Glyco Plus Powder 117g

Stimulating the healthy growth of stem cells is a critical component of every anti-aging program. Studies have shown that specific

nutrients and hormones can encourage the growth or proliferation of stem cells in one’s body, thus promoting regeneration and healing.

Neutraceuticals Known To Optimize Adult Stem Cells

• Green Tea
• Blueberry
• Catechin (from green tea)
• Vitamin D
• Carnosine
• Resveratol (found in red wine)
• Omega-3 fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
• Hormones Known to Optimize Adult Stem Cells
• Growth hormone
• Estradiol
• Testosterone

NATURAL THERAPIES SUPPORT STEM CELL HEALTH

Stimulating the healthy growth of stem cells is a critical component of every anti-aging program. Studies have shown that specific nutrients and hormones can encourage the growth or proliferation of stem cells in one’s body, thus promoting regeneration and healing.

In a groundbreaking study, scientists took several nutrients known for their health and cognition-enhancing benefits and studied their effects, alone and in combination, on the proliferation of bone marrow and hematopoietic cells (which are capable of generating all cell types of the blood and immune system).46 The researchers found a dose-related effect of blueberry, green tea, catechin, carnosine, and vitamin D3 on the proliferation of human bone marrow. Furthermore, combinations of these nutrients stimulated bone marrow proliferation by as much as 83%, compared with only 48% in a control group, which received a growth factor medicine called granulocyte colony-stimulating factor.46

Another natural compound showing promise for boosting stem cell health is resveratrol. Derived from red wine, resveratrol has demonstrated significant health benefits ranging from cardiovascular protection to anticancer effects.47 It is believed that resveratrol works by mimicking the effects of calorie restriction, the best anti-aging strategy to date, through mechanisms such as reducing oxidative stress, boosting energy production, and regulating gene expression.48

New studies have also linked the cardioprotective effects of resveratrol with the regeneration of endothelial progenitor cells -  derived from stem cells and can be collected by the stem cell collection process described on page 42. These progenitor cells are a vital component in helping to repair blood vessel damage. Indeed, aging and compromised cardiac function are associated with low numbers of these cells.49 One animal study found that low concentrations of resveratrol increased the number and function of endothelial progenitor cells in repairing the injured endothelium of the aorta.50

Adult stem cell repair is also influenced by supplementing with the omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). This compound is essential for healthy brain growth and development. It also plays a crucial role in supporting normal brain function, including learning and memory. Results from a recent study revealed that DHA may exert its effects by triggering the differentiation of neuronal stem cells to produce new neurons in the brain.51 This interplay among nutrients, stem cells, and growth factors offers promising hope for slowing down and preventing neurodegenerative diseases.52

Another method to support stem cell proliferation and function is through optimizing hormone levels. Using bioidentical hormones (which are identical to those naturally occurring in the body), it is possible to restore deficient adult hormones to youthful levels. Stem cell-enhancing effects have been noted with both growth hormone and estradiol replacement therapy.53,54 In fact, animal studies have shown that estrogen and growth hormone enhanced the action of stem cells in cardiac repair.55,56 Additionally, a study in men aged 60-75 years old found that testosterone replacement therapy increased muscle mass by stimulating stem cells in muscle.57

Targeted nutritional and hormonal therapies may thus help promote wellness and fight the diseases associated with aging through optimizing stem cell production and function.