Is it achievable to reduce the gap between chronological age and biological age? By definition, does aging have to imply chronic illness, suffering, dementia, frailty and debilitation? Could it be feasible to live to 110 years of age and still be out and about with the energy to take pleasure in our wonderful grandchildren without collapsing from shortness of breath or a fractured hip? That is what longevity medicine is all about. It is not about achieving immortality and it is surely not about looking 21 when you are 92. It is, nonetheless, about taking advantage of medical breakthroughs to live a healthy, vigorous life as lengthy as we possibly can. This article will start by giving a brief overview of the present theories of aging and will conclude with the latest trends in anti-aging research. Let us redefine the term “aging gracefully” to “aging gracefully and healthfully.” Brief review of the causes of aging There are many current theories on aging. Some of the significant focus on aging has been placed on the eventual destruction or damage of DNA by oxidation. 1 such theory is the Telomerase Theory, which proposes that cells lose their capability to replicate appropriately. As this continues, cells grow to be much more and far more damaged and the cumulative effect is cellular dysfunction, which is commonly known as “aging”. Telomeres are the unique sequence of nucleic acids or “the building blocks of life” that are a vital component of our genetic makeup. So what if we could fix the telomeres or prevent them from breaking down? Well, we would essentially be able to reverse the natural aging procedure. The person who figures this out will surely be a Nobel laureate. What contributes to DNA damage? Oxidation, toxins such as tobacco smoke, pollution, particular disease states such as diabetes, which leads to glycosylation and even states of extreme stress, contribute to DNA damage even though potentially accelerating the aging process of our skin and body. Why tension? Our bodies produce excessive cortisol when in states of anxiety and the levels boost with regular aging. In excess, it is commonly believed that cortisol plays a significant role in damaging the hypothalamus, a key neuroendocrine organ in the brain. As such, it would appear logical to reverse or stop the aging procedure at a hormonal level, either by decreasing the quantity of excessive cortisol production or by finding a safe way to keep the hypothalamus functioning appropriately. Likewise bio-chemically, our molecules like to remain “in a state of balance.” When they are not in balance, molecules tend to come across that balance by stealing electrons from other molecules. This is recognized as the Free of charge Radical Theory Of Aging. Nonetheless, as humans we generate free of charge radicals all the time as a result of ATP or energy production in the mitochondria. So how can something important to our survival be bad for us? There are various levels of totally free radicals resulting in diverse levels of damage. The thought is to control as significantly as achievable, the production of the bad totally free radicals within our bodies. Limiting totally free radical damage also ties in with the theory that we increase cellular damage by excessive consumption of calories. Since we need energy to burn calories and the production of energy leads to free of charge radical formation, it follows that limiting caloric intake would result in extending the lifespan of a cell. Thus, maintaining the efficiency of the energy storehouses of our cells — the mitochondria, is also crucial to preventing premature aging. Finally, the Lipid Membrane Theory Of Aging states that our cell membrane loses water and lipids as we age and gains lipofuscin. This is a toxin and its accumulation leads to premature cell damage and the inability of the cell to function optimally. Similarly, the Glycolsylation Theory states that excessive amounts of glucose causes cellular damage resulting in end organ damage. Uncontrolled diabetics, for example, have up to 75% much more glycolsylated proteins than typical individuals. These cross-linked proteins can not function efficiently and result in far more heart, kidney and circulatory issues for diabetics, thus greatly shortening their lifespan. It is important to maintain in mind that all these theories are inter-related and it is likely a combination of the above that leads to premature aging and cell damage. Anti-Aging Remedies What can be carried out to potentially reverse and stop these challenging aging processes, so that we can live a more healthy life? There are the obvious solutions: smoking cessation, exercise and dietary modification. However, we cannot entirely keep away from damaging pollutants that surround us within the environment and the presence of chemicals in our foods. Even so, there are things we can commence performing today (and this is by no means a comprehensive list): 1. Take Anti-Oxidants: A basic anti-oxidant program should contain a multi-mineral supplement, a multivitamin with folic acid and additionally Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Alpha Lipoic Acid and Coenzyme Q10. 2. Take other nutraceutical supplements, under the advice and care of an anti-aging physician, to meet your particular needs. For example, both women and men need to take estrogen blockers, natural hormone replacements which includes estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, yet in varying and individualized amounts. Make positive your physician includes hormone levels as component of your prevention workup, specifically if you are over 45. 3. Utilize substances that give natural protection against cancer, which include: laetrile cream, estrogen blockers such as DIM, thymus and reservatrol. 4. Take substances that will prevent free of charge radical damage and improve mitochondrial production: These can include Acetyl-L-Carnitine and Aminoguanidine, Carnosine and even melatonin. 5. Maintain circulatory well being by taking reservatrol, aminoguanidine and vitamin E. 6. Piracetam, hydergine, hydergine, gerovital-H3, deprenyl and vincopotene, acetyl- L-Carnitine all play a role in improving brain function and oxygenation. 7. DHEA and pregnenolone aid in excessive cortisol and a lot more efficient hormone production. 8. Use sunscreen protection: With regard to aging of the skin, sun protection is the key to anti-aging and it is really cost successful. A sunscreen with UVA/UVA and an SPF of 30 or higher is crucial. 9. In addition to oral supplements there are quite a few outstanding antioxidants that can be utilized topically. These include, Co-Enzyme Q10, Alpha Lipoic Acid, DMAE, Vitamin E, pycnogenol, vitamin A, vitamin C, carnosine, even estrogen creams. Some work by preventing free radical damage and others support to promote new collagen formation in the skin. 10. Get screened for diabetes, cancer, heart illness and osteoporosis. Early detection and prevention is the cornerstone to longevity. 11. Discuss decreased libido and sexual function with your physician. The ability to maintain sexual performance is a definite gauge of well being and longevity. 12. Don’t stress. The mind-body connection is a powerful tool in medicine, healing and longevity. Anti-Aging = Becoming Ageless? Anti-Aging Medicine is not about achieving an ageless society. It is not “pseudoscientific hype about miracle cures,” “virtual immortality,” or the secret to the “fountain of youth” (these are all descriptives given to the anti-aging medical field by the biogerontological establishment, fearing that their disease based study will be threatened when, in reality, it will be enhanced). It is, however, about learning what can be done to live a long, healthful, far more productive life. It is about focusing on illness detection and prevention rather than the treatment of symptoms of age-related chronic illness. It is a clinical medical specialty based on innovative, peer reviewed scientific study and a sensible model of preventive medical care. Think about these facts: 1. The 85 and older age group has a lot more than tripled because 1970. 2. The number of Americans aged 100 and over has increased by 35% in the last decade. 3. It is projected that by the year 2030, 1 in 5 Americans will be age 65 and older. 4. The leading causes of death in the U.S. are heart illness, cancer and stroke. The bottom line is that with rapid advances in high-tech medical treatments we are all going to live longer, whether or not we like it or not. We have a choice in how we decide on to live the latter part of our lives. Given the option between spending the last years of my life debilitated and in a nursing house with three or far more chronic diseases of aging being managed by the standard polypharmaceutical approach vs. leading a vigorous, productive life well into my 90s, the selection is a no-brainer. Right now, the average American consumer is realizing this. Here are some basic facts about the anti-aging marketplace: 60% of Americans age 65 and older are taking some form of hormone supplementation and dietary supplementation. In this estimated billion industry, sales of anti-aging supplements are estimated at billion in the United States alone. If we eliminated the top 3 chronic diseases (heart disease, cancer and stroke) trillions of US dollars could be reinvested in furthering longevity research (or gerontological study if that term offends you). What does the Anti-Aging Medical Model include? What can you anticipate from an anti-aging evaluation and treatment plan? This could include:
§ Anti-Aging endocrinological assessment and hormone replacement therapy. § Anti-oxidant analysis and appropriate supplementation. § Evaluation of the bio-markers of aging. § Cardiovascular and Immune protection. § Cognitive function assessment and repair. § Metabolic and DNA repair. § Aesthetic procedures and skin rejuvenation such as laser, botox, chemical peels and fillers.
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