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Denham Harman was the father of free radical theory of aging, he originated this theory in 1956 “Aging: evidence based theory on free radicals and radiation chemistry.

Denham Harman was the father of free radical theory of aging, he originated this theory in 1956 “Aging: evidence based theory on free radicals and radiation chemistry.

Free radicals are formed due to:

• Radiation
• Smoking
• Sunburn
• Pesticides, Insecticides, Herbicides
• Lipid Per oxidation
• Stress

Free radicals lead to cellular damage and in turn enhance aging of cells by initiating inflammatory response in the cells. It is now recognized that inflammation is the patho physiologic mechanism underlying most chronic diseases- heart diseases diabetes, chronic pain, asthma, inflammatory gut disorders, degenerative diseases, obesity, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. Inflammation is a natural response to injury; however when it becomes chronic due to constant exposure to free radical forming abuse mentioned above, diseases of aging are manifested.

In allopathic medicine, medications are often prescribed to suppress the symptoms of inflammation, such as anti pyretic for fever control, NSAID’S for pain and steroid inhalers for Asthma.

However by the time body signals the presence of inflammation, disease has already begun and medications may reduce symptoms but not necessarily address the root cause. To promote health and prevent inflammation Functional medicine experts promote lifestyle change and uses food, nutraceuticals and bio-identical hormones to manage the root cause of disease manifestation.

Markers of free radical damage (Inflammation): C reactive Protein, Interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor, E Selectin, etc…CRP is the commonest used marker and raised levels of CRP are a known independent risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

It is estimated that at least 60% of chronic diseases can be prevented by eating a healthy diet.

Adherence to anti inflammatory diet is critical if one expects to stay young and free from chronic diseases of aging.

An anti aging diet also includes managing stress, limiting alcohol intake, smoking cessation, increasing exercises and ensuring adequate sleep.

Anti aging diet:

Anti aging diet is founded on evidence based principals of sound eating to promote health and to prevent and reduce inflammation in the body. There is no one anti aging diet, it emphasizes minimally processed whole foods, rich in beneficial fats, vegetables and fruits with appropriate amounts of whole grains and plant based and healthy proteins. it can be recommended as” food as medicine” for a wide variety of common diseases including heart disease diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, COPD, Cancer, Depression, Inflammatory bowel disorder.

The diet of our Paleolithic ancestors was one of moderate protein, carbohydrate, and fat. It is an anti-inflammatory diet designed by nature to keep the human body healthy by not contributing to inflammation or weight gain. They ate nutrient dense food such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, essential fats and virtually no refined, overly processed fats or simple carbohydrates. For thousands of years humans ate very simple: if it grew, swam or ran across their path, it was food.

THEN VS. NOW

	Paleo	Modern
Carbohydrates	Fruits and vegetables	Sugar and Grains
Fiber	Derived from plants and did not interfere with micronutrient absorption	Found in artificially enriched cereals
Plant foods	Over 100 different sources	Less than 9% of people have 4+ servings per day
Protein	30% from wild animals	20-40% from farmed animals
Fats	1:1 ratio anti:pro inflammatory fats	1:20+ anti:pro inflammatory fats
Micronutrients	100% from food sources	60% from food sources; supplementation necessary

Dietary supplements which can reverse existing free radical damage and bring about changes in the body for the good and can even reverse certain chronic inflammatory disorders; have shown promising results in various clinical trials.

Supplements which can prevent free radical damage are:

• Vitamin C: water soluble anti oxidant prevents treats many diseases related to low immunity, anti viral enhances immune system, regenerates vitamin E.
• Vitamin E: Fat soluble anti oxidant, CHAOS study shows 47% less heart attacks, helps prevent skin cancers, atherosclerosis, macular degeneration, cervical dysplasia etc…
• Vitamin A: (Beta-carotene) Fat soluble vitamin, critical for epithelial cell tissue, treats / prevents leukoplakia.
• Selenium: Powerful anti cancer nutrient, anti viral, potentiates vitamin E activity, detoxifies mercury and cadmium
• Co enzyme Q 10: Powerful anti aging, gives powerful protection to CVS, it neutralizes free radicals in mitochondria which are primary causes of cellular aging.
• Lipoic Acid : Universal antioxidant, fat and water soluble, synthesis declines with age, it chelates heavy metals

Anti aging foods and spices:

Wine: A glass of red wine per day can lower plasma fibrinogen and Factor VII C levels, Resveratrol in red wine may down regulate inflammatory cycloxygenase mediators.

Turmeric: potent anti inflammatory agent, it down regulates cyclogenase-2 and lipoxygenase enzymes.

Other spices: Ginger, oregano, rosemary, clove cumin, and cayenne, also possesses anti inflammatory properties and add flavor to a wide variety of cuisines.

Magnesium plays an important role in more than 200 critical enzyme reactions in the body, including mitochondrial energy production; Magnesium intake below the dietary allowance of 300-400 mg was associated with elevated CRP. Ensure adequate intake of magnesium rich green leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts legumes and whole grains or choose to supplement.

Chocolate one of the nature’s richest source of dietary flavonols, has been shown to favorably affect anti-inflammatory cytokines, to inhibit platelet aggregation, and to reduce lipoxygenase activity, dark chocolate especially has been shown in human studies to modulate inflammatory biomarkers to improve lipid profile and to decrease CRP in women.

Dr Kalpana Gupta Shekhawat

MBBS, DNB,DFM, MD Clinical Nutrition, CNCB, TEXAS,USA

Functional & Regenerative Medicine Specialist

BHRT Consultant (American Anti-ageing Medicine)