The fact is, aging is inevitable; and while aging can't be stopped, it is possible to extend our youthful years, most importantly by supporting telomere length and mitochondrial function.
Cellular Health Is Why You Age
The adage that “age is just a number” becomes harder to believe as the numbers add up. Research verifies those unpleasant surprises in the mirror are actually a result of the decline in cellular function as the years accumulate. Aging not only affects physical appearance, but also brain, heart, physical function, hormonal balance, and virtually every cell and tissue in the body.
Cell Signaling Pathways in Aging: A Simple Guide
Cell signaling pathways, intricate communication systems within cells, play a crucial role in managing the aging process. These pathways, comprised of molecules working together, control vital cellular functions like cell division, receptor activation, and programmed cell death (apoptosis). When a signal activates the first molecule, it triggers a cascade until the cellular message is transmitted. Disruptions in these pathways can lead to various biological consequences, contributing to accelerated aging, diminished cellular function, and physical signs of aging.
These pathways, intertwined with our genetic material, oversee everyday cellular processes, including mitochondrial efficiency, gene repair, protein cross-linking, and free-radical production. Scientific studies reveal that manipulating these pathways—either by blocking or activating them—can significantly alter or slow down the physical signs of aging. This includes impacts on energy production, muscle loss, cardiovascular health, and the progression of neurodegenerative conditions. Understanding and managing these signaling pathways offer promising avenues for addressing age-related challenges and promoting healthier aging.
Nutrition and Telomere Length
Numerous nutrients have been shown to support healthy aging pathways. Some support healthy telomere length, an essential part of the cell’s DNA that affects the rate at which cells age. Telomeres are the protective caps on the ends of DNA strands that shorten and fray with cell division. Shorter telomeres are linked to many age-related health and appearance issues.
Nutrition and Mitochondria
Healthy mitochondria produce the energy that powers cells. Youthful cells contain large numbers of mitochondria that function efficiently. As people age, the mitochondria begin to lose that function and decrease in number, which can affect brain and body performance by reducing the amount of energy available to the cells and tissues. Key ingredients have been shown to support mitochondrial function, maintain their delicate cellular structures, and promote the creation of new mitochondria.
Key Ingredients to Support Healthy Aging
The following are key nutraceuticals that have a direct impact on the processes important to healthy aging that include telomere length and mitochondrial function, as well as insulin and cortisol balance, healthy levels of free radical production, healthy cell membranes, and a healthy balance of cross-linking and balanced cellular turnover.
Astragalus Root Extract supports and protects telomere length, helps maintain healthy heart function, and supports immune function by contributing to the healthy production and activity of specialized white blood cells. (1)
Bitter Melon Fruit Extract supports positive apoptosis and provides antioxidant support to protect DNA from the damaging free radicals that play a role in aging. It also helps maintain normal, healthy blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity. (2)
Grape Seed Extract is the most powerful antioxidant available. It acts as a free radical scavenger in the body by donating beneficial electrons that help stop the cascade of oxidation, which can speed the aging process. It also promotes healthy collagen and elastin content in the skin’s connective tissue. (3)
Green Tea Leaf Extract supports cell membrane integrity and helps reduce fat storage to support hormone sensitivity, the ability of the cell membrane to accept hormones. It also supports healthy cortisol function, healthy cholesterol levels and lipid profiles. (4)
Turmeric Root Extract supports healthy cell division and the detoxification of aging cells to promote a healthy inflammatory response and support for brain function. (5)
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) fights free radicals to support the creation of cellular energy by protecting the mitochondria. (6)
Quercetin Bud Powder promotes unique protective mechanisms for the hardworking heart muscle by boosting mitochondrial activity to maximize oxygen utilization and tissue repair. (7)
Pomegranate Fruit Extract is highly effective in the suppression of free radicals for a healthy inflammatory response. It also supports healthy cell replication and heart function, exercise tolerance and healthy prostate and breast tissue. (8)
Resveratrol has the unique ability to mimic the effects of caloric restriction, which has been shown to promote longevity in a variety of organisms. It also supports healthy insulin sensitivity, enhanced mitochondrial function, dopamine receptors and a healthy inflammatory response. (9) (10)
Apigenin, a powerful plant flavonoid, supports brain cell protection and cognitive function. It promotes Superoxide Dismutase production, the enzyme that helps break down potentially harmful oxidation in cells for a healthy inflammatory reaction. (11)
Pterostilbene, a compound from the same family as resveratrol, has been shown to work synergistically with resveratrol to support longevity genes and healthy prostate and breast tissue. (12)
Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ) protects and augments delicate mitochondrial structures to promote youthful cellular function with antioxidant support, healthy cell proliferation, mitochondrial defense and helps regulate calorie restriction. PQQ prompts CREB, a protein that regulates DNA function and gene expression. CREB stimulates new mitochondrial growth and plays an important role in the formation of neural pathways and long-term memory. (13)
Cell Longevity
No need to buy each ingredient individually – find them all in one convenient blend called Cell Longevity by Healthy Goods.
You can't go wrong with this product to support healthy aging through telomere and mitochondrial support.
Cheers to aging gracefully!
- Jack Grogan, Chief Science Officer for Healthy Goods and its parent company, Uckele Health & Nutrition
References:
(1) Boccardi V, Paolisso G. Telomerase activation: A potential key modulator for human healthspan and longevity. Ageing Research Reviews. Volume 15, May 2014, 1–5.
(2) Devasagayam, JC Tilak, KK Boloor, et al. Free Radicals and Antioxidants in Human Health. Announcement: 4th International Symposium on Diabetes. January 2005.
(3) H Murad, Michael P Tabibian et al. The effect of an oral supplement containing glucosamine, amino acids, minerals, and antioxidants on cutaneous aging: a preliminary study. Journal of Dermatological Treatment. Volume 12, Issue 1, 47-51, Jul 2001.
(4) Péter Szelényi, Katalin Révész et al. Inhibition of microsomal cortisol production…A potential new target for treating obesity-related diseases. BioFactors. 39: 534–541. doi:10.1002/biof.1095, March 2013
(5) S. Salvioli, E. Sikora, E. L. Cooper, C. Franceschi. Curcumin in Cell Death Processes: A Challenge for CAM of Age-Related Pathologies. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Volume 4, Issue 2, Pages 181-190, 2007.
(6) Rajindar S. Sohal, Michael J. Forster. Coenzyme Q, oxidative stress and aging. Mitochondrion. Volume 7, Supplement Pages S103–S111, June 2007.
(7) J. A. Conquer, G. Maiani, et al. Supplementation with Quercetin Markedly Increases Plasma Quercetin Concentration without Effect on Selected Risk Factors for Heart Disease in Healthy Subjects. Journal of Nutrition. Vol. 128 no. 3 593-597, 1998.
(8) S. D. Johanningsmeier, G. K. Harris. Pomegranate as a Functional Food and Nutraceutical Source. Annual Review of Food Science and Technology. Volume 2, 181-201, 2011.
(9) A. Sun, Simonyi, Wang, G. Sun. Resveratrol as a Therapeutic Agent for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Molecular Neurobiology, Volume 41, Issue 2, 375-383, 2010.
(10) S Timmers. E Konings, L Bilet, et al. Calorie Restriction-like Effects of 30 Days of Resveratrol Supplementation on Energy Metabolism and Metabolic Profile in Obese Humans. Cell Metabolism Press. Volume 14, Issue 5, 2011, 612-622.
(11) Robert J. Williamsa, Jeremy P.E. Spencer. Flavonoids, cognition, and dementia: Actions, mechanisms, and potential therapeutic utility for Alzheimer disease. Free Radical Biology and Medicine. Volume 52, Issue 1, January 2012, 35–45.
(12) Istvan Lekli, Diptarka Ray, Dipak K. Das. Longevity nutrients resveratrol, wines and grapes. Genes & Nutrition.Volume 5, Issue 1 March 2010, pp 55–60.
(13) W Chowanadisai, K A Bauerly, E Tchaparian, et al. Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Stimulates Mitochondrial Biogenesis through cAMP Response Element-binding Protein Phosphorylation and Increased PGC-1α Expression. The Journal of Biological Chemistry.Volume 285, 142-152, 2010.
