Although the aging process isn't fully understood and scientists have yet to find a "magic pill" that can reverse the effects of aging, there are some things you can do to battle the effects of aging. We'll help you sort out the facts from fiction, the science from the hype, and find out what evidence there is behind popular anti-aging therapies and regimens.

As you process food for energy, your body produces certain by-product substances called free radicals. Free radicals are believed to contribute to the aging process and also to certain diseases.

To eliminate or mimimize free radicals, your body uses 'antioxidants', which are certain vitamins, minerals and enzymes that come from the food you eat. Many researchers believe that antioxidants can prevent chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes.

Some common antioxidants include:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B-6
• Vitamin B-12
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Beta carotene
• Folic acid
• Selenium

The best way to obtain the antioxidants you need is to eat a variety of vegetables and fruits. If you can't obtain all the antioxidants you need from food, your doctor may recommend using supplements to make up for the deficiencies. Also, if you have certain medical conditions, such as macular degeneration, your doctor may recommend that you supplement your diet with antioxidants.

There's no absolute scientific proof that antioxidants in pill form can improve your general health or extend your life. In fact, they can have the opposite effect. For example, smokers who take beta carotene supplements might actually increase their risk of lung cancer. If you're interested in increasing the amount of antioxidants in your diet, consult your doctor before you start taking supplements. And remember, there's nothing harmful about adding a few servings of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables to your diet.

Hormones are natural chemicals your body produces to help keep your vital organs in good working order. Some hormone levels decline naturally as we age, leading some scientists to believe this decline is responsible for the aging process. Their theory is that if you restore those hormone levels, you'll reverse aging. However it might not be quite that simple. Some common hormone supplements include:

• DHEA. Your body converts DHEA into the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone. Advocates say that it also slows aging, increases muscle and bone strength, burns fat, improves memory and thought processes, bolsters immunity and protects against chronic diseases.
• Testosterone. Diminishing levels of this male sex hormone have been associated with common complaints of aging, such as decreased energy and sex drive, muscle loss and osteoporosis. Women's bodies also make testosterone, though in much smaller quantities than men's do.
• Melatonin. This hormone is produced within your brain. It helps regulate sleep and holds promise as a remedy for insomnia and jet lag. Advocates claim it can slow or even reverse aging, fight cancer and enhance sexuality.
• Human growth hormone (HGH). This hormone, responsible for growth spurts in children, tapers off after adolescence. Advocates of HGH say injections of prescription HGH can burn fat, build muscle and renew energy.

None of these hormone supplements has proven, convincing medical evidence to back up the claims made by anti-aging enthusiasts, and each one carries some risks. For example, even short-term use of DHEA or testosterone may cause liver damage.

One type of hormone treatment in wide use that has been the subject of extensive research is menopausal hormone therapy. Many aging women take supplemental estrogen to relieve symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. But hormone therapy also carries significant risks, including an increased risk of blood clots, heart disease, heart attack and breast cancer.

Many people are enthusiastic about supplements because they're usually advertised as being "all natural". You might interpret the term "natural" to mean harmless, but that's not necessarily true in all cases. People looking to defy nature sometimes turn to supplements such as coral calcium, ginseng and echinacea as anti-aging therapies, but there isn't any real scientific evidence to support the claims for these supplements.

Talk to your doctor before taking any supplement, natural or otherwise. Ingredients in supplements can cause harmful interactions with your medications and serious side effects can result. Because the Food and Drug Administration doesn't oversee supplements, you can't be sure of product purity or the amount of active ingredient in any given supplement — even from one package to the next of the same product. If you do choose to use supplements, be sure they're provided by a reputable supplier.

There's a popular theory that restricting the number of calories you consume can lead to a longer life. Calorie-restricted diets have about 30% fewer calories, but they're rich in fruits and vegetables so that dieters still get the nutrients they need. This theory is based on studies in animals, including rats, mice, fish, flies and worms. These studies found that the life span of each species could be extended by reducing the number of calories consumed.

It isn't clear if the calorie restriction theory applies to humans. Clinical trials underway are investigating whether eating fewer calories can lead to a longer life for people. Some studies following underweight people, not those specifically on a calorie-restricted diet, show that they have a higher risk of certain diseases and death.

Reducing the number of calories you consume may be a good way to lose weight, but restricting your diet to the point where you aren't getting enough nutrients is a dangerous practice. Calorie restriction can lead to malnutrition and severe weight loss.

Aging is an intricate, complex process that involves many areas of your body. It's unlikely that any single product, pill or potion could cure all of the ills age can bring. Your best bet for a long and healthy life is to keep yourself healthy and prevent chronic diseases by:

• Eating a varied diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Exercising every day
• Seeking prompt medical care when you're ill or injured
• Using sunscreen
• Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke
• Getting screened for diseases such as cancer and heart disease
• Maintaining close ties to your friends and family

Work closely with your doctor to make sure you're doing all you can to stay healthy. And if you have any questions about products that claim to slow or reverse aging, ask your doctor for his opinion. He or she can help you sort through the hype and get the facts.