Aging is the accumulation of changes in our body over time. Inflammation has been linked to many age-related ailments and diseases, which include wrinkles, arthritis, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. As we age, the degree of inflammation increases along with the incidence of inflammatory related diseases. Inflammation can be reduced, or even prevented, by changing our diet, lifestyle, or environment. Following an inflammation-reducing diet and by taking anti-oxidant and/or anti-inflammatory supplements is crucial.
Please refer to the dedicated section on inflammation for a more descriptive correlation between inflammation and aging.
In addition to inflammation, the accumulation of damaged mitochondrial DNA has been proposed as a potential mechanism in the physiological processes of aging and age-related diseases. Recently, the creation of the mouse model has provided the first direct evidence that accelerating mitochondrial DNA damage can result
in premature aging.
Mitochondria are the greatest source of reactive oxygen species within the cell. Reactive oxygen species can be helpful but can also induce cell damage and death. If their production is not controlled, detrimental effects from oxidative stress can occur. Oxidative stress is widely thought to underlie many processes related to aging, and the oxidative stress theory of aging is one of the most widely acknowledged theories of aging. Mitochondria are the major source of reactive oxygen species and major site of oxidative damage. Supplements that protect mitochondrial function and stability include alpha lipoic acid and coenzyme Q10.