In a world where technological advancements and scientific breakthroughs have become synonymous with progress, the quest for eternal youth and longevity has captured the imagination of many. Longevity, the idea of extending the human lifespan, and anti-aging medicine, the science behind slowing down the aging process, have emerged as fascinating fields at the intersection of biology, medicine, and technology.
Understanding Longevity:
Longevity refers to the prolonged duration of life, with the ultimate goal of extending the human lifespan beyond what is considered the natural limit. While genetics play a significant role in determining an individual's lifespan, lifestyle factors, environmental influences and diet influence gene expression and how our health may deteriorate as we age.
Anti-Ageing Medicine:
Anti-aging medicine is a multidisciplinary field that aims to prevent, slow down, or reverse the aging process and its associated effects on the human body. Unlike traditional medicine that often focuses on treating specific diseases, anti-aging medicine takes a holistic approach by addressing the underlying factors that contribute to aging.
The Hallmarks of Ageing:
There are 14 known hallmarks of ageing that scientists are currently researching. The past 10 years has shown increased interest in medical advancements in this space with the discovery of the compound NAD+ and reduced ageing biomarkers with consumption of specific nutritional supplementation and lifestyle interventions.
Image Credit: Schmauck-Medina et al, 2022
We are living longer than ever before but with illness
29% of Australians over the age of 15 are living with one or more chronic disease according to the Australian Institute of Health & Wellbeing. Preventable, diet and lifestyle related diseases are now the leading cause of premature deaths including Diabetes and Heart Disease according to the World Health Organisation.
What can we do?
Genetic, functional pathology and biological age testing can be used to ascertain you current health picture. Understanding your current lifestyle, diet and health challenges in combination with any testing can determine the best treatment plan to set you up for a long AND healthy life so you can take the guess work out and focus on making memories and enjoying yourself.
What interventions as a naturopath and functional medicine practitioner can we support you with on your longevity & anti-ageing journey?
Dietary adjustments including reduction of carcinogenic and pro-inflammatory foods with addition of anti-oxidant rich compounds that have evidence to support extending lifespan.
Lifestyle recommendations including exercises specific to supporting a healthy musculoskeletal system to prevent osteoporosis, sarcopenia (muscle wastage) and stress reduction techniques.
Personalised Nutrition and Nutrigenomics specifically based on your DNA or identified increased nutritional needs. This can be in the form of diet or supplementation depending on your preference and or availability.
Nutritional Biochemistry Supplements such as Nicotinamide Riboside that prevents cellular ageing and reverses telomere damage.
Herbal medicines that can support specific indications such as nootropics to reduce neuro-cognitive decline or natural anti-inflammatories to reduce the hallmarks of ageing.
Interested in learning more about longevity and healthy ageing? Book a session today.
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