Anti Aging Supplements - What to Know Before you Start

As we age, taking vitamins and supplements are important. You may have heard of anti aging supplements, but before you go out and stock up on what you think you need, a few basic tests are necessary.

Why Should You Test First?

Everybody ages differently. Some people may have insufficient nutrients in certain areas than others. Others may be getting enough and extra supplementation may tamper with with certain processes.

Taking incompatible or the wrong amounts of supplements can be the difference between feeling okay or feeling beyond compare (or maybe even feeling not-so-good).

What Tests Should You Take?

Although consulting a doctor is generally recommended, many tests nowadays can be ordered online, done at home, mailed back to the lab and results are viewed online. Many insurance companies may not cover preventative testing and there are less expensive options online.

Organic Acid Testing

Will indicate what vitamins and minerals you require. You can use it when you are first starting a supplement program or to "fine tune" what you are already doing. It can unveil a variety of needed nutrients, such as co enzyme Q10, alpha lipoic acid, carnitine and others. (If you don't know what these are, I'll be covering them in my next article.) This test is done with a morning urine specimen.

Salivary Hormone Testing

Although there are other methods for testing hormones, using saliva has proven to be very effective. The five hormones typically tested for are testosterone, progesterone, estrogen, cortisol and dhea.

These hormones usually become imbalanced as we age. Getting these hormone levels in the correct balance can result in:

• increased energy
• memory improvement
• better weight control enhanced sexuality
• improved sleep

Once more, these tests can be performed at home, although some states may want a physician referral.

Food Allergy Testing

Food allergies are more widespread than you think and can clash with a nutritional program. Even some of the healthiest foods can be a issue if you have an allergy. A simple finger stick done at home is sent to a laboratory with the results returned in a couple of weeks.

Iodine Sufficiency Test

This is a litmus test for thyroid disorders which are becoming increasingly more prevalent today. If you have symptoms of weight gain, moodiness, or thinning hair, you may have a thyroid disorder and not even realize it. This is a urine test.

Vitamins and anti aging supplements are an important for any anti aging program and the benefits are great if it's done correctly.

Want to regain your youthful vigor? This is the first in a series of articles on anti aging supplements. Get updates on the series, current research in the aging field and the free book.