Revitalizing Your Brain Power II

For each neurochemical there is an optimal amount which differs for every individual. Above or below this amount, mental function will not improve markedly or will even decrease. Drug effects may be subtle at first, requiring a period of learning for full realization of its benefits. The schematic diagram here shows how neurotransmitters carry messages […]

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Our Subversive Free Radicals I

… Spontaneous mutations, cancer, and aging can be looked upon as a result of continuous “internal radiation” while these same processes produced by external radiation are largely the result of an increment in the amount of total “radiation” to which the organism is exposed. —Dr. Denham Harman, originator of the free radical theory of aging […]

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Turning Back Aging Clocks I

Everyone is familiar with the so-called “annual” plants which live only a few months, from the time when they sprout, until, after the production of seed, death comes to them naturally. … Natural death can be postponed if the plant be prevented from seeding. —Elie Metchnikoff, The Prolongation of Life (1908) Do DNA genetic clocks […]

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Our Subversive Free Radicals VIII

Although the work was directed at amyloid formation, data was also cited that showed the pronounced beneficial effect on the mice’s mortality rate by adding Santoquin antioxidant to the diet. Without the antioxidant in the diet, 20% survived to 1814 months; on diets with 0.2% Santoquin, 20% survived for 23 months. This was not the […]

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Our Subversive Free Radicals V

BHT has extended the life spans of mice in experiments by Dr. Denham Harman. In some species which have a naturally short life span and tend to die of cancer, the BHT’s life extending effects probably stemmed from its suppression of cancer development. Harman has also demonstrated an increase in average life span with BHT […]

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Our Subversive Free Radicals III

Free radicals are intermediates in many normal and necessary metabolic reactions. Thus, all oxygen-using organisms have had to evolve defensive mechanisms against free radicals: The enzymes catalase and peroxidase break down hydrogen peroxide and other peroxides, superoxide dismutase (called SOD) controls the superoxide free radical, and glutathione peroxidase also controls peroxides. Antioxidants such as vitamins […]

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Cross-linked Molecules and Aging in Skin, Arteries, and Other Tissues III

Proteins are complex molecules, made up of amino acids, which perform a wide variety of functions in the human body, from chemical reaction-controlling enzymes, to structural molecules like collagen, to necessary components in human memory. In order to function properly, proteins must assume a correct three-dimensional configuration. In their proper shape, some proteins act as […]

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Aging and the Immune System III

Selenium, a mineral, is an important trace element in immune system function. It has been found in experimental animals to act as an anti-carcinogen and anti-mutagen (can prevent DNA mutations—undesired alterations of your DNA master blueprint in the presence of some mutagenic agents). Selenium is an essential part of your enzyme called glutathione peroxidase, which […]

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