How to get rid of zombie cells for longevity

How to kill zombie cells: Unlocking the secrets of cellular senescence and aging

To age gracefully and maintain our health, we must understand the inner workings of our cells, particularly when changes in those inner workings can threaten our vitality. Enter zombie cells, scientifically known as senescent cells.

Senescent cells are cells that have lost the ability to do their primary function and can no longer divide. They live in a kind of "standby" mode, which is why they’ve been informally termed zombie cells.^[1]

So, are zombie cells bad? While senescence is a natural process in the body involved in various stages across the lifespan, issues can occur when these cells accumulate.^[2]

The accumulation of these “undead” cells doesn’t just give them a haunting name, it can wreak havoc on the body, leading to inflammation and accelerated aging. Understanding them is half the battle. Armed with the right knowledge, foods, supplements, and fasting techniques, we can combat these cellular zombies and pave the way for lasting wellness.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace the guidance from a medical professional. Always speak to your doctor first before starting any new diet or supplements.

What are zombie cells?

As the name implies, zombie cells are cells that are defective but still alive. A zombie cell results from a phenomenon called cellular senescence, whereby the normal process of cell division in the body ceases.

This process is one of the hallmarks of aging, and science is discovering more and more about the role it plays in aging cells and the tools we can use to halt or slow down senescence.^[3]

Cell senescence occurs in response to cellular stressors or damage, ensuring that potentially harmful cells don't continue to divide and proliferate^[4]. These cells then cease to multiply and remain alive but dysfunctional.

This is not an ideal scenario, as you want your body to be able to just get rid of these damaged cells, not hold onto them. These zombie cells that stick around also release molecules that may trigger inflammation associated with aging.

This is why learning how to kill zombie cells or remove senescent cells may help support longevity.

Senescent Cells aka Zombie Cells cause accelerated aging and inflmation

What is the connection between zombie cells and aging?

According to the National Institute on Aging, removing senescent cells from the body becomes less efficient as we age. Thus, zombie cells tend to accumulate with aging, and they also accelerate aging when too many stick around.^[5]

Senescent cells can be formed when there is DNA damage and telomere shortening ^[6]and are closely tied to mitochondrial dysfunction and disabled mitophagy.

How to get rid of zombie cells naturally

Fortunately, there are ways you can get rid of zombie cells naturally. Exercise, caloric restriction, and natural compounds may be able to help. Let’s explore each method and how they work.

Fasting

Fasting has become a mainstay as a way to improve health because it directly impacts many of the hallmarks of aging. Intermittent fasting activates several biological pathways, including those that can delay senescence.^[7]

Additionally, fasting can trigger a cell-recycling process called autophagy, which helps our body remove damaged cells, including senescent cells^[8].

You may be wondering how long you need to fast to kill zombie cells. It is still unclear the optimal length of time to fast in order to stimulate autophagy, but research suggests that at least 24 hours may be needed.^[9]

Exercise

Exercise is widely recognized for its myriad health benefits, and studies suggest that it also plays a role in modulating cellular senescence. A recent study demonstrated that a 12-week exercise program was able to reduce biomarkers associated with cell senescence in older adults.^[10]

This beneficial effect of exercise is believed to arise from enhanced autophagy, improved immune clearance of senescent cells, and a reduction in the pro-inflammatory factors secreted by these cells, commonly referred to as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP).^[11]

Natural compounds

Research has identified natural compounds that can slow cell senescence, and as a result, supplements that kill zombie cells are entering the market. Let’s review what supplements have the most promise:

• Quercetin: This polyphenol is found in fruits and veggies, tea, and wine, and several preclinical trials have shown it has promise as a senolytic compound. ^[12]
• Resveratrol: Found in grapes and red wine, this natural compound may be able to slow down cell senescence in cells of the blood vessels.^[13]
• Curcumin: As an active component of turmeric, curcumin has been studied for its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and there is some evidence to suggest that it may act as a senolytic compound. ^[14]
• ECGC: The phytochemical epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) found in green tea may be able to slow cell senescence through the modulation of several pathways involved in this process.^[15]
• Urolithin A: Urolithin A is a postbiotic nutrient, meaning our gut microbiome makes it after we ingest polyphenols in foods like pomegranates, berries, and nuts. Preclinical trials suggest that Urolithin A may be able to positively impact cell senescence.^[16]

Zombie cells and mitochondrial decline

Senescence and mitochondrial function are intrinsically linked in the context of aging and cellular health. As cells age, mitochondrial function declines, leading to reduced energy production, increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and potential DNA damage. This mitochondrial dysfunction can act as a trigger for cellular senescence.^[17]

In turn, senescent cells further exacerbate mitochondrial dysfunction by releasing inflammatory and oxidative factors. This mutual exacerbation creates a feedback loop where mitochondrial decline promotes cellular senescence and vice versa.^[18]

It stands to reason that improving the quality and quantity of mitochondria could play a role in slowing down the development of senescent cells.

Mitopure’s role in cellular health

Mitopure®, which contains a key ingredient called Urolithin A, has been clinically proven to trigger mitophagy, the crucial mitochondrial recycling process.^[19]

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Urolithin A is a postbiotic, and we require a healthy gut microbiome to make it. Many people can’t produce UA directly from food; thus, taking a supplement or applying it topically to target skin cells provides you with a direct dose of this beneficial compound.^[20]

Take control of zombie cells in the body

Taking control of the zombie cells in the body can support longevity and whole-body health. Fasting, exercise, and natural compounds are natural ways to slow cell senescence and can help you with living an overall healthy lifestyle.

References

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