The Aging Molecule
Aging is an inevitable part of life, though it is often a painful and difficult one. No one enjoys aging, we all want to stay youthful, energetic, beautiful, and possess radiant health. However, despite the difficulty that comes with aging some people endure it very gracefully while others age much more rapidly and much more sharply. There are so many elements that factor into the aging process including your genetics, how much you drink or smoke, and your stress levels but there is a secret element of aging that plays a major role in the overall aging process that most people have no idea exists. It is a molecule of such significance that, when measured in your body, nutritionists can use the levels of this molecule found in your body to determine your overall health and wellbeing and estimate your age.
These are AGEs, or advanced glycation end-products, and they form when sugars react with proteins and fats in the body. They are commonly found in processed meats, sugary drinks, fried foods, processed snack foods, high-sugar desserts, and grilled or barbecued meat. We first talked about them in our article here. Today we are going to discuss the role they play in the aging process.
What is Aging?
Before we get into the details of how AGEs affect the aging process, it’s important to know what aging actually is. Aging isn’t merely the passing of time, but it’s a multifaceted biological process characterized by the progressive decline in an organism's physiological and cellular functions over time. These changes can impact various aspects of an individual's health and well-being, increasing susceptibility to age-related chronic diseases and diminishing overall resilience. According to a study published in the journal "Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology", aging is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors, and it manifests as a gradual loss of cellular integrity and homeostasis, leading to the functional decline observed in aging organisms.
As the body continually takes damage from the environment, the wear and tear of daily life, and also our diet, it becomes weaker and less able to heal itself and recover from the damage. This produces what we know as “aging”, and AGEs have a very large role to play in just how fast and gracefully we age.
Collagen and Elastin Damage
Collagen and elastin are two essential proteins found in the body, primarily in the skin, but also in other tissues. They tend to degrade over time as we age. They provide structure to our tissues and bones, they keep our tissues elastic so they can stretch, and they help maintain the function of our skin and other soft tissues. AGEs, however, can inflict significant damage to these vital proteins.
AGEs cross-link with these proteins, altering their natural conformation and impairing their function. This results in a loss of skin suppleness and firmness, ultimately leading to the formation of wrinkles and sagging skin—visible hallmarks of the aging process. Scientific research has demonstrated how AGEs, through their cross-linking effects, negatively impact the structure and function of collagen and elastin, contributing to the visible signs of aging. This study sheds light on the mechanistic relationship between AGEs and the breakdown of these crucial proteins, providing valuable insights into the aging process and potential strategies to counteract their effects on skin health.
Oxidative Stress
AGEs are intimately intertwined with oxidative stress, a key player in the aging process and the development of age-related diseases. AGEs contribute to oxidative stress by promoting the generation of harmful free radicals and impairing the body's natural antioxidant defenses. This imbalance results in a state where free radicals outnumber antioxidants, leading to cellular damage, oxidative damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids, and inflammation. This scientific study provides comprehensive insights into the role of AGEs in oxidative stress and their contributions to the pathogenesis of various age-related conditions, highlighting the intricate relationship between AGEs and oxidative stress in the context of aging and age-related diseases.
Neurological Damage
AGEs have been implicated in neurological effects and may play a role in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. AGEs can contribute to neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, which are key processes in the pathogenesis of such diseases. These AGE-induced effects can harm brain cells, impair neuronal function, and contribute to cognitive decline. A study published in the journal "Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience" delves into the association between AGEs and Alzheimer's disease, shedding light on the potential mechanisms through which AGEs may influence neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment.
Age Gracefully
Now there are certain elements that are out of our control when it comes to the aging process, such as our genetics, but when it comes to AGEs that is something that is fully under our control. Since it is something that comes entirely from our dietary choices, by avoiding specific foods and food types we can drastically reduce our AGE levels and age slower and much more gracefully. This is why we promote a whole-food plant-based diet with the most anti-inflammatory ingredients we can find so that your AGE levels are kept at a minimum and you have the best chance at enjoying a long, healthy, disease-free life.