For many years, humanity has been concerned about the question: how to overcome old age and stay young for many years? At this stage in the development of medicine, it is impossible to give an exact answer to this question, but science does not stand still, and today scientists have made a big breakthrough in understanding the aging process.
What is aging. Main Reasons
Aging is a complex physiological process that occurs with the body of every living being. In other words, as a certain age is reached, vital functions gradually fade away.
There are a number of reasons that provoke premature aging of the human body. These include:
- constant stress situations;
- excessive physical activity;
- alcohol abuse, smoking;
- non-compliance with the diet (frequent use of coffee and other caffeinated drinks);
- slagging of the body;
- high blood sugar;
- presence of a concomitant severe illness.
Progeria. Description and symptoms
The process of withering of the body occurs in most cases at a certain age, however, there are people withpremature aging syndrome. In medicine, this syndrome is called progeria. This happens due to human DNA defects that provoke changes in internal organs and skin. There are about 350 cases of this disease in the world. It affects both children and adults.
Children's version of the disease is called Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome. In children susceptible to this syndrome, there are changes in the body that are characteristic of the elderly: diseases of the cardiovascular system, withering of the skin, problems of the musculoskeletal system, baldness, atherosclerosis. On average, children with this disease live no longer than 11-13 years.
People with adult Progeria begin to age, usually in their thirties. At the age of 20, the first signs appear: gray hair, thinning of the epidermis, hair loss. During puberty, growth is slow. By the age of 30, a person has serious diseases characteristic of older people: cataracts, diabetes mellitus, malignant tumors, osteoporosis, wrinkles form on the skin, etc. This syndrome is called Werner's syndrome. A person with Werner's syndrome rarely lives past the age of 60. In general, the prognosis is poor, most people die as a result of comorbidities.
Basic theories and mechanisms of aging
Currently, there are several modern theories of human aging. In the 19th century, the German biologist August Weismann suggested that theremechanism of aging in living organisms. Then his hypothesis was not accepted by his colleagues, but at the moment most of the facts point to the correctness of this theory. Modern scientists are of the opinion that many different factors that reduce the body's resistance affect the aging process.
Apoptosis theory
The theory of apoptosis put forward by Vladimir Skulachev is based on the assertion of a certain “cell suicide” program, which can be canceled with a certain approach.
Skulachev is convinced that every cell in the body is located within a certain organ and exists as long as it is in the appropriate biochemical environment. In other words, apoptosis is the self-destruction of a cell, aimed at the normal development of other cells in the body. The process of cell self-destruction, unlike necrosis, is not "violent" and is pre-programmed in each cell. A striking example of apoptosis can be considered the development of a human embryo in the womb. At certain stages of pregnancy, a tail-like process appears in a human embryo, which subsequently dies off as unnecessary.
According to Skulachev, a cell infected with a virus is subject to apoptosis, as it interferes with the functioning of other cells. There is a process of her "suicide", and the remaining parts of the rest of the cells are used as building material.
Free radical theory
In 1956, scientist Denham Harman suggested that free radicals are the culprits of aging, or rather their effect on cellsliving organism. Harman believed that the radicals formed as a result of cellular respiration can negatively affect the body, causing a mutation in DNA over time. It was assumed that a person's adherence to a special diet and the intake of certain drugs that affect free-radical reactions can significantly increase life expectancy. However, this theory of human aging is subject to doubt for many reasons. Scientists agree that the aging of the human body is a complex process, in the development of which both genetic predisposition and the influence of external and internal factors play a role. Despite this, there is evidence of the participation of free radicals in the development of many age-related diseases.
Elevation theory
In the early 50s, the evolutionary theory of body aging was put forward. According to this theory, the aging process is triggered by an increase in the threshold of sensitivity of the hypothalamus to hormones contained in human blood. The ancestor of the theory is Vladimir Dilman, a scientist from Leningrad. He believed that the effect of hormones on the hypothalamus leads to an increase in their concentration in the blood. As a result of this, a person develops a number of diseases characteristic of the elderly: diabetes, malignant tumors, obesity, decreased immunity, cardiovascular diseases. Dilman believed that all processes in the body are controlled by the brain, including the level of hormones. In the body of every living being, there is a program for the development of the body, laid down on the genetic basis.level, and aging and comorbidities are just a side effect of its implementation.
Crosslink Theory
According to this theory of human aging, sugars that work with proteins sew them together, disrupting the proper functioning of cells. As a result of the formation of cross-links, tissue elasticity is lost. This process is especially dangerous for the arterial walls. In this case, the loss of elasticity can lead to an increase in blood pressure and, as a result, to a stroke. Cross-links are formed as a result of metabolism, a natural process in the human body. In most cases, they are self-degrading, however, the effect of glucosepane, an AGE-type molecule, has now been found in the vast majority of cross-linking formations. The bonds formed by this molecule are so strong that the body cannot fight them on its own, as a result of which the normal functioning of internal organs is disrupted, which is the main cause of aging. At the moment, a number of studies are underway on the effect on the glucosepane molecule.
Telomere theory
In 1961, the American scientist L. Hayflick made a discovery. As a result of observing fibroblasts, he found that they can only divide a certain number of times, while by the end of the process of division, the cells show signs of aging, and then die.
In 1971, Alexei Olovnikov suggested that such a cell division bar is associated with the process of DNA duplication. The fact is that telomeres (the ends of linear chromosomes) with each divisionare shortened, and subsequently the cell can no longer divide. A relationship has been established between telomere length and human age. Thus, the older a person gets, the shorter the telomere DNA becomes.
Currently, there is no unified theory of human aging, since most modern theories study the individual processes of this phenomenon. But, having studied some causes and mechanisms, a person is able to influence them and prolong his life for many years.
What is biological age and how to determine it
Many scientists agree that it is not the number in the passport that reflects the real age of people. The number of years lived may not coincide with biological age at all. But how to understand how old a person really is? To date, there are many tests for biological age. Unfortunately, none of them gives a clear answer to the question of how to defeat aging, but it is possible to get a real idea of the state of the body at the moment. One of these tests is to determine the degree of aging of body cells by a blood test. Based on the study of biomarkers (indicators of human aging), scientists draw a conclusion about the state of the organs and systems of the body. Thanks to this test, doctors can detect problems early and prevent their further development.
On the Internet, you can find many different and interesting tests for biological age. Whatever the results, biological agenot a sentence, but only one of the reasons to reconsider the way of life.
How to prevent the aging process
Currently, there is a science of gerontology that studies various aspects of aging of living organisms, including humans. The basis of this science is the study of many aspects of aging, as well as ways to combat it. It is no secret that the aging process can be both accelerated and slowed down. To do this, it is enough to follow certain preventive measures aimed at improving well-being and the general condition of the body. We age not from old age, but from the influence of many external and internal factors. The first age-related changes in the body begin around the age of twenty. It is at this moment that it is necessary to take measures aimed at preventing aging.
Gerontologists have identified some of the most effective ways in the fight against old age.
Rejection of bad habits
Many people underestimate the impact of nicotine on the body, and in fact it is the most powerful trigger of various diseases. Studies have found that smoking shortens life by an average of 8-15 years. In addition, people who have this kind of bad habit are more prone to serious illnesses. Smoking has a negative effect not only on the internal organs, but also on the skin.
However, not many people are ready to part with a cigarette, since smoking has long become a habit. In this case, it is very important to find like-minded people and quit smoking gradually,as abrupt withdrawal from nicotine can be stressful for the nervous system.
It is important to note that the rare use of high-quality alcoholic beverages, such as wine or cognac, can have a positive effect on blood vessels and the nervous system. But you shouldn't drink alcohol anyway. Enough to drink a couple of glasses of good wine on weekends.
Proper nutrition
It's no secret that proper nutrition is an excellent prevention against many diseases, but few people know that a balanced diet helps people maintain youth for many years.
Inhabitants of the Mediterranean regions use an interesting way of eating. Their diet is dominated by seafood, nuts, fruits and vegetables. Red meat, on the other hand, is rarely consumed. It is also important to observe the correct mode of water intake, since dehydration negatively affects metabolism, the functioning of internal organs, blood circulation, and leads to increased slagging of the body. Normally, a person should consume 2.5-3 liters of clean water per day.
Physical activity
It has been scientifically proven that in the process of life telomeres - the end sections of the human chromosome, shorten, but in "mobile" people this process occurs much faster. The ideal prevention of aging can be a simple set of physical exercises. Physical activity should be moderate.
You should not put your body under heavy loads, inotherwise, it will work at the limit of its capabilities. You need to find something to your liking. You can do yoga or fitness for 20 minutes, but every day. In this way, you can achieve the maximum effect.
Sleep routine
In the harsh conditions of the modern world, many people neglect such an important component of he alth as sleep. Lack of sleep and rest has a tremendous effect on the human nervous system. Mental ability, concentration of attention decreases, the thought process is disturbed, irritability increases, frequent headaches appear, immunity decreases.
Permanent sleep deprivation can disrupt the production of the sleep hormone melatonin. Deficiency of melatonin can lead to many negative consequences, since it is it that has a powerful antioxidant effect on a person and slows down the aging process.
He alth diagnostics
Sometimes a problem is easier to prevent than to solve, which is why it is important to know in advance about the possible risks of developing a particular disease. Fortunately, medicine does not stand still and at present there are many diagnostics and screening programs that help to see a complete picture of the state of he alth even before the disease has become active. It is recommended to take a complete blood count at least once a year - this will help control the level of sugar and cholesterol in the body.
Periodic he alth monitoring will helpcure many diseases at an early stage of their occurrence. It is especially important to undergo the necessary examinations after 40 years. This habit allows you to notice age-related changes in the body in time and prevent concomitant ailments.
Fight aging with vitamins
According to scientists, we do not age from old age. One of the reasons may be a deficiency of vitamins and minerals, which significantly affects life expectancy. For example, B vitamins are essential for the proper functioning of the central nervous system and brain. Vitamin D reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and promotes bone renewal. The main assistant from the group of trace elements is magnesium. The fact is that the body is not able to produce magnesium on its own and is forced to get it from food or in the form of supplements. However, a lack of magnesium can speed up the process of cell degeneration. That is why many specialists prescribe anti-aging vitamins to their patients to normalize the body.
Don't treat yourself. Necessary appointments should be made only by a doctor. Otherwise, there may be a risk of an overdose of vitamins, which will cause more harm to the body than their deficiency.
