Four Factors in the Ageing Equation

OXIDATION

As humans we rely on oxygen as a fuel source to create energy. However, when oxygen is available in the wrong form (with an unstable electrical charge) or amount, it will cause toxicity especially when combined with other substances such as fats or proteins. This process is known as oxidation and is a major cause of the cellular damage associated with ageing.

Oxidation is an essential means of energy production and causes by-products, free radicals, which need to be ‘mopped up' by our body's intrinsic supply of anti-oxidants. Under normal conditions in a healthy body there are sufficient anti-oxidant compounds to effectively neutralise any toxic threat posed by the oxidative onslaught. If, however anti-oxidants are in poor supply, due to dietary insufficiency or environmental and lifestyle factors, we see a situation where the oxidants outweigh the anti-oxidants with disastrous results. This situation is a huge factor in degeneration and illness as it places our cells and tissues under continuous pressure.

Free radical triggers include exposure to chemicals in food and air, not enough anti-oxidants in the body to counter free radical damage, any kind of inflammation, long term stress, not enough exercise or an excessive amount of exercise without any extra anti oxidant supplementation, and diminished control of blood sugar due to poor eating habits.

GIOVENTU Anti-aging programs are designed to decrease oxidant load whilst increasing the availability of antioxidants in the body. This is achieved through a carefully constructed diet and supplementation plan.

GLYCATION

Glycation is the process of adding a sugar molecule to a protein chain, which results in a change in both structure and function of the original protein compound. This can lead to inflammation and consequent free radical damage causing the membranes, and ultimately the DNA, of cells to lose integrity and begin reproducing poor copies of themselves. The body ages faster and a myriad of degenerative diseases often ensue.

Free radicals produced by glycation cause blood sugar levels to rise. When blood sugar levels remain high for prolonged periods the result is chronic insulin imbalance and resistance. Some of the follow-on effects of unrestrained glycation are decreased skin collagen, joint problems, degenerative eye conditions such as cataract, loss of muscle strength, increased fat mass and low energy levels. Excess free radical production from glycation is a major causative factor in memory loss, and mood disorders.

Eliminating all sugar from the diet is the best way to minimise glycation. Following protocols to reduce excess oxidation, as described above, will help to counter the free radical effects of glycation. Exercise also plays a remedial role by reducing the levels of glucose circulating in the bloodstream.

INFLAMMATION

Inflammation is a naturally occurring protective response of the body to tissue damage and invasion of foreign matter. The immune system is activated to fight off a possible threat and, if sustained, may result in oedema, cell damage and free radical damage. Prolonged or inappropriate inflammatory responses are seen in autoimmune disorders, allergies, infections and exposure to toxins.

Insufficient dietary anti-oxidant or anti-inflammatory intake will allow pro-inflammatory substances (such as some cytokines and prostaglandins) to get the upper hand and create a cascade of events that lead to oxidation and further inflammation. This can produce a situation where the immune system is over stimulated and finally exhausted from chronic overload. Chronic inflammation is a warning from your body that you need to examine and change the causes, which may include inadequate diet, environmental toxins, prolonged stress and trauma, constipation and poor elimination of wastes.

Dietary changes to remove potential immune triggers are crucial in regulating inflammation. Also increasing levels of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds in the diet and through supplementation will ease the burden on the immune system and help to mop up the by-products of inflammation. Exercise also helps to relieve inflammation by helping to balance pro-inflammatory mediators.

METHYLATION

Methylation, a process essential for normal cell development and function, is a biochemical reaction where a methyl group is added to protein chains, hormones and DNA to encourage biochemical reactions that prevent disease and premature ageing. Methylation plays an important role in oxygenating cells and manufacturing the body's chemical messengers, such as brain neurotransmitters, amines and peptides that switch on or off certain genes depending on the stage of life and environmental factors. Some genes are naturally switched off as we age but some do so well before their time.

Sometimes the methyl group attaches to, or switches on or off, the wrong genes and ignores the right ones. Obstruction of correct methylation, usually brought about by consistently elevated blood cortisol (stress hormone) levels, causes altered gene expression, inefficient detoxification of excess hormones, increased load of toxic chemicals and heavy metals in the blood, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular and pulmonary disease, and other degenerative conditions such as various cancers.

Therefore to achieve optimal methylation functioning, managing stress levels to keep cortisol production to a minimum is crucial and improves overall age management. Diet and supplementation is geared towards reducing cortisol and stress effects whilst providing the optimal nutritional environment for methylation to occur correctly.
Exercise is probably the most effective way to reduce excess cortisol and relieve stress.