The One Word That Explains the Cause of Aging

One of the topics in my Holistic Functional Medicine program is aging. To be honest, it’s not a subject I’ve ever been deeply interested in. I believe that humans are mortal, and true immortality is only found in heaven, where there’s no aging or decay. But Dr. Kris Verburgh’s book made the topic unexpectedly fascinating. He talks about creatures like jellyfish that can age backwards and poses philosophical questions that really made me think. The book is packed with valuable information, yet it’s written in such a simple, entertaining, and humorous way that it feels like Dr. Verburgh is speaking directly to me. I found myself reading every word, and even so, I was surprised by how quickly I moved through the pages.

Below is a list of the causes of aging:

Sugar:
Excess sugar stimulates Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF), which promotes cell growth and activity, accelerates the aging process. For example, Robert Wadlow, the tallest man in the world, who passed away at just 22. His condition, acromegaly, was caused by an overproduction of IGF, which led to rapid aging and health complications.

Protein:
They discovered that protein agglomeration (an accumulation of protein clusters) contributes to aging in diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, disrupting normal cell function. Additionally, vegetable protein is considered healthier than animal protein due to its lower sulfuric amino acid content.

Fats:
Consuming too many unhealthy fats, and not enough healthy ones, can accelerate the aging process. Since about 60% of the brain is made up of fatty acids, it relies heavily on healthy fats to function properly. In contrast, unhealthy fats found in fried and processed foods promote inflammation in the body, which is a key driver of aging and age-related diseases.

Aside from diet, certain lifestyle factors can also accelerate aging. For example, excessive exercise speeds up the aging process due to lactic acid buildup and increased oxidative stress on the body. Similarly, early and multiple pregnancies have been linked to accelerated aging, due to the shortening of telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of our chromosomes that play a key role in cellular aging. Interestingly, the book also mentions that too much sexual activity could contribute to aging, especially when it leads to physical exhaustion or hormonal imbalance.

John Alfred Tinniswood, a British supercentenarian, became the world’s oldest verified living man in April 2024 at the age of 111. He credits his longevity to luck, moderation, and enjoying fish and chips every Friday.

The one word that sums up the cause of aging is temperance - no more, no less. It’s all about moderation in everything, whether it’s food, exercise, or any other aspect of life.