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How does aging happen?
As human life expectancy continues to exceed previous rates, researchers are becoming increasingly involved in studying aging at the molecular level and dedicating research to the phenotypes associated with aging cells. Experts now define biological aging as the deterioration of functional characteristics necessary for the survival and fertility of an organism over time (McAuley 2017).
As cells live and operate during a life cycle, they consistently repair themselves in addition to removing damage that has occurred. Although this process is necessary, it weakens the cell’s efficiency, therefore aging the cell at the molecular level.
Researchers have focused their efforts on uncovering the biological causes of aging, resulting in several theories regarding the variables and processes that contribute to the aging of cells. The following section will explain different biological causes of aging and environmental factors that contribute to the aging process
The 1920s is when various mechanisms that lead to molecular aging were initially discovered by researchers. It wasn’t until the late 1990s that experts began to realize that the interaction between cells had to be the catalyst for molecular aging.
How DNA Damage Causes Molecular Aging
One of the most recognized theories and proposed causes of biological aging is DNA damage. When damage occurs to DNA, the cell replicates imperfectly, therefore leading to the continuous deterioration of the cell until it eventually dies.
Oxidative Stress & How it Affects Age
Another variable of importance is oxidative stress. It can be described as an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants, in favor of oxidants, leading to massive cellular damage. Factors that can contribute to this stress include, chronic inflammation and infection, metallic chemicals, and ultraviolet light.
Oxidative stress causes protein damage in the cell, instigating modifications or an all together loss of protein functions. Protein damage is dysfunctional and disruptive for the cell’s operations and ultimately leads to cellular death.
Other Causes of Molecular Aging
Dysregulation of cellular signaling is another mechanism responsible for molecular aging. Intercellular signaling is a fundamental process in the proper function of cells. When this process is interrupted, cells do not receive the correct signals to repair their damage.
Additionally, mitochondrial dysfunction has been heavily studied as a cause for molecular aging. The mitochondria and its role in the cell’s efficiency are imperative to a healthily functioning cell. If there is dysfunction present in the mitochondria, the cell will present a decline in energy and an increase of oxidative stress, leading to molecular aging.
Environmental Factors That Contribute to Molecular Aging
Although molecular aging is a natural process that occurs in all multicellular organisms, environmental factors can contribute to the rate at which the cells age. Molecular aging is influenced by cell maintenance, cell damage, and cell repair. When environmental factors damage cells and affect repair, the speed at which the cell ages accelerates. We’ll review the environmental factors and the lifestyle choices that contribute to the acceleration of molecular aging. These factors include diet and exercise choices, stress levels, and exposure to ultraviolet light.
Dieting & Fasting
When it comes to diet, experts have found that restricting one’s calorie intake directly influences longevity. Caloric restriction, dietary supplements, and intermittent fasting are all proven methods to having positive health results, including memory improvement and reducing the risk of age-related diseases such as cancer.
Similarly, regular exercise is a factor that can positively affect the molecular aging process. Exercise produces anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory agents that slow the rate at which the cells age. Exercise and diet can make the cardiovascular system more healthy, decreasing blood pressure. As a result, regular exercise reduces the risk of developing neurological disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.
Stress
Stress is also an important influential factor in the speed of the molecular aging process. Psychological stress induced by everyday activities causes inflammation, which affects the communications between neurons. This stress also causes brain inflammation which induces oxidative stress on the cells, subsequently causing cognitive decline and an acceleration of molecular aging.
As mentioned earlier, ultraviolet light is a factor that impacts the rate of cellular aging. UV light induces oxidative stress in cells, accelerating DNA damage. UV light consistently damages the DNA present in skin cells.
All of these environmental factors combined heavily affect the speed at which cells age. By creating healthy eating habits, participating in regular physical activity and reducing exposure to stress and UV light, humans can decelerate the process at which cells age.
What Is The Best Option To Slow Down Aging?
At our office, we are able to measure over 20 biomarkers/indicators of aging and offer individual treatment plans to slow down the rate of biological aging and its associated effects. We have the most advanced treatments available. Our technology is proficient, innovative, and accurate at supplying Dr. Schmidt with information to formulate the best personal treatment program. The test is non-invasive, only takes about 20 minutes, and is done with optical sensors.
By treating aging at the cellular level, we are working with the root of the cause. Additionally, we’re able to implement advanced preventative health approaches.
Although consistent exercise and a healthy well-balanced diet is a productive combination for positive results, our anti aging treatment programs go far beyond lifestyle changes. We offer the latest that modern longevity science has developed.