Old Man Stem-y likes to think of himself as the patriarch of a very large family. He’s the tip-top of the family tree. If an injury or disease wipes out a section of cells, Stem-y makes sure to replace those cells so that the tissue is (almost) as good as new. Immune cells, muscle cells, bladder cells, skin cells – Stem-y can do it all. But, Stem-y has gotten old, and he’s less able to signal repair. He’s less able to replicate himself or trigger the creation of new cell types. He knows he can’t live forever, but he’ll be damned if he gives up without a fight. Because when he’s gone, who else will take up the cause?
What is happening inside my body
Stem cell exhaustion refers to our stem cells becoming old and less able to function. Stem cells are our Master cells. They are unique in that they can replicate themselves and they can differentiate, or give rise to, many different types of cells. They are responsible for the upkeep of the tissues and organs. When you’re young, stem cells are plentiful and full of energy.
Stem cell exhaustion refers to our stem cells becoming old and less able to function. Stem cells are our Master cells. They are unique in that they can replicate themselves and they can differentiate, or give rise to, many different types of cells. They are responsible for the upkeep of the tissues and organs. When you’re young, stem cells are plentiful and full of energy.
If you cut your arm as a kid, stem cells will jump in immediately to signal repair. However, if you cut your arm as an adult, it takes longer to heal and often leaves a scar. This is because of stem cell exhaustion. Over time, the s ame processes that affect other cells (ex: telomere attrition, DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction) will also affect stem cells, making it harder and harder to repair and regenerate as we age.
Why this matters to you
As we age, our supply of stem cells plummets, and the ones that do survive become less active. This means we can’t repair organs and tissues like we used to.
How HOP Box Helps: NR and CaAKG, as well as antioxidants (ex: quercetin, fisetin, astaxanthin), promote healthy, active stem cells, so poor Old Man Stem-y becomes the exception instead of the rule.
Learn about the other Downfalls of Aging
Telomere Attrition
Genomic Instability
Epigenetic Alteration
Loss of Proteostasis
Cellular Senescence
Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Deregulated Nutrient Sensing
Altered Intercellular Communication
