- Stress can temporarily change our biological age, but the process is reversed when the stressor is removed, according to new research.
- Stress can result from emotional distress, illness, medication, environmental exposure, or lifestyle changes.
- Chronic stress occurs when the body is on alert even after the stress has subsided.
According to one researcher, a person’s biological age can increase when they are under stress, but it can be reversed when the tension is relieved. study Published today in cell metabolism.
Researchers used the DNA methylation clock to measure and record changes in biological age in response to stress in humans and mice.
In one experiment, scientists
The researchers say that metachronous parabiosis, a stressful situation, can lead to a relatively rapid increase in biological age in young mice. However, the biological age of young mice was restored after mouse isolation.
Based on that information, researchers hypothesized that naturally occurring periods of physical or emotional tension would have the same response, causing reversible changes in biological age.
Scientists have looked at periods of human trauma, including emergency surgery, postpartum recovery, and recovery from COVID-19.
After emergency surgery, they noted that the increase in biological age returned to baseline within days after surgery. In COVID-19, immunosuppressants accelerated the recovery of the body clock.
The researchers noted that in both animal models and humans, biological age can change based on:
- disease
- drug therapy
- lifestyle change
- environmental exposure
They said the results of the study show that biological age can be fluid, fluctuating and flexible.
“The findings suggest that severe stress increases mortality, at least in part, by increasing biological age,” he said. Vadim GradyshevPh.D., professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and director of redox medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, senior study author, said in a press statement.
“This idea immediately suggests that mortality may be reduced by lowering biological age, and that the ability to recover from stress may be an important determinant of successful aging and longevity. Finally, biological age may be a useful parameter in assessing physiological stress and its reduction,” he added.
When faced with a stressor, there is a fight or flight response when faced with an actual or perceived stressor. harvard health.
The brain sends out signals and the body responds by preparing to either fight or flee from the threat.
Some body reactions are:
- increased heart rate and blood pressure
- breathing faster
- sluggish pain response
- pupil dilation
- Improve awareness and observation
- Adrenaline is released throughout the body, increasing energy and strength
The body produces cortisol to increase alertness to face threats.
“The flight-or-fight response is a psychological response when you experience something dangerous or frightening, either mentally or physically,” he said. Babita Spinelli, LP, private practice psychotherapist and workplace mental health consultant. “It is caused by the release of hormones designed to deal with the danger a person is facing or trying to escape from.”
“In other words, the flight or fight response is the reaction to an experience or event perceived as stressful, frightening, or traumatic,” Spinelli said. medical news today“It activates a nervous system response that causes extreme stress and causes fight-or-flight.”
“This behavior is designed to get you through situations that feel ‘dangerous’ and can be helpful, [short-term]Continuous and unaddressed flight or fighting can cause negative physical reactions in the body,” Spinelli added. If an individual is consistently fleeing or fighting, chronic stress can occur, leading to brain changes, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, high blood pressure, body problems, and illness.
Chronic stress occurs when you are unable to slow down your reaction to stress or let your guard down even after the stressor has passed.
Prolonged high levels of cortisol can result in:
- Increased appetite and accumulation of adipose tissue
- high blood pressure
- stress on the heart and lungs
- suppression of the immune system
- insomnia
- anxiety
- muscle tension
- headache
All of these can have negative effects on your body and health. Current research concludes that it can steal time from your life.
“I have found that stress increases a person’s biological age and can be positively impacted or restored by adopting a healthy mental and physical lifestyle.” Paying attention to is also very powerful in reducing stress, which ultimately has a positive effect on the body.”
“Experiences such as trauma and other major life stressors influence the experience of aging. Trauma has a significant impact on mental and physical health,” Spinelli continued. “Victims of illness, surgery, and other traumatic experiences affect how people feel and navigate their lives, regardless of age. If individuals do not make space to recover and work on their trauma, they will physically catch up and the aging process will accelerate. Through applying recovery, there is a reversal in the biological aging process. By utilizing healthy habits in their lives, individuals can manage and control stress rather than lead it. increase.”
according to
They suggest the following activities:
exercise – Being active can improve your emotional well-being. Get up and dance, move your body, or stretch for 10 minutes.
training deep breath – Sit with your eyes closed and take a deep breath. Exhale slowly and repeat 10 times.
To meditation – A simple meditation is to sit quietly for 10 minutes and focus on your breathing. Notice how each breath feels as you inhale and exhale. If you find your thoughts wandering, bring it back to your breath.
practice gratitude – Write down 3-5 things you are grateful for each day. As you continue to do this, you may find yourself becoming more positive throughout the day and continually looking for what makes you happy.
be sociable – Hang out with friends and spend time laughing together. Building relationships creates a sense of belonging and gives life meaning.
listen to music – Create a playlist of your favorite music, sit back, close your eyes and listen.
Take care of yourself – Exercise, eating right, limiting alcohol consumption, and refraining from smoking and using tobacco products are the keys to a healthy life.
Many people use yoga to reduce stress in their lives.
“Besides the physical benefits, one of the biggest benefits of yoga is how it helps you manage stress,” he says. American Osteopathic Association state.
“Yoga is a practice for our entire being, not just the physical vessel in which we find ourselves.” Alison BenzakenDew Yoga Certified Yoga Instructor medical news today.
yoga too
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“What sets yoga apart from other fitness modalities is the mind-body connection initiated by deliberate, specific breathing techniques,” he said. Montana Mitchell, YogaSix Master Trainer. “These breathing exercises, also known as pranayama, activate the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digestion) and lower the resting heart rate. Breathing is the root of yoga.”
In recent years, more medical professionals and scientists have focused on the benefits of the mind-body connection. University of Minnesota.
“The mind-body connection is powerful,” Spinelli said. “The body keeps score and chronic stress wears it down and causes premature aging.”
