If You Really Want to Avoid Early Aging, Get to Know "DHEA"

Do you suffer from mood swings and fatigue? Is your health declining as you get older? Can't keep the "middle age bulge" at bay? If so, you may have low levels of DHEA. As you get older, you may find that you struggle more to maintain muscle mass, feel tired more quickly, or perhaps you have developed rheumatoid arthritis or even osteoporosis. It is commonly believed that deterioration as we age is inevitable. However current research indicates that we are not predestined to age in this regard, and by increasing our levels of DHEA before or even after they decline many of us can turn back the clock. DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, has become known as the 'fountain of youth.' It is made from cholesterol by the adrenal glands, which sit on top of your kidneys. Estrogen and then testosterone are both made from this steroid hormone. The Anti-Aging Hormone? Many people have turned to DHEA because it has been shown to increase bone density, treat Lupus and depression, and decrease the risk for heart disease. Another potential benefit is increased muscle mass and stronger immunity. Someone who lacks essential levels of DHEA really can benefit from taking a supplement and they can be easily found in your local health food store. At Body Ecology, however, we feel it is important to use this supplement only after you've had your levels of DHEA checked by a health care professional. It's a very simply saliva test. So before you supplement with DHEA capsules, first check with your health care practitioner to make sure that you are in fact deficient in this hormone. Anyone will benefit, on the other hand, by naturally increasing their DHEA levels with diet and some simple changes in your lifestyle. Follow these guidelines to naturally increase DHEA in your body:

• Eat good fats with plenty of omega 3 fatty acids. DHEA is made from cholesterol, and your body makes cholesterol from healthy fats. You can get essential fatty acids from a variety of oils like ghee, raw butter, cod liver, coconut oil, red palm oil, flax seed oil, evening primrose oil, pumpkin seed and olive oils. For more information, read A Key Health Secret that Everyone Should Know: Eat a Range of Good Oils.
• Get a Good Night's SLEEP! Your adrenal glands not only create energy, they also manufacture DHEA. If you suffer from adrenal fatigue as most people do today, you may have trouble sleeping AND your adrenals will not be able to produce adequate levels of too little DHEA to support your daily activities! Read more about how sleep affects your adrenals and how to nourish them.
• De-stress your life. Stress increases levels of two hormones: insulin and cortisol. These two hormones are sometimes called "the death hormones" because when blood levels of cortisol and insulin remain high, they suppress the youth hormone, DHEA. Stress also depletes the vitality of your adrenal glands that produce DHEA. So take time to breathe deeply, meditate, and spend time with friends and family. One of the most effective ways to immediately boost your DHEA levels is to be touched (as in having a great hand, foot, body or head massage). Learn more about The Proven Healing Power of Touch and how it can improve your health.
• Cut out sugar. Sugar creates acidic blood. To be healthy your blood should be slightly alkaline. When your blood becomes acidic this sets the stage for fungal, viral and bacterial infections and also for imbalances like cancer and diabetes.
• Feed your thyroid and your adrenals by eating plenty of mineral-rich sea vegetables - be sure to read Russia's "Miracle" Heavy Metal Cleansing Sea Vegetable, "Laminaria Japonica". Always cook or culture cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale and cabbage because they suppress the thyroid when they are eaten raw. Your thyroid is an active partner with the adrenals that produce DHEA so make sure it too is hearty. These two organs are tiny, but they are real workhorses in your body. Take special care to feed them right. Read Boost Your Thyroid to Boost Your Energy for more information.

We all want to age gracefully. Paying attention to your levels of DHEA is a great way to support yourself in healthy aging. The Body Ecology program, plus plenty of sleep, decreasing stress, and eliminating or reducing sugar intake can get you well on your way to turning back time. Spending peaceful moments in nature -- such as near water or in the mountains -- is another great way to regenerate your adrenals and to find balance in life. Overall, proper nutrition and lifestyle are the two key secrets to finding your own fountain of youth. Sources: Low DHEA Level, DiagnoseMe.com http://www.diagnose-me.com/cond/C11446.htmlrn Skerret, P.J., "DHEA: Ignore the Hype" QuackWatch.com http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/dhea.htmrn