As we age, our “Cellular Soup”, which contains the molecules, nutrients, and chemicals that circulate in and among the cells of the body, determine our genetic potential. Over time this “cellular soup” becomes deficient in various nutrients, minerals and building blocks for DNA.

But as time goes by, the quality of the new cells gradually degrades. Environmental pollution, dietary factors, lifestyle issues and our genetic inheritance all combine to erode our cellular infrastructure in an aging process unique to each individual. The less-than-optimal replication of these damaged cells is the essence of biological aging.

It is Biological Age (what is happening in our cells) – not Chronological Age (time passing on the calendar) – that determines the rate of deterioration of our body and its ability to maintain and repair itself. As we age, our “Cellular Soup,” which contains the molecules, nutrients, and chemicals that circulate in and among the cells of the body, determine our genetic potential. Over time this “cellular soup” becomes deficient in various nutrients and minerals and building blocks for DNA. This can cause a breakdown in functions throughout the body and, over time, promote accelerated aging by causing damage to our genetic “deck of cards” – our inherited DNA.

The DNA of any two individuals is about 99.9% identical, yet every one of us (except for identical twins) is genetically unique. The crucial difference lies in the last 0.01%, termed SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms). DNA can be thought of as a string of nucleotide sequences represented by the letters A, G, C and T (3 billion strings linked together). If the DNA of any two individuals were compared, a variation would be found approximately once in every two thousand letter positions, and this variation is the SNP. DNA analysis and research has determined that many identified SNPs can be associated with an increased risk of certain diseases and the symptoms commonly associated with aging. Therefore, as part of a comprehensive Age Management Program, the SNPs test becomes an essential tool in determining the most effective components of an Age Management regimen customized for a specific individual.

New information concerning anti-aging medicine and age-management revolves around the key scientific fact that “changes in the environment directly effect how our genes work.” This has recently been outlined in a revolutionary new book called The Anti-Aging Solution: 5 Simple Steps to Looking and Feeling Young (Wiley, 2004), co-authored by Dr. Vincent C. Giampapa. It includes a 5-step plan that describes how changes in your personal environment can make a marked difference in not only how you age, but how you look and feel.

© SPA MANAGEMENT JOURNAL - SEPTEMBER 2004

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