One day, you wake up and recognize that the youthful vigour you once had as a healthy adult is gone and that you might never be able to get it back. This is a known fact that we all learn to accept as we grow older. Although reversing aging is not possible, science has come a long way. At the very least, you can minimize the effects of aging that we commonly experience for an overall healthy aging process.
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Why do we age?
Age-associated physiological decline has a lot to do with our genetics. So how does this work?
Molecularly speaking, the human body is composed of millions of cells that replenish themselves whenever they experience damage or if they need to be replaced. In your basic biology classes, you might have heard of this phenomenon before; this is called cellular division or mitosis. As the process of mitosis is carried out, our cells and all of their components, including the mitochondria, Golgi body, endoplasmic reticulum, and even the DNA, are all replicated so that the new cell, called daughter cells, all have the same components.
DNA replication is integral to cellular division as it synthesizes new ones from old DNA. DNA is an important molecule as it contains the blueprint of how our bodies work, including gene expression, protein translation, and the like. So it goes without saying out of all the cellular components that need to be duplicated, it is this one. However, the slight imperfections in DNA replication compromise DNA and induce damage. This gradual increase of DNA damage is what causes the frequently seen age-related diseases:
- Cognitive decline such as Alzheimer’s disease
- Skeletal muscle aging due to atrophying muscle tissue
- Increased frequency of metabolic disorders
- Reduced efficiency of glucose metabolism
- Age-associated weight gain
- Reduced blood flow
- Decreased insulin sensitivity
- Decreased energy metabolism
- Reduced sleep quality
- Decrease brain health
- Inefficient immune system
- Increase blood pressure
Ensuring a proper lifestyle by ensuring adequate sleep quality, proper diet, and regular exercise can all help alleviate some of these symptoms.
Health benefits of dietary supplements
To assist with a proper diet and exercise, oral administration of appropriate dietary supplements may be required. Several are currently being developed for consumption. Potentially, they can help supply the body with numerous health benefits. Let’s look at two dietary supplements with promising beneficial effects, namely Coenzyme Q10 and Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). It goes without saying that it would be best to talk to a trusted healthcare professional for an adequate dosage of these supplements.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring molecule that aids in the protection against free radicals, making it an antioxidant. CoQ10 synthesis decreases due to other chronic diseases or drugs for other age-related issues as we grow older. As reported in a study, CoQ10 is effective in protecting against oxidative stress-inducing compounds known as Reactive Oxygen Species, which are potentially harmful to your cell, especially the cell membrane.
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is another naturally occurring precursor molecule of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+). NAD+ is an important coenzyme necessary for many biochemical reactions. NAD+ helps regulate cellular energy metabolism, body temperature, and DNA repair, which can ultimately offer anti-aging properties. Like Coenzyme Q10, the levels of NAD+ produced decrease with age, leaving people vulnerable to other diseases.
NAD+ IV therapy has gained recognition as a promising approach to mitigate the effects of age-associated physiological decline. By replenishing cellular coenzyme levels, NAD+ IV therapy supports various essential functions, promoting overall well-being and potentially slowing down the aging process.
With this, NMN is potentially an up-and-coming anti-aging compound. NMN is another dietary supplement that can be taken to replenish NAD+ levels. This would subsequently lead to fueling the molecular machinery involved in DNA repair, which may potentially lead to neuroprotection, improved blood flow, and other health benefits.
The benefits of NMN supplementation can be seen in a study by researchers from the Washington University School. NMN appears to have an “anti-aging” effect on older mice when taken via oral administration. Some of the potential benefits are as follows:
- Improved insulin sensitivity
- Increased skeletal muscle signaling
- Reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases
- Attenuated glucose tolerance
- Enhanced brain function
NMN treatment in relation to healthy aging is a growing field of research in recent literature. If you’re interested in learning more about NMN research, you can visit this website here: www.nmn.com
Healthy Aging is on the Horizon
With advancements in medical science coupled with proper lifestyle changes, everyone can attain healthy longevity. The potential benefits of such dietary supplements coupled with healthy exercise, adequate sleep, and proper nutrition would ensure you remain the best version of yourself and have an overall healthy aging process.