The Star Online: Lifestyle: Health
The Star Online: Lifestyle: Health |
| Posted: Many studies have shown that cell therapy, hormones, nutritional supplements, diet modification and exercise can indeed reverse ageing. IN the last two decades or so, the medical world has been abuzz with anti-ageing or rejuvenation therapies. The aesthetic/beauty market caught up, and peddled anything that held promise. Nobody requires absolute proof. Selling hope is big business. Some say slowing the rate of ageing is believable, but reversing it is not. So, with all this hype, can ageing really be reversed? The answer is a big YES. Let me give you a simple example. Although the hair is not an important pre-requisite to good health (you can be bald and still be fit and healthy), it serves as a good example to prove that ageing can be reversed. Many men and women who have thinning, receding or greying hair have benefited from natural hair treatments (excluding dyeing, which is "cheating") that make their hair re-grow, or become black again. That is proof of the reversal of the biological ageing of their hair follicles. If it is possible to do so to the cells in the hair follicles, then it is possible to do so for all other cells in the body. The first landmark study on age-reversal was on the rejuvenative effects of HGH (human growth hormone) by Dr Rudman and his colleagues (reported in NEJM, July 5, 1990). Although it was a small study on 61- to 81-year-old men, it showed, among others, that HGH increased lean body mass and bone mass, decreased fat mass, and even restored skin thickness. Overall, the men reversed 20 years in age by these physical criteria. For more on HGH, please see The Youth Hormone (Fit4Life, March 3, 2013). Another small US study showed that six months of moderate to intensive exercise (an hour daily) reversed ageing by about 20 years, as measured by cardiovascular fitness. However, evidence-based modern medicine is very strict before any claims can be made. There must be ample, reproducible proof before anything is accepted. Fortunately, thousands of other studies have shown that cell therapy, hormones, nutritional supplements, diet modification and exercise do indeed reverse ageing. Three types of ageing In general, ageing can be defined in three ways: 1. Chronological ageing Everyone is familiar with chronological ageing. It is getting old with time, as indicated by your (chronological) age. This is, of course, irreversible. 2. Biological ageing This is what we are concerned here - the deterioration of health and function with time. Biological ageing is the result of the cumulative effects of everything that affects the health and function of cells, tissues and organs. The factors that affect these include lifestyle, body weight, genes, hormones, diet, free radicals, toxins, sun exposure (UV radiation), exercise, stress and many others. Each contributing factor may have many causes. For example, toxins may get into the body through food, water, air, and even the soaps, shampoos, creams and lotions we use. Various ways have been proposed to calculate biological age to reflect the state of the body in reference to that of a healthy person of the same chronological age. Thus, if your biological age is 50, it means that you are as healthy as a very healthy 50-year-old, whatever your chronological age. If you are 40-years-old, but have a biological age of 50, it means that you have aged too fast. Likewise if you are 60 and have a biological age of 50, it means you have aged slowly. All the available methods of calculating biological age are not accurate because the figures do not reflect reality. There are even weighing machines that also give your biological age by just measuring your visceral fat content. While visceral fat is indeed unhealthy, it is certainly insufficient to give an indication of the overall state of health. The only useful method is to estimate the biological age of each organ system. For example, a 50-year-old man who is fit and exercises regularly may have a cardiovascular age of 40. If he has been running in the sun for many years without adequate sun-protection, his skin would have aged faster. His skin age could be 60. Combining the two (40+60) to give an average of 50 is meaningless. 3. Aesthetic ageing This is about how old you look. How you look is determined by your biological age plus two other factors that do not directly correlate to ageing. The first is the sagging of your face and body parts (eg jowl and breasts) due to gravity. Facial sagging certainly adds to how old you look. If we were to live on the moon, we will all look much younger because the gravity there is only one-sixth that of the earth. The second is the wrinkles and furrows that appear because of movements and facial expressions. These are most obvious on the face and neck. These "dynamic lines" make you look old, but are more reflections of how expressive you are, rather than your state of health. While sagging and wrinkles are not directly due to biological ageing, young healthy skin is more resistant to these effects. Therefore, biological skin ageing also contributes to the rate of sagging and wrinkling. Biological skin ageing results in thinning (loss of collagen and matrix), loss of elasticity (loss of elastin fibres), dehydration (loss of extracelleular hyaluronic acid and intracellular fluid), age spots, moles, skin tags and other changes, which all add to the "aged" look. Sagging and wrinkles are the easiest to reverse by aesthetic/cosmetic therapies. These include botox, fillers, chemical peels, lasers (and other light/energy machines), mesotherapy, micro-needling, non-invasive thread implants, minimally-invasive suspension threads, and many types of surgery. Most of these treatments only make you look younger without improving your health (ie "cheating"), but it is important to look good. It boosts your confidence. Looking young makes you feel young. In addition, anti-ageing therapies with cell therapy, hormones, nutrition, healthy diet and exercise can also reverse biological skin ageing. When done together with aesthetic/cosmetic treatments, the results will be more pronounced and longer lasting. Anti-ageing therapies Anti-ageing therapies can be classified into cell therapies, gene modulation, hormone optimisation, dietary modification, nutritional supplementation, exercise and skin therapies. I have written extensively on the roles of hormones, diet, nutritional supplementation and exercise. I had written about cell therapy and gene modulation eight years ago (see Genetic Energy, Fit4Life, October 9, 2005) and it is time for an update on the subject. Cell therapy Being one of the pioneers of cell therapy in Malaysia, I have observed its rapid development over the years. Stem cell therapy is now widely available through several labs providing storage and culture facilities. You can store your baby's cord blood (for future use of the stem cells). You can also harvest your own stem cells from your fat (obtained through liposuction) for rejuvenation or treating certain diseases (eg psoriasis, arthritis). The easiest way is to use rabbit or sheep stem cells. Thousands of patients all over the world have had this stem cell xeno-transplantation (ie injections/transfusion of cells from another species) with good results. I can confirm that some of our local "rich-and-famous" look good with help from cell therapy. However, the cost is still prohibitive for most people. For more on this, see Rejuvenation Therapies (Fit4Life, May 31, 2009). The next cheaper option is placenta cell injection/transplantation. This gives faster and more pronounced effects than consuming oral placenta extracts, which is now very popular here judging from the advertisements and promotions at the pharmacies. There are also oral supplements that boost the release of stem cells from your bone marrow. This may improve many aspects of health. Gene modulation Another injectible therapy is DNA or RNA, which is actually a form of gene modulation. While our genes and DNA are species-specific, there is much overlap between our DNA/RNA and that of animals. Thus, when sheep DNA/RNA are injected (targeted to perform certain healing functions), the body still responds similarly as if the corresponding human DNA/RNA were injected. This phenomenon extends to hormones, peptides, proteins and enzymes. For example, for many years before the advent of biogenetic-engineering, diabetics were treated with pig or cow insulin. Every cell divides by making an exact copy of its chromosomes (which carries our genes or life instructions). Every mistake or mutation is repeated ad infinitum, unless that mutation is repaired. Like all cell components, chromosomes are constantly bombarded and damaged by free radicals, which are natural by-products of our metabolism. Things get worse if excess free radicals and toxins get into the cells. The body has mechanisms to repair the smallest damage before they become irreparable. Some of the damage may be harmless, but significant damage to certain genes may interfere with important instructions (e.g. orderly cell division or mitosis, peptide and enzyme synthesis, etc). The moles and skin tags of ageing are examples of what happens when these instructions are compromised. One way to help the genes is to provide fresh, young DNA material (nucleic acids) so that the body can utilise this fresh material to make new chromosomes when our cells divide. Nucleic acids that come from young plants and animals are least likely to be damaged in any way. While the best injectible DNA available is from foetal rabbit or sheep, the best available oral DNA supplement is derived from marine sources. Scientists have shown that marine animals are able to repair their own DNA better than others. Marine animals are also rich in antioxidants. Avoiding sun damage and taking sufficient antioxidants to fight free radicals are essential DNA-protecting anti-ageing strategies too. The other ways to modulate the genes to favour health, rejuvenation and longevity are gene activation and telomere preservation/prolongation. These will be discussed in the next article. > Dr Amir Farid Isahak is a medical specialist who practises holistic, aesthetic and anti-ageing medicine. He is a qigong master and founder of SuperQigong. For further information, e-mail starhealth@thestar.com.my. The views expressed are those of the writer and readers are advised to always consult expert advice before undertaking any changes to their lifestyles. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information. |
| Posted: Menopause does not cause cardiovascular disease. However, certain risk factors increase around the time of menopause, and this compounds the risk of heart disease. CARDIOVASCULAR disease (CVD) is a term that describes any disease of the heart or blood vessels. It includes heart attack (myocardial infarction, MI), heart failure, high blood pressure (hypertension) and stroke. MI and strokes are usually caused by blocked arteries. There is no shortage of focus on women's worry about cancer, especially breast cancer. However, the reality is that there are more women who die from coronary heart disease (CHD) than from breast cancer. Many women think that CHD is a man's disease. It is not. CHD is the most common cause of death in women. About half of all deaths in women after the age of 50 years are due to some form of CVD. The most common cause of death in women in Health Ministry hospitals is CVD, which comprises about 25 in 100 of all deaths as compared to that of all cancers, which comprise 11 in 100 of all deaths. More women die of CHD than stroke, with about 15 and 10 in 100 deaths respectively. The misperception of the incidence of CVD in women has led to inadequate information and health promotion to the public; inadequate screening for risk factors; lower rates of diagnosis; and lower usage of appropriate medications and interventions for treating women with CVD. The problem is compounded by the fact that the symptoms of CHD in women are often not typical, resulting in delay in diagnosis and treatment. Another misperception is that CVD in women is less threatening than in men. It is not. In-hospital and early post-MI mortality in women (9%) is more than double that of men (4%). The mortality rate a year after an MI is about 32% higher in women than in men. Likewise, after a stroke, women are more likely to die than men (16% vs 8%). Women survivors after a stroke have a poorer long term outcome and a lower quality of life. Menopause and CVD Women who have not reached the menopause have a much lower risk of CVD than men. The risk to a woman increases significantly after the menopause when the oestrogen levels fall so much so that the risk of MI is twice or thrice that of women of the same age who have not reached the menopause. Within a decade after a woman reaches the menopause, her risk of CHD is the same as that of a man. Women who reach the menopause before the age of 50 years, whether spontaneously or after removal of the ovaries, have an increased risk of CVD. The risk is mainly that of CHD, not stroke. The extent to which lowered oestrogen levels may lead to an increase in CVD risk is still not well determined. There is on-going research into this aspect. Risk factors Menopause does not cause CVD. However, certain risk factors increase around the time of menopause, and conditions and habits like hypertension, diabetes and smoking increase the risks. There are several cardiovascular risk factors. Some cannot be changed, but others can be controlled or modified to reduce the risk. The former include increasing age, family history and post-menopause, especially if the menopause is premature (below the age of 40 years). The risk of CHD is increased if a woman's father or brother had a heart attack before the age of 55 years; the mother or sister had a heart attack before the age of 65 years; the higher the number of family members with CHD; younger family members with CHD; or if a family member had a stroke. The findings in the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2011 are worrying. Apart from the increase in cardiovascular risk factors since NHMS 2006 and 1996, many of the risk factors were undiagnosed or poorly controlled. Excess weight, especially when it is 30% above ideal weight, increases the risk of CHD. Obesity is associated with physical inactivity and both contribute independently to an increased risk of CHD. The NHMS 2011 reported that the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 29.4% and 15.1% respectively. Abdominal obesity (more than 80cm for women) was found in 43%. Women, Indians and people aged 50 to 69 years were at increased risk of abdominal obesity. Hypertension increases the risk of MI and stroke. Every 7.5mmHg increase in diastolic blood pressure increases the risk of stroke by 46%. The likelihood of death from CHD, stroke and other CVDs is doubled with an increase in systolic blood pressure of 20mmHg. Most studies have shown that before the age of 60 years, women have lower blood pressure than men. After the age of 60 years, women have a much steeper rise in systolic blood pressure. The NHMS 2011 reported that the prevalence of hypertension in adults was 32.7%, with an increasing trend with age, ie from 8.1% in the 18-to-19 years age group to 74.1% in the 65-to-69 years age group. There were no significant differences between males and females, and between the various ethnic groups. Diabetes increases the risk of CVD. Women with diabetes have twice the risk of having an MI than those who are not diabetic. The risk of dying from an MI in diabetic women is two to five times that of non-diabetic women. The NHMS 2011 reported that the prevalence of diabetes in adults was 15.2%, with an increasing trend with age, ie from 2.1% in the 18-to-19 years age group to 36.6% in the 65-to-69 years age group. There were no differences between males and females. Women who have a family history of diabetes, diabetes when they were pregnant, are obese, or of Indian and/or Malay ethnicity, are at increased risk of diabetes. Raised cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolaemia) increases fatty deposits on the inner walls of arteries (atherosclerosis), decreasing blood flow, and eventually blocking the artery entirely. If it affects an artery supplying the heart, an MI can occur. If it affects an artery supplying the brain, a stroke can occur. The NHMS 2011 reported that the prevalence of hypercholesterolaemia in adults was 35%, with an increasing trend with age, ie from 11.3% in the 18-to-19 years age group to 57.2% in the 65-to-69 years age group. The prevalence was higher in females, Malays and Indians. Bearing in mind that the prevalence of CVD is considerably less in menstruating women, this means that women after the menopause have an increased risk of CVD. This is because of the increase in total cholesterol and low density lipoproteins, which may exceed that of men of the same age, both of which increase risk. Cigarette smokers, both males and females, have twice the risk of MI than non-smokers. This risk factor is dose-related, with consistently higher risks in women than men, and is independent of age. Tobacco induces an unfavourable lipid profile, increases inflammation and "encourages" thrombosis. This results in menstruating women losing their "natural" protection against atherosclerosis. The Global Tobacco Survey 2011 reported that one in four Malaysians smoke, with the vast majority being males. However, about four in 10 Malaysians are exposed to secondhand smoke at work and/or at home. The effects of secondhand smoke are not very different from smoking itself. Physical inactivity is almost as important a risk factor as smoking because of decreased circulation and weight gain. CHD is almost twice as likely to affect the inactive, compared to those who exercise regularly. The NHMS 2011 reported that 64.3% of Malaysian adults were active, with the most active in the 40-to-44 years age group, with a gradual decrease after that. Males were more active than females. Reducing risks A healthy lifestyle goes a long way in preventing and reducing the risk of CVD. The following lifestyle approaches and/or modifications may help in reducing and/or managing the various risk factors before, during and after the menopause. The identification and management of CVD risk factors should be an integral component of the periodic health examinations of all women, in addition to their gynaecological and breast examinations. Of all the cardiovascular risk factors, smoking cessation and avoidance of secondhand smoke has the greatest impact on saving lives. When a woman ceases smoking, however much or long she has been smoking, her risk of CHD decreases by 50%. Apart from that, there is a decreased risk of lung disease, including cancer, and many other conditions. The maintenance of a healthy body weight goes a long way in decreasing the workload of the heart. Activity and regular exercise improves heart function and reduces risk factors like hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia, maintains a healthy weight, and reduces stress. A balanced diet that is high in grains, fish, fruits and vegetables, with adequate water, vitamins and minerals, but low in saturated and trans-fats contributes significantly to good health. The intake of sweets and fatty food should be limited. Fat intake should be less than 30% of daily calories. Medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolaemia have to be diagnosed, treated and controlled. As these are chronic conditions, it is essential that there is strict compliance with medical advice. > Dr Milton Lum is a member of the board of Medical Defence Malaysia. This article is not intended to replace, dictate or define evaluation by a qualified doctor. The views expressed do not represent that of any organisation the writer is associated with. For further information, e-mail starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. |
| Five ways makeup can damage eyes Posted: WE are a world that loves beauty products. In fact, according to the US Census Bureau, Americans spend around US$10bil (RM32bil) annually on cosmetics, beauty supplies, and perfume. While we are busy trying to look our best, we often fail to realise that some of these products can do more harm than good. Some may actually lead to eye problems that could easily be avoided by being proactive about taking protective measures. "The eyes are such an important part of our lives, yet we don't stop to appreciate them until there is a problem," explains Dr Edward Kondrot, founder of the Healing The Eye & Wellness Center in the US. "It is important to take measures at any age to help protect your vision. The eye makeup that people wear is an area of concern when it comes to protecting the eyes." Millions of women put eye makeup on daily, or at least on a regular basis. But what they may not realise is that what they are doing could lead to short- or long-term damage as a result. Here are five ways that eye makeup can damage the eyes: Bacterial infections Known as bacterial conjunctivitis, it is one of the most common problems people encounter because of wearing eye makeup. This is because bacteria gets into the makeup. To avoid it, don't use old makeup. Eye makeup should be replaced every three months. Also, don't share makeup with others, always wash hands before applying makeup, and never use saliva to assist in applying mascara. Toxic heavy metals It is important to become an eye-makeup label reader. Some products contain heavy metals that can be damaging to the eyes. Avoid eye makeup containing such ingredients as arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, lead, nickel, selenium, and thallium. Look for makeup that is non-toxic and more natural. Dry eyes Eye makeup can help lead to and aggravate dry eyes. To help avoid this, stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water, eating lots of fruits and vegetables, and using natural tear lubricant. Allergic reactions Repeated use of the same makeup can stimulate your body to develop allergies. Give your eyes a break by changing brands and taking vitamin C to reduce inflammation Loss of eyelashes The very makeup that people use to help create a longer eyelash look can actually lead to a loss of eyelashes. Keep eyelashes long and healthy by eating a healthy diet. "People don't have to give up wearing eye makeup altogether, if they really feel they need it," adds Dr Kondrot. "But it is important to consider the factors that can damage the eyes and then take measures to minimise those risks. Preventing eye problems should always be your first goal." – HealthNewsDigest.com ASTHMA is a disease that mostly affects young boys and adult women. And according to a new study, women in their 40s and 50s with asthma are hospitalised more than twice as often as men in the same age group. The 10-year study is published in the September issue of Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the scientific journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). "Until puberty, boys have higher rates of asthma than girls," said Dr Robert Yao-wen Lin, allergist and lead study author. "Then, during the menopausal years, women's hospitalisation rates are double those of men in the same age group. This could indicate that asthma may have distinct biological traits." The US National Impatient Sample databases for 2000-2010 were used to calculate the ratio of female to male hospitalisation rates for different decades of adult life. The highest rate of difference was found in the fifth and six decade. Common coexisting conditions, such as cigarette smoking and obesity were taken into account. "This study reinforces that asthma is a women's health issue," said Dr John Oppenheimer, Fellow and associate editor of Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. "There is a need for more prevention and early intervention to reduce asthma hospitalisation in menopausal women and reduce healthcare costs." The ACAAI suggests that women in their 40s and 50s with asthma make an appointment with their allergist and ask these questions: ·Do I need any change in my medications? ·What are the symptoms associated with the risk of a severe asthma attack during menopause? ·How do I keep my asthma in check and avoid needing emergency room or hospitalised treatment? Everyone with allergies and asthma should be able to feel good, be active all day and sleep well at night. For more information about allergy and asthma, visit AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org. – HealthNewsDigest.com |
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