Have you ever heard of IGF-1? You might think it is a new space rocket or human-like robot, but that is not the case. It is in fact a hormone that may be a critical key in slowing down the aging process.
What Is IGF-1?
Insulin-like growth factor-1, aka IGF-1, is a protein that consists of 70 amino acids. It plays a critical role in the growth of almost every cell in the human body, especially skeletal muscle, bone, kidneys, nerves, skin, and lungs. It helps regulate nerve cell growth and development. This may play a critical role in maintaining cognitive ability.
Young infants do not have high levels of IGF-1. As the infant starts to grow, IGF-1 levels start rising. Levels reach their highest point during the adolescent years. The body begins to slow down production of IGF-1 as a person grows older. Levels of IGF-1 continue to decline, reach infancy levels when a person reaches old age.
The Link Between IGF-1 And Human Aging
A recent study, conducted by Dr. Saad Sami Al Sogair, brought forward new evidence that IGF-1 plays a major role in the appearance of aging and wrinkled skin. This study was presented at the 20th World Congress of Aesthetic Medicine in Miami, Florida.
Dr. Al Sogair's study looked at the levels of IGF-1 and various health conditions. The study found that people who had low levels of IGF-1 had many conditions that were considered signs of aging. A few examples include cognitive decline, higher mortality rates, more heart disease, frailty and a weaker hand grip.
On the other end of the scale, people who have higher levels of IGF-1 are perceived to be younger and have fewer wrinkles. They tended to have less cognitive decline, lower mortality rates, less heart disease and a stronger grip.
What Does This Mean For You?
These findings show there is a distinct connection between certain hormone levels in the body and the aging process. Being able to enhance IGF-1 levels as a person grows older should be able to delay aging and wrinkled skin. It should be able to keep a person feeling and looking younger, from the inside out.
How to regulate or enhance IGF-1 levels is still under study. It may take several years for medicines or therapies to be developed for this purpose.
Finding the connection between IGF-1 and aging is just one of the critical steps towards minimizing the effects of aging. If you want to learn more ways to fight aging, contact the experts at Matrix Age Management.
