For many years, humanity has been concerned with 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 creature. In other words, with the achievement of a certain age, vital functions gradually fade away.
There are a number of reasons that provoke premature aging of the human body. These include:
- constant stressful 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 sugar level;
- the presence of concomitant serious illness.
Progeria. Description and symptoms
The process of withering of the body occurs in most cases at a certain age, however, there are people with premature aging syndrome. In medicine, this syndrome is called progeria. This happens because of human DNA defects that provoke changes in internal organs and skin. In the world there are about 350 cases of this disease. It affects both children and adults.
A childhood form of the disease is called Hutchinson-Guildford syndrome. In children prone to this syndrome, there are changes in the body that are characteristic of older people: 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 an adult variety of progeria begin to age, usually in the third ten. At the age of 20, the first signs appear: gray hair, thinning of the epidermis, hair loss. During puberty, slow growth is noted. By the age of 30, a person develops serious diseases characteristic of older people: cataracts, diabetes mellitus, malignant tumors , osteoporosis, wrinkles form on the skin, etc. This syndrome is called Werner syndrome. A person with Werner syndrome rarely lives up to 60 years. In general, the prognosis is unfavorable, most people die as a result of concomitant diseases.
Basic theories and mechanisms of aging
Currently, there are several modern theories of human aging. In the 19th century, a German scientist - biologist August Weisman suggested that there is a mechanism of aging of living organisms. Then his hypothesis was not accepted by colleagues, but at the moment most of the facts indicate the correctness of this theory. Modern scientists are of the opinion about the impact on the aging process of many different factors that reduce the body's resistance.
Theory of Apoptosis
The theory of apoptosis advanced 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 resides in the corresponding biochemical environment. In other words, apoptosis is the self-destruction of a cell, aimed at the normal development of the remaining cells of the body. The process of cell self-destruction, unlike necrosis, is not "violent" and is pre-programmed in each cell. A vivid example of apoptosis can be considered the development of the human embryo in the womb. At certain stages of pregnancy, the human embryo has a process that resembles a tail, which subsequently dies as unnecessary.
According to Skulachev, a cell infected with a virus is prone to apoptosis because it interferes with the functioning of the remaining cells. The process of her "suicide" takes place, and the remaining cells are used by the remaining cells as building material.
Free radical theory
In 1956, the scientist Denham Harman suggested that the culprits of aging are free radicals, or rather their effect on the cells of a living organism. Harman believed that radicals resulting from cellular respiration can adversely affect the body, causing a mutation in DNA over time. It was assumed that a person's adherence to a special diet and the use of certain drugs that affect free radical reactions can significantly increase life expectancy. However, this theory of human aging is in doubt for many reasons. Scientists agree that aging of the human body is a complex process, in the development of which both a 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 elevation theory of the aging of the body was put forward. According to this theory, the aging process starts as a result of 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 elderly people: diabetes, malignant tumors, obesity, decreased immunity, and 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 creature, there is a program for the development of the body laid down at the genetic level, and aging and associated diseases are only a side effect of its implementation.
The theory of "cross-linking"
According to this theory of human aging, sugars that enter into work with proteins cross-link them, disrupting the proper functioning of cells. As a result of cross-linking, tissue elasticity is lost. This process is especially dangerous for arterial walls. In this case, the loss of elasticity can lead to an increase in blood pressure and, as a consequence, to a stroke. Cross-linking is formed as a result of metabolism, a natural process in the human body. In most cases, they are destroyed on their own, however, at present, exposure to glucoseepan, an AGE-type molecule in the vast majority of cross-linking formations, has been discovered. 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 effects on the glucoseepane molecule.
Telomeric theory
In 1961, the American scientist L. Hayflick made a discovery. As a result of observation of fibroblasts, he found that they can divide only a certain number of times, while at the end of the process of division, the cells have signs of aging, and then die.
In 1971, Alexey Olovnikov suggested that such a cell division bar is associated with the process of DNA doubling. The fact is that telomeres (the ends of linear chromosomes) are shortened with each division , and subsequently the cell can no longer divide. A relationship has been established between telomere length and human age. Thus, the older a person becomes, the shorter the telomere DNA becomes.
Currently, there is no single theory of human aging, since most modern theories study the individual processes of this phenomenon. But, having studied some of the causes and mechanisms, a person is able to act on them and extend his life for many years.
What is biological age and how to determine it
Many scientists agree that not the number in the passport reflects the real age of people. The number of years lived may not coincide with the biological age. But how to understand how old a person is in fact? To date, there are many tests for biological age. Unfortunately, none of them gives a clear answer to the question of how to overcome 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 using a blood test. Based on the study of biomarkers (indicators of human aging), scientists conclude about the state of organs and systems of the body. Thanks to this test, doctors manage to detect problems at an early stage and prevent their further development.
On the Internet, you can find many diverse and interesting tests for biological age. Whatever the results, biological age is not a sentence, but only one of the reasons to reconsider lifestyle.
How to prevent the aging process
Currently, there is a science of gerontology that studies various aspects of the 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 is both possible to speed up and slow down. To do this, it is enough to follow certain preventive measures aimed at improving the well-being and general condition of the body. We are aging not from old age, but from the effects 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 several of the most effective ways to combat old age.
Rejection of bad habits
Many people underestimate the effect of nicotine on the body, and it is he who is the most powerful trigger for various diseases. In the course of studies it was found that smoking shortens life by an average of 8-15 years. In addition, people with this kind of bad habit are more prone to serious illnesses. Smoking has a negative effect not only on internal organs, but also on the skin.
However, not many people are ready to part with a cigarette, since smoking has long been a habit. In this case, it is very important to find like-minded people and quit smoking gradually, since a sharp rejection of nicotine can cause stress 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 alcohol abuse is still not worth it. It is 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 stay young for many years.
An interesting way of eating is used by residents of the Mediterranean regions. Seafood, nuts, fruits and vegetables predominate in their diets. Red meat, in contrast, is consumed in extremely rare cases. It is also important to observe the correct regimen 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 pure water per day.
Physical exercise
It is scientifically proven that in the process of life, telomeres - the terminal sections of the human chromosome, are shortened, but in "moving" people this process occurs much faster. An ideal prevention of aging can be a simple set of physical exercises. Physical activity should be moderate.
Do not expose your body to heavy loads, otherwise it will work to 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, maximum effect can be achieved.
Sleep Compliance
In the harsh conditions of the modern world, many people neglect such an important component of health 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, and immunity decreases.
Constant lack of sleep can lead to a disruption in the production of sleep hormone - melatonin. Melatonin deficiency can lead to many negative consequences, since it is he who has a powerful antioxidant effect on a person and slows down the aging process.
Health diagnosis
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 health even before the disease has passed into an active form. It is recommended to take a general blood test at least once a year - this will help control the level of sugar and cholesterol in the body.
Periodic health monitoring will help cure 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.
We fight aging with vitamins
According to scientists, we are not aging 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 necessary for the proper functioning of the central nervous system and brain. Vitamin D reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and provides bone renewal. The main helper 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 receive it from food or in the form of additives. However, a lack of magnesium can accelerate cell degeneration. That is why many experts prescribe anti-aging vitamins to their patients and to normalize the body.
Do not treat yourself on your own. The necessary appointments should only be done by a doctor. Otherwise, there may be a risk of an overdose of vitamins, which will do more harm to the body than their deficiency.