Your patients want to seize their days as long as they live—here’s how to support their robust-aging goals.
Patients come to you for a wide variety of reasons and as long as they are reasonably healthy, their long-term vigor, well-being and health can be sustained through your expert guidance.
In her practice, Naturopathic Wellness Center of Boulder, Rosia Parrish, ND stated, “healthy longevity is not a one-size-fits-all concept but is highly individualized. Each client presents a unique constellation of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors that influence their health and aging process. For instance, factors like stress, diet and exposure to environmental toxins can significantly affect egg quality and fertility, serving as markers for a person’s biological age and health trajectory.”
For any patient, beyond helping to correct an issue or reduce specific risk, “the goal is to improve what can be changed to prolong healthy life,” emphasized Jacob Teitelbaum MD, author of From Fatigued to Fantastic. One can think of it as the difference between the term lifespan, which is sometimes used to mean the longest any human can live, versus life expectancy, which is how long any individual is likely to live given their genetics and lifestyle.”
Another proponent of the epigenetic theory of aging is Chris Mirabile, CEO and founder, NOVOS, New York, who believes that maintaining the epigenome is critical to experiencing longer healthier life. He explained that the epigenome determines which genes are active and which ones are not. When the epigenome becomes dysfunctional, various genes are switched on that should be switched off (like pro-cancer genes), while other genes are switched off that should be switched on (like genes responsible for proper cellular housekeeping and repair).
There are two other factors that affect aging quality, according to Dr. Teitelbaum. One is cellular damage including oxidative free radical damage and glycosylation, which is is markedly accelerated by increased inflammation, diabetes and other modifiable conditions. The second is planned obsolescence as the human generally dies after it raises two generations (children and grandchildren). “Much of this is via our hormonal signaling system, which can be modified,” he said, adding that genetics play a role to a point.
Considering Next-Gen Longevity
It isn’t the older generations at whom healthy longevity is aimed. People tend to think this term means helping the elderly to reduce risk of heart attacks, bone fracture and Alzheimer’s.
But it is on point for younger adults, chiefly Generation X in their late 40s to mid-50s, and Millennials born between 1981 and 1996.
Joe Brunner, president, Endurance Products Company (EPC), Oregon, believes that to understand how Millennials and Gen X feel about healthy longevity, it may be helpful to look at their current health issues. In general, Millennials are less healthy than Gen-Xers. One study that analyzed data from several U.S. health surveys with more than 680,000 respondents found Millennials not only have higher rates of obesity and diabetes risk than the older Gen-Xers, they also experience more mental illness, including depression and anxiety. Other studies confirm that American Millennials are facing more health challenges at earlier ages compared to their Gen-X counterparts.
“The poorer health status of Millennials may be one reason healthy longevity isn’t a top health priority,” he elaborated. “Instead, they are more likely to be focused on their current health, especially mental health. In contrast, Gen-Xers have shifted their focus toward healthy longevity. They are prioritizing maintaining a high quality of life as they navigate the aging process.”
Christophe Merville, DPharm, director of education & pharmacy development, Boiron USA commented, “Unfortunately, research is showing that Millennials are aging faster than generations before them (Gen X). This includes both physical and behavioral health conditions that will affect mortality rates if interventions are not employed.”
There is an odd paradox when it comes to Millennials and health status for their long-term outlook, according to Stacey Smith, marketing and communications manager, NORAM, Gnosis by Lesaffre, Wisconsin, who stated that Millennials are currently being called the “unhealthiest generation” in human history, facing conditions and illnesses that their parents and grandparents did not. In fact, she cited, Millennials today have higher prevalence rates for nearly all the top 10 conditions than Gen X when they were in the same age range, according to a 2022 study from Blue Cross Blue Shield in the United States.
Yet “Millennials are considered more health-conscious than preceding generations; they exercise more than previous generations, smoke less, and almost half consider healthy eating a lifestyle choice instead of a goal-driven diet. However, Millennials are seeing their health decline faster than their parents as they age, according to the BCBS survey,” she said.
A different viewpoint comes from Maria Stanieich, marketing manager, Kyowa Hakko USA, New York, who stated that most Millennials now in their 30s and early 40s “are being more proactive about long-term health: taking supplements and eating healthy.”
A 2019 survey of more than 1,000 Gen-X Americans conducted by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation and the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) found that they recognize the importance of diet and lifestyle habits on their risk for age-related diseases. The Gen-X respondents reported getting regular physical activity, eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables, and maintaining an ideal body weight would have the most impact on their health as they age.
The upcoming Gen Z is already in the healthy longevity mindset. According to a 2023 Innova Trends Survey, Gen Z said they would start to take steps to age healthily at age 20, while Millennials would start at age 30. And the most critical aspect for both was being able to “stay physically active.”
A priority for younger and middle-aged adults is mental health. “I think that cognitive health as much as physical stamina, energy and endurance are going to be top of mind for many of these comparatively younger patients,” asserted Cheryl Myers, chief of scientific affairs and education, Wisconsin-based EuroMedica, Inc. “After all, if you feel like you are in your prime, you want to keep that good state of health going. And a big part of that is your state of mind, your mental prowess, and your ability to focus and concentrate.”
Millennials and Gen X have both experienced the era of COVID-19, which heightened their focus on physical and mental well-being and immune resilience, pointed out Mona Rosene, MS, RD, global scientific affairs at California-based ChromaDex. “They tend to be more health-conscious and aware of how their lifestyle choices impact their overall health,” she said. “Their biggest concern tends to be around stress management and cognitive decline. Mental health has become a much more prominent issue for younger generations, so a larger focus has been placed on preventing and alleviating these factors.”
Abdul Alkayali, vice president, sales and marketing, California-based Longevity by Nature believes another factor has major impact on aging: happiness or lack thereof. The findings of the 2024 World Happiness Report released in March “may have implications for the longevity of Millennials and Generation X,” he declared.
Healthy Recommendations
The offerings for your patients to protect their good health and well-being are bountiful.
NOVOS, said Mirabile, “is the first company to provide solutions that simultaneously target the 12 hallmark causes of aging.” He noted the company was founded by longevity expert Chris Mirabile, along with globally accredited longevity and aging researchers from Harvard Medical School, MIT, and the Salk Institute, “In in-vitro human cell studies, NOVOS supplements were shown to reduce DNA damage from irradiation by up to 77 percent and inhibit cellular senescence. Seventy-three percent of human subjects from an in-vivo case study saw a decrease in their biological pace of aging after incorporating the supplements into their dietary routines.”
The NOVOS line includes NOVOS Core, a patent-pending formulation designed to slow down pace of aging with 12 ingredients; it improves energy, skin health, mood and cognition. NOVOS Vital chews are formulated to support and optimize essential organ functions and contain seven ingredients shown to maintain and enhance function of the brain, eyes, heart, liver, kidneys, muscles and gut. “By supporting organ health, NOVOS Vital promotes a better-functioning body, paving the way for enhanced longevity,” Mirabile commented. NOVOS Boost NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide), is a longevity ingredient that boosts energy, metabolism and DNA repair through supporting production of NAD+.
NAD+ is indeed hot right now. ChromaDex’s Tru Niagen is a patented NAD+ supplements that supports healthy aging. “Tru Niagen’s products are developed with a patented form of NR (nicotinamide riboside) called Niagen, which is the most efficient precursor to NAD+ and are shown to significantly increase levels in a few weeks,” Rosene described. “Tru Niagen tackles aging at the root to help drive cellular energy production and repair.”
The Tru Niagen line includes Tru Niagen Immune, Tru Niagen 300 mg, and Tru Niagen Pro 1,000 mg. “Taken daily, Tru Niagen 1,000 mg increases levels of NAD+ by up to 150 percent in as little as three weeks, and keeps them elevated with ongoing supplementation,” she commented. “Additionally, when the immune system is compromised NAD+ can plummet by up to 80 percent—which is why consistent daily supplementation can be a highly valuable form of defense, almost like buying an insurance policy for your immune system.”
RiaGev-SR from Endurance Products Company is a sustained-release blend of a special form of D-ribose and niacinamide that Brunner asserted “overcomes the challenges associated with regular nicotinamide riboside, which can degrade in the gut or be metabolized in the liver, leading to limited bioavailability in other tissues. Research shows RiaGev significantly improves the production of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and related healthy aging parameters in healthy adults.”
Endur-Amide Niacinamide, also from Endurance Products Company, provides nutritional support for mitochondrial and cellular health, DNA repair and antioxidant protection, according to Brunner. Each sustained-release tablet features high-potency niacinamide, the preferred form of niacin for healthy aging benefits. Brunner explained that in addition to supporting the body’s production of NAD+, which is important for energy production, DNA repair, gene expression and other functions, high-dose niacinamide also supports healthy skin by reducing skin conditions related to sun damage. However, he is quick to note, the exact mechanism of skin protection is unknown, but may involve DNA repair and immune protection.
Continued ingestion of high amounts of antioxidants is known to help protect health. And there are several high-antioxidant supplements that may help promote immune function for your patients. Endurance Products Company’s Taxifolin Complex SR is formulated for adults who need nutritional support for antioxidant and immune defense, according to Brunner. The sustained-release supplement provides high-potency vitamin C, highly bioavailable zinc bisglycinate, and Lavitol dihydroquercetin (taxifolin).
He explained, “Taxifolin is a potent antioxidant, superior to quercetin. Vitamin C not only functions as an antioxidant but also helps reactivate vitamin E, supports immune function, helps ensure a healthy inflammatory response, and protects the integrity of skin and underlying capillaries. Zinc protects cells from oxidative damage primarily as a component of superoxide dismutase (SOD) as well as supports immune function. Like vitamin C, zinc helps maintain the integrity of skin and mucous membranes.”
Setria Glutathione from Kyowa Hakko USA is an ingredient that Stanieich eplained acts as a “potent healthy-aging antioxidant. Setria supports immune health by replenishing the body’s primary defense system, helps fight oxidative stress, supports healthy respiratory function and promotes healthy aging and overall health.”
Longevity by Nature’s Telos95 is a blend of potent natural polyphenols designed to support longevity and vitality; it is formulated to protect chromosomal telomeres, thereby slowing the aging process of healthy cells and cellular senescence. “Clinical research has demonstrated that Telos95 reduced TeloYears (a measure of cellular age) by an average of 7.42 years in only six months,” said Alkayali. “Further, study participants experienced a significant increase in median telomere length.”
The company’s Persimonal is an extract of persimmon leaves containing a high concentration of cardioprotective polyphenols, according to Alkayali. Extensive research supports the many health benefits associated with persimmon leaves, he pointed out. For example, in a six-moth placebo-controlled clinical trial Persimonal was shown to support and maintain healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
According to Dr. Smith, the active reduced form of folate—5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF)—is known to fight against oxidative stress and its consequences on health. She explained that research demonstrates that folate deficiency can create or exacerbate oxidative stress thus increasing the risk of several health conditions such as vascular issues and cognitive dysfunction. Conversely, optimal folate levels may reduce the risk of endothelial dysfunction in inflammatory conditions. (Gnosis by Lesaffre offers Quatrefolic the salt of glucosamine 5-MTHF.)
And speaking of cognitive function, this is an area of concern for adults of all ages, but for different reasons. Middle-aged and older adults want to ensure their brains remain healthy with a reduced risk of dementias, while younger adults who are highly stressed want to ensure they keep stress-related mental discombobulations and brain fogs at bay.
S-Adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) is linked to cognitive function through counteracting changes in brain structure and function tied to aging, noted Dr. Smith. SAMe is also known to support healthy mood and emotional well-being, as it is directly involved in the methylation of neurotransmitters (Gnosis by Lesaffre supplied Adonat Premium SAMe).
“Certain nutrients in our diet, like folate (Quatrefolic) and B vitamins, play a role in DNA methylation, a common epigenetic factor, through the metabolic production of SAMe, the most important methylator agent in the body,” she explained. “When SAMe is less available and/or the one-carbon metabolism does not work properly, like in aging, its supplementation contributes to rebalancing the methylation pattern.”
SAMe supplementation with Gnosis’ Adonat Premium SAMe can represent a comprehensive solution to tackle brain health, working in the most critical areas of neurotransmission, neuroprotection, neuroplasticity, as well as joint and liver support.
New from EuroMedica is Cognitive Health Plus, which blends GMT23 Greek Mountain Tea with Bacopa monnieri. Myers explained that in one study, Greek mountain tea was tested against Ginkgo biloba and placebo, finding that those in the Greek mountain tea group scored much higher in tests of accuracy, processed visual information more rapidly, and also showed improved oxygenated red blood cells in the prefrontal cortex.
“Greek mountain tea has also shown excellent results when paired with Bacopa monnieri,” she emphasized. “Bacopa has a great track record improving accuracy, working memory, and helps people perform repetitive tasks while under pressure. Some research even shows that bacopa may help generate newer, and more efficient neural connections in the brain.”
Also from EuroMedica is EurOmega-3 that blends omega-3s, phospholipids and peptides. Myers noted that in one in-vitro study, researchers pre-treated neuronal cells with DHA from this phospholipid-bound omega-3 source for 48 hours before exposing the cells to soluble oligomers of amyloid-beta peptide, known to cause the brain cell damage associated with Alzheimer’s. “The DHA pretreatment so greatly increased neuronal survival and reduced damage that it led the researchers to conclude that ‘Such neuroprotective effects could be of major interest in the prevention of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases,’” she reported.
KollaJell from Longevity by Nature is a patented supplement containing what Alkayali called “a first-of-its-kind” jellyfish collagen (types I, II and V) designed to support cognition and brain health. It contains all 20 essential and nonessential amino acids, including glutamate, serine and tryptophan, along with neuroprotective antioxidants, and calcium-binding proteins.” KollaJell is an abundant source of vital macronutrients for brain health that are not found in any other type of collagen,” he described.
Mobility, of course, is a key concern among adults—as when we are sidelined by aches of joints and muscles (and even broken bones or sprains), we clearly realize the joy of getting around without pain or impediment.
Boiron offers Arnicare topicals, oral pellets and meltaway tablets to help relieve muscle pain, stiffness, swelling from injuries and bruises. According to Merville, the single active ingredient in most Arnicare products is Arnica montana, which has been researched for its therapeutic effect on pain and has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, analgesic and bruise-healing properties. In 2014, he noted, Boiron initiated a randomized clinical evaluation of Arnicare Gel on sports-related muscular soreness and pain. Results showed that the overall level of stiffness during the 72 hours following the sports game was significantly less in the group using Arnicare Gel versus placebo.
Longevity by Nature’s TendoGuard is a clinically tested blend of avian sternum and eggshell membrane that provides essential collagen types (I, II, V and X) for maximizing bone, cartilage and tissue repair, said Alkayali. A 60-day observational study assessing the efficacy of 750 mg TendoGuard gave participants experiencing joint discomfort and reduced mobility a daily dose of 750 mg found that 78 percent of subjects reported significant improvements in range of motion, overall pain reduction and increased muscle strength.
Conclusion
Dr. Teitelbaum said it best: “The goal is not to have people dying when they are very old. But rather to keep them young and healthy to a ripe old age. My goal is to die very young. But very late in life.” You can help all your patients work toward the same goal.
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A Unique Approach to Incontinence Offers Dignity to Patients
Leaking happens for numerous reasons. And it can be one of the most embarrassing things to endure. But if your patients are experiencing incontinence or the inability to venture to a nearby toilet, Boom Home Medical, has innovated urinal solutions to recommend.
Valerie Ulene, MD, a board-certified specialist in general preventive medicine and public health and Boom Home Health co-founder, observed, “The products that are currently available fall well short of modern expectations. They’re poorly designed, unattractive and embarrassingly out of place in people’s homes. They look and feel like the hospital and leave people ashamed when they’re most vulnerable.”
Loona, Boom Home Medical’s first product release, is a personal portable urinal designed for anyone with female anatomy. Loona’s unique patented design and utility features differentiate it from anything else available and solve many of the pain points people encounter with other urinals. Its comfortable contours made from soft silicone are designed to fit the body just right, and its ergonomic handle make it simple to hold securely. Loona’s patented flow diverter dampens sound for a quiet go, and its stable base and snap-close lid protect against spills and leaks.
For men, Boom Home Health offers Tanker, a personal portable urinal designed for anyone with male anatomy. It’s perfect for nighttime urges, recovery after surgery or injuries, as well as travel and camping, according to the company. Tanker’s silicone seal and innovative Twist-Lock top keep liquid where it belongs and prevent accidental spills and leaks. It comes in two colors, Khaki Green and Cement Grey and is made of durable plastic that won’t crack or leak and is made to last, according to the company.
In addition, Boom Home Medical offers its Flourish incontinence underpads, which feature six-layer protection to quickly absorb up to 30 ounces. The microquilted top sheet wicks moisture away from skin while the natural fluff core locks liquid where it belongs; and the leak-proof base layer protects undersurfaces, keeping them clean and dry. “Flourish pads are designed to be used anywhere in people’s homes that they spend time,” Dr. Ulene commented. “Beds and upholstered chairs and sofas are among the most common places people use them, but they’re perfect for any surface that needs protection from bladder leaks.”
Boom Home Medical products are available on multiple online channels, including Boom Home Medical, Amazon, Walmart, Target, Rite Aid, Kroger, QVC and Simply Medical.
She added, “We believe that everyone deserves dignity. So we’re creating beautifully designed, innovative, and easy to use home health care products that fit seamlessly into our lives and homes. Through world-class engineering and human-centered design, we are eliminating the stigma that surrounds aging, disability, and illness and emboldening people to care for themselves without shame or embarrassment.”
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Healthy Take Aways
• A study that analyzed data from several U.S. health surveys with more than 680,000 respondents found Millennials not only have higher rates of obesity and diabetes risk than the older Gen-Xers, they also experience more mental illness, including depression and anxiety.
• Millennials today have higher prevalence rates for nearly all the top 10 conditions than Gen X when they were in the same age range, according to a 2022 study from Blue Cross Blue Shield in the United States.
• A 2019 survey of more than 1,000 Gen-X Americans conducted by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation and the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) found that they recognize the importance of diet and lifestyle habits on their risk for age-related diseases.
For More Information:
Boiron, www.boiron.com
Boom Home Medical, www.boomhomemedical.com
ChromaDex, www.chromadex.com, www.truniagen.com
Endurance Products Company, www.enduranceresearch.com
EuroMedica Inc., www.euromedicausa.com
Gnosis by Lesaffre, www.gnosisbylesaffre.com, www.menaQ7.com, www.quatrefolic.com
Kyowa Hakko USA, www.kyowa-hakko.com
Longevity by Nature, www.longevitybynature.biz
NOVOS, www.novoslabs.com
