The Hallmarks of Aging – Part 2

Dear Friends,

Aging... It is a journey that most of us don't like to talk about, but we experience it in every cell of our bodies. In the previous issue, we covered the first four main aspects or hallmarks of this journey. In this issue, we pick up where we left off and move on to four new topics that will help us understand how our bodies change over time. Each topic actually asks us the following: "How aware are you of how you manage your body, your energy, your life?"

Aging is not limited to changes in our appearance. In every cell, every tissue, every system, a process of slowing down and regression begins. Understanding this trajectory offers us a roadmap for slowing down, and in some ways even reversing, this process.

As we delve deeper into this subject let us remember the words of Paracelsus, the great Renaissance physician and the founder of modern toxicology:

“The art of healing comes from nature, not from the physician.”

So let's explore this together..

Disruption of Nutrient Sensing and Metabolism

When we are young, our cells know when they need energy and react accordingly, through hormone signals. However, with age, these signals become confused; insulin resistance begins, growth factors such as IGF-1 become dysregulated. This paves the way for diabetes, obesity and even some types of cancer.

The body whispers to us: "Watch what you eat, when you eat, how much you eat."

Support we can use in this area:

• Insulin sensitivity can be strengthened with natural compounds such as cinnamon and berberine.

• Balanced protein intake plays an important role in maintaining our IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor hormone) balance.

Loss of Mitochondrial Function

Mitochondria, our power plants, slow down over time. This slowdown is not just fatigue, but a change at the very heart of cellular aging. Less energy, more oxidative stress, more damage.

The mitochondria tell us: "The cleaner the fuel you provide us with, the more efficiently we will work."

Ways to support this process:

• Energy production can be reinforced with supplements such as CoQ10, NAD+, carnitine and alpha-lipoic acid.

• Antioxidant-rich foods such as pomegranates and red berries protect mitochondria.

Cellular Senescence (Cell Aging)

Some cells stop dividing at some point, but continue to live. These are old, tired cells, but also cells that can damage their environment. As their numbers increase, chronic inflammation begins and tissue regeneration stops.

The cell is whispering something: "I don't produce anything anymore, but I'm still here. Learn to cleanse me."

In this spirit we look again to natural substances to help address senescence:

• Senolytic substances such as quercetin and fisetin support the cleansing of senescent cells.

• Antioxidant-rich fruits (blueberries, pomegranate) help reduce inflammation.

Stem Cell Depletion

Our stem cells are the source of the body's regenerative power. However, over time, their number decreases and they become unable to perform their functions. Tissue repair slows down, immunity weakens, and the healing process takes longer.

Stem cells tell us: "If you feed me, I will give you the power to repair life."

Ways to help deal with stem cell depletion:

• Stem cell health can be buoyed with natural substances such as astragalus and resveratrol.

• Adequate protein intake becomes even more important with age for muscle and tissue regeneration. (This is where the ‘animal vs. vegetable protein’ debate starts, it is better to stick to vegetable as much as possible).

• External stem cell treatments and supplementation are also be powerful responses.

Aging is a signal that the body silently gives us. When it says "I am slowing down", it also reminds us: "I have carried you until today. We will carry on together, but from now on I would like a little more care." As much as this decline may seem like a decline, it is actually more like a change of rhythm.

"Aging Well" is not anyone’s destiny, but rather a process that needs to be consciously managed. At the end of this series, I will share all these 12 hallmarks with you, as well as a general roadmap for Aging Well.

But let's start today - by getting to know ourselves, listening and being compassionate.

You can send me any topics you want me to write about via the comments section.

Please take care until the next issue.