According to Klatz, “Aging is a factor of the amount of birthday candles on your birthday cake; whereas, growing old is a process that leads to degenerative diseases and, finally, death.” Many degenerative diseases, which are a growing problem in the U.S.—are preventable. Klatz says that genetics accounts for 1/3 to 1/2 of the risk of developing degenerative diseases, but that a majority of the remaining factors are under our control, and that we need to learn to “beat our genetics.” Klatz prescribes an anti-aging program that is 80% diet, lifestyle and nutritional supplementation—good news that confirms the role that functional foods may play in the diets of aging Baby Boomers.
Functional foods and supplements with ingredients that play a part in helping us slow the aging process and prevent degenerative diseases can play an important role. Hot new areas that are gaining attention in non-dietary areas identified by Klatz include advances in understanding DNA repair and cortisol balance. Here is a brief look at just a few of the tools at our disposal.