Is growing older getting you down? While aging is a process that affects every part of our bodies, it doesn’t have to lead to a reduced quality of life. Here, we look at four natural supplements that will help you to age well.
1.Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps your body to absorb calcium, which you need to keep your bones, teeth and muscles healthy. While oily fish, eggs, liver and cheese can provide small amounts of this essential vitamin, your body also uses direct sunlight to create it, which is why the NHS recommends taking a daily supplement during the autumn and winter.[1]
As we grow older, our skin’s ability to synthesize vitamin D declines, so supplements play an even more vital role.[2] And if you happen to be female, they could also help you to combat osteoporosis, which causes fragile bones and fractures.[3]
Keen to look after your bones? With their powerful combination of vitamins, Manuka honey and therapeutic supplements. Manuka Pharm’s new Joints Capsules will help you to keep them in top condition.
2.CBD (cannabidiol)
As we age, we become more susceptible to musculoskeletal problems and conditions such as osteoarthritis, which can cause chronic pain. While there are plenty of effective painkillers on offer, some medications can cause unpleasant side effects, which you might find off-putting.
Thankfully, there is a natural alternative, as research has shown that CBD provides significant relief from chronic pain.[4] Extracted from the cannabis sativa plant, this non psychoactive compound is available over the counter and can be taken in a variety of ways including:
• Under the tongue in easily absorbed drops of ingestible oil
• In topical gels such as Manuka Pharm’s soothing Rub Ease Gel for muscles and joints
• With food-especially fatty food such as fish, meat, eggs or avocado
• In capsules such as Manuka Pharm’s vitamin rich Joints Capsules
• In chewable gummies such as Manuka Pharm’s delicious CBD and Manuka Honey Gummies
3. Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3s are fatty acids that are good for your heart, your blood vessels, your lungs, your immune system and your brain.[5] Mostly found in oily fish and seafood, you can also access these valuable nutrients by eating nuts, seeds, chia and nut oils such as rapeseed oil. Alternatively, you could opt to take a daily supplement.
However, you choose to consume them, Omega 3 fatty acids are particularly valuable for older adults, as research has shown that they can slow down cognitive decline, protecting you from conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. [6] [7] They can also reduce the painful symptoms of osteoarthritis and protect your heart. [8] [9] In fact, scientists have discovered that people from countries such as Japan who eat a diet packed with Omega-3s, have a lower risk of heart disease than people from other countries, including the UK.[10]
4. Ginkgo Biloba
Available as an oral tablet, an extract, a capsule or a tea, this health boosting supplement is made from the leaves of the Ginkgo Biloba tree, which is one of the oldest living trees in the world.
Often used in traditional Chinese medicine, Ginkgo is packed with antioxidants, which protect your cells from damaging free radicals. Research has also revealed that it has a positive impact on the cognitive decline that often accompanies aging. For example, when a group of healthy older adults took Ginkgo supplements for 6 weeks, researchers found that they benefitted from faster processing skills as well as better memory function.[11] And when a group of patients with mild dementia were given daily Ginkgo supplements for 6 months, scientists discovered that their memory and their cognitive function had improved.[12]
Ginkgo Biloba supplements aren’t a quick fix, but if you’re interested in giving them a try, the European Medicines Agency recommends taking no more than 240 mg per day.[13] If you’re already taking medication, you should also chat to your GP before deciding whether Ginkgo is right for you, as it can interact with drugs such as blood thinners and blood pressure tablets.
