The endocrinal system plays a huge role in age reversal, and people who exercise are not only known to live longer but also healthier lives. This is a result of optimal endocrinal function, robust organ health, better immunity, lower stress levels and improved energy levels. Let’s explore this further in the third part of our look at the ageing process and the yogic study of it, called kayakalpa. (Read part one here and two here.)
ENDOCRINAL DECLINE DURING AGEING
Ageing causes changes in the amplitude and frequency of hormone pulses, which are usually decreased. Later on, certain hormone deficiencies become more common and lead to clinical endocrine disorders. Science has proposed that many of the effects of ageing on hormones such as decrease in growth hormone (GH) and thyroid, and increase in cortisol, are not inevitable and are exacerbated by chronic stress and lifestyle factors. It is also plausible that neuroendocrine ageing promotes cellular ageing.
GH: Produced by the pituitary gland, this is responsible for growth in children and adolescents. It also helps regulate body composition, body fluids, muscle and bone growth, sugar and fat metabolism. GH levels decline during ageing. This natural change is most likely what contributes to effects of ageing on body composition, skin characteristics and functional changes contributing to the general quality of life. Produced synthetically, GH is the active ingredient in a number of anti-ageing prescription drugs and in other products available widely. This claim to youthfulness is unproven and there is debate about the side effects of using the synthetic form, which may also lead to cancer.
Thyroid: The thyroid gland also undergoes important functional changes during ageing. The thyroid secretions affect all organs of the body and regulate vital functions including metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, mood swings and even cellular activity. The prevalence of hypothyroidism (low levels of thyroid secretion) increases with age.
Stress hormone cortisol: Cortisol is a critical hormone secreted by the adrenal glands; its levels in the bloodstream vary depending on the time of the day. Cortisol is important for keeping in check blood pressure, fat and carbohydrate metabolism for quick energy, insulin release and blood sugar levels. Cortisol communicates with regions of your brain that control mood, motivation and fear. However, excess cortisol is secreted during physical and psychological stress. Excess cortisol alters immune system responses and suppresses digestive and reproductive systems, and growth processes. Thus an increase in levels of cortisol also contributes to rapid ageing.
There is also the prevalence of type 2 diabetes as one grows older. Insulin, produced by the pancreatic gland, regulates glucose, or blood sugar, by transporting it to the muscles and tissue that use glucose for energy. Excessive sugar in the blood reduces the sensitivity to insulin and can cause diabetes, which is also linked to excess weight and obesity. There is a sharp decline in the sex hormones — oestrogen in women and testosterone in men. Changes in the endocrinal function lead to fat gain, loss of muscle mass, mood swings, decline in cognitive function and increased susceptibility to diseases.
Exercise is also key to endocrinal health. Certain yoga postures and techniques are especially beneficial to boost endocrinal health and can assist in reversing endocrinal disorders to an extent. Try these postures.
Sarvangasana
Halasana
Yoga mudrasana
Next week: Kayakalpa: secrets to age reversal, part four.
