Aging is an unavoidable biological process. Premature aging on the other hand is a completely avoidable process as long as you know how to recognize and deal with it, in time. The average age to start aging is in the early 40s and any other aging symptoms manifested in the body earlier than this is considered as premature aging. While premature aging can affect many people, it is not attributed to the same cause because several factors came into play. Environmental factors, hormones and physiological factors all contribute to premature aging of the body especially the skin. Other culprits include lack of sleep, stress and smoking. You will know that you are aging way too fast for your body if you experience the following symptoms:
Changing Skin Texture
As age increases, the skin loses its ability to produces collagen. Collagen is the main element responsible for the skin’s natural and healthy look and without it, the skin will begin to lose texture and natural feel. At old age, the skin cannot produce collagen with the same level of consistency as it used to during youthful days. In addition, the constant exposure of the skin to UV rays also contributes to the diminishing collagen levels and consequently, rapid changes in skin’s texture. If your skin becomes too dry or flaky for instance, it is a sign of premature aging. It can also be an indicator of other health concerns you should be worried about such as in efficient thyroid gland.
Sagging Eyelids
Drooping eyelids are a manifestation of a myriad of symptoms inclusive of allergy, fatigue and fluid retention. However, the most common cause of drooping eyelids is oxidative stress. This process allows the accumulation of free radicals in the atmosphere in the body thus damaging cells. Oxidative stress is more pronounced in individuals who eat poor diets such as processed foods from factories such as potato crisps. Foods such as blueberries, carrots and a host of other natural fruits contain high level of antioxidants that are beneficial to the body and counter the effects of free radicals. While you cannot control exposure to free radicals, you can boost the level of antioxidants that fight the free radicals so as to avoid premature aging.
Sagging Skin
The sagging of the skin is an inevitable aging process that everyone undergoes. However, it is not normal for this symptom to be manifested in the early 20s. In addition, the sagging, wrinkles appearing at this stage of life are also obvious signs of premature aging. Though they can be concealed with some of the best anti aging cream, it is not recommended to completely overlook them especially considering the fact that they can be avoided by simple life style changes. The appearance of deep nasiolabial lines between the nose and the mouth is also a sign of premature aging. They could also point to other medical conditions such as an over loaded digestive tract.
Graying Skin
Besides sagging and appearance of wrinkles, change of skin color is also an indicator of premature aging process even though it is largely attributed to kidney failure. For those with chronic kidney infections in the advanced stages, there is high increase in the level of toxins and wastes in the body. This results because the kidney cannot filter the wastes or toxins with much efficiency as before. The accumulation causes the skin to become gray and discolored. If this is the case, then it is recommended to see a doctor for advice on the recommended preventive measures.
Red Eyes
Red eyes are not only caused by extensive lengths of time in front of a television screen or allergies. They can also be caused by a chronic infection that relates to an aging process. Arthritis, which affects joints for instance, is most common in aging people and can be a good indicator of premature aging. If you are in your 20s or 30s and experience pain in the joints and stiffness, then it is advisable to incorporate a diet rich in a lot of antioxidants. It not only helps the joints of the body but also improves the skin condition and as a result prevents premature aging symptoms.
Conclusion
Aging can be described in two parameters-chronologically and biologically. While the former is the numerical reference of the age of the body, the latter is the age of the body cells and tissues with reference to their level of growth and is where premature aging manifests. If the biological age of the body cells does not display the actual level of their growth through the manifestations of the aforementioned symptoms, then that is a case of premature aging. It can be solved by a variety of means such as the use of the best anti aging cream or dietary changes but first of all, it is imperative that you recognize that you are undergoing premature aging.