Carnosine keeps us young! Until it goes away….

What is there not to like about aging?  Like CK Lewis once said “After 40 no day is better than the day before”.  In all seriousness, it is possible today to dramatically slow disease and the aging process far more than most people realize.  With proper maintenance and discipline you can achieve an extended lifetime of good health and good spirits.

Among the anti-aging supplements most of us are now familiar with including Vitamins C, D and E, coenzyme q10 and even resveratrol there is one exciting molecule demonstrating significant and powerful anti-aging (anti-senescence) properties:  carnosine.

Carnosine is a small protein (di-peptide) found in the body that is made from two amino acids, alanine and histidine.  In addition to being a powerful endogenous (naturally occurring inside the cell) free-radical scavenger (anti-oxidant) just like Vit C and Vit E, carnosine has been shown in scientific research studies to be able to extend the lifespan of cultured cells, rejuvenate senescent (old) cells, inhibit the toxic effects of glycation, protein carbonylation and maintain cellular homeostasis (stability).  Protein glycation and carbonylation have been linked to many age-related chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and sensory losses such as deafness.  Carnosine has demonstrated significant promise in the treatment of cataracts and acceleration of healing surface wounds and burns to the skin. Carnosine may be the most powerful shield against all the processes that destroy protein and make us age!

Unfortunately, our carnosine levels, normally abundant in our brain and muscle tissue, rapidly decrease as we age.  Red meat is an excellent source of carnosine, but supplementation can ensure we achieve a clinical level of intake, especially if you are a vegetarian.  Recommended doses of carnosine for healthy adults range from 500 to 1500 milligrams a day.  My goal is to responsibly combat the effects of aging with a balance of conventional and alternative medicine, and 1000mg/day carnosine is one of my key strategies.

Stay healthy and Move Train Win!