Premature Aging: Is Your Body Aging Faster Than it Should Be

September 19, 2024

4 mins

While aging is an evitable aspect of life, a lot of people try to avoid it. Some religiously apply a 20-step skincare routine day and night, others try cryotherapy or ice baths, while some participate in experimental treatments like biohacking or peptide therapy. 

Nonetheless, aging isn’t just about looking youthful, but having the same energy and vitality as you did in your 20s and 30s. 

And while a huge factor in aging is your genetic makeup, there are other contributors to potential premature aging that you may not even realize can be causing premature aging. 

Why We Age

Aging is a complex process influenced by both genetic and lifestyle factors, which is why some people age faster or slower than others. While our genes play a role in how our bodies change over time, lifestyle choices like diet, exercise, and stress management can greatly impact the aging process. Currently, there's limited evidence to support the idea of editing genetic makeup to reverse aging, but ongoing research is exploring this area.

In the meantime, focusing on improving health from the inside out remains the most effective way to prevent accelerated aging. 

By taking steps to protect your body from cellular damage, maintain hormonal balance, and support mitochondrial function, you can ensure that your body ages at a healthy pace. Eating a balanced diet, staying active, managing stress, and protecting your skin from UV exposure are some of the most effective ways to safeguard your body against premature aging. While we can't control our genes, the choices we make each day can significantly influence how we age, keeping our bodies strong and resilient as we grow older.

All of these changes may seem overwhelming, and you may be asking yourself how in fact you can support changes to cellular, hormonal, or mitochondrial function. Fortunately, Rex MD is here to help you take the steps you need to keep yourself from prematurely aging, from the inside-out.

Signs of Premature Aging

Now that we've explored some potential causes, let's determine how to recognize signs of premature aging and how to take proactive steps to counteract these changes.

Energy

Sign of premature aging: Persistent fatigue or a decline in energy despite adequate rest and a healthy lifestyle.

How to combat it: Focus on balanced nutrition with an intake rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to sustain energy levels and overall health. Include plenty of leafy greens, colorful fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains to support cellular health and maintain vitality. 

Hydration is equally important, so be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. 

Supplement this with regular physical activity, like walking, strength training, or yoga, to boost circulation and keep your muscles and heart in top shape.

For a natural energy boost, try incorporating foods like nuts, seeds, and green tea, and aim for consistent, restful sleep to recharge your body. 

All this emphasis on good food and staying active is great for your mitochondria, the powerhouses in your cells we talked about earlier. They need that fuel to keep you feeling energetic and vibrant!

Get more energy-boosting tips here. 

Libido

Sign of premature aging: Noticeable decline in sexual desire, difficulty becoming aroused, or a decrease in spontaneous sexual thoughts.

How to combat it: To combat low libido, it's essential to focus on hormonal balance, particularly testosterone levels. Regular physical activity can help stimulate testosterone production. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet rich in healthy fats can support hormone synthesis. 

Ensuring adequate sleep is also crucial, as poor sleep can negatively impact hormone levels. 

If lifestyle changes aren't sufficient, consulting a healthcare professional can provide valuable insights into hormonal imbalances and discuss options like testosterone replacement therapy, if clinically appropriate. 

With the Rex MD TestoRx program, you’ll have access to quality care from a team of licensed clinicians and testosterone replacement therapies (if clinically appropriate) or other testosterone solutions that can help you feel like yourself again.

To find out if the program is right for you, just answer some questions about your symptoms and medical history. Your provider will order lab work for you to help determine if you’re eligible for TRT or another testosterone solution available through the program.

Then, you’ll be able to schedule a virtual call with the Rex MD care team to further discuss your results, eligibility, and which treatment option would be most suitable for you, if any.

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Muscles

Sign of premature aging: Reduction in muscle mass, strength, or endurance.

How to combat it: Focus on compound movements like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses, which engage multiple muscle groups. Maintaining a protein-rich diet is essential; aim for high-quality sources like lean meats, fish, eggs, legumes, and dairy to support muscle repair and growth. Don't forget about the importance of rest and recovery — your muscles need time to rebuild, so ensure you're getting enough sleep and allowing for recovery days between workouts.

Additionally, consider consulting a fitness professional for a tailored workout plan that addresses your specific goals and any physical limitations you may have. They can help ensure you're using proper form and gradually increasing the intensity of your workouts to maximize benefits while minimizing injury risk. 

But if this seems like too much to add to your already busy day-to-day, staying active in everyday life can be easy and effective too. Walking, gardening, or even playing with grandkids if you have them can also contribute to maintaining muscle mass and strength.

Bones

Sign of premature aging: Decreased bone density, increased susceptibility to fractures, or osteoporosis.

How to combat it: Incorporate weight-bearing exercises such as walking, jogging, dancing, and resistance training into your routine. These activities help stimulate bone growth and improve overall strength. 

It's also crucial to ensure sufficient calcium and vitamin D intake; aim for calcium-rich foods like dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods, while getting vitamin D through sunlight exposure or supplements if needed. 

Avoid smoking and limit excessive alcohol consumption, as both can weaken bone structure over time. Additionally, consider discussing bone health supplements – such as calcium and vitamin D – with your healthcare provider, who can recommend the right dosages based on your individual needs. Regular screenings for bone density can also be beneficial, allowing for early detection of osteoporosis or other bone-related issues.

Joints

Sign of premature aging: Consistent joint pain, stiffness, or reduced flexibility impacting daily activities.

How to combat it: Prioritize an exercise routine that emphasizes activities like yoga or low-impact exercises for joint flexibility and strength (and for helping with conditions like osteoarthritis). Additionally, ensure joint care by maintaining a healthy weight, employing proper body mechanics, and considering supplements that promote optimal joint health.

Metabolism

Sign of premature aging: Noticeable changes in metabolism leading to weight gain, difficulty losing weight, or alterations in body composition.

How to combat it: Maintain a balanced diet rich in nutrients, engage in regular physical activity to support metabolism, and consider consulting a healthcare professional for personalized guidance. 

While exercise and diet are effective methods for weight loss, they can be even more effective when used in combination with medication.

The Rex MD Weight Management Program is a cutting-edge, online healthcare service designed to provide patients with easy access to GLP-1 treatments. These medications are known for managing type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss. Our program offers a seamless, discreet, and personalized way to receive the care you need from the comfort of your home.

Looking to shed some pounds?

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Cognition

Sign of premature aging: Difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, or a decline in cognitive function.

How to combat it: Address the signs of cognitive-related aging by prioritizing mental stimulation through brain-challenging activities like puzzles, learning new skills, or reading. 

Regularly engaging in these activities can help improve memory, problem-solving skills, and cognitive flexibility. Additionally, stay physically active, as exercise has been shown to promote brain health by increasing blood flow to the brain and encouraging the growth of new neurons.

Fostering social connections is also vital; meaningful interactions with friends, family, or community groups can boost mood and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Meditation and mindfulness practices are also great for enhancing focus and reducing stress, further supporting brain health as you age.

Skin

Sign of premature aging: Increased wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, or decreased skin elasticity due to factors like sun exposure or lifestyle habits.

How to combat it: Prioritize protective measures such as daily sunscreen use, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade to shield skin from harmful UV rays. Additionally, regular moisturization helps maintain skin hydration and suppleness, helping to prevent premature aging signs.

Vision

Sign of premature aging: Decline in vision, difficulty focusing, or increased sensitivity to light.

How to combat it: Schedule regular eye exams, maintain a healthy diet rich in eye-friendly nutrients, ensure proper lighting in work and living spaces, and consider using protective eyewear when exposed to bright light or screens for extended periods. See here for more eye-friendly recommendations. 

Hearing

Sign of premature aging: Decreased hearing ability, difficulty distinguishing sounds, or increased sensitivity to loud noises.

How to combat it: Get regular hearing tests, ideally once a year, to monitor any changes in your auditory health. If you find yourself in loud environments — like concerts, construction sites, or even loud restaurants — try to minimize your exposure or use high-quality ear protection like noise-canceling headphones or earplugs.

If you notice signs of hearing loss, such as difficulty understanding conversations or frequently asking others to repeat themselves, don't hesitate to consider hearing aids. These devices can significantly improve your quality of life by enhancing your ability to hear and engage in social situations. Additionally, staying aware of your overall ear health is important; keeping ears clean and dry can help prevent infections that might affect hearing. 

Embrace Healthy Aging

As you notice signs of premature aging, remember there are proactive steps you can take to address them. Aging isn’t a bad thing, but aging healthily can empower you to enhance your overall well-being and ensure a more fulfilling life as you get older.