The 12 Hallmarks of Aging: A Complete Guide to Understanding and Prevention

Although scientists have tried, they couldn't find that lone process responsible for aging. Rather, they've discovered 12 key processes - known as hallmarks - that drive this loss of function. These hallmarks affect different parts of our body, from our DNA right down to our cells and proteins. Think of them like falling dominoes; when one falls, it triggers a cascade of others leading into the process of aging[1],[2],[3].

Understanding the 12 Hallmarks of Aging and Their Prevention

1. Genomic Instability

DNA Blueprint: Encodes vital body functions
Threats: UV rays, toxic chemicals, free radicals
Prevention: Physical activity, reducing sugar/starch intake, antioxidants (such as medicinal mushrooms)

2. Telomere Attrition

Telomeres: Protective caps on chromosomes
Shortening: Leads to cell death and aging
Prevention: Healthy lifestyle, stress management, omega-3 supplements

3. Epigenetic Alterations

Epigenome: Controls gene on/off switches
Impact: Poor lifestyle choices lead to malfunctioning switches
Prevention: Healthy diet, exercise, stress management, polyphenols

4. Loss of Proteostasis

Proteins: Maintain body structure and function
Imbalance: Leads to diseases like Alzheimer's
Prevention: Healthy lifestyle, supplements like spermidine and berberine

5. Deregulated Nutrient Sensing

Metabolism: Balances growth and maintenance
Imbalance: Leads to oxidative stress and inflammation
Prevention: Low-carb/high-veggie diet, intermittent fasting, supplements

6. Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Mitochondria: Powerhouses of cells
Decline: Leads to fatigue and degenerative diseases
Prevention: Physical activity, healthy diet, vitamin D supplements, NAD+ precursors

7. Cellular Senescence

Zombie Cells: Non-dividing cells that linger
Impact: Drive inflammation and tissue damage
Prevention: Exercise, healthy diet, anti-senescent supplements, NAD+ precursors

8. Stem Cell Exhaustion

Regeneration: Stem cells replace damaged tissues
Decline: Leads to slower healing and increased disease susceptibility
Prevention: Healthy lifestyle, supplements like curcumin and fish oil

9. Altered Intercellular Communication

Cell Signaling: Essential for body function
Impairment: Leads to inflammation and aging
Prevention: Omega-3 fatty acids, stress management, exercise

10. Compromised Autophagy

Cellular Cleanup: Removes damaged cell parts
Decline: Leads to diseases like cancer
Prevention: Intermittent fasting, exercise, spermidine supplements

11. Microbiome Dysbiosis

Gut Health: Balances good and bad bacteria
Imbalance: Leads to inflammation and disease
Prevention: High-fiber diet, medicinal mushrooms

12. Inflammation

Immune Response: Necessary but can become chronic
Impact: Drives aging and diseases
Prevention: Healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management

Natural Prevention Strategies

Of course, in the first instance, all these hallmarks can be averted by a healthy lifestyle, low-carb diet, intermittent fasting, and a stress-free life.

Additionally, there are hallmarks that can be supported by medicinal mushrooms. As you may know, mushrooms are excellent antioxidants - therefore, they can prevent Genomic Instability (hallmark No. 1) and also boost your microbiome, hence preventing Microbiome Dysbiosis (hallmark No. 11).

NR (best of the best NAD+ precursor) + trans-resveratrol may prevent Mitochondrial Dysfunction (hallmark No. 6) and Cellular Senescence (hallmark No. 7).

References

1. López-Otín, C., Blasco, M. A., Partridge, L., Serrano, M., & Kroemer, G. (2023). Hallmarks of aging: An expanding universe. Cell, 186(2), 243–278. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2022.11.001
2. López-Otín, C., Blasco, M. A., Partridge, L., Serrano, M., & Kroemer, G. (2023). Hallmarks of aging: An expanding universe. Cell, 186(2), 243–278. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2022.11.001
3. Tartiere, A. G., Freije, J. M. P., & López-Otín, C. (2024). The hallmarks of aging as a conceptual framework for health and longevity research. Frontiers in Aging, 5, 1334261. https://doi.org/10.3389/fragi.2024.1334261