Why do some women age faster than others?

It’s all about the cells

According to the medical adviser of the National Center for Genetic Research in Novosibirsk, Inna Kholandra, 28.9% of women in Russia are predisposed to the development of disorders in the structure of collagen. “It is the main protein of our skin and other connective tissues, including bones, cartilage, ligaments, etc. It can be compared to the strong reinforcement that holds a building – collagen also forms the basis of the skin, giving it structure and providing its strength” , – explains the geneticist. Its disadvantages are manifested by the premature appearance of signs of aging, a predisposition to osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures. 49.9% of Russians have a predisposition to disruption of the structure of the second main skin protein – elastin. Inna Kholandra explains: “Elastin allows our tissues to change shape, stretch, and then return to their original state. This means that if something is wrong with it, this leads to a decrease in skin elasticity, which also worsens its condition and leads to the appearance of early signs of aging.” In addition, this means an increased risk of damage to the walls of blood vessels, the appearance of stretch marks, and prolapse of internal organs.

Who is guilty?

Inna reacts negatively to my question about the historical prerequisites for mutations in the genes of Russians, rejecting the accusations against the Tatar-Mongols. “I wouldn’t say that this is their sign. We don’t have any reliable data that these genetic disorders come from this side. Moreover, according to statistics, this type of damage to an important protein occurs not only in Russia, but also in Europe and the US, and it is in Asia that it is less common.” According to the geneticist, this is a kind of “Russian roulette” – someone will get it, someone will not. “From the point of view of evolution, this is not a vital sign. Nature is trying to remove serious diseases that seriously affect life expectancy. And the appearance is in last place. Therefore, this variant with violations of the structure of collagen and elastin has spread in our population,” she explains. .

And what to do?

Galina Khusainova, a coach in biohacking, which is rapidly gaining popularity, advises doing a DNA test if possible. “They reduce the risk of mistakes, which is especially important for women in maintaining their beauty. Procedures such as photo and laser rejuvenation, SMAS-lifting are aimed at the renewal of new collagen. And here, if women have mutations in the gene, they can form on the face scars and scars. As a result, she will receive not the desired rejuvenation, but defects that will have to be corrected by a plastic surgeon.”

According to the Novosibirsk geneticist, aggressive, traumatic cosmetic procedures, such as deep peels, thread corrections, Botox injections, etc., are also contraindicated for women with impaired collagen structure. “On the contrary, they need to preserve existing collagen in every way and stimulate the production of new ones. women need to start caring about the prevention of the early signs of aging from a young age, even from a young age, up to 25 years, and throughout their lives to maintain the state of their collagen in all possible ways. Inna Kholandra advises such people not to get involved in vegetarianism and veganism. “The first thing to pay attention to is the high protein content in foods, because collagen and elastin are, first of all, proteins, and we must get enough of them with food. The second is to reduce the amount of carbohydrates consumed, first of all To preserve and maintain elastin, flavonoids are useful – natural antioxidants, which are found in large quantities in green tea, as well as in citrus fruits, blueberries, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, etc., “- lists the geneticist. In addition, she advises those who have changes in the elastin gene to use SPF creams not only at the beach, but whenever the sun is shining outside.

DNA menu

For a long time now, no one has been surprised by a DNA diet, but dinner in a restaurant, in accordance with a genetic predisposition, is the know-how of famous Russian chefs Ivan and Sergey Berezutsky. Working in one of the Moscow restaurants, which became the owner of two “Michelin” stars under their leadership, they introduced a tasting set to the menu, developed in collaboration with one of the largest medical genetic centers. “We thought about how to make your visit to the restaurant unforgettable, exclusive and unlike any previous experience. This is a different level of hospitality, a different level of personalization,” they said in January on the restaurant’s website. According to the chefs, to create an individual menu based on the DNA of each individual guest, they used information about their individual inclinations and preferences not only in food, but also in other areas – “for example, the potential for risk-taking and openness to new experiences.” To do this, a potential guest had to pass a test in the laboratory a month before visiting the restaurant. The chefs processed the information received and compiled a menu for him, taking into account approximately 40 parameters. Of course, this is not a cheap pleasure – dinner cost about 30 thousand rubles, and you also had to pay for a DNA test, however, the laboratory provided a discount for it.

Pay attention to the protein content of foods

There are only a few such projects in the world so far. For example, the London-based culinary studio Bompas & Parr in 2017 offered dishes created based on the visitor’s genetic heritage and ethnicity. To do this, guests were asked to pass a test in advance, which shows which countries and regions their ancestors come from. During dinner, the restaurant staff told them the history of the dishes that were on their plates and explained how our tastes depend on our roots and the culinary heritage of our ancestors. And YO! Sushi – a chain of Japanese cafes across the UK – launched a nationwide DNA-based food service in 2019. Clients were asked to do a test for the genetic tolerance of certain products. After that, YO! Sushi analyzed the results and sent recommendations to customers which of the more than 100 dishes in the chain’s cafes they should order.

But not only food can be matched by DNA. In 2016, entrepreneur and marketer Natalya Feldberg saw during a working trip to Germany that German cosmetology clinics offer a testing service to determine skin characteristics. She decided that skin care products based on the results of genetic tests could be much more effective. Now her company offers to upload such data to a special site and get personalized recommendations for skin and hair care, and then choose the right cosmetics.

Photo: iStock

Can DNA Testing Help Fight Obesity?

“Mass practical application of DNA tests today comes down mainly to the selection of nutrition. And for children, this should be done from the first feeding. I did this with my grandson, and in our family there is no dispute whether to give the child products with lactose, gluten and other substances or not, what kind of sport suits him, and so on,” says Galina Khusainova.

According to Irina Kolesnikova, a geneticist at the Hemotest laboratory, heredity also plays an important role in how a person gains extra pounds and burns calories. A DNA test can indicate a predisposition to obesity and determine which nutrients to reduce will help you lose weight faster, as well as help you choose physical activity.

“The fact is that success in sports depends on speed and endurance, which are directly dependent on genes. A DNA test will help you figure out which sports are more suitable for a person – power or speed, as well as assess the risk of developing ligament and tendon injuries, inguinal hernia, sciatic neuralgia and other pathologies.With this in mind, you can choose a sport for yourself or choose a section for a child, as well as avoid injuries.”

Issue price

DNA testing is not a luxury these days. They can not only be made in most laboratories, but also ordered on the Internet, including on marketplaces at a price of 8 thousand rubles. As a rule, in this case, detailed instructions are attached to the test, as well as a login and password from a personal account, in which you can track the process of preparing the results and their interpretation.