What Your Genes Can Tell You About Aging
Genetic testing can give you direction in your anti-aging efforts
Have you ever wondered why the aging process affects different people at different rates and in different ways? Diet and lifestyle have a big role to play. But genes can also affect the aging process. Depending on your genetic predisposition, you may be at higher or lower risk of premature aging from poor diet, lack of exercise, alcohol consumption, sun exposure, and other lifestyle factors that affect how you look and feel as you age.
When you are aware of your unique genetic profile, you will be better able to protect yourself from age-related problems like visible skin aging, weight gain, hearing loss, cognitive decline, inflammation, insomnia, and more.
Here are some examples:
Skin Glycation: The genes AGER and GLO1 have been shown to have a significant association with susceptibility to skin glycation. Skin glycation is a process in which sugar molecules combine with proteins found in your skin’s collagen and elastin to form advanced glycation end products or AGEs. AGEs break down collagen and elastin, which results in fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. If your genes put you at increased risk of skin glycation, you will want to be especially careful to protect yourself by reducing sugars and increasing antioxidants in your diet.
Cognitive Decline: The BDNF gene (Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor) is one gene that can affect brain health as you age. If you have certain variations in this gene, your brain will produce less of an important protein that helps grow new brain cells and protect existing neurons, and you may be at increased risk for poor cognitive performance, including memory and perceptual speed. The risk will be especially great if you are a woman and you also have another memory loss related gene called APOE4. If you carry these genes, you can compensate by being proactive about eating a brain-healthy diet and exercising your brain daily.
Discover Your Genetic Predispositions
If you would like to find out how your genes will affect your aging process, try GxRenew. After mailing your DNA test to the lab, you’ll receive a personalized report showing whether you are at low, normal, or increased risk of certain age-related issues based on your genes. You’ll also receive personalized recommendations for DNA-based lifestyle changes you can make in partnership with Renew Youth to protect your appearance, your health, and your well-being as you age. To learn more, contact us today.
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