If you really want to avoid early aging, get to know DHEA

Do you suffer from mood swings and fatigue? Is your health declining as you get older? Can’t keep your weight stable? If so, you may have low levels of DHEA.

As you get older, you may find that you struggle more to maintain muscle mass, feel tired more quickly, or perhaps have developed rheumatoid arthritis or osteoporosis. It’s commonly believed that deterioration as we age is inevitable.

However, current research indicates that we are not predestined to age this way, and by increasing our levels of DHEA before or even after they decline, many of us can turn back the clock.¹

DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, has become known as the “fountain of youth.” It’s made from cholesterol by the adrenal glands, which sit on top of your kidneys. Estrogen and then testosterone are both made from this steroid hormone.

The anti-aging hormone? How to raise DHEA levels naturally

Many people have turned to DHEA because it has been shown to help increase bone density, alleviate lupus and depression, and decrease the risk of heart disease; other potential benefits are increased muscle mass and stronger immunity.^3-7

Someone who lacks essential levels of DHEA might possibly benefit from taking a supplement, and they can be easily found in your local health food store. At Body Ecology, however, we feel it’s important to use this supplement only after you’ve had your levels of DHEA checked by a professional. It’s a very simple saliva test.

So, before you supplement with DHEA capsules, first consult with your healthcare practitioner to make sure that you’re in fact deficient in this hormone.

Anyone will benefit, on the other hand, by naturally increasing their DHEA levels with diet and some simple changes to your lifestyle.

Keep yourself vibrant by following the DHEA-boosting Body Ecology program.

5 gentle-but-effective ways to increase DHEA and curb aging

Follow these guidelines to help naturally raise DHEA in your body:

1. Eat good fats with plenty of omega-3 fatty acids.

DHEA is made from cholesterol, and your body makes cholesterol from healthy fats. You can get essential fatty acids from a variety of oils, like ghee, raw butter, and cod liver, coconut, red palm, flaxseed, evening primrose, pumpkin seed, and olive oils.

2. Get a good night’s sleep.

Your adrenal glands not only create energy. They also manufacture DHEA. If you suffer from adrenal fatigue as many people do today, you may have trouble sleeping, and your adrenals will not be able to produce adequate levels of DHEA to support your daily activities.

Read more about how sleep affects your adrenals and how to nourish them.

3. De-stress your life.

Stress increases levels of two hormones: insulin and cortisol. These two hormones are sometimes called the “death hormones” because when blood levels of cortisol and insulin remain high, they suppress the youth hormone, DHEA. Stress also depletes the vitality of your adrenal glands that produce DHEA.

So, take time to breathe deeply, meditate, and spend time with friends and family. One of the most effective ways to help immediately boost your DHEA levels is to be touched (as in having a great hand, foot, body, or head massage).

4. Cut out sugar.

Sugar creates acidic blood.⁸ To be healthy, your blood should be slightly alkaline. When your blood becomes acidic, this sets the stage for fungal, viral, and bacterial infections and also for imbalances like cancer and diabetes.^8-10

5. Feed your thyroid and your adrenals.

Do this by eating plenty of mineral-rich sea vegetables. Always cook or culture cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, kale, and cabbage, because they may suppress the thyroid when they are eaten raw.

Your thyroid is an active partner with the adrenals that produce DHEA, so make sure it too is hearty. These two organs are tiny, but they are real workhorses in your body. Take special care to feed them right.

We all want to age gracefully. Paying attention to your levels of DHEA is a great method to support yourself in healthy aging. The Body Ecology program, plus getting plenty of sleep, decreasing stress, and eliminating or reducing sugar intake, can get you well on your way to turning back time.

Spending peaceful moments in nature — such as near water or in the mountains — is another approach to help regenerate your adrenals and regain balance in life. Overall, proper nutrition and lifestyle are the two key secrets to finding your own fountain of youth.