What Causes Aging?

One cause of aging is the bodies exposure to free radicals. Free radicals are pieces of molecules that are not stable on their own. In chemical terms, they have an available valence bond, like an ion. You can think of them as being like a magnet that isn't attached to anything. They will be attracted to bond to another molecule to create something more stable. Unfortunately, those other molecules they bond to might be a protein, or hormone, or some other important chemical that shouldn't be altered. When a free radical attaches itself, the other molecule is changed in some way that might make it no longer effective for it's original purpose.

It is believed that free radicals are created when our bodies are exposed to things like physical and emotional stress, everyday pollutants, high fat and fried foods, and diets that are loaded with unhealthy, commercially prepared foods. The free-radical damage builds up, and can affect nearly every system in your body. This is the leading theory of why we age, and why some people may age faster than others.

These free radicals can affect the brain, which is a fatty tissue. Declining levels of neurotransmitters may interfere with the proper operation of the brain.

Another cause of aging is the things we are not getting enough of. For example a lack of exercise, less quality sleep, not enough clean, pure water, and inadequate intake of healthy fruits and nutrient-dense vegetables.

The heart and arteries age over time. Arteries age by becoming less elastic. Heart muscle thickens with age.

Bones show signs of aging as their density decreases. One way to strengthen bones and reverse this process is with weight bearing exercises. Individuals concerned with bone loss should also avoid acidic foods such as meats, soda, and refined sugar, since these foods tend to deplete the body of calcium. Nutrients helpful to maintaining the bones include calcium and magnesium; L-lysine; silica; folic acid; potassium; manganese; zinc; copper; molybdeum; and peak levels of vitamin D.

Homocysteine levels may messaure the amount of aging damage in the body.