What are the Latest Anti-Aging Protocols?
What are the Latest Anti-Aging Protocols?
Over the years, the health and beauty industries have been hard at work, trying to come up with a formula for the ‘fountain of youth.’ While aging is a natural process, it does not hurt to tip the balance in your favor where you can. You have probably looked at ageless celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Will Smith and wondered, what is their secret? But why is this important? Why shouldn’t we go with the natural flow of aging?
The answer is that aging comes with challenges, and wanting to put these off as much as possible is not vain. The skin is often the first to show signs of aging with the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Unfortunately, this can start as early as the age of 25. Other issues include a slowing metabolism, loss of muscle mass, and a decline in cognitive function.
Although genetics impact how we age, it is possible to slow down mental and physical aging. This can be achieved by eating a healthy plant-based diet, exercise, engaging the mind, enjoying the sunshine, and getting enough quality sleep.
In a world of advanced technological knowhow, science has gifted us with more elaborate protocols to keep aging at bay. This article discusses the latest anti-aging protocols in the market.
Testosterone Therapy
Testosterone is the male hormone that gives a man ‘masculinity’. It is produced in the testicles and is responsible for building muscle mass, strong bones, sexual desire, and sperm production.
Studies show that starting at the age of 30 men naturally lose about 1% of testosterone each year. Other than age, testosterone levels can decline as a result of disease, environmental factors such as smoking, sedentary lifestyles, and an unhealthy diet.
Declining testosterone levels present challenges such as loss of muscle mass, low libido, lack of energy and strength, and a build-up of body fat. While these issues are all physical, they can have compounding psychological effects leading to low self-esteem and depression.
This combination of factors can quickly lead to chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. This not only lowers the quality of life but accelerates the aging process.
Fortunately, it is possible to increase testosterone levels and reverse these effects through testosterone replacement therapy. This is a form of treatment designed to raise t-levels in the body using various methods. These include skin creams, pellets inserted under the skin, gels, a mouth patch, or injections.
Like many other treatments, this therapy comes with risks such as sleep apnea, acne, mood swings, and increased risk of blood clots. As such, it is essential to work with a qualified physician who will measure your levels and give you the appropriate dosage.
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
The human growth hormone is produced in the pituitary gland and is responsible for growth in children and adolescents. It also plays a role in other bodily functions such as bone and muscle growth and regulating sugar and fat metabolism. HGH also boosts cell regeneration and growth and speeds up muscle repair after injury. The production of HGH naturally declines with age.
A synthetic form of HGH was developed in 1985 and approved by the FDA for treating growth-related disorders. HGH is used to combat the effects of aging due to its ability to regenerate and repair cells. It also increases muscle growth, energy, sex drive, memory, and vision.
More natural ways of increasing growth hormone or somatotropes in the human body are growth hormone secretagogues such as: CJC/Ipamorelin, sermorelin, or dynatropin. These secretagogues stimulate the pituitary gland to promote the natural production of endogenous growth hormone.
For the most part, taking HGH treatments to slow anti-aging borders on the illegal as the FDA has not approved it for this purpose. It may also come with some risks that include increased insulin resistance, man boobs, muscle pain, and even type two diabetes.
Epitalon
Epitalon is a synthetic peptide (short-chain amino acid) designed to reverse the aging process. It was developed by Russian scientist Prof. Vladimir Khavinson. Epitalon is often referred to as ‘the fountain of youth’ for its ability to renew cell growth and repair, boost the immune system, and revitalize organ function. As a result, you will enjoy increased energy levels, better sleep, improved skin, and a delay in age-related ailments.
But how exactly does Epitalon work? This peptide increases the natural production of an enzyme called telomerase. Telomerase aids body cells in the production of telomeres, the protective parts of DNA. Aging shortens telomeres, limiting their ability to grow and multiply. By supporting the creation of telomers, Epitalon protects our DNA, giving it the chance to replicate, grow new cells, and rejuvenate old ones. This effectively reverses the aging process.
The most effective method of administering Epitalon is via intravenous or intramuscular injection. Nasal sprays and skin applications are also available, but these are not as effective.
Since Epitalon is a naturally occurring substance in the body (as Epithalamine), initial studies have not shown any adverse side effects. Even then, it is advisable to consult a qualified physician for advice on whether Epitalon is right for you.
CJC/Ipamorelin
CJC and Ipamorelin are peptides often used as a combination to stimulate the secretion of the human growth hormone in the pituitary gland. As a result, you will experience increased muscle mass and bone density, strength, faster metabolism, and reduced body fat. Other benefits include better sleep quality, enhanced cognitive function, and a strengthened immune system.
CJC 1295 is a synthetic peptide (small amino acid) that stimulates the pituitary gland to produce the growth hormone. Given that growth hormone production reduces significantly with age, this peptide plays a role in reversing this trend and effectively fighting the aging process.
Similarly, Ipamorelin increases the production of the human growth hormone by mimicking the action of ghrelin. Ipamorelin has been credited with pain relief, improved mental ability, better skin elasticity, and muscle growth.
When taken together, CJC/ Ipamorelin maximizes the production of the human growth hormone, as they each target different receptors. Ipamorelin goes to work immediately and has a half-life of a couple of hours. CJC 1295, on the other hand, has a longer lifespan and can stay in the body for about a week.
Because these two peptides do not actually contain HGH but only stimulate its production, they do not come with adverse side effects as would the real hormone. They also do not trigger other hormones, such as cortisol, as peptide treatments often do. Some patients have reported mild side effects such as headaches, dizziness, and irritation at the injection site.
This protocol is often delivered via subcutaneous injection, and this can be done in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. A typical dose can range anywhere from 100-500mcg, depending on your needs. It is advisable to have the injection at the same time every day, preferably at night, as this is in line with the body’s natural production of the growth hormone. For the best results, you should combine CJC/ Ipamorelin treatment with a proper diet and exercise.
Anti-inflammatories – BPC-157
BPC- 157, also known as Body Protection Compound 157, is a small protein found in stomach acid (gastric juice). It was discovered in 1993 and has been seen to regenerate cells and boost their healing and repair.
Scientists believe that it works by promoting the production of new blood vessels, thus its regenerative effect. It is, therefore, useful in healing torn joints, ligaments, and tendons. BPC-157 also reduces inflammation, contributing to the healing of wounds and ulcers.
This protocol can be administered in several ways, including orally, via skin patches and creams, as well as through injections.
It is important to note that BPC-157 has not been extensively tested in humans. The few studies conducted so far have not shown any adverse side effects, and several clinics have been prescribing it successfully.
If you suffer from acute joint pain, this might be a protocol to consider, but it is advisable to speak to your doctor before you embark on it.
