We all know that getting older is inevitable, but feeling older doesn’t have to be. As we have improved our scientific knowledge, we have learned even more about how our bodies work, even down to a cellular level. What we’ve found is astounding, especially when you consider how cells communicate: cell signaling.
This process enables cells in your body to perform various functions, such as activating an immune response, releasing hormones, or repairing damaged cells. When cells can communicate, your body will function significantly better, helping you feel energized and youthful. To receive incoming signals, cells rely on proteins called receptors that bind to signaling molecules.
Among the processes of communication between cells, the redox signaling plays a crucial role, acting as either a cellular messenger or a cellular activator. Activator molecules initiate cellular processes, while messenger molecules facilitate communication between cells to ensure coordinated responses throughout the body.
But cells start to function at a slower rate as you age, meaning less communication and more dysfunction in your body. Thankfully, using cell signaling technology, we can replenish these communication cells.
The Science Behind Cell Signaling
Cell signaling is simply cell communication—how cells send information to each other in order to complete essential bodily functions, such as detoxification, stress response management, energy production support, regulating cell function, and supporting tissue repair. As we get older, cellular communication begins to slow, and with it, the body’s ability to produce and maintain a proper balance of redox signaling molecules. We feel it in the form of low energy, hormone imbalances, immune dysfunction, poor gut health, and slower healing.
There are three stages to cell signaling: reception, transduction, and response. Reception means the cell “receives” a signal from an outside source, usually a signaling molecule. Signaling molecules can be hormones or neurotransmitters, and they bind to a specific receptor on the cell surface.
Next, transduction occurs, where the message from the signaling molecule gets relayed through the cell signaling pathway. Think of this as a game of telephone—the message from the signaling molecule gets passed down a series of proteins inside the cell until it reaches the final stage, the response.
Response is the action the cell takes as a result of the message delivered and transmitted in the previous two stages. Responses can vary and can include turning on a gene, changing shape or function, causing cell growth or division, and altering metabolic function, which impacts energy production and storage.
Many molecules in the body are used as cell signaling molecules, including everything from hormones to growth factors. Hormones are a commonly known cell signaling molecule that controls various bodily functions, including blood sugar levels, mood, and growth. Neurotransmitters deliver messages between nerve cells and other cells like muscles, and are crucial for mood regulation (think serotonin, dopamine, GABA, etc. Cytokines play a vital role in regulating the immune response, making their communication essential not only for fighting disease but also for maintaining overall well-being and longevity. Growth factors stimulate cell growth and replication, crucial for wound healing and overall health.
Depending on the cell, these molecules deliver different messages. Think of it like the mailman delivering a package: the package is the cell signaling molecule, and when delivered to a certain address (or cell), it is used differently, depending on the needs and function of the cell. For example, adrenaline (a neurotransmitter), when delivered to the heart, will make it beat faster. But when delivered to the liver, it will release glucose. Same molecule, different functions, depending on where it is delivered.
Clearly, without healthy and efficient cell signaling, our body’s functions start to fail, meaning we begin to feel the effects. Poor immune health, mood instability, digestive problems, chronic fatigue, and other symptoms may indicate that your cells need help communicating with each other to support crucial bodily functions.
Redox Signaling Molecules: Keeping Your Cells Young
Hormones, cytokines, and neurotransmitters are examples of just a few cell signaling molecules. One of the most important cell signaling molecules is redox signaling molecules. Redox stands for “reduction oxidation,” referring to the change in electrons.
That might sound complicated, but it’s really just related to how these molecules communicate through the exchange of electrons. Crucially, redox signaling molecules are essential for responding to oxidative stress: an imbalance between free radicals (unstable molecules with unpaired electrons that tend to ‘steal’ electrons from other molecules, potentially causing cellular damage) and antioxidants (molecules that can donate electrons to neutralize free radicals without becoming destabilized themselves). Without redox signaling molecules regulating antioxidant and free radical balances, oxidative stress will increase, and oxidative stress is linked to aging and chronic diseases.
Redox signaling molecules also support immune system regulation. These molecules help the body manage the immune response, including activating and regulating this response. Redox molecules kill pathogens during a process called the respiratory burst. When the immune system needs to reduce its response, redox signaling molecules assist in regulating inflammation.
Cell regeneration and repair are crucial functions of redox signaling molecules. Through exposure to pollutants, diet, chemicals, or normal wear and tear, cells eventually get damaged. Redox signaling molecules play a key role in detecting cellular stress or damage. They help to initiate and regulate repair processes, contributing to tissue health and preventing the spread of dysfunction.
When it comes to hormone balance, redox signaling molecules play an important role. These molecules can signal directly to enzymes involved in hormone synthesis, modulate the secretion of hormones, modify proteins (including hormone receptors), and maintain homeostasis for hormones in the body.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cell Signaling Technology
How do cells communicate with each other?
Through cell signaling molecules, including redox signaling molecules, hormones, neurotransmitters, and others.
What are the three stages of cell signaling?
Reception (receiving the signaling molecule from outside the cell), transduction (converting the signal that the cell can understand and then respond to), and response (when the signal has created the response in the cell).
What are cell signaling pathways, and why are they important?
The route or “pathway” the cell signaling molecule takes within the cell that activates the cell to complete the “message” sent.
What is a signaling molecule?
A molecule that sends messages between cells to carry out functions in the body.
Why can a signaling molecule cause different responses in different cells?
Depending on the type and function of the cell, the signaling molecule can cause different responses.
What are redox signaling molecules?
These are molecules involved in the process of reduction-oxidation, which is the exchange of electrons that support cell repair.
Are there supplements that support healthy cell signaling?
Yes, a supplement that supports cell signaling will include technology that facilitates the movement of electrons (in other words, supports the redox reactions within the cell).
What are the benefits of using redox signaling supplements like ASEA Redox?
A redox signaling supplement replenishes redox signaling molecules, which reduces oxidative stress.
Cellular Health On A Cellular Level With ASEA
Inter- and intracellular communication is crucial for long-term health and well-being because those messages help cells perform their functions optimally. When cells can’t function at their peak, you start to feel that in your body, whether it’s poor immune function, hormone imbalances, chronic fatigue, aging skin, poor gut health, or other signs of aging.
As we age, redox cell signaling molecules are reduced in the body, and that’s part of the reason aging can feel exhausting and make you wonder if you’ll ever feel healthy and vibrant again. Using innovative and state-of-the-art technology, ASEA has created a product that replenishes your redox cell signaling molecules: ASEA® Redox Cell Signaling Supplement. This is a patented liquid supplement that contains active redox signaling molecules designed to help your body work efficiently at the cellular level by supporting immune, gut, cardiovascular, and hormonal health. It also helps manage oxidative stress and energy levels and even activates genetic repair mechanisms within the body. Give your body the boost it needs using scientifically proven ASEA® Redox Cell Signaling Supplement.