First what is aging?
Aging is the process by which changes take place (with the passage of time) in the bodies of humans, resulting in wrinkles, gray hair, slackness of muscles and ultimately in death. Aging is defined as a set of processes that result over a period of time in health deterioration and ultimately death. We all undergo aging as an undeniable part of life. However, we can prevent the acceleration of the process. Aging depends on multiple factors which determine the pace of the aging process. These include genetic factors, food, nutrients, medication, illnesses, environmental factors and lifestyle. Among the most important factors which can be controlled are lifestyle and food. We all know that smoking tobacco, drugs, alcohol use accelerate the process by causing disease and increasing the chances of failing health. However, less known but equally important are consumption of the wrong foods and bad dietary practices. These result in inadequate intake of required nutrients and increased intake of sugars, carbohydrates etc. The result is lifestyle illnesses like diabetes, gastric and duodenal ulcers, obesity, heart disease stroke and even cancer. It is here that Diindolylmethane (DIM) plays an important role. Diindolylmethane (DIM) is an indole and an important substance called a phytonutrient that is found naturally in many vegetables like cabbage and cauliflower, brussel sprouts and broccoli. This chemical compound has a crucial role in slowing down the process of aging and reducing the health problems associated with it.
So how does DIM act to prevent aging?
Dr. Zeligs, who has done much work on the effects of Diindolylmethane (DIM) on aging has found that many of the body cells undergo long term inflammatory processes resulting in illnesses like diabetes, obesity and cancer. Certain food substances like Diindolylmethane (DIM) can help the body detect the inflamed cells and eliminate them, replacing them with healthy cells thus resulting in slowing of the aging process. Diindolylmethane (DIM) has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Diindolylmethane (DIM) directs the body to produce cancer preventing chemicals like 2-hydroxy estrogens which have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It also prevents the formation of inflammatory enzymes. Among the many factors provoking inflammation are, lack of exercise and high carbohydrate diets. Diindolylmethane (DIM), taken as a supplement can help prevent the accumulation of toxins acquired from pesticide rich food, plastics and other harmful chemicals. This is done by DIM acting as a catalyst for the elimination of such toxins from the body. Diindolylmethane (DIM) supplements can also help support antioxidant enzymes and suppress the activity of inflammatory receptors in body tissues. It has also been found that Diindolylmethane (DIM) prevents inflammation causing cytokine release from cells called macrophages in the body, again reducing inflammation and aging. It also acts to prevent diseases in the prostate, breast and uterus by its protective estrogenic effects.
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