You feel 25, but your body keeps reminding you you are not! You tire easily. Your knees hurt. The only part of you that is thinning is your hair.

You wonder about those antiaging products you see advertised. Can they really slow down or even stop the aging process? When evaluating claims made about such remedies, some old advice is good advice if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Anti-aging hype

People have been searching for the fountain of youth for ages. And the lure of advertisements for anti-aging products can be hard to resist. Who would not want to look and feel years younger simply by taking a pill?

But researchers have learned that aging is an intricate, complex process that involves many areas of your body. It is unlikely that a product, pill or potion could cure all of the ills age can bring.

Certain strategies can help.

These include:

l Exercising your mind

l Exercising your body

l Following a healthy diet

l Maintaining a healthy weight l Taking good care of yourself l Seeking prompt treatment when you are ill or injured

l Using sunscreen

l Not smoking

l Avoiding secondhand smoke

If you smoke, quitting can be your most valuable ally in the fight against aging. Smoking damages

your body in multiple ways. Not only can it cut your life short by harming your heart, lungs and blood vessels, but it can also increase wrinkles and tend to make you look older along the way. Leading a smoke-free existence may be the most effective way you can prevent premature aging and death.

If you want healthy-looking skin, don't spend long periods of time in the sun without covering up or wearing sunscreen. Sun exposure causes wrinkles and age spots. It can also cause lifethreatening melanoma and other skin cancers.

But what about all of the antiaging remedies advertised today? Here is an overview of some of the most popular products.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are certain vitamins, minerals and enzymes that protect your body by neutralising free radicals. Free radicals are byproducts of your cells' normal metabolism. They are believed to contribute to age-related changes and certain diseases.

Antioxidant supplements touted to fight age-related diseases include:

Vitamin A and beta carotene: Supplements of beta carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in your body, likely offer no protection against cardiovascular disease. And if you smoke, taking beta carotene supplements may

increase your risk of lung cancer. If you are interested in increasing your intake of vitamin A or beta carotene, you are probably better off eating more red and yellow vegetables than taking supplements. Too much can increase your risk of osteoporosis.

Vitamin C: Studies have shown that people who eat diets high in vitamin C, found mainly in citrus fruits, have lower rates of cancer and heart disease. However, it is unclear whether taking vitamin C supplements has similar benefits. Eating more citrus fruits and drinking more citrus juices may be a more reasonable approach than taking supplements.

Vitamin E: Vitamin E may protect against cancer, infertility and cataracts and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Selenium: This antioxidant mineral is found primarily in seafood and liver. It may help prevent cancer. However, excessive amounts may cause hair and nail loss. More research is needed.

Coenzyme Q-10: This antioxidant is produced by your body. It has many dietary sources, including meat and seafood. Claims that it can slow aging and stop the spread of cancer are unproved. However, it may hold promise as a treatment for congestive heart failure.

Certain B complex vitamins: Vitamins B-6, B-12 and folic acid

have been shown to work together to reduce blood levels of homocysteine, an amino acid normally found in your body that, in excess levels, has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Work is under way to determine if lowering your homocysteine level will lower your risk of heart attack, stroke and related diseases.

In addition to these antioxidants, you may also hear claims about the benefits of coral calcium. Coral calcium is a fossilised coral mineral powder harvested from coral reef mineral beds. It is also sold as a calcium and mineral supplement. No medical evidence supports any health claims made about coral calcium.

Although studies of some antioxidants are promising, use caution. It is not clear yet if taking antioxidant supplements is safe in the long term. For now, a better alternative is to eat more antioxidant-rich foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables.

Hormones

Hormones are chemicals made by your body to regulate the activities of vital organs. Because hormone levels decline with age, some scientists speculate that hormones may play a role in the aging process. According to proponents of hormone products, you can set back your body's clock by restoring your hormone levels to those of your youth. Supplements include:

Testosterone: Declining

levels of this male sex hormone have been linked with common complaints of aging, such as decreased energy and sex drive. Anti-aging enthusiasts say increasing your level of testosterone by prescription often beyond the normal range of testosterone in your body will improve your energy, well-being, complexion and sex drive. Such claims remain unproved. In high doses testosterone can result in prostate problems, elevated cholesterol and fertility problems.

Melatonin: This hormone is produced in the brain. It helps regulate sleep and holds promise as a remedy for insomnia and jet lag. But claims that melatonin, also a type of antioxidant, can slow or reverse aging, fight cancer and enhance sexuality are far from proved. Supplements sold in stores typically contain many times the melatonin produced by your body. If taken improperly, melatonin can actually disrupt your sleep cycle.

Human growth hormone (HGH): This hormone, responsible for growth spurts in children, tapers off after adolescence. Proponents say injections of HGH, available by prescription, burn fat, build muscle and renew energy. Some studies do suggest some benefit from HGH. However, these studies have been small, and most doctors say it is too early to draw solid conclu-

sions from them. Possible side effects include fluid retention, joint pain and high blood pressure.

Hormone replacement therapy: For women, hormone

replacement therapy (HRT) may slow bone loss, restore vaginal lubrication and maintain skin tone. But HRT may also increase your risk of blood clots, heart disease, heart attack and breast cancer.

Safety not guaranteed

The safety of anti-aging supplements is not guaranteed. In addition, you cannot be sure of product purity or the amount of active ingredient in any given supplement even from one package to the next of the same product. The bottom line is buyer beware.

No short cut

Despite tempting claims, no product is proved to prevent or reverse aging. In addition, many have potentially dangerous side effects. If you are considering an anti-aging product or you are concerned that you may have a hormone deficiency, talk to your doctor. He or she can help you decide whether the potential benefits of a product outweigh any risks.

Source: http://www.cnn.com