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Do you think that living a healthy anti-aging lifestyle with specific anti-aging supplements sinful?
New scientific research is showing that certain lifestyle changes and certain supplements can have a profound effect on the aging process both external and internal, like NMN, Resveratrol, NAC, CoQ10, Astaxanthin, etc...
I'm interested in using them to age slower, I would like to feel and also look younger than my age when I will be 50, 60, etc...
Do you think this is sinful?
Do you think this is vanity or could lead to it?
Of course, I know this is a very broad questions and it could have many different responses based on intentions, vocation and calling, behaviors towards this goal, etc.
Ignazio
{ Do you think living a healthy anti-aging lifestyle with specific anti-aging supplements is sinful? }
Eric replied:
Ignazio,
I think you're on the right track to be on guard against vanity. The Catechism #2289 also speaks of rejecting the "cult of the body".
Respect for health
.
.
2289 If morality requires respect for the life of the body, it does
not make it an absolute value. It rejects a neo-pagan notion that tends
to promote the cult of the body, to sacrifice everything for it's sake,
to idolize physical perfection and success at sports. By its selective
preference of the strong over the weak, such a conception can lead
to the perversion of human relationships.
You really need to probe your motivations with a spiritual director to know for sure, exploring why you want to avoid aging. You also have to consider if the energy you put into this will distract you from your relationship with Christ. These are things to consider.
Eric
Ignazio replied:
Eric,
Thank you for your answer.
Well, I don't want to avoid aging because it's impossible, but I want to slow it down. I see many people around 60 bound to medications and physical pain, unhealthy skin. etc...
At 60 I would love to be fast, vital, energetic, training at the gym and recover from it, being healthy with a healthy skin, without taking medications for anything... That's what I like.
An example could be Joel Greene, he's 60 and looks and feels good... He's not obsessed, but he tries his best. He's also a Christian, although most likely, not a Catholic.
Where we would disagree, and this is my opinion, is on the use of pharmaceutical drugs, supplements, vitamins, or medications. As one who is also reading about food and drinks that keep one healthy, I also come across claims by pharmaceutical companies about these supplements that claim will keep me healthy.
Instead of listening to pharmaceutical companies whose main interest is profit, I listen to two sources:
My doctor who knows me and what he thinks is right, and
What Mother Nature has to offer me from the ground. (e.g. fruits, vegetables, etc) and
Water or hydration
Regular, yearly check-ups, and of course
Exercise.
Hope this helps,
Mike
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