Understanding Why And How Our Cells Age

Growing older is inevitable. Our cells age, as we age and that may bring about certain issues, if we don’t take care of ourselves.

How Do Cells Age?

Scientific researchers suggest that, as individuals age, their cells grow older as well. Cells undergo several structural and biological changes during the aging process that can be broken down into several categories:

• Hypertrophy – This is known as cellular enlargement. The cell’s mass and shape increase.
• Atrophy – These cells gradually become smaller. This can lead to shrinkage of tissues and even major organs.
• Dysplasia – The shape and size of full-grown cells becomes erratic or abnormal.
• Chemical Influence – Sometimes the influence or depletion of certain chemicals or nutrients like proteins could precipitate cellular alterations or malfunctions.

Any of the above issues can cause cells to lose their ability to divide, multiply or regenerate. These circumstances can cause abnormal function and ultimately lead to pain and illness throughout the body.

What Causes Cellular Aging?

Because cells are the basic structure of every biological component of the body, including tissues and organs, cellular aging impacts almost every bodily system and function. Medical professionals believe that predicting when the aging process will begin during someone’s lifetime is difficult because it can vary from person to person and be influenced by a variety of factors, including but not limited to:

• Dietary Consumption – Eating a diet rich in important vitamins and other nutrients is critical to preventing cells from prematurely aging. Unfortunately, many people do not consume healthy foods but instead eat foods high in fats, sugars and salts.
• Poor Lifestyle Choices – Bad lifestyle decisions such as failing to engage in a proper level of physical activity and partaking in potentially dangerous vices like excessive alcohol intake, cigarette smoking and illicit drug usage can precipitate significant cellular damage and more rapid aging.
• Environmental Detriments – Some researchers suggest that continued or elevated exposure to environmental toxins, moisture, sunlight, and temperature extremes could exert a negative impact upon the body’s cells and stimulate aging.
• Stress Exposure – Experiencing chronic anxiety and tension often has a profound impact on cellular function.  Healthcare professionals suggest that stress is among the biggest contributor of premature aging.

How To Reverse or Curtail The Aging Process

Unfortunately, one cannot entirely reverse the aging process. That said, however, partaking in certain activities may at least delay the inevitable.

These measures include:

• Involving In Stress-Relieving Activities  – Unfortunately, individuals will always be exposed to some form and level of stress. However, identifying tension-alleviating strategies such as breathing techniques or a relaxing hobby can go a long way towards minimizing the impact of aging.
• Staying In Motion – Being in motion does not merely mean obtaining adequate exercise. Granted, physical activity is vital to ensuring increased blood circulation, muscle strengthening and optimal oxygen, which are all critical to stemming aging’s tide. That said, maintaining continual motion is just as critical to attaining these key aims. Individuals are encouraged to move whenever and wherever possible.
• Keeping a Healthy Weight – Few things can stimulate the aging process like excess body weight. Carrying extra weight could precipitate numerous ailments and the extra strain on the body often precipitates biological and aesthetic weakening that rapidly accelerates premature aging.
• Consuming Healthy, Natural Foods – Individuals are encouraged to consume natural products high in critical nutrients, like produce products, fish and whole grains. Foods that contain mostly chemicals can contribute to cellular damage that may precipitate aging.
• Demonstrating a Positive Attitude – Many people have heard the expression “age is merely a number.” Many scientists seem to agree with that phrase. Research studies conducted have shown that those who are not age-conscious often live longer and enjoy a greater quality of life.