The Wear And Tear Theory Of Aging

The wear and tear theory of aging believes that the effects of aging are caused by damage done to cells and body systems over time. Once they wear out, they can no longer function correctly. Dr. August Weismann, a German biologist, was the first introduced this theory in 1882. He believed that the body and its cells were damaged by overuse and abuse. The organs, liver, stomach, kidneys, skin and so on are worn down by toxins in our diet and in the environment. The excessive consumption of fat, sugar, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. The ultra violet rays of the sun and by the many other physical and emotional stresses to which we subject our bodies. Wear and tear is not confined to our organs, it also takes place on the cellular level. Of course even if you've never touched a cigarette or had a glass of wine, stayed out of the sun and eaten only natural foods, simply using the organs that nature endowed you is going to wear them out. Abuse will only wear them out more quickly. Likewise as the body ages our very cells feel the effect, no matter how healthy our life style.
That's why young people can more easily get away with a night of heavy drinking or a binge of pizza or sweets. With age the body loses its ability to repair damage caused by diet, environmental toxins, bacteria or a virus. Thus many elderly people die of diseases that they could have resisted when they were