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Theories of Aging
Part I
Author:
Connie Limon
The Wear and Tear Theory
 The Wear and Tear
Theory was first introduced by Dr. August Weismann, a German biologist
in 1882. He believed aging occurred when the body and its cells were
damaged by overuse and abuse. The major organs of the body such as
the liver, stomach, kidneys, skin and so on are worn down by toxins in
our
diet
and in the environment, by excessive intake of fat, sugar, caffeine,
alcohol and nicotine, by the ultra-violet rays of the sun and by the
many other physical and emotional stresses to which we subject our
bodies. Simply using the organs over time wears them out even if you
never touch a cigarette or have a glass of wine and stayed out of the
sun, etc. Abuse just wears them out quicker. He also believed it
takes place on the cellular level.
Nutritional
supplements and other treatments can help reverse the aging process by
stimulating the body’s own ability to repair and maintain its organs
and cells.
The
Neuroendocrine Theory
The neuroendocrine
theory was developed by Vladimir Dilman, Ph.D. The theory elaborates
on the wear and tear theory by focusing on the neuroendocrine system
that governs the release of our hormones and other vital bodily
elements. Different organs release various hormones under the
governance of the hypothalamus, a walnut-sized gland located within
the brain. Hormone levels are high in youth and account for
menstruation in women and high libido in both sexes. As we get older
the body produces lower levels of hormones which can have serious
effects on our functioning. Hormones help repair and regulate our
bodily functions. When aging causes a drop in hormone production, it
causes a decline in our body’s ability to repair and regulate itself.
The hormone
replacement therapy is a frequent component of any
anti-aging treatment and helps to reset the body’s hormonal clock and then reverse or delay
the effects of aging. The theory holds that if our hormones are being
produced at youthful levels the cells of our bodies are stimulated to
active and we stay young.
The Genetic
Control Theory
This theory
focuses on the genetic programming encoded within our DNA. From birth
we are equipped with a unique genetic code, which has a great deal to
say about how quickly we age and how long we live. When our
biological clock goes off it signals our bodies first to age and then
to die. The timing on this genetic clock is subject to enormous
variation and depends upon what happens to us as we grow up and on how
we actually live.
Anti-aging medicine attempts to
prevent damage to our cells and increase repair of DNA to help us
escape our genetic destinies, at least to some extent.
Also, See Theories of Aging Page
#2
Source:
The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and
Drug Administration. The information in this article is not intended
to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All health concerns
should be addressed by a qualified health care professional.
Article Source:
http://www.articlesbase.com/anti-aging-articles/theories-of-aging-part-i-545986.html
About the Author:
Written by: Connie
Limon. Visit
http://smalldogs2.com/Anti-Aging
Articles for an extensive list of FREE reprint articles all about anti-aging.
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Additional Information and
webpage by Paul Susic MA Licensed
Psychologist Ph.D. Candidate
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