Aging is a process intertwined with human (and not only) existence. Every body, after some years, is facing decay. However, the holistic anti-aging method is a natural and effective way to prevent this deterioration.
There are several factors that contribute to aging and even more theories. Fortunately, nowadays it is outdated the idea that aging is genetically programmed, so there is nothing we can do.
The longer we live, the more damage our cells cause, as they are in operation longer. These lesions prevent the organs and tissues from functioning effectively until they stop functioning completely.
People do not die from old age, but from the serious diseases that occur in the elderly (cancer, stroke, etc.).
Lifestyle matters
Cellular damage and the aging process are linked to each other's "holding", that is, genes play a role. However, lifestyles and various other environmental factors can accelerate or delay the aging process.
To make it clearer, we would say that between 25% and 30% of genes play a role and the rest are environmental conditions.
The free radicals
Scientists have managed in recent years to come up with some basic theories of aging that are mutually supportive. To conclude these theories, they rejected hundreds of others and resorted to long-term research.
An essential factor for aging is the free radicals, caused by the various oxidizing substances.
Free radicals are unstable atoms created by various physiological functions of the body such as breathing and metabolism. Usually antioxidants neutralize them before they cause damage.
Unfortunately, if they stay in the body for a number of reasons such as malnutrition, air pollution, alcohol, drugs and stress, they cause oxidative damage to DNA and various cells.
The formation of glycotoxins
Another mechanism associated with the aging process is the formation of glycotoxins.
These substances are formed in the body when proteins are joined with sugars. Glucotoxins adhere to other proteins and cause cross-links that inhibit the normal function of proteins, resulting in damage to adjacent cells.
This can be done either naturally in foods containing sugar, or in cooking meat and other foods at high temperatures that result in the production of chemicals.
Research shows that glycotoxins are responsible for a large number of diseases, from wrinkles and diabetes, to Alzheimer's.
Genetic factors
Toxins and free radicals cause DNA damage. So too is exposure to sunlight and other radiation such as radioactivity.
In addition to toxic substances and diet, there may be damage to DNA replication, which leads to mutations that destroy cells.
In recent years, scientists have linked the aging process to the reduction in telomere length.
Telomeres are caps at the ends of chromosomes that prevent the DNA from unfolding. Imagine that chromosomes are like shoelaces and telomeres the plastic casing on the ends of the shoelaces.
Each time a cell divides, telomeres shorten. At some stage the telomeres become so close that the cells cannot be copied and repaired.
The anti-aging holistic method
Anti-aging is that branch of medicine that is trying to reduce the "signs" of time and, in particular, to limit the chance of developing diseases related to old age.
Holistic medicine works best in the field of anti-aging because it focuses on addressing the factors that affect aging, not on its symptoms.
To put it simply, holistic anti-aging treats humans as a whole and tries to intervene in the causes of aging problems.
For example, wrinkles or aesthetics are not enough for wrinkles, but a proper diet that favors restructuring is needed.
The therapist can use a combination of therapeutic methods such as physiopathy, acupuncture, massage, etc.
It will utilize as tools all scientific achievements, that is, advanced technology, as well as ancient therapeutic methods that condense centuries-old wisdom.
Of course, this requires advanced theoretical and practical training on the part of the therapist. That is, he must have knowledge of the anatomy of the human body, of nutrition, of exercise, of psychology and of holistic healing methods.
By Dr Angel,
Holistic Doctor – Counseling Psychotherapist
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
MSc Health Psychology
insta: dr_aggelikikoskeridou_official
Sources
Nikola Getoff, (2007), Anti-aging and Aging factors is life. The role of free radicals. Science Direct. Vol 76, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0969806X07000047.
Saluja SS, Fabi SG, (2017), A Holistic Approach to Antiaging as an Adjunct to Antiaging Procedures: A Review of the Literature, Pubmed.gov. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28359075.
Silke K. Schagen, Vasiliki Zampeli, et al, (2012), Discovering the link between nutrition and skin aging. Journal Dermato-Endocrinology, Vol4, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.4161/derm.22876.
