STRESS CAN CHANGE OUR BIOLOGICAL AGE. Fortunately, the process reverses when we remove the stressor. This article explores a new study analyzing how stress ages us and how eliminating the stressor can lead to reversing the process. Aging may be reversible, as measured by biological markers such as methylation.
We all experience stress. Many life events can be considered major stressors, and the specific events that cause the most stress can vary depending on the individual. Chronic stress is when the body stays on high alert, even after the stress eases.
Some common life stressors include the following:
- Death of a loved one
- Divorce or separation
- Major illness or injury
- Losing a job or financial instability
- Moving or relocating
- Marriage or starting a new relationship
- Pregnancy or the birth of a child
- Legal problems or imprisonment
- Natural disasters or emergencies
- Academic or work-related stress, such as exams, deadlines, or presentations
These stressors can significantly impact an individual’s mental and physical health, and it is important to seek support and help if needed.
How well I know with what burning intensity you live. You have experienced many lives already, including several you have shared with me- full, rich lives from birth to death, and you just have to have these rest periods in between. anais nin
Biological markers of oxidative stress and aging
Stress can increase our biological age, but fortunately can be reversed by eliminating the stressor. That is the central finding of a study published today in Cell Metabolism.
Here’s how the researchers figured it out:
Scientists used DNA methylation clocks to measure changes in biological age as it responds to stress in mice and humans.
Damage to our cells hinges on several factors, including lifestyle and inherited genetics. The somewhat controversial free radical theory of aging postulates that oxidative damage is the primary cause of aging.
Oxygen byproducts created during normal metabolism can cause damage to cell structures, including RNA and DNA. With aging, we suffer from progressively worsening oxidative damage. The result? Markers of oxidation in our body increase.
Healthline explains: “Oxidative stress is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body. This can cause damage to organs and tissues and result in various diseases. You can help your body maintain balance by living a healthy lifestyle.”
Aging may be reversible.
The new research is based on recent advances in measuring DNA methylation.
Methylation is a biological process in which methyl groups are added to DNA, proteins, or other molecules; methylation can change the activity of a DNA segment without changing the sequence. Modifications secondary to methylation can affect one’s risk of certain diseases.
Scientists can examine DNA sites where methylation predictably occurs. These so-called DNA methylation clocks are sensitive enough to demonstrate changes in biological aging measured in weeks or even days.
For the current study, researchers used blood samples from older patients before emergency hip surgery, the next morning, and four to seven days into recovery. They found a significant increase in biological age markers.
This rise in biological aging happened in less than 24 hours. The biological age returned to baseline four to seven days after surgery.
The scientists did not find changes in biological age markers for patients having elective colon or rectal surgery.
Aging may be reversible, but there is individual variation.
Overall, the aging process returns to its normal baseline after removing a stressor. Still, there is interpersonal variability; some return to their former chronological age, some return partially, and others not at all.
Why? Women’s biological age rebounded better (than men’s) after a COVID infection. Resilience likely matters. It remains how much psychological and physical stress add to biological aging.
It is heartening that we can reverse the negative effect of stress. We often have more resiliency and reserve than we think.
Reduce your stress: 5 tips.
Now that we have looked at biological clocks let’s turn to some tools you should consider to reduce your stress level. Here are some tools that might help you reduce your stress level:
- Exercise. Be kind to your body and your mind by getting some physical activity. You don’t have to run a marathon to get significant benefits. Regular walking is central to my physical activity program.
- Breath. Stop and take a few deep breaths. Are you more ambitious? Sit comfortably with your hands in your lap and your feet on the floor. Alternatively, lie down. Close your eyes and imagine yourself in a relaxing place. Slowly breathe in and out for five to 10 minutes.
- Stop. Meditate, practice yoga or tai chi, pray, or spend time in nature. I enjoy spending time in nature.
- Make time for hobbies.
- Got problems? Talk. Talking about your issues can help drop your stress. You should consider talking to friends, family members, friends, a trusted clergyperson, your doctor, or a therapist.
If you know someone with breast cancer, here is my comprehensive online course:
Dr. Michael Hunter’s Wellness!
breastcancerbydrhunter.thinkific.com
Join Medium with my referral link – Michael Hunter, MD.
Read every story from Michael Hunter, MD (and thousands of other writers on Medium). medium.com.
Get an email whenever Dr. Michael Hunter publishes.
Get an email whenever Dr. Michael Hunter publishes. drmichaelhunter.medium.com.
The information I provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. I am not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information in this blog.
Thank you for reading “Aging May Be Reversible.”
