Is Botox Actually Making You Age Faster?
Is Botox actually making you age faster? I hate to break this to you, but the promised anti-aging effects of this culturally approved toxin may be keeping you in a never-ending cycle of seeking youth.
First, let’s talk about what Botox is made from. Botox is a drug made from a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It's the same toxin that causes a life-threatening type of food poisoning called Botulism that you may find in improperly canned items. The CDC classifies Botulinum as one of the “most lethal substances known” and even lists it as a potential bioterrorism threat!
When used in small doses, its paralyzing effect is beloved for smoothing out wrinkles or even stopping pain in areas (essentially stopping muscle fiber twitching and altering nerve function.) Although recognized as clinically safe, the side effects listed for Botox are quite lengthy, including permanent paralysis, nerve damage, and even death.
However, what most don’t realize is that using Botox causes oxidative stress. Oxidative Stress is the breakdown of cell DNA and protein due to an elevated amount of free radicals in the body, which come from things like air pollutants, chemicals in our food, alcohol/smoking, poor nutrient intake, poor lifestyle, and yes, you guessed it, toxins like those found in Botox.
Oxidative Stress = Aging.
Botox = Oxidative Stress.
Botox = Accelerated Aging.
In a study from the National Library of Medicine, it is stated, “BoNT/A (Botulinum toxin) activates the aging pathway in the low dose, and increasing the dose induces toxicity, including oxidative stress, DNA damage, and apoptosis.” (BOTULINUM TOXIN - PMC - NCBI). This means that by injecting Botox as a temporary relief from aging, you are speeding up the process of aging over time.
Your body’s job is to protect you, and it recognizes Botulinum for what it is: a toxin that should not be there. To get rid of it, your lymphatic system and detoxifying organs like the liver, kidneys, bowels, etc., all work hard to protect you from a potentially deadly threat. This may lead to increased hormonal imbalances, organ deterioration, and increased risk for disease. If injections truly were staying localized in the skin and not affecting other parts of the body as advertised, then why would you ever need to inject again? In reality, your body’s detoxifying organs are taking the hit.
There has to be a better way to prevent the effects of aging, right?
Think again about the definition of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress comes from the things listed (air pollutants, chemicals in our food and products, alcohol/smoking), so we can aim to avoid those stressors. We can also consume antioxidants that help our body defend against free radicals. We can promote cell regeneration by thoroughly nourishing ourselves with vitamins/minerals. We can aid our cells in healing through sleeping, exercising, hydrating, and more.
We can also remember that each day we have on this earth is a gift, and if you have a few wrinkles to tell the story of a well-lived life, then Praise God. Let’s age gracefully and beautifully with healthy bodies rather than toxic temporary fixes!
Stay tuned for my next blog, which includes specific diet/lifestyle tips for anti-aging.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8379625/#:~:text=BoNT%2FA%20activates%20the%20aging,%2C%20 DNA%20 damage%2C%20and%20 apoptosis.
https://www.otandp.com/blog/anti-ageing-through-functional-medicine
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7874868/
https://www.cdc.gov/botulism/bioterrorism/index.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2856357/
*Not medical advice. Always check with your doctor about what it right for you. I make no medical claims on the effectiveness, safety, or usability of this product.
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Always rooting for you!
- Allie CHN, FDN-P
Allie is a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner located in Birmingham, Alabama. She helps women and men across the country online and in her hometown office dig deeper into their root health issues and find holistic healing!