• 5 Theories on Aging and Nutrition to Support Them

Although the average life-span has risen dramatically, the questions of why we age and how to continue to increase life expectancy remain. There are many theories of aging, and several biochemical processes that clearly decline over time. Here, we outline the biochemical processes that lead to decline and the nutritional insight that can slow these processes.

5 Theories of Aging

The Wear and Tear Theory

Over time, the cells and organs of the body are worn down by overuse and abuse.  Toxins that damage the organs include excess sugar, fat, caffeine and alcohol in the diet; smoking; UV rays from the sun; and other physical and emotional stresses. As we age, the body loses its ability to repair the damage.

The Neuroendocrine Theory

Hormones are essential for repairing and regulating many bodily functions. Hormone levels are high when we are young, but decline as we age, impairing the body’s ability to repair and regulate itself, and decreasing our vitality.

The Genetic Control Theory

Our lifespan is genetically pre-determined. We are all born with a biological clock that ticks away until it goes off at a certain time. This timing is greatly affected by dietary, environmental, and other factors within our control, such as exercise, stress, and obesity.

The Free-Radical Theory

Free radicals caused by smoking, stress, sugar, alcohol, fried food, and poor nutrition damage cell membranes, cause oxidation (“rust”), and create metabolic waste products that interfere with the cells’ ability to reproduce and repair themselves, interfering with our genetic code, and creating mutant cells that lead to cancer and other diseases.

The Mitochondrial Theory

Mitochondria are the energy-producing centers of our cells. They have their own DNA, which is very fragile, and easily damaged by free-radicals. Over time, mitochondria are less able to produce energy for the cells, further accelerating the aging process.

9 Biological Processes that Decline with Aging

Sensory System

All sensory functions – vision, hearing, smell, taste, and touch – decline with age. Deficiencies in vitamins A, thiamine, B6, B12, and folic acid, along with zinc and copper are common in the elderly, and may reduce the sense of taste, in turn leading to reduced food consumption, resulting in  malnutrition.

Hormone treatment: DHEA is an all-around anti-aging hormone that protects the nervous system, thereby enhancing the function of all the senses.

Food: Leafy green vegetables, wild salmon, nuts

Supplements: Zinc: 30-45mg, with copper: 3-4.5mg; vitamin A: 10,000mg

Endocrine System

The Endocrine System regulates hormones. People with healthy endocrine systems look and feel good, and can fight off most infections and chronic diseases. Toxins and free radicals cause the endocrine system to wear out, affecting the immune system and causing a decline in reproductive function and the production of growth hormone.

Many age-related symptoms are caused by a gradual decrease in certain hormones.

Hormones that gradually decline with age

  •    Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
  •    DHEA
  •    Melatonin
  •    Estrogen
  •    Testosterone Progesterone
  •    Thyroid hormone (TH)

While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can also be helpful in “turning back the clock,” nutrition and lifestyle can support hormone production as well as the prevention or slowing of the aging process.

Immune System

Reduced efficiency of the Immune System is a major contributor to the aging process, and can can lead to infection, chronic inflammation and auto-immune disease. The thymus gland is the main organ of the immune system, and can be supported by boosting the endocrine system.

Hormone treatment: DHEA is considered an all-around anti-aging hormone.

Foods: Leafy green vegetables and healthy fats (coconut oil, avocados, olive oil, nuts, seeds)

Supplements: Calcium: 1000-1500mg; L-arginine: 2-3g; ashwaganda: 3-6g

Metabolic System

The body’s ability to turn glucose into energy decreases with age, resulting in loss of lean muscle mass, insulin resistance, and increased body fat, which leads to cardiovascular and metabolic disease.

Hormone treatment: Thyroid hormone (TH) governs metabolism and helps regulate blood sugar.

Foods: Whole grains, green tea, cruciferous vegetables

Supplements: Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA): 20-50mg; biotin: 50-200mcg; iron: 8-14g

Gastrointestinal System

As we age, changes in the intestines cause malabsorption of nutrients, as does decreased HCL, and lowered gastric motility and incontinence may occur. Also, drugs may significantly affect taste and appetite.

Hormone treatment: TH can improve digestion and increase digestive enzymes and stomach acid

Food: Fermented vegetables, bone broth, coconut oil

Supplements: Digestive enzymes; HCL; probiotics

Reproductive System

All sex hormones decrease with age. In women, there is a steep drop in estrogen and progesterone when ovulation stops (menopause), causing changes in many body tissues. Men experience a decline in testosterone that begins around age 30, resulting in andropause, a slow but steady decline of sexual arousal and performance. Osteoporosis and increased heart disease risk increases for both.

Hormone treatment: HRT (hormone replacement therapy) is a combination of estrogen and progesterone given to menopausal women that reduces osteoporosis and risk of death from heart disease and stroke, and improves Alzheimer’s symptoms, memory, and cognitive function. In men, TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) improves libido, increases muscle mass, reduces osteoporosis and risk of heart disease, and may lower LDL cholesterol.

Food: Non-GMO soy foods; yams; eggs

Supplements: Dong quai (for women); chrysin: 1-3g (for men); vitamin E: 800IU

Nervous System

The Nervous System is especially vulnerable to age-related decline because nerve cells are less able to regenerate. The myelin sheaths that protect nerves deteriorate, causing decreased sensory function (especially sight and hearing but also taste and smell), muscle strength and coordination; changes in posture and gait; and slower reflexes.

Hormone treatment: DHEA stimulates nerve growth and enhances neurotransmitter function.

Food: Wild salmon, leafy green vegetables, sea vegetables

Supplements: Magnesium: 310-420mg; fish oil:1-3g; CoQ10: 30-300mg

Brain Function

Cognitive function declines with age, and may be accelerated by chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes. Risk factors include smoking, steroid hormones, lack of mental stimulation, and physical inactivity. Spatial, reference, and visual memory decline.

Hormone treatment: DHEA reduces inflammation in the brain, and may protect against neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Food: Wild salmon, avocado, blueberries

Supplements: Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC): 250-500mg; vitamin E:400-1,200IU; fish oil: 1-3g

Muscular System

Age-related loss of skeletal muscle (sarcopenia) results in a decline in muscle strength, which is a major cause of disability from falls and hip fractures, and may contribute to decreased bone density, insulin sensitivity, and aerobic capacity. With age, we are less able to build new muscle tissue.

Hormone treatment: HGH improves muscle mass and strength, and endurance.

Food: Greek yogurt, chickpeas, wild salmon

Supplements: Whey protein; Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA)

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    2018-11-27T13:32:01-07:00