Seven Major Causes of Aging

Aging at the cellular level is inevitable, but recognizing and tackling these processes can help mitigate their impact. From lifestyle changes to advanced therapies, there are numerous ways to slow down the aging process.

Pillar 1: Shrinking Tissues

When we are young, our body has an abundance of stem cells—cells that can transform into different cell types to replace dying ones through apoptosis. However, as we age, our stem cell reserves decrease, becoming less efficient in replacing dead cells. This results in tissues throughout the body losing more cells and breaking down, a condition evident in the common phenomena of loose skin, muscle loss, and cognitive decline.

Muscle loss, known as sarcopenia, can lead to falls and fractures, impairing recovery from injuries or surgeries. Similarly, neuronal loss in the brain leads to cognitive decline and decreased motor skills. Neuron loss in the hippocampus, the brain area responsible for memory and emotion, can significantly affect one’s quality of life.

Maintaining healthy mitochondria can prevent unnecessary cell loss. Consuming foods that boost mitochondrial efficiency can provide the energy required for cell repair and function. Stem cell therapy is also an option for reversing tissue atrophy, although it’s expensive. Early adoption of these interventions can prevent significant degeneration.

Pillar 2: Mitochondrial Mutations

Mitochondrial mutations or damaged mitochondria are another critical aspect of aging. Mitochondria are the cell’s power plants, generating energy. Damaged mitochondria produce energy inefficiently, creating an excess of free radicals and causing further mitochondrial DNA damage.

Your mitochondrial DNA is separate from your human DNA and is crucial for energy production. Unlike human DNA, mitochondrial DNA has limited repair capabilities and is highly susceptible to mutations. Protecting your mitochondria from damage can prevent these mutations and their cascading effects.

Epigenetics, the study of how environmental factors influence genetic expression, plays a role in mitochondrial function. Your environment, including exposure to free radicals, can affect your mitochondrial DNA, leading to a self-perpetuating cycle of inefficiency and damage.

Pillar 3: Zombie Cells

Senescent cells, or zombie cells, are old, worn-out cells that refuse to die. These cells don’t function properly and secrete inflammatory proteins, leading to chronic inflammation and increased disease risk. Over time, the accumulation of senescent cells inhibits the body’s ability to respond to insulin, leading to insulin resistance and increased visceral fat.

Senescent immune cells are particularly damaging, weakening the immune system and making infections like pneumonia and flu more dangerous for older adults.

Various methods can help manage senescent cells. Natural compounds like fisetin, found in seaweed and strawberries, can kill senescent cells. Fisetin also has cognitive-enhancing properties due to its antioxidant activity. Traditional herbs like Japanese ashitaba and Ayurvedic piperlongumine show promise in reducing senescence, although more research is needed to confirm their efficacy in humans.

Pillar 4: Cellular Straitjackets

The extracellular matrix, a network of proteins surrounding cells, provides structural support and elasticity to tissues. Over time, this matrix can become stiff due to the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which form when sugar binds to proteins. This stiffening can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease, among other conditions.

AGEs accelerate aging and cause oxidative stress. Maintaining low blood sugar levels, especially post-meal, can prevent the formation of AGEs. Additionally, reducing chronic inflammation by identifying and avoiding food sensitivities can help keep the extracellular matrix flexible.

Pillar 5: Extracellular Junk

Extracellular aggregates, primarily misshapen proteins called amyloids, accumulate outside cells as we age. These plaques impair healthy cellular interactions and contribute to diseases like Alzheimer’s and heart failure.

Amyloids can form due to low insulin levels or chronic inflammation. Avoiding continuous low-carb diets without pause can prevent these formations. Boosting autophagy—the body’s cellular recycling process—through specific foods and fasting can help break down these plaques. Vitamin D supplementation and detoxing from heavy metals like copper and cadmium also play a role in reducing amyloid buildup.

Pillar 6: Junk Buildup Inside Cells

Intracellular aggregates build up inside cells when lysosomes—cellular waste disposal systems—can’t break down waste products. Consuming foods high in AGEs, such as charred meats, can overload lysosomes, leading to cell dysfunction and increased disease risk.

Avoiding fried, blackened, and charred meats can prevent intracellular junk buildup. A 2019 study found that consuming fried foods increased the risk of death from heart disease and other causes. Choosing healthier cooking methods can help maintain cellular function.

Pillar 7: Telomere Shortening

Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that prevent DNA from fraying. Each time a cell divides, telomeres shorten until they can no longer protect the cell, leading to cell death. Shortened telomeres are linked to a weakened immune system and chronic diseases.

Stress and lack of exercise accelerate telomere shortening. Reducing stress through meditation, yoga, and quality sleep can protect telomeres. Regular exercise has been shown to significantly reduce telomere shortening. Supplements like Epitalon and TA-65 show promise in lengthening telomeres, although more research is needed.

To combat aging effectively:

• Eliminate senescent cells: Use natural compounds like fisetin and piperlongumine, and consider pharmaceutical options like rapamycin or metformin.
• Avoid harmful cooking methods: Steer clear of fried, grilled, or charred meats.
• Manage stress: Practice meditation, yoga, and get quality sleep.
• Supplement vitamin D: This can help prevent the formation of harmful protein aggregates.
• Identify and avoid food sensitivities: This can reduce chronic inflammation and its aging effects.