The anti-aging market continues to experience tremendous growth and is projected to bring in a whopping $291.9 billion by 2015, according to the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. “The primal desire of humans to remain young forever has groomed and nurtured a goliath of an anti-aging industry worldwide.” The drive bulldozing this market forward is the ultimate propensity to look and feel younger, and in turn, to achieve optimal health and well-being.
A great way to kick-start the health rejuvenation process is to evaluate the interaction of reactive oxygen species with your DNA. This interaction with free radicals produces oxidation products which activate DNA repair enzymes in order to remove the damaged bases and maintain viability. The oxidation of guanosine produces 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). By measuring the concentration of 8-OHdG, an accurate measure of the rate of polynucleotide oxidative damage can be obtained. Elevated 8-OHdG is a sign that cellular damage may be occurring and that antioxidant support may be needed – both of which have major health ramifications.
The following contribute to increased production of free radicals, further perpetuating oxidative challenge:
- obesity
- lack of exercise
- psychological stress
- smoking
- poor diet
- toxic exposure
- hyperglycemia
- excessive alcohol intake
- poor lifestyle choices
But that's not all, there’s more to this story. Many published studies on the topic of DNA in regards to the aging process exist. Specifically, research has looked at telomeres and telomerase and their ability to protect chromosomes, prevent DNA damaging processes and regulate cellular aging. This translates into the fact that compromised telomere structural integrity indeed plays a role in many disease processes.
In 2009, Carol Greider, Elizabeth Blackburn, and Jack Szostak were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine "for the discovery of how chromosomes are protected by telomeres and the enzyme telomerase." This is an interesting concept because not only are shortened telomeres indicative of DNA damage and linked to early death, specific diseases and dysfunction including diminished immune response, atherosclerosis, hematological disease, pulmonary disease, hepatic disease, hypertension, diabetes, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative disorders, and intestinal atrophy have been linked to compromised DNA and shortened telomeres.
It’s time to monitor and restore metabolic function in order for the rejuvenation of cellular health to occur — starting with your DNA! Enter functional medicine laboratory testing, offering a window with a view to assess the hidden details of what’s going on in your body and where to focus for proper rejuvenation.
Not to say that certain lotions, potions, and procedures on the anti-aging market shelves won’t work miracles on the aging process, but why not address the root cause? It’s time to rejuvenate your health, starting from the cellular level, working from the inside out. Investigate the areas of your health that may be lacking and speeding up the aging process. May is the perfect month to implement a health rejuvenating tune-up!
Other profiles to consider
- Metabolic Syndrome Profile which includes insulin, glucose, triglycerides, AA/EPA ratio, and ADMA. Findings of abnormal glucose levels, high triglycerides, imbalanced fatty acid ratios, and increased ADMA are now widely believed to increase oxidative stress within the body.
- Cardiovascular Health Profile which includes lipid Peroxides, C-reactive protein, lipoprotein (a), and homocysteine. The oxidative degradation of lipids (lipid peroxidation) is a process that increases free radical damage within the body, particularly within the cardiovascular system. End products of lipid peroxidation and other abnormal values within this panel may result in mutations, disease, adverse health events, and carcinogenic processes.
Dr. Rachel Marynowski
Naturopathic Physician
Metametrix Clinical Laboratory
References
Cass Nelson-Dooley, MS (18)