Longevity science focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms of ageing and developing strategies to increase lifespan and healthspan. By exploring the core aspects of how our bodies age, we can better address specific health concerns, ultimately aiming to enhance quality of life as we grow older.
At Hydra Longevity, we are passionate about helping you take charge of how you age. We understand the incredible complexity of the human body and how every part of it is interconnected. Our philosophy is rooted in a holistic approach, ensuring that every system in your body works harmoniously at an optimal level.
We’re dedicated to bringing you tried and tested cellular nutrients combined with emerging research in longevity advancements from around the world on improving cellular function.
Ageing is driven by 12 key biological processes accelerating our path to frailty and disease. These hallmarks guide our quest to find the best ingredients targeting these mechanisms. By expanding our understanding of the hallmarks of aging, we gain a more comprehensive picture of the ageing process. Each hallmark presents unique challenges and opportunities for intervention, and together, they underscore the multifaceted nature of ageing. Through targeted strategies aimed at addressing these hallmarks, we can pave the way for innovative solutions that promote longevity and enhance the quality of life.
What it is: Genomic instability refers to the increased rate of mutations within the DNA of a cell. This can be caused by environmental factors such as UV radiation or pollutants, as well as internal factors like replication errors.
How it affects the body: Over time, the accumulation of DNA damage can lead to cell malfunction, cancer, and chronic diseases.
Importance: Addressing genomic instability is crucial as it can prevent the onset of various age-related diseases, thereby enhancing longevity.
What it is: Telomeres are the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division.
How it affects the body: Shortened telomeres lead to cell senescence or apoptosis, reducing the regenerative capacity of tissues.
Importance: Preserving telomere length can help maintain cellular health and function, contributing to longer lifespan and better health.
What it is: Epigenetic changes involve modifications to DNA that do not change the genetic sequence but affect gene expression. This leads to certain beneficial genes being turned off when they should be on, and genes that can cause trouble being turned on when they should be off.
How it affects the body: These changes can disrupt normal cellular function and lead to diseases like cancer or diabetes.
Importance: Interventions that reverse harmful epigenetic changes can restore healthy gene function and slow the ageing process.
What it is: Proteostasis encompasses the maintenance of cellular protein balance through synthesis, folding, and degradation.
How it affects the body: Improper protein folding and accumulation can result in diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Importance: Ensuring proteostasis can help prevent neurodegenerative diseases and improve cognitive function with ageing.
What it is: Nutrient sensing pathways—like insulin/IGF-1, mTOR, AMPK, and sirtuins—regulate metabolism and energy balance.
How it affects the body: Dysregulation in these pathways can lead to metabolic disorders and reduce lifespan.
Importance: Modulating these pathways can extend lifespan and enhance metabolic health.
What it is: Mitochondria are the powerhouse of cells, generating energy in the form of ATP.
How it affects the body: As mitochondrial function declines, energy production is impaired, leading to fatigue and age-related diseases.
Importance: Supporting mitochondrial health can improve energy levels and promote overall vitality.
What it is: Cellular senescence is the irreversible growth arrest of cells that have sustained damage.
How it affects the body: Senescent cells contribute to tissue dysfunction and the development of chronic diseases.
Importance: Clearing senescent cells and preventing their accumulation can enhance tissue health and delay ageing.
What it is: Stem cells have the ability to differentiate into various cell types, maintaining tissue homeostasis and repair.
How it affects the body: Over time, stem cell pools diminish, leading to reduced regenerative capacity.
Importance: Rejuvenating stem cell function can support tissue repair and regeneration, promoting healthy ageing.
What it is: Intercellular communication involves the signaling processes between cells to coordinate body functions.
How it affects the body: Ageing disrupts these signals, leading to chronic inflammation and immune system decline.
Importance: Enhancing intercellular communication can reduce inflammation and bolster immune responses.
What it is: Microbiome dysbiosis refers to the imbalance of the microbial communities in the gut.
How it affects the body: An imbalanced microbiome can lead to inflammation, metabolic disorders, and a weakened immune system.
Importance: Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome is essential for overall health, as it plays a pivotal role in digestion, immunity, and even mental well-being.
What it is: Macroautophagy is a crucial process where cells degrade and recycle their own components, helping to maintain cellular cleanliness and function.
How it affects the body: When macroautophagy is disabled, cells accumulate damaged proteins and organelles, leading to impaired cellular functions and contributing to age-related diseases.
Importance: Enhancing macroautophagy can prevent the buildup of cellular debris, supporting overall cellular health and potentially extending healthy lifespan.
What it is: Inflammaging is the chronic, low-grade inflammation that develops with age, even in the absence of infection.
How it affects the body: This persistent inflammation can damage tissues, exacerbate age-related diseases, and impair immune function.
Importance: Reducing chronic inflammation can protect tissues from damage, improve immune responses, and enhance overall health during ageing.
By expanding our understanding of these additional hallmarks of aging, we gain a more comprehensive picture of the aging process. Each hallmark presents unique challenges and opportunities for intervention, and together, they underscore the multifaceted nature of ageing.
Understanding Epigenetic Age vs. Chronological Age
The Difference
Chronological age is fixed and easy to calculate, but epigenetic age can change based on your lifestyle and environment. This means you have some control over how you age! By eating well, exercising, managing stress, and maybe even using future epigenetic therapies, you can slow down your body's aging process. In short, you can help your epigenetic age stay younger than your chronological age.
Epigenetic age is like your body's own clock, ticking away based on how your cells and tissues are doing. It's measured by looking at specific markers—tiny changes in your DNA that affect how your genes work without altering the DNA itself. This gives a clearer picture of how your body is aging and can even hint at your overall health and longevity.
Chronological age is just the number of birthdays you've had. It's a simple count of the years, but it doesn't tell the full story of how well you're aging. Two people born on the same day can be very different in terms of their health and physical abilities.
Epigenetic age is like your body's own clock, ticking away based on how your cells and tissues are doing. It's measured by looking at specific markers—tiny changes in your DNA that affect how your genes work without altering the DNA itself. This gives a clearer picture of how your body is aging and can even hint at your overall health and longevity.
Chronological age is just the number of birthdays you've had. It's a simple count of the years, but it doesn't tell the full story of how well you're aging. Two people born on the same day can be very different in terms of their health and physical abilities.
