What are stem cells & how to grow your own stem cells

What are stem cells?

A stem cell is capable of multiplying and giving rise to other cells, in order to form a body tissue or an organ. For example, an embryo forms from stem cells (pluripotent) which will multiply and, over time, differentiate into more specific stem cells (multipotent), which will in turn generate specific cells forming organs and tissues (skin, liver, kidney, bone, nerve cells, etc.).

The rarefaction of stem cells, with age, slows cell renewal. It is thus strongly linked to the aging of the tissues and organs of the body.

Different kinds of stem cells

The main types of stem cells are therefore:

Pluripotent stem cells embryonic, capable of producing cells of any kind. They have, for a very long time, been the subject of research and perspectives with the aim of regenerating (even rejuvenating) aging or damaged adult organisms. Of course, we thought that there was a secret for eternal youth. They pose, however, ethical issues unresolved, since they must be taken from the embryo, which is a human being in formation.

Multipotent stem cells, capable of transforming into different cells but less, centered on a particular organ or tissue. They have been found in adults, in certain organs (adult stem cells), which give them a capacity for regeneration, such as:

• the skin when injured,
• the bone marrow which makes our blood cells,
• the liver if it is amputated by an operation…

Today, we manage to take them especially from bone marrow, fat, skin, and also blood (G.Milhaud 2001)…, and we even manage to use them in organs different from the original one.

It has recently been demonstrated that it is also feasible to genetically turn a differentiated cell into an induced pluripotent stem cell, which can be programmed to build any tissue or organ, with all of the implications that this entails (Pr Yamanaka, Nobel 2012). These generated cells, such as skin cells, would not have the same risk of cancerization as embryonic cells.

Stem cell therapy ( Regenerative medicine )

Stem cell therapy, also known as regenerative medicine, uses stem cells or their derivatives to enhance the repair response of sick, dysfunctional, or wounded tissue. It’s the next step in organ transplantation, and it relies on cells rather than donor organs, which are in short supply.

Since the ethical problem can therefore be resolved, the path to regenerative and tissue-restorative medicine is open. We could, in theory, repair or regenerate new organs. However, there remains the difficulty to control well the multiplication of these cells. Indeed, the latter occurs naturally in the body when it is necessary to repair failing organs, but it depends on certain specific signals from the body, which are less controllable. In addition, it is regulated in particular by certain white blood cells, to avoid any over-proliferation or cancerization.

Finally, for induced stem cells, it seems that they can retain DNA chains from the cell of origin, which could pose a problem during transplantation into different organs.

What disease can be cured by stem cells?

Stem cell therapy for orthopaedic conditions

In today’s world, the list of ailments is infinite. Orthopedic, neurological, hormonal, traumatic, and other diseases have a significant influence on the patient’s quality of life. Consider orthopedic issues such as osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis, severe bone and muscle injuries, and so on. The major problem in these cases is swelling in the afflicted tissue, which causes the bone to deteriorate over time.

Swelling is reduced via cell-based treatment, which avoids additional harm.
Individuals (both young and elderly) who suffer from pain and a reduced quality of life as a result of such illnesses might benefit from regenerative medicine.
People who have persistent orthopaedic problems who aren’t receiving much relief from medical treatments might consider stem cell therapy.

Stem cell therapy for diabetes

Autoimmune illnesses such as ankylosing spondylitis and type 1 diabetes, as well as lifestyle-related ailments such as type 2 diabetes, benefit from stem cell immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory capabilities, qualifying it as stem cell treatment for autoimmune diseases.

The stem cells produce an environment that promotes healing and proliferation of healthy cells while also cleaning out damaged cells and tissues, allowing the patient to be alleviated of symptoms.

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Stem cells and anti-aging

Studies have shown that bone marrow stem cells can, in addition to generating new different blood cells, go remote in various organs and there transform into specific cells of this organ to repair it. It’s the ” plasticity potential.

Thus, in anti-aging or restorative medicine, we imitate this process. Depending on the legislation of the countries, treatments are already applied or in the clinical study phase. Stem cells are taken from samples of the patient’s skin, fat, marrow or blood, to be reinjected, with the aim of:

• hair regrowth in alopecia
• better closure of extensive wounds and burns, in reconstructive surgery
• an improvement in the quality of the skin of the face and neck by multiple injection techniques (such as mesolift) but also by incorporating the cells removed and cultured into creams (in the USA).
• regeneration of heart muscle after infarction
• restoration of worn joint cartilage, etc.

In some countries, you can freeze your own stem cells to store them and use them later, if needed.

Although the area of research is large and intriguing, regenerative medicine employing stem cells is still in its infancy. Although true regeneration has been witnessed (of the eye’s retina, the heart muscle, and cartilage, among other things), there are still a number of factors to be managed. Some of the findings are highly positive, while others are considerably more mixed. It will require time and more scientific investigations to enhance these approaches while also keeping track of legislative changes.

Grow your own stem cells

On the other side, it has been discovered that the greater a subject’s stem cell count, the better their healing mechanisms are. Young individuals, for example, have far more effective healing functions than older people, such as smokers or drug addicts, who, as we all know, have far less stem cells.

Also, we can already think of grow your own stem cells potential when age advances, in order to prevent or improve age-related disorders. To do this, here is what science teaches us about it. We will see there once more, that the traditional medicines had already thought about it a little.

Take care of your stem cells

First of all, we must avoid reducing the amount of stem cells or their activities. Tobacco, alcohol, pollutants, and some medicines (hypocholesterolemics, quinolones, anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids, and so on) are known to inhibit the generation of stem cells in the marrow, as well as their distant effect in lung, liver, and bone repair… They also harm the populations of stem cells in our bodies.

High glucose levels have been shown to reduce the formation of mesenchymal stem cells. Conversely, adult stem cells live longer in culture when their available glucose is reduced (O Lee 2011). So here is one more reason to eat healthy by reducing sugary foods and carbohydrates.

Here again, we find that the hygiene of life is important at all levels for longevity.

Nutrition

• fast for more than 24 hours (D. Sabatini 2018): the function of intestinal stem cells increases in mice after only 24 hours of fasting
• a low-calorie, low-carb diet mimicking day-long fasting increased stem cell counts and regeneration in mice as well (Valter Longo 2015)
• a Jdeath extended for a few days can restore impaired immunity through chemical treatment, by promoting the regeneration of blood cells by their stem cells (V. Longo 2014), in mice and in humans.
• studies show that the calorie restriction short-term therapy improves the activity and availability of stem cells in rats (A.Wagers 2012)
• the polyphenols decrease oxidation, and are beneficial for stem cells (Cherniak, Chekuri, Lee 2019) in particular turmeric, quercetin, resveratrol, EGCG from green tea, caffeic acid… with positive implications on diseases linked to aging (cancer, neurological and cardiovascular degeneration…). Thus a diet richer in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, cocoa, tea, aromatic spices… will be beneficial.
• essential fatty acids unsaturated fats (omega 3 and 6) stimulate the production and differentiation of stem cells (J Kang 2014)
• various nutrients have shown positive effects on adult stem cells, for example, the combination of blueberry extract, vit D and C, carnosine and catechins has been studied (P Bickford 2006).
• several algae seem to contain beneficial components on stem cells, such as: chlorella spirulina, Klamath algae, laminaria japonica…
• finally, certain plants traditional pharmacopoeia as Polygonum multiflorum (in China: fo-ti), guduchi and ashwaganda in Ayurvedic medicine… have shown stimulating actions on stem cell populations. They are generally rich in antioxidant polyphenols (P. Udagama 2016).

The hygiene of life

• a sleep of 7 to 9 hours is necessary to maintain a good activity of your stem cells. Their functioning can drop by half for a lack of only 4 hours of sleep per week (learn more about sleep and anti-aging).
• We already know that muscle activity allows the production of new muscle fibers, but we also find more stem cells in the muscles by practicing weight bearing exercise (as in bodybuilding or HIIT). Research also shows that older, more active animals have more stem cells and build better bones.
  

  What are stem cells

• 2 to 3 sessions of sports activity per week are very favorable. Exercise can stimulate stem cells in the nervous system and improve mental acuity (G Blackmore 2009).
  A study also shows that adult stem cells in the muscles increase in number and activity thanks to exercise, but also in organs such as bones, heart, liver… (F. Macaluso 2012)
  In practice, do cardio or HIIT 2-3 times a week and a more moderate activity like yoga or walking the rest of the time. Those who are inactive will settle for mild physical activity to begin with.
• physical activity also promotes the mobilization of blood stem cells (Mr. de Lisio 2016) with an effect similar to bone marrow transplantation done to treat certain leukemias.

Food supplement

• a mixture of blueberries, sort of blueberries (blueberries), green tea catechin, carnosine, and vitamin D increase the proliferation of bone marrow stem cells by 70% in vitro (C Bickford 2006).
• the turmeric has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps mesenchymal stem cells (found in muscle, fat, bone marrow, etc.) to function better. It has also been shown to promote bone building and restoration.
• the resveratrolalong with vitamin C, also stimulate bone marrow stem cells (D. Yoon 2014)
• ofother plants are cited in the literature as: aloe vera, centella asiatica, amalaki, moringa extract, etc.
• The trace element boron would also have a positive effect, as well as the probiotics.

Stem cells and anti-aging cosmetics

Stem cells are becoming more popular in anti-aging cosmetics, however they are plant stem cells. They are not to be confused with embryonic stem cells, which are utilized to enhance the skin in some countries but are not permitted in Europe. Plant stem cells do not produce new skin cells in humans. They could, on the other hand, stimulate skin stem cells, act as an antioxidant, and increase hyaluronic acid density.

We also know that certain plants, such as ginger, tomato, apple, centella asiatica… have a stimulating impact on skin stem cells.

There are also substances developed by the research of cosmetic laboratories which would act in the same direction. For example, stemoxydine, applied topically, could stimulate the stem cells of the hair bulbs and promote hair regrowth.

7 Best Stem Cell Beauty Products

M3 Naturals Himalayan Salt Body Scrub Infused with Collagen and Stem Cell

Exfoliate your skin not just as a body scrub, but also as a face scrub, lip scrub, hand scrub, or foot scrub. Our Himalayan salt with lychee oil is moisturizing and antioxidant-rich, and it will help restore your natural skin while cleaning away undesired pollutants and dead skin cells!
Moisturizing and exfoliating! This Himalayan salt, infused with collagen and stem cells, will take your skin routine to the next level by improving natural collagen synthesis and skin cell lifetime. A potent blend that includes grapeseed oil and gives unrivaled anti-aging skin effects.

This is a must-have scrub for people of all ages! Our unique mix of ingredients will help decrease the look of acne, cellulite, blackheads, wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, shaving bumps, stretch marks, scars, spider veins, blemishes, and more whether you use our natural Himalayan pink salt as a body scrub or a face scrub! This healthcare product is the ideal addition to your pedicure kit for a soothing at-home foot spa or as a gift.

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With this tightening peptide-based serum, you can restore your skin’s health. To support enhanced skin firming, PRO Firming Serum contains an exotic combination of tropical botanicals, plant stem cells, and collagen-building peptides.

Lira Clinical PRO Firming Serum fights the symptoms of aging by boosting dermal connective tissue regeneration and firming your skin. To optimize efficacy, we’ve coupled plant stem cells.

Lira Clinical PRO Firming Serum is a lightening serum with a lot of power. With a unique recipe that includes sea fennel stem cells, it effectively lightens and brightens skin tone.

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Reviva Labs Stem Cell Booster Serum is a revolutionary new skin treatment that uses Swiss apple stem cells to combat aging and wrinkles.

Stem Cell Booster Serum is manufactured entirely of natural ingredients and has passed rigorous testing to ensure its efficacy. Stem Cell Booster Serum is so effective in reducing the look of wrinkles that it was featured on Dr. Oz’s show.

Simply apply a few drops of the serum twice day to your face and neck, and you’ll have the same look you had years ago in 30 days.

Indie Lee Stem Cell Serum

Indie Lee Stem Cell Serum combines powerful plant stem cells and botanicals. The look of the skin grows tighter when echinacea stem cells are used. Alpine rose has great antioxidant properties, reviving tired skin and restoring its health. Bamboo ingredients and hyaluronic acid nourish the skin while keeping it moisturized and supple. To do this, just apply this serum after thoroughly cleaning your skin in the mornings and nights. As an extra environmental protection step in your regimen, use it alone or under your preferred moisturizer.

Benefits:

• Firms and illuminates the skin.
• Skin is moisturized and supple after use.
• Plant stem cells and botanicals were used to create this formula.
• Improves the appearance and health of the skin

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Beautyfeast Pure Cell Therapy Cream

In just one month, you can rejuvenate your skin! Collagen and elastin are stimulated, and moisture is replenished to fill and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. The renewing power of cord blood stem cells is harnessed by this natural components and innovative technology to make your skin seem smoother, brighter, and almost perfect every day.

How much does stem cell treatment cost?

The cost of stem cell therapy varies according to the number of injections and the treatment’s intricacy. A single injection of stem cell treatment might cost anything from $1,000 to $6,000. Some patients may require numerous injections, raising the therapy cost to $25,000 or more.

In conclusion

The use of stem cells is still in its infancy. Regenerative medicine, although promising, still presents gray areas that will have to be cleared, as well as legal restrictions that will have to be settled.

In the meantime, and given that there are various ways to stimulate or increase the number of our adult stem cells, we have every interest in using them in an integrative approach taking into account all aspects of aging.