Vitamins ‘Essential To Live Till Old Age’

Most people know that having a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, and taking vitamins are important components of a healthy lifestyle. However, a recent article has gone as far as to say they could be the reasons to help us live till very old age – a striking claim that may make many of us reassess our habits and consider supplementing our diet with high strength vitamin B tablets and other minerals.

Mercola recently published an article entitled, ‘The longevity paradox: How To Die Young at a Ripe Old Age’. It includes scientific research into diet, asserting that certain plant lectins are highly inflammatory and therefore prevent full nutrient absorption. The findings also state that restricting animal protein could be beneficial to people as they get older.

According to the article: “Some lectins – including wheat germ agglutinin found in wheat – bind to receptor sites on your intestinal mucosal cells and interfere with the absorption of nutrients across your intestinal wall.”

This was supported by research by Dr Steven Gundry, medical director for International Heart & Lung Institute and director for Centre for Restorative Medicine. During the 2019 American Heart Association’s vascular biology meeting, Dr Gundry revealed dietary lectins could affect the autoimmune system, having a negative impact on those who consume them.

Avoiding plant lectins is a good idea for those with damaged intestines, which he claims is most people.

He also stated that limiting animal protein could have health benefits, particularly referring to the fact that carnivorous societies often live shorter lives.

However, he does not rule out meat entirely and recommends intermittent fasting. This suppresses the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and the activation of autophagy – these help to prevent diseases and promote life longevity.

Another way to boost autophagy is through supplements, which the paper recommends. In particular, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12, C, D, E and K have been shown to extend longevity. Minerals such as calcium, chloride, chromium, cobalt, choline, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, molybdenum, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium, sulphur and zinc are also beneficial to health, which will help people live longer.

As well as changing diet and adding supplements, those who want to live for longer should partake in a healthier lifestyle.

Mercola recommends getting at least eight hours of “restoring, uninterrupted sleep each night”, as this allows the body to function to its best ability.

Taking part in high intensity interval training (HIIT) is also good for the body, as it helps “minimise damage to the mitochondria from the build-up of remnants of proteins and oxidative damage”.

People should try to reduce their stress as well, as this is known to have a significant negative impact on the body, as well as the mind.

“Your emotional state plays a role in nearly every physical disease, and maintaining a positive, grateful attitude can work wonders for your health,” the article went on to say.

To find out more about the benefits of taking vitamin supplements, take a look here.