AGEs and Aging
AGEs are harmful compounds that affects aging. High blood sugar contributes to accelerated aging as more AGEs are formed.
AGE’s is short for Advanced Glycation End products which are compounds formed when sugar in the bloodstream reacts with protein or fat. This process, called glycation, damages proteins in the body and high levels of AGE’s have been linked to inflammation, diabetes, heart disease and more.
According to Dr. Ron Rosedale, these damaged proteins can cause diseased organs, contribute to heart attacks, bring on arthritis, lead to Alzheimer’s disease and increase free radical production which ages the body even faster. That’s a lot of damage.
High Blood Sugar is a Factor in Aging
According to Dr. William Davis, author of The Wheat Belly, ( a book that I highly recommend ) accelerated aging is seen in people with diabetes. He says that diabetic research has associated high blood sugar with faster signs of aging like heart disease, stroke, arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney disease and cancer.
But, formation of AGE’s is not just particular to people with diabetes. It is a normal part of our human physiology. The blood sugar level though, is what most determines the rate at which AGE’s are formed and accumulated in the body.
The higher the blood sugar, the more AGE’s are formed. The body really doesn’t do a very good job at getting rid of AGE’s. People who look older than their years and who are more prone to chronic diseases most likely have a greater build up of these AGE’s.
Higher blood sugar = more AGE’s = premature aging outside and in.
How Can You Slow Down This AGING Process?
Get control of your diabetes. prediabetes and blood sugar!
We DO have some control over how old we look and how good we feel. Your integrative physician can test your blood sugar and help you maintain a good level. Many lifestyle and dietary changes can slow down the formation of AGEs, which is good for not only our appearance but for better health.
