For as long as humans have recorded history, they have searched for a solution to the problem of aging.
Are we getting any closer?
Aging Defined
Until recently, people have mostly looked upon aging as being a fact of life that could not be avoided. The human body simply wore out over time, and very little could be done to prevent that hard reality.
Today, things are a little different. Researchers are beginning to think of aging as a cluster of specific medical conditions…conditions that can be slowed down or prevented. This combination of conditions (as currently defined) includes:
- Chronic inflammation
- Oxidative stress
- A build-up of senescent cells (also known as “zombie cells”)
- Insulin resistance
- Cardiovascular dysfunction
- A loss of muscle and bone mass
- Cognitive decline
- Hormone imbalance
Narrowing the phenomenon of aging down in this manner is leading researchers to study and develop specific therapies and compounds that may be targeted to these specific conditions.
Some of the solutions that follow are more preliminary than others; but all are promising.
Potential Anti-Aging Medications
Several medications have emerged in recent years that seem to slow or even reverse the symptoms of aging. These include:
- Metformin
Metformin is a medication originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes.More recent research is looking at metformin as being a possible anti-aging medication. Researchers believe metformin may combat the effects of aging by modulating cell metabolism, combatting chronic inflammation, and improving insulin sensitivity.
- Dasatinib
This medication is used to treat certain types of leukemia, but it may also combat aging by helping the body to eliminate “zombie cells”. These senescent (or non-working) cells release harmful toxins into the body and are thought to be a primary cause of the aging process. - Rapamycin
This drug, originally used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients, seems to regulate cell metabolism and slow the cellular effects of aging.
- Semaglutide (and other GLP-1s)
Originally developed to treat type II diabetes, this medication (which is taken as a weekly injection) helps to improve insulin sensitivity, even among those who are not diabetic.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement
As you age, your body’s ability to produce essential hormones like testosterone, estrogen, thyroid, and growth hormone will decline. This decline in hormone production causes many of symptoms readily associated with aging, such as muscle loss, bone loss, weight gain, memory loss, low libido, insomnia, and more.
Hormone replacement therapy can restore hormones to optimal levels, thereby preventing or reversing these signs of aging.
Other Age-Fighting Compounds
Many of the compounds routinely found within the food we eat may also have anti-aging properties. The list includes:
- NAD+
This vital molecule fuels cellular energy and repairs DNA damage. The body makes NAD+ from a combination of amino acids, but its levels tend to decline with age. Fortunately, NAD+ can be supplemented via injections or nasal spray. - Procyanidin C1
This polyphenol comes from cacao and grape seeds. It shields your cells from oxidative stress. - Quercetin
Found in fruit and vegetables, this nutritional superhero has anti-inflammatory properties. - Resveratrol
This polyphenol is present in red grape skins and berries. It’s a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, and it may protect against cardiovascular disease and cancer. - Fisitin
Fisitin, another powerful polyphenol, is also found in fruit and vegetables. Studies suggest it may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
It may also protect against cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. - Turmeric
This staple from Eastern cuisine joins the list of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. It also has neuroprotective and cancer-fighting benefits.
Apart from dietary sources, more concentrated versions of these age-fighters are available in supplement form.
The Future of Anti-Aging Science Is Bright
At Renew Youth, we’re dedicated to the fight against aging. We’ve been helping clients to optimize their hormones for more than 25 years. More recently, we’ve added solutions like metformin, semaglutide, rapamycin, and NAD+ to our arsenal. Ready to start your journey to a new you? Call us at 800-859-7511 or use our easy contact form to schedule your free consultation.