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Slowing down the aging process is a fond wish for many of us. How amazing would it be to add many years to your life? Or to make the years you have much more healthy and enjoyable by slowing down the processes that negatively affect our bodies and minds?
To that end, millions of individuals look for the Fountain of Youth. And sometimes, scientists stumble upon something that might actually help slow down the biological clock a bit. Though no one has unlocked the path to extreme longevity yet, there are some proven ways to increase your odds of living a longer, healthier life.
That’s where taurine and CoQ10 come in. Let’s look at what they do for the body.
What is Taurine?
Taurine is a naturally-occurring amino acid found in shellfish and meat. It’s used in the processes that bring energy to the cells. It also helps the body balance fluids, salts, and minerals, and that helps your body work more efficiently. It can improve almost every bodily function and is often prescribed as a supplement to treat things like anemia, congestive heart failure, type 1 diabetes, and more.
You might have noticed that taurine is a common ingredient in energy drinks or those supplements that promote sharper brain function. Scientists have discovered that animals with low levels of taurine in their bodies seem to age faster, so it makes sense that those with higher levels of it in their body might experience anti-aging effects instead.
Studies on Taurine Prove Promising
A new study published in the journal Science has found that giving taurine to animals seems to slow down the aging process, and the hope is that these benefits will translate to humans as well.1
The study found that in animals and humans, the levels of taurine in the body decline dramatically with age. In fact, the levels drop by up to 80% as a person gets older. That’s such a significant change that the scientists were curious about what supplementing in middle age would do to the animals – and sure enough, the supplements led to better health.
Specifically, giving taurine to mice resulted in less weight gain, improved muscle strength, reduced insulin resistance, greater bone density, and a stronger immune system. In fact, the supplement led to an increase of 10% in lifespan, which translates to about seven or eight years in humans.
When the scientists tried the same supplements with aging monkeys, they found many of the same effects, including improved fasting blood glucose levels.
There are other studies that show the effectiveness of taurine. The EPIC-Norfolk study by the University of Cambridge reviewed the overall health of 80,000 men and women between the ages of 40 and 79 for five years, from 1993 to 1998. The research found that those with higher levels of taurine had lower levels of inflammation in the body, were less likely to be obese, and were less likely to develop high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.2
It’s important to note that taurine doesn’t actually reverse the aging process, but it does seem to slow it down, giving those who have plenty of it in their bodies the opportunity to live a longer and healthier life.
Staying healthy is one of the best ways to improve longevity. That includes avoiding the dire consequences of falls and accidents in your golden years. A personal alarm button can help you do just that.
What is CoQ10?
Coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble substance that is very similar to vitamin E or vitamin K. It plays a strong role in creating healthy cells, has antioxidant properties, and fights against the free radicals that are culprits in the aging process.
The body makes CoQ10 on its own but needs supplementation too. This usually comes from your diet. It is found in the same places where you’d find Omega-3s, in fatty fish and organ meats, such as liver.
As we age, the body stops producing as much CoQ10. In addition to the natural decline of this nutrient in the body, it can also be hindered by certain medical conditions or the drugs we take to correct those conditions. The organs that benefit most – the heart, liver, and kidneys – need more CoQ10 to continue functioning at a high level.
What Studies Say About CoQ10
According to research published in the journal Biology, lower levels of CoQ10 have been associated with age-related health conditions, including neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and skin problems.3 Other research has proven that the nutrient can boost the energy generation of cells and improve blood vessel function, as well as increase activity in the brain, which leads to better cognitive performance.
Again, keep in mind – just like taurine, CoQ10 doesn’t reverse the aging process. However, it might slow it down enough that you can see significant benefits from adding both of these nutrients to your day-to-day life.
If you are considering a change in diet or adding any supplements to your routine, always talk to your doctor first to ensure these changes are compatible with your current health conditions. You should also make sure you have a medical alert bracelet or wristband for seniors along with you for the journey.
How to Get More Taurine and CoQ10
To get more taurine, look to shellfish as your primary source. If you don’t like shellfish or have an allergy, you can opt for dark chicken and turkey, as they contain the highest levels of taurine after shellfish. Other meats contain it as well, though in smaller amounts. You can also find it in by-products of animals, such as milk and ice cream.
To get more CoQ10, look to oily fish, such as tuna or salmon, whole grains, and organ meats. While it’s possible to get enough from diet when you are middle-aged, it becomes harder for your body to hold onto it as you get older. That’s why you might need supplements as you age, even though you are still eating the same good foods that provide CoQ10.
It can also be tough to take in either of these important substances if you eat a vegetarian or vegan diet. If you are following a diet that doesn’t allow for meats, dairy products, eggs, and the like, talk to your doctor about the supplements you should be taking to ensure the best senior whole health.
Interestingly, researchers have found that those who exercise more tend to have higher levels of taurine in their bodies. That’s another good reason to get into a solid exercise program.
Taurine and CoQ10 Supplements
Supplements of these nutrients can help ensure you get enough. However, there are some caveats to consider before going that route.
Though taurine is a common supplement in energy drinks, it’s important to remember that those drinks also contain copious amounts of caffeine, and sometimes loads of sugar, which can lead to other health problems that negate any potential benefits of taurine. If you choose to indulge in energy drinks, do so with great caution!
Supplements of CoQ10 are quite common and can be easily obtained over the counter. But keep in mind that as with any sort of supplement, talking with your doctor is crucial. Some supplements can affect other medications you might be taking; for instance, some studies show that taurine may actually strengthen the effects of drugs for high blood pressure, which could then drop your blood pressure far too low and get you into medical trouble.
Remember that any time you choose to take supplements of any kind, having a medical alert system with fall detection is a great idea. In addition the convenience of pressing a button for help if you feel any need to do so, you also have the peace of mind that if you can’t press that button, the senior life-saving alert system can call for help on your behalf. As you look for ways to slow the aging process, let Alert1 help you stay safe and secure.
