I used to be a biochemist that worked in projects involving DNA repair, and the
field of stem cells. There is one interesting theory about aging and cancer. As
you read this: keep in mind that this is a theory that is supported by SOME
scientific evidence (in terms of cells), but there is no clinical evidence behind
it (in terms of people). I wrote this for interest only.
The main balance is between aging and cancer. Aging protects us from cancer,
while staying "young" at older ages such as immortality predisposes you to
cancer.
You get cancer not because telomeres get long, but due to the DNA damage you
accumulate over the years. It has very little to do with telomeres.
Telomeres are just one of many regulatory processes, not sure why media loved
it so much.
Cancer seems to be the inevitable killer of all mammals. I don't see there
being a one "cure for cancer". There definitely is a lot of promising
research into some common deadly cancers that hit people at a young age.
However, it seems as though the older we get, we get more susceptible to other
less common cancers.
The theory goes like this: Metabolism in all mammals is not 100% efficient.
Oxygen is actually a very toxic chemical that produces free radicals, which can be
very destructive. Same goes for sugar. When we break down sugar and use oxygen
to generate energy (ATP), our cells inevitably generate free radicals, which is a
waste/unwanted substance. The main defense mechanism against free radicals are
antioxidants. If the cell lacks antioxidants (usually it does), these free
radicals attack lipids, proteins, and more importantly, DNA. The cell tries to
repair DNA, but the process is not perfect. Over the years, due to our own
metabolism, we acquire cumulative DNA damage, and the longer we live, the more
chances that some key proteins are mutated, and we get cancer. Apart from
antioxidants, cell cycle regulation, DNA repair, another mechanism exists to
protect us from inevitable cancer: aging.
As we get older, and accumulate DNA damage, our stem cells sense this happening,
and put limits on their own reproductive potential. They slow their own cell
replication to move themselves as far back from cancer as possible (fast
replication). As a result, our tissue does not turnover as fast, hence our skin
gets wrinkled, our immune system weakens, etc... Whether we remain young and have
a high risk of cancer, or age very fast and be protected from cancer is a balance
intrinsic to each and every one of us. Dogs get cancers at a very early age
because their metabolic rate is incredibly fast, and they develop DNA damage much
faster. However, your lifestyle can edit that balance. If you have a healthy
diet low in sugar, high in antioxidants, in theory you can reduce DNA damage,
keeping your DNA looking younger, and reducing risk of cancer when you are older,
and prevent aging at a young age. Other things you can do is a long topic of
discussion, but generally eat less sugars, eat "healthy", have a low basal
metabolic rate, avoid radiation exposure, have good DNA repair genes, and don't
stress (cell stress response).
Edit: thanks for those that helped me format this... Edit: A few things to keep
in mind:
This is simply a scientific theory! It shouldn't impact you directly. What
does make an impact is clinical evidence, which is simply "doing A reduces
mortality in PEOPLE" (not cells). There is no clinical evidence behind what I
said. I didn't mean to scare anyone, especially those with a high metabolic
rate. Clinical evidence does support maintaining a healthy and active
balanced lifestyle.
Please don't think i'm promoting buying antioxidant supplements and stuff.
There is little CLNICAL evidence that they directly help - very controversial.
Ask your doctor if you have questions.
Nothing wrong with drinking tea and coffee. However, adding
sugar/cream/sweeteners is not a healthy option, I don't think anyone would
disagree with that.
