By Gregory H. Hessler, MD

Aging gracefully is a seemingly all too elusive goal for most people. It probably ranks as one of the highest priorities for people over age 40, but it is so elusive that people rarely discuss it - thinking the matter is out of their hands. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. Thanks to biochemical research over the past 15 years, a growing body of information that bears on this issue is now available for our use. In fact, the quantity of information is so great that there is now a two-year long specialty training fellowship and certification process for physicians in the new field of medicine called Antiaging Medicine.

Having completed that training and certification process, I am privileged to be able to deliver remarkably life-changing information to a large segment of the population who, historically, found it agonizingly difficult to identify information they can turn in to action in their lives with tangible results. Aging of the skin can be slowed or warded off. Lost mental sharpness, memory function, decreased stamina, decreased motivation, and loss of sexuality can be recovered. What is surprising is that all of this can be accomplished without surgical procedures and the vast majority without the use of drugs. These measures are available to anyone wanting to pursue them.

If one is to preserve and enhance a youthful appearance and the ability to thrive in life, one needs to learn how to change the biochemical, neurochemical, and hormonal balance of the body to bring about the desired outcome. This is accomplished by a number of measures. Certain nutrients, when supplemented, will dramatically change biochemistry, neurochemistry and hormonal balance. Risk of degenerative diseases in the human body, including heart disease, stroke and degenerative joint and neurological diseases, which make up the majority of mortal events and debilitating age-related conditions, is also significantly changed. The nutrients effectively change the manifestation of our genetic makeup in a way that can be used to our advantage. For example, daily intake of vitamin C and vitamin E, preferentially in the form of mixed tocopherols, reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease by 80%. Lycopene and green tea extract decrease risk of heart disease and prostate cancer. Certain amino acids will slow skin aging, improve memory, improve libido, treat depression and anxiety, and slow aging of the blood vessels and nervous system. The Omega-3 fat DHA, in fish oil, will reduce heart disease by 30% and may treat depression as effectively as an antidepressant at higher doses.

The above are just some of the ways in which the aging process and its degenerative effects can be delayed or reversed. Oftentimes, our signs and symptoms of aging are caused simply by not getting enough of the nutrients our bodies need. Instead of correcting the root of the problem by eating a well balanced diet and getting the appropriate daily physical activity our bodies require, we tend to chalk it up to aging and let it take its course. Talking with a physician specializing in Antiaging Medicine can help you correct the nutrient imbalance and get you started on the right path to age recovery!


Gregory H. Hessler M.D. is a Board Certified Family Physician and is also Board Certified in Anti Aging Medicine. Dr. Hessler has been practicing medicine for over 20 years and has been in the Traverse City area for 10 years.



“Old age is like everything else. To make a success of it, you’ve got to start young.”
-Fred Astaire