Aging is a complex process that involves many different factors. Scientists have identified 12 hallmarks of aging that are thought to play a major role in the aging process123 . These hallmarks are:
- Genomic instability
- Telomere attrition
- Epigenetic alterations
- Loss of proteostasis
- Disabled macroautophagy
- Deregulated nutrient-sensing
- Mitochondrial dysfunction
- Cellular senescence
- Stem cell exhaustion
- Altered intercellular communication
- Chronic inflammation
- Dysbiosis
Aging is related to many different health conditions, including cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke1. Each hallmark of aging can contribute to these conditions in different ways.
Here are some scientifically backed strategies and supplements to improve or slow down each hallmark:
- Genomic instability: Avoid exposure to environmental toxins and radiation.
- Telomere attrition: Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet. Supplements such as NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) and acarbose may help slow telomere shortening1.
- Epigenetic alterations: Reduce stress and get enough sleep. Other supplements that may be beneficial for protecting against epigenetic alterations include NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide), acarbose, vitamin C, vitamin D, CoQ10, magnesium,
- Loss of proteostasis: Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet.
- Disabled macroautophagy: Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet.
- Deregulated nutrient-sensing: Eat a healthy diet and avoid overeating.
- Mitochondrial dysfunction: Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet. Supplements such as CoQ10 may help improve mitochondrial function1.
- Cellular senescence: Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet. Consider taking Fisetin. Fisetin has been shown to play a role in cellular senescence by eliminating senescent cells1. It has been found to reduce the amount of senescent cells that increase during aging and damage healthy surrounding cells, accelerating the aging process3.
- Stem cell exhaustion: Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet.
- Altered intercellular communication: Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet.
- Chronic inflammation: Eat a healthy diet and avoid smoking. Supplements such as vitamin C, vitamin D, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish), nuts, pomegranate juice, and acai juice may help reduce inflammation1.
- Dysbiosis: Eat a healthy diet and avoid overuse of antibiotics.
As always please discuss with your physician before following any health advice or taking any supplements.