Old age is inevitable, Aging is optional
By Prabhakar Shetty & Body
Satva Team
 |
| www.bodysatva.com |
The same
genetic programs have endowed us with a potential lifespan of 125 years or about
50 replications of embryonic stem cells before succumbing to senescence. The ends of
chromosomes carry structures called telomeres. Every time a cell divides the
telomeres become shorter, this loss being the basis of what Hayflick described
not as a clock (the process is not dependent on measuring time) but as a
counting device, a “replicometer”. This is known as the Hayflick Limit. [1]
To
understand the whole process easily, let’s imagine that each cell in the
body is like a computer with its own hardware (genetic structure), software
(programs) and display (tissue type). There are over 50 trillion cells
in the human body having the same hardware and software. All of them are in constant
communication with each other and function as a unit, during our entire
lifetime. A kidney cell has the same genetic programs as the brain cell, but a
different software program is playing and the tissue type is different. This is
reason why preserving embryonic stem cells is of great value. At some
point in the future it can be used for regenerating any tissue in the body
(hopefully) by triggering the appropriate programs and displays.
If we extend
the analogy a bit deeper; each cell has its own batteries called
‘mitochondria’ to fulfill the energy needs of the cell. Depending on the
type of cell and the energy needs to perform the functions, the number of
mitochondria will be lower or higher. Typically, brain and muscle cells
have a very high number of mitochondria. Oocytes have the highest number
of mitochondria and could be as high as 200,000 per oocyte. Aging is
accompanied by a gradual decline in mitochondrial function, which
happens due to both the intrinsic (programmed) and extrinsic
(external) factors. The extrinsic factors of aging can be controlled to a large
extent by a healthy diet, exercise, adequate sleep and avoidance of
pollution.
Essentially, this means that if the mitochondrial function is
preserved or increased, it reduces the morbidity of diseases and aging.
Improving mitochondrial function leads to a healthy lifespan.
Prolonging
youth or increasing
healthy lifespan is thus mainly dependent on controlling the extrinsic
factors of aging which in turn may have a beneficial impact on the intrinsic
aging process. There are over 50 theories of aging and it could lead to a lot
of confusion. Carlos Lopez Otin et al (2013) have used the term ‘hallmark of
aging’ to identify factors that are common to intrinsic and external aging;
and have the ability to accelerate or ameliorate the aging process. They have
identified 9 Hallmarks of Aging, which could be the focus of the global
anti-aging efforts. [2] This is a recognition and endorsement of the fact that
it is feasible increase healthy lifespan, even though it is not possible
to extend life beyond the Hayflick Limit.
The focus of the Body Satva Team is on improving our
lifestyles to match nature’s design and thereby increasing the healthy
lifespan.
Prolong
Youth by leading an ‘enlightened
and balanced life’
Ref 1: Geoff Watts, The
Lancet, Volume 377, Issue 9783,
Page 2075, 18 June 2011
Ref 2: Carlos Lopez Otin et al, Cell.
2013 June 6; 153(6): 1194–1217
Disclaimer
Body
Satva Essentials’ Team has taken maximum care to ensure authenticity of the
information provided, by sourcing from reputed medical journals and books. Body
Satva Essentials’ Team urges members to seek professional advice before
commencing any regimen of diet, exercise and medication.
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