Aging – it’s a word we all dread. But it’s also one that is inevitable. Who wouldn’t want to stay young forever? We don’t necessarily want to, but does Anti-aging seem like a fantasy? Through proper knowledge, we can control how much we age and we can find out where the truth lies in our genetic makeup. Can DNA and aging help you know your aging process? Can you prevent those signs of aging so you look younger?
Over the past few decades, the life expectancy of man has significantly increased, and I believe we can push our limits even further?
Science has revealed that how much and how fast we age depends on our lifestyle, environment, and our genes. This article we will take a look at how genes can affect your biological age and what you can do to improve it
Can DNA And Aging Tell The Story?
A good definition of aging is the deterioration of the physiological functions of the human body required for survival with respect to time.
Aging impacts all of our biological systems. It can lead to the degradation of our bone structure, stagnation of our cardiovascular system, complications in our digestive processes, and many other conditions. Aging is also responsible for several neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
How much we age and how fast depends on several factors: extrinsic and intrinsic. Your DNA holds the secret answers to your aging process.
Intrinsic and Extrinsic Aging
Extrinsic aging, as the name suggests, depends on the environment and other external factors that humans can control. Pollution, smoking, and exposure to ultraviolet rays are several of the environmental factors that can lead to rapid aging. The lifestyle of each person affects aging – their diet, quality of sleep, level of stress, and fitness.
On the other hand, intrinsic aging causes a natural decline in the human body. The symptoms include the reduction in hormone levels naturally, and the body’s increased susceptibility to free radicals.
Our genes can largely influence intrinsic aging. They can lead to the degradation of several vital parts of the body, such as skin and muscles, which impacts how much we age.
In some cases, extrinsic and intrinsic aging can merge. For example, ultraviolet ray exposure, which is an external factor, can affect and make our genes’ unable to function effectively.
How Genes Affect Your Aging
Skin
A study in 2017 examined the genetic profiles of 158 white women, ranging from their 20s to their 70s. The study revealed that the women who had “younger” looking skin had shown higher activity in genes linked with DNA repair, cell duplication, digestion of protein, and had a better response to oxidative stress.
Genes influence skin externally as well. Research has shown that variants of specific genes offer better protection to the skin against UV exposure, skin irritation, and collagen breakdown.
Muscle
We lose our muscles as we age. This phenomenon is termed as sarcopenia and occurs as a result of lower levels of hormones such as testosterone and lower absorption of nutrients.
Several genes are associated with muscle development and muscle power. For example, the gene ACTN3 is responsible for the quick and rapid movement of our skeletal muscles, which allows some athletes to run or swim faster than others.
Similarly, other genes can affect how much muscle we gain and how likely are we to accumulated fat.
The gene BMP2 (Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2) plays a crucial role in the development of bone and cartilage. They also help to build muscle. Variations in the BMP2 gene can cause some people to have more muscle than fat naturally, and they are also more likely to lose these muscles at a slower rate.
Telomeres
Telomeres are small protein structures that exist at the ends of chromosomes and protect them from damage. However, each time our cells replicate, the telomeres shorten. At one point, the telomeres in our DNA become too short, preventing cells from reproducing and leaving our chromosomes exposed.
Our telomeres and their length can tell us about your youthfulness and lifespan. But the changes in telomere length is not the same for everyone. They vary, depending on – that’s right – genes!
Scientists have identified several markers that can indicate the length of telomeres, including a gene called TERC (Telomerase RNA Component). Variations in the TERC gene can influence the biological age of the person and cause them to age faster.
Aging: What You Can Do About It
Receiving an unfavorable genetic profile may make you feel you’ve lost in the antiaging game as soon as you were born. But genes only form part of the equation.
Remember, that how much you age is dependent on external factors also. While, to a certain extent, it is impossible to control how much sun or pollution we get. But we can take some steps to help retain our youthful appearance and health.
How Can Your DNA Help?
Eat Healthily
Food is one of the critical values that make up our lives and define everything we do. Maintaining a balanced diet that has appropriate amounts of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water is vital to having good health and a longer lifespan.
Stay Active
If food makes one half of the key to a good life, exercise is the other. And this requires consistency. Staying physically active not only rejuvenates your body but your mind as well. However, that does not mean you’re going to have to hit the gym every day, seven days a week. Even light exercise such as walking your dog or pursuing a casual sport can help you lead a better life.
Sleep Soundly
Sleeping is one habit that we ignore the most. But having ample amounts of quality sleep can make a noticeable difference in our lives. A good night’s sleep can energize you in the morning, help you concentrate at work or school, and keep you fresh when the day ends. Rest is complementary to your diet and training regime, and you should take it seriously.
Sleeping is one habit that we ignore the most. But having ample amounts of quality sleep can make a noticeable difference in our lives. A good night’s sleep can energize you in the morning, help you concentrate at work or school, and keep you fresh when the day ends. Rest is complementary to your diet and training regime, and you should take it seriously.
Reduce Stress
Stress is a silent killer. Life now moves on the fast lane, and we are riddled by stress everywhere – at work, at school, even at home. Too much stress can and does, impair our physical abilities and take away valuable years from our life. Learning to cope with stress effectively through meditation, mindfulness, and seeking professional help as necessary, can help you feel healthy and relieve your mind as well.
BUT What If?
Ok, so what if you had a way to find out what parts of your body tend to age faster? I mean, just think if you knew and you could target those areas you could prevent the signs of aging.
Let’s say your facial skin tends to age more quickly than your friends. If you knew this, then you could do things to help prevent that aging process like special creams, decrease sun exposure time, and hydrate better.
Here at DNA Is The Way, we have a DNA test called GxRenew. A simple DNA swab test can tell you what areas you will age gracefully and what areas may age faster. And the cool part is you don’t have to know how to read a DNA test. The laboratory performing the analysis interprets all of the results for you.
Along with your interpreted results are suggestions and things you can do to slow down the process as well as tips of vitamins and minerals that will help your unique situation. I will go over your results and the interventions with you so you will have a better understanding of your long term plan to slow your aging process.
Final Thoughts
The process of aging is not as simple as it seems. It is not a matter of the earth traveling around the sun, and years going by. Aging is affected by your genes, your lifestyle, and the environment. Why not do your saliva DNA test (an easy cheek swab) today to determine how you will age and begin to prevent the signs. Know where the truth of your youth lies.
Would you like to know more about DNA and aging? I would love to hear from you. Please leave all questions and comments in the comment section below.