We’re all looking for an easy way to stop our bodies from aging, especially if we don’t envision ourselves aging gracefully (pointing a finger at myself here). From surface-level cosmetics to plastic surgery, we thought we’d heard and seen it all. However, revolutionary innovations in science still shock and surprise us. During our recent Living Well event held in Texas last month, an expert spoke to us about using stem cells for anti-aging purposes. Here’s everything you need to know about the conversation.
Disclosure: I know that the topic of stem cells brings up many different opinions and beliefs. I’m not trying to sway your opinion either way. I’m here to discuss and make you aware of scientific advancements in the field of stem cell research for anti-aging.
What Are Stem Cells?
According to the Mayo Clinic, stem cells, or master cells, are essentially the body’s raw materials. They are the building blocks that create all other specialized function cells. There are three types of stem cells:
Embryonic Stem Cells
Embryonic stem cells supply new cells to an embryo, which form and grow into a baby. As the building blocks of life, embryonic stem cells are incredibly unique. They can turn into any type of cell that’s necessary for the body’s development.
Human waste after giving birth was once discarded, but now we know that cord blood is one of the most useful sources of stem cells. Embryonic stem cells have been used to treat children with blood diseases for almost twenty years. However, stem cells from cord blood have also become more common in adult treatments.
Adult Stem Cells
Adult stem cells supply new cells as an organism grows and replaces damaged cells. Think blood and skin cells. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells with self-renewal capacity. They are characterized by their ability to divide and develop into multiple specialized cell types present in a specific tissue or organ.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Scientists actually create induced pluripotent stem cells in a lab. Simply put, they do this by taking adult cells and reprogramming them into stem cells. Scientists may turn them into any type of cell.
In more complex terms, scientists take adult somatic cells and alter their ectopic expression of defined embryonic transcription factors. This technology is also a powerful tool for modeling disease and developing treatments for human disorders.
Stem Cell Therapy
During our Living Well event, we had the pleasure of learning about anti-aging therapy using stem cells from scientist Dr. Rafael Gonzalez, Ph.D. He’s been at the forefront of stem cell therapy and research for the past 20 years. Dr. Gonzalez is eminently knowledgeable of the latest advances in stem cell therapies. He shared how stem cells are upending many age-related diseases and extending our quality of life.
Dr. Gonzalez is the Chief Development & Scientific Officer for TheBioBox, creator of regenerative cell cosmetics, and RESTEM, a leading-edge biotechnology firm with offices in California. Dr. Gonzalez also has affiliates at REHEALTH, a Cancun-based treatment center providing personalized cell therapeutics to target each patient’s specific needs.
What You Need to Know About Stem Cells for Anti-Aging
Several key points regarding anti-aging and stem cell therapy were made during the Living Well Conference:
Not all stem cells are the same
There is a lot of variation within cells or what companies claim as stem cells. Stem cells isolated from different sources and tissues are distinct in that they have varying degrees of potency and give rise to differing mature cell types. Additionally, as each person differs slightly at the genetic level (their DNA sequence), the stem cells derived from each individual are likewise different.
Additionally, the properties of each stem cell donor will vary, as we are all different. Therefore, it is best to stick to a well-tested source that does not depend on many donors.
Use pure stem cells
Pure stem cells, such as Mesenchymal stem cells or Umbilical Cord Lining Stem Cells (ULSCs), are a well-tested and consistent source. Additionally, FDA-approved clinical studies back them up. These types of cells are a great source of stem cells with a large potential to heal. Studies have shown that it may be possible to significantly delay aging with their use.
Find the right stem cells for your needs.
Look at the properties of the stem cells to see if they will help you. For example, do studies show that they help regulate the immune system or increase vasculature? By taking the two properties of stem cells into account (the ability to self-renew and the ability to differentiate into different types of cells), tests and studies may be better performed.
The research is out there giving credit to the anti-aging properties of stem cells and their ability to take current scientific thinking to a whole other level. If you’re interested in learning more about how REHEALTH is using this science, visit their website, visit their website – you’ll be amazed by what you find, or check out Dr. Gonzalez’s stimulating presentation at the Living Well event.
