Aging is a term commonly used to describe physiological deterioration and increased vulnerability to disease. Age can be broken into 2 distinct categories: chronological age and biological age. The number of years you celebrate annually on your birthday is your chronological age. The level of performance from your bodily systems and cellular health dictates your biological age. Inevitably you know someone who looks much younger than they are. Conversely you have likely met a person who appears worn and weathered for their years.

These are the differences between chronological and biological age. There are literally dozens of theories on why some of us age faster on a cellular level than others. Some are called “Programmed Theories of Aging” which are based on the belief that you have a pre-determined biological clock ticking away inside of you, triggering various bodily changes at various stages of life. “Damage Theories of Aging” are based on the belief that cumulative damage sustained by cells and genetic materials causes deterioration over time. At Zwell we believe both of these theories have scientific merit. We also believe that physically, mentally and sexually deteriorating as an inevitable part of growing old is an antiquated view of aging. “Aging” is NOT inevitable. When we talk about anti-aging, it is important to understand that we are not talking about a magic cream, pill or exercise that will turn back the hands of time. Instead, it is the incorporation of several different elements that work together with the goal of prevention in mind. To achieve longevity, that is a great duration and high quality of human life, the goal must be to engage a new health care model that focuses on aggressive and innovative methods for preventing chronic disability and biological degeneration. Attention to good nutrition, therapeutic supplementation, stress reduction, adequate rest and recovery balanced with regular physical activity will ensure optimal Zwellspan over simple Lifespan.

Conventional Medical Treatment

In conventional western medicine treatment begins after a disease has taken hold. There is a new medical speciality that has emerged in recent years that recognizes this model of health care is not effective in the area of human longevity. Innovative science and research in the areas of genetic expression and disease prevention will promote a long and healthy human life.

Heart & Stroke - Diseases of the heart, vessels and circulatory system are the leading cause of death in the 65+ age group in Canada today. (1) Treatment can include pharmaceutical drug therapy, lifestyle and dietary recommendations and surgical interventions.

Cancer - This is the second most common cause of death in this age group, and leading cause of death in Canadians ages 35-65. (2) Conventional treatment for cancer may include chemotherapy, radiation, pharmaceutical drug therapy and surgical intervention.

Respiratory System - Conditions such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and other dysfunctions of the respiratory system are the third leading cause of death in Canadian adults over the age of 55. (3) Treatments can include Bronchodilators, symptom management and lifestyle recommendations to improve quality of life.

The Secret to a long, healthy life.... Don’t Die!

These wise words of advice come from Doctors Ronald Klatz and Robert Goldman co-founders of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and experts in the field of anti-aging medicine. Their “Rules for Immortality” are simple: “Don’t die! Don’t get sick! Don’t get biologically old!” (4) As ironic as they may seem, their point is clear. Don’t sit back and wait for heart disease, cancer or respiratory conditions to take hold of you before you decide to take control of your biological age. The choices you make every day of your life are setting the stage of how your body will advance in years. And the factors that contribute to biological deterioration are completely within your control.

Dietary Recommendations

If you eat three meals per day that equals 1,092 times you eat in a year, over ten thousand opportunities per decade to make a positive influence on your longevity. There are several theories of aging that have examined the impact of food volume, calories, and meal composition on longevity and the results prove your food choices have an undeniable influence on the age of your cells. Below are dietary recommendations based on the most scientifically sound theories of anti-aging:

Therapeutic Supplement Recommendations

Zwell Lifestyle Recommendations

CRON - Achieving and maintaining an optimal body weight is essential for longevity. In fact, studies have indicated that obesity is more detrimental to life expectancy than smoking. (15) Making dietary changes is often a frustrating and emotional task, so here is some good news; Studies have also shown that healthy lifestyle choices can have positive impact on longevity, even in the absence of weight loss. That means choosing the most nutritionally dense foods, eating low-glycemic options, optimizing your intake of anti-oxidant nutrients from food and high quality supplements and incorporating regular activity into your routine can improve your biological age even if the number on the scale doesn’t change. Focus on what you can do, what feels good and vitalizes you rather than focusing on what you shouldn’t do or can’t have; this is a much happier way to eat and live.

Sleep - During sleep the body goes into a state of recovery and repair. This process can be slowed in adulthood and sleep deprivation can further interrupt your body’s natural abilities to heal free-radical damage and detoxify from the environment. (16) In the early hours of deepest sleep, the body secretes a powerful chemical called Human Growth Hormone. Anti-aging experts call HGH the “master hormone of youth” as it is responsible for higher energy levels, lean muscle (metabolically active tissue), elevated mood, improved cognition, stronger bones, firmer skin and sexual vitality, just to name a few. Seven to eight hours of good quality sleep will allow the body to fully repair, rebuild and produce that elixir of youth, HGH.

Sweat - Regular exercise is the single most important anti-aging activity you can engage in. (17) A multitude of studies have proven the benefits of regular exercise; reduction of elevated blood sugar, improvement in heart muscle and vessels, optimization of body weight, improvement in quantity and tone of lean muscle tissue (regardless of chronological age), not to mention adding a few good quality years (yes, YEARS) to your life. (18) Regular exercise can create stronger, thicker bones, and firmer, more elastic muscles that are less likely to suffer strains and injury. Lean muscle tissue is metabolically active, meaning that for every pound of lean mass you carry, your body burns more calories (approx 50 calories per pound) at rest as the muscle fibres rev your metabolic engine. Regular exercise is your primary defence against age-related fatigue, weight gain and muscle atrophy.

De-Stress and Connect - In their book The New Anti-Aging Revolution, co-founders of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, Doctors Ronald Klatz and Robert Goldman state that “stress and depression are major causes of aging.” Avoid feelings of isolation and low mood by remaining connected. Family members, community members, youth and peers can all benefit from your particular contribution, the way you view the world and the lessons you have to share. Engage in physical and social activities that bring you joy as part of your regular routine.

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