May 10, 2011

Mellow Out

Without a doubt, getting older happens to all of us. It’s an inevitable organic process that cannot be stopped; although, many attempt to slow it down or hide it as I have witnessed while working in oral surgeon’s offices. Men and women alike make appointments to receive anti-aging injections; yet, all the while wanting to keep it a secret to the outside world including their spouses and / or partners. On the other hand, I’ve frequently heard countless others saying they refuse to give aging the time of day and that the lines on their faces are badges of honor, indicating a challenging yet great life!

The fact of the matter is aging is a holistic progression of sorts, affecting both the inside as well as the outside of the body; and, for as often as I hear people claim that they’re not worried about the effects of aging, the fact of the matter is, most of us are doing something to lead a healthy life for as long as we can. This my friends on some level is an anti-aging program.

Think about it. You may not give any attention to the wrinkles developing around your eyes or across your forehead as other people do; however, if you’re changing the way you eat, have taken up exercise, and / or are taking medications for one of those conditions we get as we get older, you are, in fact, honoring an anti-aging protocol BECAUSE you want to feel good and live a healthy life for as long as possible.

With this in mind, I’m wondering, ‘Do your medications honor your physiology all the while being an effective course of action that rectify the issue or are they merely methods of symptom relief while hastening the aging process?

Here’s an interesting correlation between medication, sleep and aging: Sleep is an important facet of life. Getting the appropriate amount keeps the heart healthy, lowers stress, improves memory, boosts the immune system, assists with controlling weight, and reduces the chance of diabetes and mood disorders. In other words, it enhances the quality of our life. In contrast, lack of sleep not only causes us to look and feel older, it also increases our risk for developing diseases associated with aging such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and heart disease. As a matter of fact, the medications prescribed for these conditions can potentially interfere with our ability to sleep which only adds to the dilemma. If it’s absolutely necessary to take these drugs, essential oils (& other modalities) can assist with regulating the hormonal system which does grow to be imbalanced due to the meds. Conversely, if insomnia is the only concern at this point, then stimulating and resetting the system with supplements, essential oils in addition to other holistic modalities such as massage and acupuncture are effective options over treating the symptoms with an over the counter pill or two.

Medications such as Lopressor, Prozac, Depakote, Rhinocort, Nasonex, Flonase, Inderal, Ocupress work to support our bodies with mood disorders, blood pressure, and immune system issues. What’s more, they rob us of the melatonin necessary for the regulation of our sleep cycle as well as the rise and fall of other hormones.

Melatonin equals sleepiness; rising at night, peaking in the morning, and receding throughout the day and the reason so many people use the hormone to help them fall asleep, overcome jetlag and adjust to shift changes. Due to extensive studies throughout the late 1990′s, research is suggesting that melatonin is not only very helpful in slowing down the aging process but it’s highly valuable with reducing the risk of cancer. There are also further indications that this hormone is an effective libido enhancer as its production increases during puberty.

Regardless, melatonin is primarily manufactured in the body with only minimal amounts found in food. There are no recommended daily allowances at this time simply because ‘we’re’ not quite sure just how much can be taken without triggering side effects; although, one to three milligrams per day seems to be well tolerated by most people. Therefore, if needing to take a supplement, take small amounts and avoid taking in the morning. Some side effects caused by getting too much are headaches, dizziness, irritability, abdominal cramps as well as transient feelings of depression (be careful ~ anti-depressants will rob your system of melatonin and…….)

All in all, sleep supports our body, keeping all systems in check and is reasonably manageable. The breakdown exists when we attempt to correct a natural system with something other than nature. Maybe it’s time to try something like Aromatherapy (essential oils Frankincense, Sandalwood and Cedarwood stimulate the Pineal Gland where melatonin is produced), Acupuncture, Massage, Energy Work or another modality to assist you with regulating and restoring an out of balance system; and whether you’re worried about getting older or not, consistently getting a good night’s sleep assures you of a healthy and active life for as long as possible.

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