What causes the body to age?

We are all getting older. However, our diet and other lifestyle factors can play a crucial role in regulating/delaying the aging process. The body ages through a genetically determined process that occurs naturally, but the body also ages (at a higher rate) through external factors that we can influence, such as where we live (air pollution, UV exposure), our stress levels, diet, exercise and other lifestyle habits (such as smoking and alcohol consumption).

What happens as we age?

Aging is the progressive accumulation of damage to the structures and functions of molecules, cells, organs, etc. As we age, our metabolism (how the body uses and burns calories) changes. If we do not change the way we eat and exercise, our body composition will change to include more body fat and less muscle more quickly. This will also slow down the metabolism. Our bodies become less accurate in noticing sugars and fats in the body. This makes it harder for the body to remove it from our blood.

As we age, we become more vulnerable. This is due to changes in bone density and relatively rapid decrease in fat-free mass (muscle). Less muscle will decrease strength, endurance and change the overall appearance of your body, decrease metabolism and affect your balance and coordination. If you do nothing, you will then move even less. This will reduce your activity ability even more. If you continue to eat the same after that as you are used to, you will gain weight.

Getting older is normal, but changing the way you eat and exercise can reduce your risk of disease, help you feel fitter, less tired, stronger and more confident. Your lifestyle choices can improve the quality and length of your life.

The best way to affect aging is to eat anti-aging foods and do exercise that supports your lean mass (muscle). It is possible to delay some of the aging effects. You can do this by following healthy lifestyle habits. Eat a high-protein, high-fiber diet rich in micronutrients such as antioxidants. This means lots of attention to fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and lean protein sources.

As we age, we respond less and less to the anabolic properties of protein-rich foods. To counteract that, we need more protein daily to ensure that we at least maintain our lean mass (muscle).

There is evidence that free radicals play a role in aging processes. Free radicals are aggressive substances that in some cases can cause damage to cells and tissues. When free radicals cause damage, we call it oxidative stress. Free radicals are formed within a normal metabolism, as well as from smoking and excessive sun exposure and certain inflammatory reactions. Antioxidants from food, protects tissues and DNA in cells from free radicals. Antioxidants are found in plant foods rich in vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene, selenium and zinc.

Insufficient amounts of dietary fiber can accelerate the aging process. Dietary fiber consumption has been linked to lower concentrations of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. A significant intake of dietary fiber is an essential parameter of healthy aging. Fiber is found in all plant foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, vegan protein sources), larger amounts in unprocessed plant foods.

In addition to eating anti-aging foods daily, you also want to make sure you exercise. Exercise reduces the physical and mental effects of aging. Choose to walk at least 30 minutes daily and start resistance training at least twice a week to maintain or even better build muscle.

SUPPLEAM has a number of best-selling plant-based proteins to help you achieve your daily high-quality protein recommendation as your body ages. Our products are designed with the goal of helping nourish your body and support the body’s lean mass (muscle) without lactose, added sugars, gluten or toxic chemicals, resulting in a high-quality, easily digestible and delicious protein that supports your goal.