Introduction to Aging and Free Radicals   An inescapable part of every life is the aging process.  It is often viewed as something to be feared as one's life progresses. It can easily be argued that all things, including people, age differently. Some of us, more quickly than others.  We often parallel the aging process to how we have treated ourselves.   Unfortunately, many people view aging as a negative condition.  This view may spawn from a belief that as we get older, a physical loss of function and development of disease is eminent. While this can happen, we now live in an age where the knowledge of effective preventative measures are at hand.  As technology progresses, doctors are learning more about how we can slow the aging process, and how diet and lifestyle hold the key to "healthy" aging.   What is it that differs between the 70 year old who runs marathons and the 50 year old that suffers from a heart attack? Plenty. We now know that what we eat, how we live, and what we do to our bodies greatly determines the path our health will take as we age.  It is also true that genetic predisposition can present unique challenges; however it is known that how we live can directly influence which part of our genetic makeup is expressed. As with all disease, it can be said that genetics 'loads the gun' while diet and lifestyle pull the trigger.       Why exactly is diet and lifestyle such an important part of healthy aging?  The body is designed to repair and rebuild itself exactly as it was before. This is accomplished as the body's genes provide the blueprint for repair and regeneration. At the heart of this is our DNA, or the chemical code which our genes dictate.  Our individual body types, hair and eye color, and shape of our faces are all attributable to DNA. As we go through life, we encounter many substances through our diet and lifestyle choices that directly contribute to the destruction of our DNA. When our DNA is damaged, it cannot always be perfectly repaired. As DNA continues to become damaged throughout life, this genetic blueprint becomes more and more worn.  The continual "stress" makes it more difficult for cellular membranes, which are located throughout our bodies, to repair themselves.   Skin wrinkles are a good visible example of this. As the skin on our faces is exposed to damaging rays from the sun, the DNA inside of the skin cells is repeatedly damaged. Soon, the skin cannot repair and replace itself as it used to, and wrinkles begin forming at points of stress in the skin. People that have had a lot of exposure to the elements and sun tend to have more wrinkles as they age. Similar processes occur in all parts of our bodies, from our arteries to our brain; the aging process occurs slowly, but surely. A large part of this destructive process is thought to be due to small particles known as 'free radicals'. Free radicals are parts of molecules that exist in our bodies. On the smallest scale, we are made entirely of atoms. Atoms combine in different arrangements to make everything in our body, and for that matter, the universe. Each atom has an electrical charge to it, and is therefore attracted to other atoms. A charged atom will always seek out other atoms to join with. This is just part of the nature of our physical universe. When a charged atom is not bound to other atoms, it is called a free radical. The problem with free radicals is that they will bombard the tissues looking for other atoms to 'steal' or join up with. When this occurs, the existing structure of the body is broken down. The most dangerous situation is when a free radical attacks a DNA molecule, removing crucial atoms from its structure, thus affecting the genetic blueprint. This leaves the DNA impaired, unable to function properly, and unable to make necessary repairs  Without reparations, the body is constantly exposed to further damage from free radicals. The body will continue to be damaged at the cellular level and may ultimately prevent individual cells and organs from functioning correctly.   The most efficient method in combating the adverse reactions of free radicals, may be by the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods and by the ingestion of dietary supplements containing antioxidants. Like their name implies, antioxidants are substances that have the ability to 'quench' free radicals by joining up with them, thereby rendering them less 'radical'.     These molecular peacekeepers, substances that donate electrons to halt free radical chain reactions, are also known as "free radical scavengers." Antioxidants include familiar nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E. The plant world brims with antioxidants, which is one reason why fruits and vegetables are touted as being so healthy.   Although aging is an unstoppable process, we can make choices to help slow the process and to assist in the prevention of the negative health effects often accompanying it.     Aging Statistics   According to the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Aging: Since the year 1900, the percentage of Americans over the age of 65 has tripled, from 4.1% of the population to 12.4% in 2000, which is 1 out of every 8 people.   Since 1990 alone, the number of American over the age of 65 has increased by 3.7 million people.   In the year 2000, people aged 65 could expect to live (on average) another 17.9 years. (19.2 years for women and 16.3 for men).   In the year 2000, there were 20.6 million women over the age of 65 and 14.4 million men over age 65; there are roughly 1.5 times more women in this group than men, and this number increases with age.   Born in 2000, a child can expect to live 76.9 years, which is 29 years longer than a child born in 1900.   In 2000, 2 million people celebrated their 65th birthday (at a rate of 5,574 a day); that same year, roughly 1.8 million people aged 65 or older died. This results in a net annual increase of 238,000 people, or 650 per day.   In 2000, there were 50,545 people aged 100 or more living, which is 0.02% of the population. In 1900, there were 37,306 people aged 100 or older.     Aging Symptoms   There are many signs of aging, some obvious and some more insidious. Most people pay attention to the outward manifestations of aging, such as skin quality and physical appearance of the body.  Other signs of aging may be related to specific disease.  Decreased immunological functioning can go hand in hand with aging.  It is important to consult with your physician to determine if a certain external or internal abnormality (including sickness) is being caused by specific condition.  These may include, and are not limited to: Breakdown of connective tissue-wrinkling of skin Color change of hair Hair falling out Weight gain or weight loss Fatigue Pain in joints and muscles Change in skin pigmentation Constipation Change in sleep patterns Changes in vision Common diseases that occur later in life: Heart disease Diabetes High cholesterol High blood pressure Cancer   Learn More About Aging Aging Introduction Aging Treatment Products helpful for Aging   Learn More

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