Alternative treatments for aging
Alternative treatments for aging encompass a variety of complementary and unconventional approaches aimed at enhancing the well-being of older adults and potentially extending their lifespan. Many proponents of these treatments emphasize the importance of nutrition, suggesting that older individuals may benefit from addressing marginal nutritional deficiencies. However, despite numerous claims surrounding natural supplements and hormones like dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and human growth hormone (HGH), scientific evidence supporting their efficacy in prolonging life or reversing aging is lacking. Some treatments, such as anabolic hormones, may show potential in improving strength, but their benefits are often weak and accompanied by potential risks.
Research has also explored the role of vitamin D in improving balance among frail seniors, though findings are inconsistent. Moreover, innovative therapies, including CAR T-cell therapy and epigenetic reprogramming, have shown promise in laboratory settings but remain largely untested in the context of aging. Importantly, lifestyle modifications like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and maintaining heart and gut health are emphasized as effective strategies for promoting health and independence in older adults. While the allure of "natural" treatments persists, it is crucial to recognize that not all natural products are safe, and interactions with conventional medications can pose significant risks.
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Alternative treatments for aging
DEFINITION: Complementary and alternative treatments that focus on the aging process and on the health of older individuals.
Overview
Marginal nutritional deficiencies occur more often in older people. For this reason, many older individuals could benefit from enhancing nutrition.
Some proponents of alternative medicine advocate products and treatments for the purpose of life extension. Despite some promising results in test tube and other preliminary studies, however, no meaningful evidence shows that alternative treatment can prolong life. Numerous natural supplements have been promoted as fountains of youth and are said to enhance life in multiple ways and to restore youthful levels of energy, well-being, and mental function. No evidence indicates that any of these supplements are effective. One widely advocated hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), has been shown in many studies to be ineffective for this purpose, and adverse side effects are common in test subjects. However, conflicting data exists concerning DHEA’s ability to support muscle mass and bone density in aging adults.
Treatments
A study published in 1990 created hopes that the human growth hormone (somatotropin, or HGH) could increase strength and reverse many symptoms of aging in men. However, subsequent evidence suggests that HGH is not useful for this purpose. In any case, despite widespread marketing, HGH cannot be successfully used as an oral supplement because it is destroyed by stomach acid. (In the positive trial, HGH was administered intravenously.) Various amino acids and other supplements are marketed as HGH-releasers on the premise that they cause the body to increase HGH production. However, there is no reliable evidence that they actually do so to any meaningful extent; because HGH itself is no fountain of youth, this potential effect is of little significance. Further research indicated that HGH is more likely to cause harm in older adults using it for its anti-aging properties than it is to help slow their aging.
Anabolic hormones have shown some promise in enhancing strength in older people. The supplements creatine and hydroxymethyl butyrate have shown positive results for this purpose in some studies, but the evidence for benefit remains weak. As humans age, their bodies reduce the production of the anabolic hormones testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone, which support muscle mass and function. Testosterone therapy may increase bone density and sarcopenia, while progesterone therapy may aid sleep quality. However, these require careful diagnoses, and implementing an exercise routine each week and being socially active have shown to be just as effective with fewer side effects for most older adults.
Some evidence suggests that vitamin D supplements may improve balance (technically, reduce body sway) in frail seniors and, thereby, help prevent falls. However, not all studies have found benefits. However, adding a vitamin D supplement is a much safer option than many other natural aging treatments, though it may interact with some medications.
Some research using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy in mice to reduce the body’s aging process showed promising results, with better glucose tolerance, improved metabolism, and physical activity. CAR T-cell therapy is FDA-approved for patients with some cancers, like leukemia and lymphoma, but its use for aging is not widely acknowledged. Another area of interest in anti-aging research is reprogramming age-related epigenetic factors in cells to restore their regeneration abilities. These technologies have been successful in animal studies.
Scientists have also connected heart and gut health to human aging. Healthy bacteria in the stomach and improving overall heart health naturally slow aging processes. Other recommendations include limiting alcohol and smoking, getting enough rest, and maintaining a balanced diet. These activities support all bodily functions. A natural approach nearly guaranteed to enhance strength, improve balance, support coordination, and create a positive mood in older adults is exercise. Increasing exercise is one of the most health-positive steps available for people of any age, but in older adults, it is particularly important in maintaining physical and mental health and maintaining independence at a mature age. Water aerobics, dance classes, walking, or riding a bike are all popular options.
Safety Concerns
Many people implicitly believe that “natural” means “safe.” However, there is no scientific reason to believe that this should be the case. Many conventional drugs are safe, while some herbs and supplements present real safety risks. Perhaps the biggest issue of concern is the interaction between natural supplements and conventional medications.
Bibliography
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