Aging is one the unpleasant facts of life that we all must contend with. One way to describe aging is the tendency of complex structures to gradually decay over time. Science has discovered that aging can be slowed by exercise, proper diet, nutritional supplements and anti-ageing drugs.
The immune system is the body's defense against infection and cancer. A functional immune system is crucial to health and longevity. Protection of the immune system is a major component of anti-ageing medicine. Malnutrition is the most common cause of immunodeficiency. Nutritional deficiencies are rampant, even in industrialized countries. Estimates are that 1/3 of elderly people in the United States are nutritionally deficient. Overeating and obesity also decrease immune function. Ageing itself is associated with a decline in both T cell and B cell function.
Science has discovered that immune function can be restored or maintained by 14 nutritional supplements. Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B6, CoQ10, idebenone, zinc, selenium, acetyl-l-carnitine, resveratrol, pyritinol, thymus extract, dhea, and melatonin all have important immunomodulating properties. For a detailed discussion of ant-ageing, see Aging and Immunity by James South, MA.
John B. Smith, DVM ♦ "The Dog Doctor" ♦ 734-213-7447 ♦1954 S. Industrial Ann Arbor, Mi 48104