Getting older is an inevitable fact of life. Achy joints, graying hair, failing vision, loss of muscle strength, weight gain, and loss of energy are a few of the signs of aging. If you have ever wondered what causes the slow decline of the human body you are not alone. Fortunately, science is beginning to solve the mystery of aging.



Let's begin with the source of information for the cells that make up our bodies; namely DNA. As we journey through life our cells continue to divide in order to maintain our bodies. The instructions for this process reside in the DNA located in the cell's nucleus. Over the years this information flow gets distorted with errors and eventually begins to break down. The cells lose their ability to function and show signs of aging.

Inside the cell is a structure called the mitochondrion. The mitochondrion is responsible for producing energy used by the cell in order to carry out its functions. The error-ridden information from DNA tends to affect the mitochondrion. The mitochondrion cannot make energy for the cell and the cell begins to show signs of aging.

Another important mechanism of aging is the concentration of a particular gene named p16INK4a. The increased concentration of this gene appears to be associated with decreased cell function. Researchers from the University of Michigan, Harvard University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that an increased concentration of p16INK4a adversely affected the function of pancreatic cells in mice. In particular the gene may inhibit cell division causing problems with replacing older cells with new cells.

Aging can be seen as a result of poor information flow between the DNA and other cell components. Improving the information flow will slow down the aging of the cell. Healthy cells then translate to a healthy body.

All is not lost with cellular aging. There are a few things you can do on a molecular level to help the information flow to your cells. For one you could take alpha lipoic acid. Alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant that is produced by your body. It has been shown to help restore cellular signaling (information flow) in blood cells in mice. It also works with the liver and helps to rid the body of toxins. It is found in spinach, broccoli, Brewer's yeast and beef and is available as a supplement. A general dose is between 20 mg and 50 mg per day for adults.

Another substance that helps the information flow in the cell is acetyl L-carnitine (ALC). ALC particularly helps the mitochondrion to function optimally. It also helps with brain function such as improving memory. The typical dose is 100 mg to 400 mg. Doses exceeding 500 mg have been associated with adverse side effects such as nausea.

Also, coenzyme Q10 has an anti-aging effect on cells. Coenzyme Q10 also works to facilitate energy production in the cell. In addition to anti-aging effects, coenzyme Q10 supports cardiovascular health and is a powerful antioxidant. The typical dose is 50 mg to 100 mg per day.

These three substances; alpha lipoic acid, acetyl L-carnitine and coenzyme Q10 all work to reduce the effects of aging on a molecular level by keeping the information flowing throughout the cell. If we can keep our cells from growing old we may be able to experience healthy and well-functioning bodies as we enter our retirement years.