Preksha Dhyana Human Body Part 2

Author(s): Jethalal S Zaveri
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati

Page 89

hypothalamus and its hormones which work through the pituitary to control and coordinate glands of the endocrine system, have been implicated in the functioning of various cyclic processes in the body. The aging process may be started by blocking the action of thyroxin. Other researchers consider the environmental influences on the body and its cells to accelerate the aging process. They view the major causes of aging as lying in the "wear and tear” resulting from the continual stress condition, radiations and chemical mutagens.
The information-molecules of the cell gradually become blurred with errors reducing the efficiency of the proteinsynthesizing apparatus. The faulty enzymes produced may, then, cause a further deterioration of the templates, compounding the damages. The accumulation of enough nonfunctional or abnormal cells in an organ will impair its functioning and sine the organs of the body are inter-related, the deterioration of one organ may produce a spreading wave of damage to others, ultimately resulting in aging and death.
Thus aging is a complex process with many contributing factors not necessarily mutually exclusive. “Haylick limit” of cells-division agrees with the concept of an inherently finite life-span with an upper limit for human beings of about 110 to 120 years. Hence it is clear that any effort to prolong life beyond this limit is not likely to succeed. Though the actual life-span could never be changed, knowledge of some of the factors discussed above would not only reduce the probability of dying in younger age-groups but also extend the period of vigorous life, avoiding the miseries of old age.
Knowledge of the role of nutrition and dieting could be used in checking the tendency to gain weight in middle age. Deficiencies of vitamins C and B which accelerate the aging process could be avoided. Careful control on the intake of salt, sugar and fat would prevent the development of hypertension,
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