There are many theories on aging. For example the evolutionary theory of aging supposes that genes are inherited that limit the lifespan amongst other things. Further, the theory suggests that some genes that may be beneficial in youth may have negative consequences later in life. This theory suggests that aging is a byproduct of Darwin’s evolutional theory of natural selection. Unlike biology based theories that view aging as a consequence of chemical processes like oxidative stress and hormone losses.
One theory of aging called the theory of programmed death offers the idea that soma cells are predetermined to only split so many times.
Biological based theories of aging include the idea that free radicals cause the body to deteriorate and as a result signs of aging appear. Free radicals can cause accumulated damage to cells and organs that leads to inflammation and further destruction.
Another theory suggests that it is accumulated waste matter that forces aging on people. Included in this body of biological rather than evolutionary theories of aging is the metabolism theory of aging.
There is another theory of aging that metabolism is responsible for the aging process. Delayed or slower metabolism equates to longer life. The energy consumption hypothesis says that burning calories increases damage to cells and results in more rapid aging. In line with this thinking is a theory that suggests severely restricting calorie intake can prolong life and slow down the progression of age related symptoms. Studies with lab animals supports this idea however, few if any longitudal studies have been done with humans and the lab animals received exacting diets high in nutrients. This strategy may be difficult to replicate with humans.
The appearance of age related changes to the body can be distressing and though it is inevitable that the passing of time will impact the body, proper diet may in fact reduce the impact that aging has on the body. For example, a diet rich in vitamins, lean protein, and antioxidants may reduce the damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are associated with inflammation. Examples of foods that help combat free radicals are cold water fish and green leafy vegetables.
Other anti-aging diets suggest that greatly reducing the amount of food that an individual eats may increase longevity. The idea is that reducing calories and eating a specific diet rich in the proper nutrients reduces oxidative stress a leading component in aging related illnesses and conditions. A cautionary note here is that studies that support the idea that reducing calories below levels necessary to maintain ideal body weight will improve the quality and quantity of life, have only been seriously conducted on lab animals not people. Further, restrictive diets such as this are hard for people to maintain, there is a risk of not getting the right mix of foods, and malnutrition is a possibility.
Another anti-aging diet suggests that excessive acidity in our diets is responsible for the accumulation of free radicals in our body. Further, that excessive acidity allows toxins to build up in the body. Proponents of this anti-aging diet suggest that foods high in alkali will restore balance to the system and consequently slow the aging process. It is important to not that all of the anti-aging diets advocate a diet high in antioxidants, the correct balance of minerals and moderation in the amount of food consumed. In addition, consuming 8 to 10 glasses of water a day will help eliminate toxins from the system.
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