Activate Your Genes To Live Longer and Beat Diseases of Ageing

News reports in the last week have publicised the success of recent drug trials for an “anti-ageing miracle medicine”.

The research team behind the latest trial lead by Australian research, David Sinclair, have reported positive results for a drug that activates a specific gene to stave of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

The drugs trialled target the gene known as SIRT1, belonging to the sirtuin group of enzymes, which exerts its anti-ageing activity through the regulation of cellular defence mechanisms.

The mechanisms include:

  • Controlling DNA repair and apoptosis (cell death) 
  • Regulation of circadian clocks which govern our sleep patterns
  • Regulation of inflammatory pathways and insulin secretion
  • Regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis and function; the energy-producing powerhouse of each cell in the body

The launch of these drugs for human use is predicted to as soon as within the next 5 years, according to Professor Sinclair. 

However the jury is still out about their safety and efficacy as they have only been trialled in mice or in vitro so far, meaning results cannot yet be generalised to humans, and long-term side effects of these medications are currently also unknown.

Fortunately, scientific research has previously revealed many other natural and easy ways to activate SIRT1 and other longevity genes to guard against diseases of ageing and premature ageing and degeneration of cells.

 

Resveratrol, the polyphenol responsible for the health benefits of red wine is one of these natural SIRT1-activating compounds.

Taken in a concentrated supplemental form, resveratrol has been shown to provide protection against cardiovascular disease, high-fat-diet induced metabolic damage, cancer and age-related deterioration of health.

In fact, the development of these new anti-ageing drugs was based on scientific evidence and positive results previously found from resveratrol.

 

Other important gene-activating plant compounds include Sulfurophane, the phytochemical found in broccoli sprout extracts and Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD). 

Sulfurophane exerts a broader effect on the body than resveratrol, activating a “master switch” called Nrf2 which then activates 200 or more protective genes to improve cellular health and detoxification.

To find out more about the many benefits of sulfurophane, click here.

Oxidative damage is a major cause of disease and premature ageing as pro-oxidants or free-radicals are continuously produced by all of our cells in addition to being introduced to our bodies from environmental toxins, and often overwhelm our natural cell-protection defences. 

Super Oxide Dismutase has a strong influence on gene function as it is a primary antioxidant – it helps to counteract oxidative stress and cell damage at the very top of the 'oxidative damage' cascade. 

Research on SOD shows particular promise for this antioxidant in the prevention of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. 

A highly recommended formula containing both of these compounds is DefenCELL, which also contains antioxidant nutrients such as selenium and CoEnzyme Q10, and trace elements including zinc, manganese and copper, required for cells to produce their own antioxidant enzymes.

 

In essence, activating sirtuin genes with medications or natural compounds mimics the effect of increased physical activity and fasting, so you can achieve this effect on your own by making a few changes to your daily diet and exercise regime.

The bonus is, that both of these gene-activating methods carry no risk of side effects, and have additional benefits on body weight regulation and overall wellbeing.

 

Cut Back On Calories

Reducing your caloric intake is most easily achieved by reducing your window of eating time. For example, try to have your dinner an hour earlier and don’t eat after dinner, and have breakfast an hour later than usual.

Portion control is also essential, so be mindful when you eat – eat slowly and enjoy your food. Listen to your body and when you feel full, stop eating! Don’t continue to eat just because there is extra food on your plate or leftovers on the stove.

 

Exercise More 

Increasing your physical activity can be achieved through small changes during the day such as taking the stairs instead of the lift, park further away from work or the shopping centre so you get in a small walk each day and fitting in a walk or jog on your lunch break.

It is also important to schedule time throughout your week to do some intentional exercise such as walking, swimming, doing body-weight exercise, going to the gym or participating in an exercise class.

Aim for at least 5 x 30 minute sessions each week, especially if you spend most of your day sitting at a desk.

 

Get Your Genes Profiled

Personal genetic profiling allows a better understanding of one’s own physical capabilities and susceptibilities allowing for more targeted and specific interventions to be designed and implemented for optimal health and reduced risk of disease development later in life. 

Why take this supplement or follow that diet when YOUR genes need a specific set of nutrients to turn on or off? It doesn't make sense.

Find out what lifestyle, diet and supplements specifically benefit YOU and your genes and you have effectively tailored your life and radically changed your health potential.

Click here to learn about Emed’s Genetic Test and what it can tell you. 

 

Further Reading:

 

References:

Hubbard, B.P. et al. 2013, Evidence for a Common Mechanism of SIRT1 Regulation by Allosteric Activators, Science

Feige, J.N. et al. 2008, Specific SIRT1 Activation Mimics Low Energy Levels and Protects against Diet-Induced Metabolic Disorders by Enhancing Fat Oxidation, Cell Metabolism