The Body's Levels of these Substances Naturally Decline with Age

Amino Acids

The body's (especially the Brain's) levels of Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) decline in tandem with the Aging Process.
Carnitine levels in the Brain, Blood, Heart and Muscles decrease in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process, while Carnitine levels in the Liver increase in tandem with the Aging Process, indicating that the transportation of Carnitine from the Liver to the Blood declines in tandem with the Aging Process. references

The body’s ability to synthesize Creatine declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process:

- Muscle Creatine Phosphate levels decline in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process and the body’s ability to resynthesize Creatine Phosphate after intensive Exercise declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process. references

Older cells contain 20% - 30% less Glutathione than young Cells. references
Phenylalanine absorption decreases significantly in tandem with the Aging Process.
The body’s levels of S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM) decline in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process. references



Carbohydrates

The content of Chondroitin Sulfate (CSA-B form) in the Dermis of the Skin declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process. references
The ratio of Chondroitin Sulfate-A (CSA-A) to Chondroitin Sulfate-C (CSA-C) declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process and this form of CSA should therefore be the major supplemental form of CSA. references

The body's production of Hyaluronic Acid declines in tandem with the Aging Process and the body’s excretion of Hyaluronic Acid increases in tandem with the Aging Process: references

- The content of Hyaluronic Acid in the Dermis of the Skin declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process (the Dermis of people aged 60 and over often contain zero Hyaluronic Acid).



Carotenoids

The Lutein content of the Eyes declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process. references



Digestive System Chemicals

The body's production of Hydrochloric Acid declines in tandem with the Aging Process. references



Enzymes

Cytochrome C Oxidase activity declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process. references
The body's production of Delta-6 Desaturase declines in tandem with the Aging Process. references
The body’s production of Digestive Enzymes declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process. references

The body’s Glutathione Peroxidase content declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process. references
The body's production of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) declines in tandem with the Aging Process.



Growth Factors

Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) levels decline in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process. references
Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) production declines in tandem with the Aging Process (the body’s production of NGF peaks at the age of two and then steadily declines thereafter). references



Hormones

The body’s production and levels of Androstenediol declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process - 80 year olds have 54% less Androstenediol compared to 35 year olds. references
The body’s production and levels of Androstenedione declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process - 80 year olds have 40% less Androstenedione compared to 35 year olds. references

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) production declines in tandem with the Aging Process (from 30 mg per day at age 20 to 6 mg at age 80): references

- Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) DHEA levels decline in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process.

The body’s levels of Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEAS) decline in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process - by the age of 70, DHEAS levels in most people have declined to approximately 20% of their peak levels. references
The body’s production of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process. references

The production/release of Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH) from the Hypothalamus declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process.
Human Growth Hormone (hGH) production declines in tandem with the Aging Process: references

- hGH production begins to decline at age 30 and by age 60 has tapered off quite substantially. Exogenous, supplemental hGH administered by injection has produced dramatic anti-Aging effects in older people (although there are numerous side effects associated with the use of exogenous hGH).

The body’s production of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process. references
Melatonin secretion declines in tandem with the Aging Process: references
The body’s endogenous production of Pregnenolone declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process (production of endogenous Pregnenolone declines by 60% between the ages of 35 and 75). references

The body’s production of Relaxin declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process (especially after Menopause). references
(Female and male) Testosterone production declines in tandem with the Aging Process - male Testosterone production declines only very slightly after age 40 and males continue to produce Testosterone until their late 70's. references

The body’s production of Thymic Hormones declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process.
Thymosin levels decline in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process (especially between the ages of 20 and 40). references
Plasma Thymulin levels progressively and significantly decline in tandem with the Aging Process. references

The body’s production of Thyroid Hormones declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process. references



Krebs Cycle Chemicals

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) production declines in tandem with the Aging Process.



Lipids

Cardiolipin levels decline in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process. references
The Brain’s content of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process (supplemental DHA may retard this decline). references
The Phospholipids content of Cell Membranes declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process: references

- The body's endogenous Phosphatidylcholine levels decline in tandem with the Aging Process and Phosphatidylcholine (especially when administered via intravenous infusion) can reverse the deterioration of Cell Membranes that ocurs in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process. references
- The body’s Phosphatidylserine (PS) content declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process (after the age of 25).



Microorganisms

The number of Beneficial Bacteria (probiotics) in the Gastrointestinal Tract declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process: references

- The number of Bifidobacteria in the Large Intestine declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process. references



Minerals

The body's Bromine content declines in tandem with the Aging Process to the extent that by the age of 75 there is zero left in the body.
Calcium absorption decreases in tandem with the Aging Process.
The body’s Chromium content declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process. references

The body’s concentration of Copper declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process. references
Iron absorption decreases in tandem with the Aging Process.
The intestinal absorption of Magnesium declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process. references



Neurotransmitters

Acetylcholine production declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process. references
Dopamine production declines in tandem with the Aging Process: references

- Up to the age of 45, Dopamine levels remain relatively stable.
- After the age of 45, the average Dopamine level of healthy people declines in a linear fashion by approximately 13% per decade.
- When the Brain’s Dopamine level falls to 30% of youthful levels, the progression of Parkinson’s Disease commences.
- When the Brain’s Dopamine level falls to 10% of youthful levels, death occurs.

The body’s production of Nitric Oxide declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process. references
Norepinephrine production declines in tandem with the Aging Process.



Nucleic Acids

The quantity of Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) that is stored in the Brain’s Neurons and Glial Cells decreases in tandem with the Aging Process (especially after age 40). references



Peptides

The body’s Carnosine levels decline in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process. references



Proteins

The body’s endogenous production of Elastin declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process - Elastin production begins to decline after the age of approximately 25.



Quinones

The body's ability to absorb dietary Coenzyme Q10 declines in tandem with the Aging Process, the body's ability to convert Coenzymes Q1 - Q9 into Coenzyme Q10 deteriorates in tandem with the Aging Process and the body’s ability to produce endogenous Coenzyme Q10 from its nutritional precursors declines in tandem with the Aging Process: references

- Endogenous Coenzyme Q10 synthesis begin to decline after the age of 20.
- Brain levels of Coenzyme Q10 decline markedly after the age of 50.
- Elderly people have only 50% of the levels of Coenzyme Q10 as those of young people.



Skin Chemicals

The body's production of its endogenous moisturizer Na-PCA declines in tandem with the Aging Process (note that supplemental Na-PCA should only be applied topically):

- The Skin of older people contains up to 50% less Na-PCA than the Skin of younger persons.



Sulfuric Compounds

The body’s content of Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process.



Vitamins

The ability of Choline to cross the Blood-Brain Barrier declines by up to 80% in tandem with the Aging Process. references
Many elderly people are found to exhibit Folic Acid deficiency. references
The body’s content of Lipoic Acid declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process. references

The Brain’s Vitamin B1 content declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process. references
The body's requirement for Vitamin C increases with the progression of the Aging Process. references
The body's ability to absorb dietary Vitamin B6 declines in tandem with the Aging Process (after the age of 40) and many elderly people are found to exhibit Vitamin B6 deficiency. references

The body’s ability to absorb dietary Vitamin B12 declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process (and daily supplements of 500 - 1,000 mcg per day are recommended in order to counteract this impaired absorption in persons over the age of 60). references
The body’s ability to absorb Vitamin D declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process. The body’s ability to produce Vitamin D from 7-Dehydrocholesterol in the Skin after stimulation from UV-B also declines in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process. Serum Vitamin D levels decline by up to 50% in tandem with the progression Aging Process. references

Plasma levels of the Gamma-Tocopherol form of Vitamin E decline in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process. references
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Aging Process

Description

The Aging Process is the general decline in the structure and function of the human body associated with the progression of time.


Other Factors that Retard the Aging Process

Cells

Proteasomes play a role in retarding the Aging Process (due to their role in destroying and removing damaged, oxidized and cross-linked Endogenous Proteins from the body via the process of Proteolysis). references



Metabolism

Diet Restriction may retard the progression of the Aging Process: references

- Diet Restriction may retard the Aging Process of the Pineal Gland.
- Diet Restriction may prevent the impairment of Coordination ability that normally occurs in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process.
- Diet Restriction may prevent the impairment of Learning ability that normally occurs in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process.



Physical Therapies

Isotonic Exercise (weight lifting) may retard the increase in Muscle Weakness and Muscular Atrophy (Sarcopenia) that occurs as a consequence of the Aging Process. references



These Substances/Factors/Ailments may Accelerate the Aging Process

Aldehydes

Malondialdehyde may accelerate various aspects of the Aging Process.



Amino Acids

Homocysteine may accelerate the shortening of Telomeres and may therefore accelerate the progression of the Aging Process. references



Carbohydrates

Excessive consumption of Simple Sugars may accelerate the Aging Process by causing Cross-Linking (glycosylation) of the body's endogenous Proteins:

- Excessive consumption of Fructose may accelerate the Aging Process (due to it accelerating the process of Cross-Linking in the body’s Tissues). references
- Sucrose may accelerate the Aging Process (the Fructose component of the Sucrose molecule appears to play a larger role in accelerated Aging than does the Glucose component of Sucrose). references
When Sucrose is removed from the diets of rats they live for twice as long as when their diets contain Sucrose.



Electromagnetic Radiation

Excessive exposure to Sunlight (especially its Ultra-Violet Radiation component, particularly UV-A) may accelerate the Aging Process in the Skin (by causing the Skin's connective tissues to lose their elasticity) - accelerated Aging of the Skin caused by Sunlight/Ultra-Violet Radiation is usually known as Photoaging. references



Hormones

Excessive production of Insulin may accelerate the Aging Process. references



Lipopigments

Lipopigments may accelerate the Aging Process by eliminating and replacing endogenous Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) in the body's Cells and by inhibiting the ability of Proteolytic Enzymes and Lipases to degrade damaged Endogenous Proteins in Cells and thereby facilitating the accumulation of damaged Endogenous Proteins in Cells: references

- Ceroid may accelerate the Aging Process. references
- Lipofuscin accelerates the Aging Process. references



Hormones

Excessive production of Cortisol may accelerate many aspectsof the Aging Process (including Skin Aging). references



Immune System

Inflammation may play a central role in the Aging Process (including the Aging Process of the Skin). references



Metabolism

Cross-Linking of the body's endogenous Proteins may accelerate the Aging Process and the process of Cross-
Linking increases in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process. references
Free Radicals, especially Oxygen Free Radicals and Hydroxyl Free Radicals may cause Cross-Linking (especially within the body's Connective Tissues) and are one of the main factors in the Aging Process: references

- One of the means via which Free Radicals may accelerate the Aging Process is by accelerating the shortening of Telomeres.
- Singlet Oxygen Free Radicals may accelerate the progression of the Aging Process (including the Aging Process in the Skin). references

Insulin Resistance may accelerate the Aging Process (implying that increased Insulin sensitivity could retard the progression of the Aging Process).
Excessive Oxidation may accelerate the Aging Process: references

- One of the means via which excessive Oxidation may accelerate the Aging Process is by accelerating the shortening of Telomeres.



Minerals

Excessive consumption of Calcium may accelerate the Aging of Cells unless ample Zinc is available to counteract Calcium.
Excessive Iron may accelerate the Aging Process (due to Iron’s role in the generation of Hydroxyl Free Radicals). references



Neurotransmitters

Low Norepinephrine/Serotonin ratio may be linked to an acceleration of the Aging Process:

- The Aging Process in rats was almost halted for 10 months by eliminating Tryptophan (the primary precursor for Serotonin) from their diet.



Proteins

Glycosylated Hemoglobin levels are recognized as a biomarker of the Aging Process (or as an indication of biological age). Glycosylated Hemoglobin levels increase in tandem with the progression of the Aging Process.
Nuclear Factor-Kappa B (NF-Kappa B) may contribute to the Aging Process of the Skin: references

- NF-Kappa B may initiats the degradation of the Collagen and Elastin content of the Skin that occurs during the progression of the Aging Process (it “switches on” the Genes for the enzyme that degrades Collagen and Elastin).



Recreational Drugs

Tobacco smoking may accelerate the Aging Process in the Skin (by increasing the degradation of Collagen by the Collagenase enzyme). references



Theories of Aging

The Neuroendocrine Theory of Aging (also known as the Hypothalamic Theory of Aging; Ontogenetic Theory of Aging) links the Aging Process to the Hypothalamus and related structures of the Brain. It proposes that Aging is caused by a progressive loss of sensitivity to the body’s negative feedback mechanism which causes a continual shift in homeostasisduring the life span: references

- The Immunological Theory of Aging (also known as the Immune Theory of Aging) links the Aging Process to the gradual decline of the Immune System. Declining quality and quantity of T-Lymphocytes is a key aspect to this theory. This decline is linked to atrophy of the Thymus Gland. The Immunological Theory of Aging is a subset of the Neuroendocrine Theory of Aging as there is a close interaction between the Thymus Gland and the Neuroendocrine system. references
 

The Genetic Theory of Aging (also known as the Molecular Clock Theory of Aging) links the Aging Process to genetic predispositions to develop various degenerative diseases such as Atherosclerosis:

- The ERC Theory of Aging (also known as the Extrachromasomal rDNA Circles theory of Aging) is a subset of the Genetic Theory of Aging that attributes the so-called “aging clock” to the damaging (mutating) effects of Extrachromasomal rDNA Circles on the body’s Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA). references
- Telomeres (structures on Chromosomes) are strongly speculated to be the mechanisms via which the Genetic Theory of Aging operates: references

- Telomere shortening at the end of chromosomes is the major mechanism of cellular senescence in Skin Aging.
 

The Environmental Theory of Aging links the Aging Process to poor diet, inadequate Exercise and exposure to Toxins.

The Free Radical Theory of Aging (also known as the Cumulative Theory of Aging, or the Oxidative Stress Theory of Aging) links the cumulative effects of Free Radical generation to the progression of the Aging Process: references

- The Cross-Linking Theory of Aging (also known as the Glycosylation Theory of Aging) is a subset of the Free Radical Theory of Aging that specifically links increased Cross-Linking (Glycosylation) to the progression of the Aging Process.
- The Lysosomal Membrane Theory of Aging is a subset of the Free Radical Theory of Aging. This theory proposes that the Aging Process is caused by increased activity in Lysosomes due to instability of Lysosomal Membranes

- The Membrane Theory of Aging is a subset of the Free Radical Theory of Aging and attributes changes in Mitochondrial Cell Membranes to the Aging Process. These changes are believed to cause increased rigidity and altered permeability of Cell Membranes.
- The Mitochondrial DNA Theory of Aging (also known as the Mitochondrial Clock Theory of Aging; Membrane Hypothesis of Aging; or Oxygen Radical-Mitochondrial Injury Theory of Aging) is a subset of the Free Radical Theory of Aging and specifically links Free Radicals-induced damage to the Mitochondria (particularly Mitochondrial DNA) of Cells to the progression of the Aging Process. references
 

The Pineal Theory of Aging links the decline and atrophy of the Pineal Gland that occurs in tandem with the Aging Process with reduced life span: references

- When the Pineal Glands of old mice were transplanted into younger mice, the younger mice experienced a shortened life span - to 17 months; when the Pineal Glands of young mice were transplanted into older mice, the older mice experienced an increased lifespan - to 34 months.