Neurogenesis: The lost art of becoming younger

How to achieve the anti-aging results you want, simply and scientifically

One of the most important things anyone wants in life is to never grow old.

To be precise, to never die. But that is another matter.

So here, in the fear of the unknown, of futility and abandonment. (Will I leave something behind? Will my loved ones leave me behind?) That’s why so many companies in various industries and sciences are based on these fears.

In today’s article, we will talk about anti-aging scientifically, but in layman’s terms: what it is in essence and how it can be achieved with the things we have at home.

A little science

First, it is important to emphasize that our cells, the microscopic things inside our bodies, are constantly dying and regenerating. So when we talk about the regeneration of nerve cells, i.e. cells mainly in the brain and nervous system, we use the term neurogenesis. That is, the creation of new nerve cells and synapses.

What do these synapses do? They keep us alive. In other words, they give meaning to our daily lives and help us perform cognitive functions, such as remembering, thinking, and acting.

Humans age over time, and this ability declines. In cases of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, there is a clear and distinct decline. However, no one mentions that neurogenesis can also be achieved through natural means. How?

A few tricks

Exercise: Yes, exercise not only increases endorphins and makes you feel better, although paradoxically they are pain hormones, it also helps you create and maintain new synapses.

Meditation: Yes, meditation, i.e. focusing your attention on your breathing for a few minutes, can help you relax, and through relaxation, help in this process.

Mental exercises/reading: What could be better than a book, a nice coffee or tea (caffeine/theine is said to help the brain fight aging), and a little quiet to create new mental images, dialogues, and ultimately learn new things?

Balanced diet: This is where the biggest trap lies; A balanced diet does not mean just an “anti-inflammatory” diet, but a diet rich in protein, carbohydrates, and fats, tailored to each individual based on their activity level, BMI, psychology, etc.

Is science bullet-proof?

And this brings us to the following question: Are these capable of helping us fight aging solely through new neural connections?

And the answer is: Partly yes, partly no. Because this depends on epigenetics (i.e., our family, the society we live in, our environment, our genes) but also on how we ultimately use the tools at our disposal.

Because it is easy to buy a product that promises miracles or undergo a treatment that also promises miracles. But will it work?

This is a question that science is still studying. The brain is still largely uncharted and unknown territory. However, if we eat a healthy and balanced diet, exercise, and train our mind and “spirit,” we will certainly have a better chance of anti-aging.

And if we combine it with everything else we do? Even more!

One thing is certain, though: time does not turn back, and we need to love and appreciate what we have when we have it. Isn’t that right? <3