Can Stem Cells Reverse Aging

In today’s article we’re going to look at the question: Can Stem Cells Reverse Aging?

But before we do let’s get a clear understanding on what stem cells are. Here is a direct quote from U.S. National Library of Medicine:

“Stem cells are cells with the potential to develop into many different types of cells in the body. They serve as a repair system for the body. There are two main types of stem cells: embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells.

Stem cells are different from other cells in the body in three ways:

• They can divide and renew themselves over a long time

• They are unspecialized, so they cannot do specific functions in the body

• They have the potential to become specialized cells, such as muscle cells, blood cells, and brain cells”

For our discussion on the question can stem cells reverse aging, we are going to focus on adult stem cells that are currently in your body.

Now if adult stem cells have the ability to replicate and become specialized cells, then why do we grow old and lose function as we age?

And the answer is that adult stem cells are also impacted by the aging process. Meaning that over time they loose their effectiveness in both replication and becoming specialized cells.

Can Stem Cells Reverse Aging – 4 Key Strategies

This means that the key to adult stem cells reverse aging lies in keeping them as healthy as possible. And through recent research done by Life Extension and InSilico Medicine, there seems to be three plant-based nutrients that help to promote healthy stem cells. They are:

• Garcinol

• Piceatannol

• Resveratrol

Before we look at these three nutrients, we need to look at which metabolic processes are needed to help prevent the deterioration of stem cells. The current research seems to indicate 4 key ways:

1. Activating the enzyme AMPK. This enzyme is considered the “Master Regulator” of metabolism. When properly functioning, this enzyme helps to improve energy balance in stem cells. This then leads to the replacement of old and damaged proteins.

2. Inhibiting mTOR and activating FoxO. MTOR is an enzyme that regulates cell growth through protein synthesis. FoxO is a protein that your body uses to regulate gene expression. Together, they help to prevent the buildup of toxins. And they enhance what is called autophagy where damaged cells are properly destroyed so new cells can take their place.

3. Activating sirtuins. These are proteins that regulate cellular health while also protecting and repairing DNA.

4. Blocking an enzyme called histone acetyltransferases. This reduces changes to genetic material that can cause cellular dysfunction.

Can Stem Cells Reverse Aging – 3 Key Nutrients

Given the 4 keys ways above in helping to protect and rejuvenate adult stem cells, let’s look at each of these 3 key nutrients and see how they help.

Garcinol – This compound is extracted from the fruit of the mangosteen tree. It has been show in clinical studies to help with #4 above. It inhibits histone acetyltranserases, which then protects the adult stem cells from cellular dysfunction.

This action helps adult stem cells renew themselves. And garcinol may also promote the ability of adult stem cells to differentiate into specialized tissue cells.

Piceatannol – This compound is found in several fruits such as red and white grapes, passion fruit, and blueberries. It seems to stimulate cellular housekeeping and sirtuin function. Remember that sirtuins regulate cellular health and protect and repair your DNA.

Additionally, some studies show that it can help improve fat metabolism by better regulating sugar uptake.

Resveratrol – This compound is found in the skin of red grapes and has long been associated with heart health. Of the 3 key nutrients, this one seems to have the greatest impact on adult stem cells by:

• Activating AMPK – the ‘master regulator’ of metabolism in your body.

• Inhibiting mTOR to control toxin buildup and proper cell aging.

• Enhancing mitochondrial function for improved cellular energy.

• Activating SIRT1, which is a sirtuin protein linked to longevity and anti-aging. Specific to adult stem cells this resulted in improved self-renewal as well as specialized cellular differentiation.

While there is much more research needed in this area, it seems that there are natural ways to help your body improve its adult stem cells to reverse aging. Or it least slow down the process.

Blessing Lives Through Nitric Oxide Therapy!

Dan Hammer