Cellular senescence is a hot new area of research. It explores the effects of so-called senescent or zombie cells on the human body. These cells have stopped dividing but continue to accumulate in the skin, damaging surrounding cells and tissues and accelerating aging.
Medications and therapies are still being investigated. This article explains how to get rid of zombie cells naturally to promote health.
Why Get Rid of Zombie Cells?
Zombie cells secrete substances that stimulate inflammation and cause or increase the risk of various health problems, including:
- Neurogenerative diseases (e.g., dementia)
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Obesity
- Anxiety and depression
- Chronic kidney diseases
- Lung diseases
- Osteoporosis and osteoarthritis
- Loss of muscle mass
- Weaker bones
- Premature skin aging, etc.
Scientists are testing medications that eliminate zombie cells. Preliminary results show they improve the conditions associated with cellular senescence and overall health.
8 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Zombie Cells
Stress, poor diet, alcohol, smoking, and many other factors produce reactive oxygen molecules, which lead to oxidative stress, DNA damage, and cellular senescence. Modifying lifestyle factors that contribute to zombie cell formation can reduce their number and slow down aging.
1. Foods with Senolytic and Senomorphic Compounds
Nutrition is an important factor in cellular health. Our cells need nutrients such as glucose, fats, and vitamins to produce energy, build muscle, and repair tissues. Antioxidants are also beneficial in protecting cells from free radicals and oxidative damage.
Many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory fruits and vegetables exhibit senolytic and senomorphic properties, which means they may help delay the aging process. Senolytic nutrients are those that contribute to zombie cell elimination, and they include the following plant polyphenols:
- Quercetin – Found in onions, asparagus, kale, spinach, fennel leaves, dill, oregano, and berries.
- Fisetin – Abundant in onions, cucumber, strawberries, apples, kiwi, grapes, and peaches.
- Luteolin – Found in leaf celery, celery seeds, fenugreek salad, chamomile flowers, peppers, parsley, thyme, sage, etc.
- Curcumin – Present in turmeric.
- Piperlongumine – Found in several types of peppers.
- Oleuropein – Found in olives.
Senomorphic compounds help neutralize the harmful effects of zombie cells, and they include the following:
- Resveratrol – Present in grapes, red wine, peanuts, cocoa, and berries.
- Kaempferol – Found in kale, arugula, watercress, saffron, dill, and chives.
- Apigenin – Abundant in parsley, celery leaf and seeds, kumquat, artichoke, chamomile flowers, etc.
- Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) – Predominantly found in green tea, but also in white, oolong, and black teas, berries, pecans, and hazelnuts.
The easiest way to support healthy aging is to consume several portions of fruits and vegetables with senolytic properties daily.
2. Natural Supplements
Some researchers think food may not contain sufficient amounts of senolytics to effectively eliminate zombie cells. Natural dietary supplements provide high concentrations of these compounds, including quercetin, curcumin, and resveratrol. They may be more effective than food at providing specific “longevity” benefits, such as reducing inflammation, stress-induced anxiety, insomnia, weight gain, and many other conditions.
Some dietary supplements are designed to improve gastrointestinal health. Our gut microbiota (the balance of beneficial bacteria in our GI tract) plays an essential role in vital bodily functions, including hormonal balance, cell metabolism, and immunity. Supplements like prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics are found to enhance these functions and help delay cellular aging.
Note: Learn more about the best supplements for stress, anxiety, and appetite control.
3. Alcohol and Nicotine Elimination
Alcohol and nicotine smoke provoke inflammation and oxidative stress, contributing to DNA damage and cellular senescence. They are the major cause of various medical problems, including life-threatening diseases. Health professionals recommend the elimination of both substances to reduce zombie cells and their detrimental effects.
4. Intermittent Fasting (IF)
Intermittent fasting is a popular dieting method that provides various health benefits. It stimulates the process of autophagy, the body’s natural regulatory mechanism that removes dysfunctional and unnecessary cellular components. IF consists of alternating cycles of eating and fasting, such as in the popular 16:8 protocol (16 hours of fasting and eight hours of eating). It allows the cells to regenerate or break down and leave the body.
5. Exercise
Regular physical activity improves biological processes that help clear senescent cells or reduce their harmful effects. These mechanisms include:
- Increased oxygen delivery to tissues, supporting cellular function.
- Improved mitochondrial function, enhancing energy production and reducing oxidative stress.
- Improved energy metabolism, promoting better glucose and lipid regulation.
- Strengthened immune function, aiding the removal of damaged or dysfunctional cells.
- Reduced inflammation, which is associated with cellular senescence.
Health experts recommend 150-180 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week to support longevity and overall health. Effective activities include brisk walking, jogging, swimming, riding a bicycle, dancing, Pilates, and similar forms of movement.
6. Improved Sleep
The inability to fall or stay asleep can lead to problems associated with aging. Studies have shown that long-term sleep deprivation causes the shortening of telomeres (chromosome ends), which leads to the cell’s inability to replicate. Lack of sleep also disrupts the hormonal balance, which in turn increases inflammation and disrupts most biological processes, accelerating senescence.
Doctors emphasize the importance of healthy sleep, which includes seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep at night.
Note: Learn more about what causes hormonal imbalances and how to treat them.
7. Reduced Stress
Stress accelerates cellular senescence through multiple mechanisms. Chronically elevated cortisol levels, abnormal adrenalin release, and other inflammatory reactions contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and shorter telomeres, ultimately leading to premature cellular aging.
Relaxing activities aimed at reducing cortisol levels naturally prevent or mitigate stress-related illnesses. Activities include meditation, yoga, breathing techniques, socializing, spending time in nature, taking care of pets, and other enjoyable hobbies.
8. Innovative Skin Care
New scientific discoveries on how our skin ages are inspiring cosmetic companies to look for innovative anti-aging formulations. Vibrant Skin’s new skincare line contains ingredients that work synergistically to reduce stress and inflammation, balance gut microbiota and neurotransmitters, and potentially remove zombie cells responsible for premature skin aging. The ingredients in Vibrant products are all-natural and include gut-friendly beta-glucan, serotonin and dopamine-balancing plant extracts, potent antioxidants that target senescent cells, and other rejuvenating ingredients.
Conclusion
Zombie cells are dysfunctional, lingering cells in our skin that accelerate aging. Healthy lifestyle choices and natural cosmetics can help protect our cells from stress and damage, potentially clearing senescent cells and improving our skin and overall health.
If you need nutrition advice, skincare product recommendations, or other longevity and health tips, our friendly medical team at Vibrant Skin Bar is happy to help!
