Top 4 Science-backed Anti-Aging Tips That Actually Work (and Won’t Break the Bank)

Dr. Emily Parke

6 years ago

Top 4 Science-backed Anti-Aging Tips That Actually Work (and Won’t Break the Bank)

As a society, we’re obsessed with anti aging ‘secrets.’ The anti-aging industry clocked in at $140.3 billion in 2015 and is estimated to reach $216.52 billion by 2021.

As we live longer, it’s no surprise we want to extend our youthful appearance and vitality. Wouldn’t it be ideal if you could extend your prime years, improve your appearance, and keep that bounce in your step? And wouldn’t be even better if these anti-aging tips were accessible, safe, and affordable?

Believe it or not, there are four anti-aging techniques I recommend to all my patients that are:

Based in science
Can be implemented at any age of life
Are affordable (in fact, #4 is free)
Actually work

These anti-aging tips focus on making your body more efficient through targeting nutrients and systems associated with aging. We are living in a time where we can manipulate our diets and lifestyle to optimize our bodies for personal health goals, and this list takes full advantage of that knowledge.

Let’s take a closer look at these four anti-aging tips that actually work.

Boost Collagen

You’ve probably noticed collagen is making quite a stir in health and beauty products, precisely for its ability to fight signs of aging.

Collagen accounts for a third of all your body’s protein. The word ‘collagen’ comes from the Greek word for ‘glue’ because it is the glue that holds your skin, muscles, tendons, cartilage, bones, and blood vessels together. When you increase your collagen consumption and production you’ll benefit from its natural age fighting properties.

Collagen offers anti-aging benefits inside and out by supporting numerous anti-aging processes, including:

Reducing wrinkles
Smoothing skin
Improving hair and nails
Boosting metabolism
Balancing hormones
Reducing cellulite
Supporting detox pathways
Repairing tissues including skin, muscles, bones, and joints

This is such an important anti-aging tip I recommend tackling from a few different angles. You can boost your collagen three ways:

Eating collagen containing foods
Eating foods that naturally increase collagen production
Implementing techniques that cause your body to produce more collagen

Foods that contain collagen:

Bone broth
Eggs
Fish
Grass-fed beef
Chicken (including the skin)

Much of the collagen in the foods listed are contained in the skin, organs, and marrow, which most Americans no longer eat regularly. You might want to consider increasing your collagen intake with supplements. If you take collagen supplements, look for one that’s sourced from grass-fed cows, or wild caught fish. Always use a high-quality supplement from a trusted source.

Food that naturally increases collagen production:

Broccoli
Aloe vera
Ginseng
Cilantro
Spirulina
Chlorella

Ways to increase or preserve collagen:

Microneedling – Microneedling can be done at home or with a professional. This is a safe and easy way to boost collagen production.
Microdermabrasion – This should be done with dermatologist but is another excellent way to get your body to boost its own collagen production.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A also has anti-aging benefits and is protective against sun damage when it’s consumed because it’s a powerful antioxidant. You can get more vitamin A in your diet by eating more:

Carrots
Sweet potato
Kale
Spinach

CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring enzyme that is required by every cell in the body. It acts as an antioxidant and protects the skin from free radical damage. CoQ10 works both in skincare products and when you consume it.

As you get older, your body produces less CoQ10 which contributes to lower collagen levels. Studies have found CoQ10 suppresses inflammatory responses in the skin and can protect against UV radiation when used topically. Using skin care products with CoQ10 can make your skin look younger. CoQ10 can penetrate the skin and provide antioxidative effects on a cellular level that boosts collagen and preserves further breakdown.

Eating foods with more CoQ10 also helps (similarly to vitamin A). Foods highest in CoQ10 are primarily animal products, including beef, sardines, and mackerel. Vegetables such as broccoli and spinach contain some CoQ10 but if you’re a vegan or a vegetarian you should definitely consider taking a supplement.

Intermittent fasting

Intermittent fasting is completely free and a great anti-aging tactic everyone should know about. Fasting occurs when your body goes between 8 to 16 hours without food and has numerous health benefits. While that may sound like a long time, many people inadvertently fast between dinner and breakfast. Think about it, if you finish dinner around 8 o’clock at night and you don’t eat breakfast until 7 the next morning, that’s already 11 hours without eating. I typically recommend starting with 12 hours and work your way to 16 hours gradually. The number of days someone can tolerate intermittent fasting varies tremendously! Women over 40 typically do well with no more than 3-4 days per week for example. Too much fasting of any kind can become a stress on the body which is less than ideal, thus finding your sweet spot is way to get the best way to take full advantage. You will have to experiment a little to determine the number of days that are optimal for you, meaning make you feel good, and not tired or irritable.

You can fast for longer and reap anti-aging benefits with it. Benefits of intermittent fasting include:

Rejuvenating skin
Boosting metabolism
Increasing stress resistance
Improving glucose tolerance
Improving brain function

Intermittent fasting is gaining a ton of attention with the explosion of the ketogenic diet. If you haven’t looked heard of it or looked into intermittent fasting yet, it’s definitely worth your time.

I’ve been helping patients keep their youthful vigor through targeted nutrition plans and comprehensive health evaluations for over the years. Make an appointment today to slow the effects of time, it’s never too early!

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