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Why do
we age?
Many theories about aging exist. The
Genetic
Theory
asserts that our cells have a finite capacity to divide,
after which there is permanent death. This limitation
malfunctions with cancer where cells multiply rapidly
and excessively. The
Neuroendocrine Theory
associates aging with declining regulatory abilities of
our endocrine organs such as the hypothalamus in the
brain and the adrenal glands. Cortisol which is
excreted by our adrenals is one of the few hormones that
increase with age. In excess cortisol can cause such
things as muscle loss, central obesity, declining memory
and poor immunity. The
Free
Radical Theory
attributes aging and disease to cellular damage caused
by oxidative stress. Oxidation occurs naturally, but is
enhanced significantly by our modern lifestyles that
expose us to numerous oxidants through chemicals in our
air, water, medications, cosmetics and foods. The
Membrane Theory attributes aging to deteriorating cellular membranes
that allow for the accumulation of toxic materials in
our cells.
Is
chronic disease a natural part of aging? We are the first generation to be sicker than our parents.
In one of the world’s richest countries, with ample
modern medical technologies, one wonders why aging has
become synonymous with cancer, heart attacks, strokes,
diabetes and Alzheimer’s. Does this mean our bodies
are aging faster? Or, could it be that lifestyle
related chronic diseases, rather than normal aging, are
the prime determinant of functional loss in old age?
Probably both are true.
Anti-aging approach.
While we have not been able to reduce aging to a single
theory or cause, it is very likely that there is some
validity to all of them. If we protect our genetic
materials and cellular membranes from damage and consume
ample antioxidants to counter oxidative stress, we are
probably well on our way to slowing down aging and/or
preventing the onset of chronic disease. The
naturopathic approach to healing does all of these
things through the use of herbs, diets and lifestyle
modifications that help limit our exposure to damaging
chemicals. The preventative approach to health care
does help slow down the aging process and onset of
chronic disease. For example, increasing omega3 fatty
acids in the diet by supplementing with fish oils helps
protect the fluidity and viability of our cells.
Homotoxicology.
A specialized form of alternative medicine called
Homotoxicology links good health to three pillars:
detoxification, immune balancing and optimal cellular
functioning. Homotoxicology places strong emphasis on
inflammation as being the one common link between all
aging diseases such as cancer, heart disease,
osteoarthritis, diabetes and dementia. For example,
inflammation can cause damage to arterials walls thereby
making them more prone to deposits of cholesterol and
eventually atherosclerosis and heart disease. By
addressing inflammation in the body we are honing in on
the common denominator. Inflammation ties in with the
various aging theories mentioned previously. For
example, excessive inflammation causes production of
free radicals which cause oxidative stress.
Bottom
Line.
No matter what alternative approach one takes to prevent
excessive aging, the key is to address the root causes
of aging. I believe that these are intimately tied up
in our lifestyle choices and priorities. The solution
lies in our ability to accept that we are really what we
eat, what we drink and what we breathe. |