-D-K.
Foods to Include for Bone Health
Unrefined sea salt, like Redmond's Real Salt or Himalayan salt, contains many trace minerals required for healthy bones. Build your meals around high quality, unprocessed foods like fresh meats, fish, eggs, vegetables (especially dark green leafy vegetables), fresh fruit, nuts and seeds, healthy fats, and fermented and raw milk products from pasture-raised cows.
The Hormone Connection
Three hormones in the body play a role in regulating calcium levels in the body, parathyroid hormone, calcitriol (produced from Vitamin D) and calcitonin. In addition to the calcium-regulating hormones, stress hormones and sex hormones play a vital role in bone health in both men and women.
As women reach menopause, progesterone and estrogen levels decline and women may experience rapid bone loss if nothing is done to address this decline in hormone levels. Estrogen can retard the progression of bone resorption but progesterone helps rebuild bone. Testosterone is an important hormone that stimulates muscle growth, which will trigger bone growth from the positive stress on the bone.
Physicians believe that DHEA helps maintain strong bones as we get older 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.” (Mayo Clinic).
Research performed at Washington University School of Medicine showed that DHEA supplementation in older men and women could help improve age related changes in fat mass and improve bone mineral density (Villarreal, 2000).
DHEA also balances out excess stress hormones which benefits bone growth. The body responds to stress by producing more of the adrenal hormone cortisol. When stress is not managed, large amounts of cortisol block bone growth. The body’s most abundant naturally occurring pro-hormone, DHEA, is crucial to counterbalance cortisol levels. Unfortunately, DHEA gradually decreases after age 25, while cortisol levels steadily increase as we age.
Men and women can safely address problems associated with hormone imbalance by using bioidentical topical hormone preparations. Twist 25 DHEA cream is the best bioidentical DHEA supplement cream made. Twist 25 DHEA cream helps maintain hormones naturally. I use it personally and recommend it for my clients.
As mentioned earlier, progesterone helps rebuild bone and a lack of progesterone around menopause is an important factor to consider. In addition to using DHEA cream, women can use a topical bioidentical progesterone to help prevent and even reverse osteoporosis.
You have choices
Your body has been designed to build and maintain strong, healthy bones when it is given the proper support. Choose to eat alkalinizing, bone-building foods and add nutritional support and hormone support. Exercise regularly and manage stress and cortisol levels. No matter what your age, you can implement these suggestions and start building healthier bones today!
References
Brown, Susan. "Do you really need a drug for your bones?" Better Bones. Web 18 Sept. 2015.
Huang K, Bao JP, Jennings GJ, Wu LD. The disease-modifying effect of dehydroepiandrosterone in different stages of experimentally induced osteoarthritis: a histomorphometric study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2015 Jul 31;16:178. doi: 10.1186/s12891-015-0595-1. PubMed PMID: 26228537; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4521359.
Mayo Clinic. www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/dhea/evidence/hrb-20059173
Office of the Surgeon General (US). Bone Health and Osteoporosis: A Report of the Surgeon General. Rockville (MD): Office of the Surgeon General (US); 2004. The Basics of Bone in Health and Disease. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK45504/
Rheaume-Bleue, K. Vitamin K2 and the Calcium Paradox. 2012
Rollins, Catherine. “Bone Density, Osteoporosis and Natural Progesterone.” Natural Progesterone Advisory Network. Web. 22 Sept. 2015.
Thompson, R. The Calcium Lie: What Your Doctor Doesn't Know Could Kill You. 2008.
Villareal DT, Holloszy JO, Kohrt WM. Effects of DHEA replacement on bone mineral density and body composition in elderly women and men. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2000 Nov;53(5):561-8. PubMed PMID: 11106916.
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
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
