What Processes Cause Aging?

The reading thoroughly discussed two consequences of the metabolic process and their relation to aging, simply put: “rusting,” and “browning.”

Rusting is essentially the buildup of damaging products, called free radicals, caused by oxidation. Whenever I used to hear about this theory, it was used as complete scientific evidence that free radicals will kill you. Companies then use this as a basis to sell anti-aging cures, usually in the form of “all-natural” herbs and remedies. It was really interesting to read about the theory coming from a credible source that cited experiments and empirical evidence. The oxidation theory was viewed as a doorway into understanding aging, like one more piece of the puzzle.

The buildup of glucose causing browning in our bodies (exactly what happens to meat when cooked) was totally new to me, and relates to aging much in the same way that the oxidation theory does. That is, that the buildup of free radicals causes damage to our cells and collagen. I thought this was really cool and it lends support to the idea that metabolism; the process we go through to live, also causes us to age.