DNA Testing – The Desire for Eternal Youth
From anti-aging creams to eating blueberries, everyone wants to know the secret to eternal youth – does DNA testing hold the answer?
Age creeps up on you and before you know it, the years have flown by and the mirror isn’t your friend anymore. We live in a society obsessed with youth. Beauty products, what we bathe in and what we eat can all impact on our looks. But as DNA testing shows, some people simply have better genes when it comes to handling the ageing process.
DNA Testing and the Ageing Process
It’s a myth to think that the ageing process begins after the age of 40 – in fact the process begins in the womb. Ageing happens to all of us and our genetic make up is such that there’s no escape. There are genes however that can influence ageing and how the body maintains cells. DNA testing can reveal genetic conditions which are rare. Werner’s syndrome for example ages the person faster then normal. DNA testing reveals the gene that causes this is central to copying and repairing the cell’s DNA.
Werner’s syndrome and Genetics
DNA testing shows those with Werner’s syndrome have faults in their DNA that speeds up the ageing process. However Werner’s syndrome is extremely rare. It’s thought that there are just 1,300 cases reported worldwide in the last 90 years, a thousand of those originated in Japan. The symptoms begin at puberty when the normal growth spurt fails to happen. Greying hair, hair loss, skin changes and osteoporosis are also symptoms. DNA testing can show if you have the faulty gene. There is no treatment for the syndrome but because it is genetic, children of affected individuals have a 1 in 4 risk of having the disease. DNA testing and pre-natal screening could be available for parents at risk.
DNA testing and Lifestyle factors
Oxygen is central to life, but it can also help us age as it produces free radicals. Many believe eating anti-oxidant rich foods can help stave off the ageing process. It’s the build up of damage from every day living which results in ageing. And lifestyle can have a big impact on how quickly that damage happens. DNA testing may reveal our genes are okay, but if we eat foods high in saturated fats, smoke or consume toxins, the ageing process speeds up. It’s important to help the body’s defences by eating antioxidant rich foods, exercising to keep us in shape.
DNA testing can tell us about the science of ageing, but taking control of our lifestyles can impact on whether we grow old gracefully or whether we become old before our time.
International Biosciences offer a broad range of DNA testing services designed to provide indisputable answers to emotional questions. Whether you seek to establish paternity, prove siblingship or research genealogy, for legal definition or peace of mind, we are able to provide DNA testing at competitive rates, professionally and confidentially. Using state of the art technology we are able to provide conclusive evidence on time, every time. Contact International Biosciences on 01342 850945 or click here to email us.
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