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Ageing is a natural and unavoidable part of life, however it has become a global obsession to slow down the process as much as possible. Our DNA is extremely important for our growth, maintenance and general well-being, and studies show that DNA has a major impact on the aging process. Genes and Immunity Genes exist within the DNA molecule and are there to pass on inherited traits to the offspring. Humans hold thousands of genes, some of which serve to maintain, guide and control cell function. Genes can be turned on and off within specific body cells, for example, a kidney gene need only be turned on within the kidney, and would therefore be turned off in another body cell. This differs in the immune system, as there are important genes there that control the immune cells to fight the body’s invaders and recover from injury. Unlike other cells in the body, cells in the immune system play an important role throughout your life in supporting your health, and if these cells are damaged in some way, or their functions are inhibited, there would be serious consequences to your health. The effects could vary, from becoming more prone to influenza to suffering from dry skin as a consequence skin cells failing to control oil, and since your immune cells also aid in the prevention of growing cancer cells, damage to these genes could eventually lead to accelerated cancer cell growth. DNA And Free Radicals Free radicals are extremely complex and can have very harmful effects on the body. A free radical is an atom with an odd number or unpaired electrons. They are formed as a reaction between oxygen and other molecules, and after they are formed can be very reactive, able to react with DNA and other parts of a cell. This can inhibit a cell’s functioning and even cause it to die. The body fights back by creating a defence system of antioxidants, however if this is impaired in any way, by lifestyle or disease, then DNA can be damaged. DNA Repair Once the body’s ability to repair itself has been compromised, disease and aging can be a problem. Your body has a repair mechanism to fix errors that occur when DNA is cloned, however if your body cannot perform these defence functions, the damage can build up, leaving a person more prone to aging diseases. Scientists have identified the genes associated with ageing, and noted that anything that has a negative impact on these genes and the body’s ability to repair them, increases the rate of ageing. On a positive note, the opposite can also occur, where events can actually trigger the body’s repair gene into improving the way it deals with DNA problems. One study highlighted this effect when it discovered that a reasonable amount of calorie restriction increased lifespan, possibly by increasing the repair gene’s activity. Protect Your DNA We all want to live long a long, healthy life, and the only way to do this is by taking care of your body, internally as well as externally. Protecting your DNA is a vital part of this care, and preventing free radicals from causing damage can be achieved through a well balanced diet, no smoking and reducing your exposure to harmful environmental hazards. Ultimately, we all grow old, but there are things you can do to preserve your health and improve quality of life. easyDNA specialize in the provision of reliable, accurate and confidential home DNA Testing to both the private and public sector. We operate through a network of offices covering a wide geographic area. We currently operate 12 offices around the world including Canada, U.S.A, Italy, Belgium, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, India and South Africa. |
