THE THEORIES OF AGING

To better understand the aging process, let’s get down to the cellular

level. Life’s responses and reactions all start and end here.

This theory was first introduced in 1882, by Dr. August Weismann,

a German biologist.

This theory basically states that the human body is damaged and aged

by overuse and abuse.

The overload of toxins, such as low-density nutrient diet, excess sugar,

fat, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cancer causing agents, such as arsenic,

mercury, are routinely in our water and food supply.

Eat Organic, as much as possible!

As we grow older, so do our cells, some prematurely, thus we lose the

ability to fight infection and do repair!

Wear and tear can be compensated with optimal eating habits,

proper regimen of nutritional supplements, optimal fitness, and

enough rest and relaxation.

Focusing on the neuroendocrine , consisting of biochemical (chemical

messengers, can we change their message?), actions and reactions.

Discovered by Vladimir Dilman, Ph. D, points out the role of hormones.

Hormones are more abundant in youth, and influence bodily function and repair.

This theory focuses mainly on our DNA blueprint. Some claim we cannot

change, but other peers claim we can alter and either manipulate this

inheritance. Can we feed our DNA, to last longer, work optimally?

And can we damage our DNA, suppress it’s life span? When DNA is

damaged, results usually give birth to pre-disease cells, aging of cells,

and even death of cells.

One of the newer theories, born from a surge of technological finds

in genetics and genetic engineering. Telomeres are like

long cylinders, with tubing on both ends, with a sequence of nucleic

acids, extending from each chromosomes. Telomeres are the cornerstone of

chromosome integrity. Each time a cell divides (good or bad), the telomeres shorten. When the telomere becomes too short to divide pieces

of DNA, the cell dies. No regeneration.

THE FREE RADICAL THEORY

This was discovered in anti-aging research. By Dr. Denham Harman of

The University of Nebraska College of Medicine. A Free Radical is an

Unstable structure with a free electron. What does this mean?

In simple terms, this free radical is looking to become stable, by

Stealing a matching electron and attain equality. They will even disrupt

Stable healthy molecules in order to obtain balance. This causes destructive

Biochemical processes! Another way to understand this, is to think of

Oxidation, the process of adding oxygen. Another word for oxidation is

Free radicals are produced by breathing and metabolism, too. Forms of

Oxygen, even exercise generates free radicals, that help along the aging process. What’s a body to do?

As we get older, after being subjected to years of inhaled smog,

cigarette smoke, years of polluted water, pesticide covered foods,

meats laced with antibiotics, situational stress, our bodies can become

like garbage dumps. As we age our free radicals increase.

Naturally occurring antioxidants attempt to block this cellular damage.

In a healthy body most free radical damage, with proper antioxidants supply,

is smaller and less harmful. But if we are not optimal in our lifestyle, eating

organic foods, living in a toxic free world, we could use a little help.

Should everyone take at least a food base vitamin and minerals?

Many anti-aging experts agree YES!

Why? To prevent free radical damage. If antioxidants are available,

They will neutralize the diving free radical, avoiding damage to

Cells.

Some of my favorite antioxidants:

Vitamin A, C, and E. Selenium, Glutathione, Milk Thistle,

And Alpha Lipoic Acid, Green Tea, Garlic, Onions,

And Chocolate.

Courtesy of:

Pam Travor