well ARUNOxygen is essential for basic cell-function in humans and most animals. However, research is showing that oxygen can produce toxic substances, such as peroxide, superoxide, hydroxyl radicals, and “excited stage oxygen”. These highly reactive substances combine with other molecules in the body with destructive effects. They form “free-radicals’, which are high-energy chemical substances ‘looking’ for something to combine with. This is known as free-radical damage or oxidisation.

Oxidisation occurs when an excess of oxygen in our bodies (from exercise or metabolic processes) causes the rapid production of free-radicals and the body’s supply of antioxidants is not enough to counteract this reaction, once it has started.

Research has shown that free-radical reactions in our bodies are responsible for inflammation, ageing, drug-induced damage, degenerative arthritis, alterations in immunity, cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Free Radicals Are the Cause of Oxidative Stress

Some free-radicals are generated from normal body functions like breathing, metabolism, digesting polyunsaturated fats and physical activity. Others are created by the immune system to neutralize viruses and bacteria.

Answered by Priyanka C , an ibibo Master, at 8:42 PM on January 02, 2009

Premature aging : Early appearance of the signs of aging before old age. Various factors can be responsible for signs of premature aging in the heart, brain, joints, digestive organs, circulatory system, and immune system. Injuries that do not heal thoroughly, allergies, exposure to toxic chemicals or heavy metals, excessive exposure to the sun, the abuse of alcohol or tobacco, poor nutrition, stress, and inactivity can all be contributors. The most common symptom of premature aging is pain from joint instability, inflammation, poor circulation, or pressure within an organ.

There is a rare genetic disorder called Werner’s Syndrome that causes premature aging and conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome make patients feel “old.” Any time you begin to see dramatic changes in your body and in your abilities and stamina you should consult your health care professional. Often a change or improvement in lifestyle will minimize or reverse signs of premature aging. For instance, there is a clear link between over-consumption of alcohol and premature aging. Stopping drinking is an obvious measure to reverse the damage or to at least prevent it from getting worse.

Answered by Alok , an ibibo Master, at 11:01 AM on January 02, 2009

Premature ageing is when one's body displays the ageing symptoms at an early age . Ageing symptoms such as greying and loss of hair , thinning or wrinkled skin and loss of elasticity ,nail dystrophy, greying of hair , digestion problem etc are symptoms that are displayed in human body .Son when one's body displays these symptoms at an early age then it is called premature ageing . Excessive exposure to sun light , bad food habbit , excressive protein intake etc are some reasons of premature ageing .

Answered by Sulochana , an ibibo Master, at 10:19 AM on January 02, 2009

Aging caused by the genes we inherit is called intrinsic (internal) aging. The other type of aging is known as extrinsic (external) aging and is caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to the sun’s rays.

Intrinsic Aging
Intrinsic aging, also known as the natural aging process, is a continuous process that normally begins in our mid-20s. Within the skin, collagen production slows, and elastin, the substance that enables skin to snap back into place, has a bit less spring. Dead skin cells do not shed as quickly and turnover of new skin cells may decrease slightly. While these changes usually begin in our 20s, the signs of intrinsic aging are typically not visible for decades. The signs of intrinsic aging are:

Fine wrinkles
Thin and transparent skin
Loss of underlying fat, leading to hollowed cheeks and eye sockets as well as noticeable loss of firmness on the hands and neck
Bones shrink away from the skin due to bone loss, which causes sagging skin
Dry skin that may itch
Inability to sweat sufficiently to cool the skin
Graying hair that eventually turns white
Hair loss
Unwanted hair
Nail plate thins, the half moons disappear, and ridges develops
Genes control how quickly the normal aging process unfolds. Some notice those first gray hairs in their 20s; others do not see graying until their 40s. People with Werner’s syndrome, a rare inherited condition that rapidly accelerates the normal aging process, usually appear elderly in their 30s. Their hair can gray and thin considerably in their teens. Cataracts may appear in their 20s. The average life expectancy for people with Werner’s syndrome is 46 years of age.

Extrinsic Aging
A number of extrinsic, or external, factors often act together with the normal aging process to prematurely age our skin. Most premature aging is caused by sun exposure. Other external factors that prematurely age our skin are repetitive facial expressions, gravity, sleeping positions, and smoking.

Answered by sathish kuma , an ibibo Specialist, at 11:39 PM on January 01, 2009

Far from natural! Now, we wouldn't suggest for a minute that there's anything wrong with growing old gracefully. The natural aging process is defined in our very genetics, resulting in the complex hormonal and physical transformations that take plae throughout life.
Premature aging refers to the unnatural acceleration of the natural aging process, primarily due to damage from sun exposure and an unhealthy lifestyle. While the natural aging process cannot be slowed, most people who exhibit signs of aging are actually suffering from premature aging. Sound far-fetched? Consider this: not only are over 99% of wrinkles caused by sun exposure, but premature aging can add up to twenty years to your appearance!

Answered by Usha Skvl , an ibibo Master, at 11:08 PM on January 01, 2009