Aging is a complex and multifaceted process that affects the entire human body.
Since Steve Horvath unveiled the first multi-system clock in 2013, there has been a race to identify better ways to quantify the rate and impact of aging in human bodies.
It is becoming increasingly clear that at the cellular level, different parts of the human body age at different rates.
Now, a group of researchers at the University of Melbourne has developed a kind of new biological clock of aging.
And it is not based on epigenetic measurements, but rather the clocks are derived from biological phenotypes obtained from blood and biomedical imaging.
Discovering the differences in organ aging:
According to the researchers cited in the Nature article, variations in organ aging rates are influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. These factors can affect cell function, DNA repair, and the balance between tissue damage and regeneration.
In addition, the aging of organs has been found to be related to their metabolic rate and the amount of oxidative stress to which they are exposed. Organs with a high level of metabolic activity, such as the heart and kidneys, tend to age faster due to the greater number of biochemical processes occurring in them. On the other hand, organs with lower metabolic activity, such as the liver, may have a greater capacity for self-repair and therefore age more slowly.
The impact on health and premature aging:
Inflammation is a natural response of the body’s immune system to injury or infection. However, when it becomes chronic or dysregulated, it can trigger a number of serious diseases and disorders. In the search for more accurate and efficient tools to monitor inflammation, transcriptomics has become a powerful ally. In this article, we will explore how analyzing the expression of genes associated with metabolic pathways in the body using transcriptomics can provide valuable information for understanding and controlling inflammation.
How to protect our organ health:
While aging is a natural and inevitable process, we can take steps to protect the health of our organs and slow down their aging.
- Healthy lifestyle: Adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, abstinence from tobacco and moderate alcohol consumption can help reduce oxidative stress and maintain optimal organ function.
- Regular medical check-ups: Regular medical examinations to detect and treat any health problems early can prevent premature organ deterioration.
- Stress management: Chronic stress can have negative effects on organ health. Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga or tai chi can help reduce stress and protect organ health.
- Antioxidant supplements: Some antioxidant supplements, such as vitamin C and resveratrol, have shown potential to reduce oxidative stress and protect organ health. However, it is always important to consult a health professional before taking any supplement.
Conclusion
Organ aging at different rates is a fascinating reality that can have a major impact on our overall health and well-being.
Understanding these differences allows us to make informed decisions about how to best care for our organs and improve our quality of life as we age.
At Beyond You, we work with healthcare professionals to analyze how our body’s various systems are aging in order to slow their deterioration.
If you want more information about how we do it, you can contact us at community@beyondyou.life and one of our experts will answer all your questions.
