2025.02.03
Aging Can Be Delayed! Anti-Aging Explained from the Perspective of Oxidative Stress
All living organisms, including humans, undergo continuous changes as time passes from birth. When these “changes” lead to a decline in bodily functions, we use the terms “aging” or “growing old.” Aging is something that no living organism can escape.
In this article, we will explain aging and anti-aging (preventing aging) from the perspective of oxidative stress.
To “age” means that an organism grows older, but simply getting older is not the only factor contributing to “aging.” Some people may imagine that aging means the death of bodily cells, but while there is some overlap, aging does not necessarily equal death.
As we age, we often feel changes such as getting tired more easily or experiencing a decline in memory. However, aging does not mean that death is imminent. In fact, it is possible to slow down the process of aging.
Recently, phrases like **”aiming for anti-aging”** or **”effective for anti-aging”** have become common in magazines and advertisements. Let’s take a moment to explain what anti-aging actually means.
The term “aging” refers to the process of getting older, while “anti” means opposing or counteracting. Therefore, anti-aging can be described as “preventing aging” or “slowing down aging.”
Everyone ages due to the passage of time, but if we can slow this process down, we can extend our youthfulness. In other words, anti-aging is **”growing older while maintaining youthfulness and extending lifespan.”**
This concept of **”anti-aging”** is directly connected to the research conducted at the **Antioxidant Research Division, Joint Research Course, Gifu University**, where the goal is to understand the mechanisms of oxidative stress and research diseases related to oxidative stress, ultimately contributing to the realization of a **healthy longevity society.**
The most effective anti-aging strategies rely on daily lifestyle habits. Here are some key methods:
First, to enhance the body’s **antioxidant power**, consume a variety of foods known to have antioxidant properties.
For example, **colored fruits and vegetables** are beneficial. The **pigments** found in these foods help combat oxidative stress.
Tomatoes contain the red pigment **”lycopene,”** blueberries contain the blue-purple pigment **”anthocyanin,”** and carrots contain **”beta-carotene.”**
We have previously discussed the importance of diet for anti-aging. Please refer to the article below for more details:
**”What Kind of Diet is Good for Anti-Aging?“** https://antioxidantres.jp/column043/
Another crucial factor is **exercise.**
When muscles are used, oxidative stress is temporarily increased. However, this process also strengthens the body’s antioxidant defenses.
For effective exercise, rather than engaging in intense daily workouts, it is recommended to perform **moderate exercise three times a week**, such as brisk walking while maximizing stride length for **3 to 5 km.** This kind of routine helps build the body’s natural antioxidant defense system.
Most importantly, **avoiding factors that accelerate aging** is key.
Common environmental stressors that contribute to oxidative stress include **ultraviolet (UV) rays, radiation, electromagnetic waves, car exhaust fumes, and even mental stress.**
There are also **dietary factors** that accelerate aging. Excessive **alcohol consumption** and **smoking (especially cigarettes)** are well-known causes of oxidative stress. Additionally, **high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia)** have been found to accelerate aging. Therefore, **limiting sugar intake** is an effective method for anti-aging.
In this article, we discussed **aging and anti-aging from the perspective of oxidative stress.** Making lifestyle choices that reduce oxidative stress is directly linked to anti-aging. Furthermore, having a solid understanding of oxidative stress mechanisms can help you protect your body from its harmful effects.
The **Antioxidant Research Division, Joint Research Course, Gifu University** continues to conduct research and publish data on this topic, so be sure to stay informed by following updates on our site.
We have also covered **lifestyle habits that contribute to oxidative stress** in a previous article. If you’re interested, please check it out here:
**”What Kind of Lifestyle Habits Cause Oxidative Stress?“** https://antioxidantres.jp/column028/
