What influence does smoking have on ageing? | Ageing process in humans

What influence does smoking have on ageing?

Smoking is one of the most serious factors that accelerate aging. Studies show that consumption of more than 10 cigarettes a day shortens life expectancy by seven to nine years. Smoking leads to many secondary diseases: It triggers cell stress, releasing radicals that damage our blood vessels and organs.

Our blood vessels harden. This can lead to a heart attack or stroke much more quickly. In addition, nicotine damages our lungs, which in turn can lead to other lung diseases such as lung cancer or COPD.

You should therefore urgently stop smoking. It is never too late for that! Even a smoking cessation from the age of 55 can gain up to six years of life!

What influence does sport have on ageing?

Those who regularly do sports and especially train their endurance (e.g. by jogging or swimming) stay young longer. Studies have shown that sport can reduce the biological age by up to 15 years! It is sufficient if you exercise two to three times a week for about 30 to 60 minutes. This can protect your cells and cell ageing and slow down the ageing process. It is never too late to start exercising.

What influence do vitamins have on ageing?

Among the most important vitamins in the process of aging:

  • Vitamin D It has several important functions that our body needs, especially in old age. It supports the absorption of iron from the intestines. Iron in turn is important for the formation of red blood cells.

Vitamin D also strengthens bone structure. This is very important because our bones become softer with age. This leads to increased bone fragility (osteoporosis).

  • Vitamin C It plays an important role in strengthening our immune system. It is also involved in building our connective tissue. It supports the formation of collagen, which can slow down our skin ageing.
  • Vitamin B With increasing age, B vitamins can no longer be absorbed sufficiently independently. However, their role is very important. Vitamin B12 and folic acid support our memory and retentiveness. A lack of B vitamins can more easily lead to the development of Alzheimer’s disease or even depression.

What influence do hormones have on ageing?

With increasing age the production of hormones decreases. The following is a list of hormones that have important effects on the aging process: For further general information, please visit our main page: These hormones exist! – DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) This hormone belongs to the male sex hormones and is a precursor from which other important hormones are formed.

Women also possess this hormone. Studies show that DHEA slows down the process of aging, keeps you young and increases your zest for life and libido. It is also an antagonist of the stress hormone cortisol.

With increasing age, the production of DHEA decreases, which can reduce youthfulness. – HGH (Human Growth Hormone, Somatotropin) This is a growth hormone. The production of this hormone decreases sharply with age, and the role of HGH in the ageing process becomes increasingly important.

Studies show that HGH is involved in cell renewal and other metabolic processes. So make sure that you do not consume too much carbohydrate, especially in the evening. The insulin release triggered by this additionally reduces the HGH level.

  • Melatonin This hormone regulates our day and night rhythm. It ensures that we fall asleep more easily and sleep through the night better. In addition, the production of melatonin reduces many metabolic processes.

In addition, it works against cell stress. This is also called antioxidative effect. In this way it is an important hormone in slowing down the aging process.

  • Oestrogen and testosterone In women, the oestrogen and other sex hormones decrease considerably with the beginning of the menopause. In men, on the other hand, testosterone does not decrease as quickly or as much. The sex hormones both play an important role in bone strengthening. Testosterone in particular plays an important role in sexual desire, vitality and muscle strength.