Premature Ageing: Symptoms, Causes & Ayurvedic Solutions

Understanding Premature Aging

Have you heard of Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome? It is a genetic condition characterized by the dramatic, rapid appearance of aging, beginning in childhood.

No, we are not talking about this genetic condition that causes that extent of premature aging. However, research scientists who looked into the causes of premature aging used Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome individuals to learn how to hack the science of unwanted aging signs. The aging process is accelerated beyond the expected chronological age in physiological premature aging conditions. 

What is Aging? 

Aging is a gradual process of deterioration at cellular and organismal levels. 

Cellular ageing is often caused by increased genomic instability, altered metabolism, and loss of regenerative potential. The decline of healthy cells in aging is like a chain reaction. If not prevented with appropriate measures, the decline in tissue will transfer from one to another.

As per Ayurveda, chronological aging is called 'Kalaja Jara,' which translates to 'Natural aging.' When its accelerated aging occurs, it is termed 'Akalaja Jara,' which translates to 'Unnatural aging. ' 

Natural aging occurs from biological changes with advanced age unaffected by disease and environmental influences. Environment, lifestyle, and some disease conditions strongly influence your aging process. 

Ayurvedic View of Premature Ageing

According to Ayurveda, the body's fundamental units consist of tri dosha (bioenergies), Saptadhatu (essential tissues), Indriya (organs), Srotas (body channels), and Agni (digestive and metabolic capacity). The aging process affects these factors, thus manifesting signs and symptoms at physical and functional levels.

Going through Ayurvedic literature, you will find that a human's average lifespan is 120 years. If you consider dividing these 120 years into 12 decades, you will understand the decline in body functions with each decade.

These are given as follows.

• Balya - Childhood
• Vriddhi - Growth
• Chavi - Complexion or Body's Glow
• Medha - Intellect
• Twak - SKin
• Drishti - Vision
• Shukra - Reproduction
• Vikrama - Valour
• Buddhi - Reasoning capacity
• Karmendriya - State of Motor Organs
• Cheta -Mind
• Jivita - Life

It's understood that the decline in life forces is a gradual process that affects various body tissues at different times. To understand more precisely, the aging process begins in the fourth decade of life and becomes more prominent when skin changes come to the surface.

What Causes Premature Ageing?

Although genetically predetermined, lifestyle, dietary habits, addictions, mental makeup, social and family life, medications, and many other environmental factors influence the rate of Akalaja jara' or premature aging.

All the above factors produce one destructing product in your body tissues - free radials. 

The changes induced by free radicals are the critical cause of cellular aging. Diet, active living, and stress-free living play an unparalleled role in neutralizing free radicals and, therefore, reducing the rate of aging. 

Signs of Premature Aging

While you can't escape the passage of time, some of you may notice signs of aging earlier than you had hoped. Premature aging can show up in different ways throughout your body.

Let's explore some of the signs to keep an eye out for. 

• Wrinkles and Fine Lines

Collagen, a protein that keeps skin plump and youthful, depletes as part of the natural aging process. Premature aging accelerates this process, causing wrinkles around the eyes, forehead, and mouth.

• Age Spots (Sun Spots)

These are flat, dark patches on the skin due to excessive sun exposure.

• Loss of Elasticity

Try pinching your skin. Does it snap back quickly? If it does, your skin is still young. As you age, your skin loses its elasticity, which makes it appear saggy and loose.

• Hair Loss

Hair thinning can occur for many reasons. Most of them are health issues such as anemia, thyroid conditions, and PCOD.

However, if you do not face any such problems and still have gradual hair loss year by year, then it's a sign of premature aging. This particular hair loss pattern is seen on the top of your head, your hairline, etc.

• Brittle Nails

Brittle nails easily break. These indicate vitamin deficiency or internal imbalances that come with premature aging.

• Decreased Stamina and Muscle Mass

Are you tired easily? Do you see less muscle mass than before? These can be signs that your body's metabolism has slowed due to aging.

• Joint Pain and Stiffness

Cartilage breakdown and inflammation in the joints are natural parts of aging. However, they come prematurely from stress, injuries, and weight gain, which causes early aging.

• Digestive Issues

Suppose your body shows signs such as repeated constipation, bloating, and irregular bowel movements. This may be because of a decline in your gut health and metabolism, which accelerates premature aging.

• Sleep Problems

Sleep issues are not something new in this era. Difficulty falling, staying, and experiencing restless sleep are signs of premature aging.

• Slow Wound Healing

Do you remember the time during your childhood when you saw that the wound you got from a fall while playing did not even bother you as much as it does now? This is because those wounds would heal sooner than they do now.  

The body's ability to repair itself slows down with age. If you notice wounds taking much longer to heal than usual, it could signify premature aging.

• Decreased Cognitive Function

Memory and focus decline with natural aging. But if you see a sharper decline than usual, it can signify premature aging. You can link this to poor sleep, stress, and lack of mental stimulation.

• Vision Problems

Who doesn't have vision issues in this computer-led generation? Yes, of course, this is because of overuse and a decline in healthy eye tissues.  But, if you see an increased difficulty in focusing on near objects or experiencing dryness and irritation in the eyes,  these can be signs of premature aging.

While some wrinkles are simply a part of the natural aging process, premature aging can be addressed with lifestyle modifications and natural remedies. By identifying these signs early, you can take preventive measures to slow aging.

Anti-aging Ayurvedic Treatment Principles

Ayurvedic principles consider protecting Prana (the life energy that performs respiration, oxygenation, and circulation) for the optimum functioning of the whole body.

Prana governs its two subtle essences - Ojas and Tejas.

Ojas is the best metabolic and cellular metabolite from different body tissues. It is the purest form, rich in antioxidants, and without harmful toxins. Tejas is the fire or energy force that drives the physiological functioning of your body.

When your body is imbalanced, it burns away the ojas, reducing your immunity and overstimulating the pranic activity. When your pranic forces are not in place, they degrade your tissues and organs slowly, causing premature aging. 

Proper diet, exercise, and lifestyle balance these three subtle essences, ensuring a long life. 

Here's a roadmap to tackle premature aging from multiple angles.

Dinacharya (Daily Routine)

Get Regular Sleep: Aim for at least 7-8 hours daily. Research has repeatedly proved that your brain heals and performs its maximum restoration when you sleep. You need this rejuvenation to prevent signs of early aging.

Wake Up Early: Rising early is not backbreaking if you get a good sleep. Synchronizing with the sunrise and nature rhythms is something you can give your body. Your body's metabolism and changes reflect the daily changes in nature.

Gentle Exercise: Always exercise, at least walking for 30 minutes a day, which will help your body produce healthy hormones and antioxidants. Yoga and other low-intensity workouts will also help you improve circulation and detoxification.

Dietary Tweaks

Eat Seasonally: Yes, getting hold of fruits and veggies that come seasonally is difficult. The market is filled with all kinds of products at every season. But, you must understand that nature's production occurs seasonally in balance with the changes in the body. Nature itself tells you what you can eat right at a particular time. So, even if it's just a tiny patch of space behind your kitchen, try to produce some basic veggies at home and learn what food goes best in which season. 

Ojas Building Foods: As mentioned in previous sections, ojas must be protected for longevity. Ayurvedic experts recommend ghee, milk (if you are lactose tolerant), nuts, and dates in your diet as they nourish ojas.

Reduce Inflammatory Food: Inflammation is one of the major causes of producing free radicals in your body. This process of aging from inflammation is called 'Inflammation.' Anti-inflammatory food items filled with antioxidants work amazingly on inflammaging. Limit processed foods, refined sugars, red meat, and excessive salt as they aggravate pitta in your body, accelerating aging.

Hydration: Adequate hydration is like a beautiful art to your body. The right amount of water rejoices in your body tissues. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated and support the elimination of toxins.

Rasayana Therapy (Rejuvenation)

Herbal Remedies: Herbal supplements are the closest remedies you can get from nature.  Some herbs, like ashwagandha (adaptogenic), Amalaki (rich in Vitamin C), and Triphala (cleansing Formula), are known for anti-aging properties. 

Ghee and Oil Treatments: Practising Abhyanga (Self-Massage) with medicated oils like sesame and coconut oil nourishes the skin, improves circulation, and promotes relaxation. Nasya (nasal drops) with medicated oils can also be helpful.

Panchakarma: This is the therapy of deep detoxification of your body. An Ayurvedic healthcare professional recommends Panchakarma procedures if they feel your body is filled and blocked by toxins or Ama. Completing the panchakarma therapy cycle promotes overall body rejuvenation.

Seasonal Cleansing: Seasonal cleansing, similar to panchakarma therapy but not all five therapies, is another rejuvenating technique. As you slide from one season to another, your body changes, and during this time, there is a chance that your body will accumulate unwanted toxins. To eliminate these, it's essential to undergo seasonal cleansing. 

Inner Harmony

Meditation and Pranayama: Meditation helps manage stress. That's no news! Meditation clears your mind, promotes emotional well-being, improves sleep, and much more. When something helps in all these areas, it, in turn, helps your body tissues heal from the modern-day stressors that snatch away your youthful look.

Yoga: Specific yoga postures can stimulate circulation, improve digestion, and promote detoxification.

These everyday remedies to prevent premature aging of your skin and inner body organs are a part of your lifestyle. However, due to the complexity of modern life, everyone has yet to stop practicing these basic self-healing practices.

To learn the best diet and detoxification methods, connect with Ayurvedic experts at Nirva for a personalized recommendation.

Join our 21 Day Bootcamp where you will learn everything about preventing early ageing from senior health experts.

Let’s Find the Glow!

The search for a youthful appearance does not have to be a battle. Ayurveda's time-tested approach goes beyond just looking young; it's about feeling young and vibrant. By understanding the root causes of premature ageing and embracing the wisdom of Ayurveda, you can take a holistic approach to your well-being.

True beauty radiates from within. Prioritize a healthy diet, move your body regularly, prioritize sleep, manage stress, and add sun protection.

Create your personalized plan to combat premature aging and restore balance within your body and mind.