According to 1 Timothy 2:1 <ul><li>supplications</li><li>prayers</li><li>intercessions</li><li>giving of thanks</li></ul>

Types of prayers

<ul><li>Physically write down the petition -  You must take time to put it in writing. If you can't write out your request, it still isn't real to you. A vision doesn't really become real to you unless you have it written down. </li></ul> Because Paul wrote down his prayer, the church was able to strive together with him in prayer more closely(Romans 15:30)

Writing down the petition

<ul><li>Backup the petition using verses like Mark 11:24, Mathew 18:19.</li><li>Look through the scriptures to find out verses, which gives you the right to ask and to have it granted.</li></ul>

Backing up the petition

<ul><li>Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. - Mark 11:24</li><li>The emphasis here is on believing. When you pray your petition, you should pray it as a present possession, as if you already possessed it.</li><li>For without faith it is impossible to please him - Heb. 11:6</li></ul>

The importance of having faith

Faith is essential to prayer, for faith is the recognition of, and the committal of yourself and your matters to, the faithfulness of God.

if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.

Start by worshipping him.Focusing on God as the object of your worship becoming more and more conscious of Him

How to pray

Worship is the link, or hookup, that takes you from the mental realm into the spiritual realm so you can get into intercession

<ul><li>First of all, you may have a bad attitude. You may not have a thankful heart. You need to be kind and gracious.</li><li>The story of the 10 lepers is the best example for this.(Luke 17: 12 - 19) Although all of the lepers were healed, only the one that came back and was grateful was made whole.</li><li>Instead of praying for something, try praying  for the people who have the authority over those things. (try praying for the bank authorities to loan you some money, instead of praying that you need some money)</li></ul>

What if your prayer wasnt answered?

<ul><li>Sit down and write out your petition.</li><li>Then search the Scriptures to make sure that your request is in line with His will for you. Include those Scriptures in your petition. As you do this, you will find that your faith is rising. Your hope will turn to faith as you come to know what God's Word has to say about your situation.</li><li>Address it to the court of justice, which is judged by our Father up in Heaven.</li><li>Jesus is our advocate who is mediating for us before the Supreme Justice.</li><li>The various verses are the various legal clauses that demand us our rights as the sheep of his flock.</li></ul>

The petition

A book on how to pray for things that would almost seem impossible for man, in order to get a favorable outcome from God. This is only a very vague summary of the book and I would highly recommend that interested people give it a read. Its short and very well written, especially because Buddy has given his experiences and how he had his prayers answered.

Petitioning for the Impossible

Aging can be categorized into two types and due to two types of factors, intrinsic and extrinsic.<ul><li>Intrinsic aging is a genetically predetermined process that occurs naturally. </li><li>Extrinsic aging is a result of outside factors chosen by you, such as where you live, your stress levels, and your lifestyle habits (like smoking).</li></ul>

Types of aging

<ul><li>Programmed aging theories say that our cells have a predetermined lifespan that’s encoded into our bodies. These include:</li><li class="ql-indent-1"> 	 Gene theory - suggests that specific genes turn “on” and “off” over time, causing aging.</li><li>Endocrine theory -  here, aging is caused by changes in hormones.</li><li>Immunological theory - this is the idea that the immune response is designed to decline(autoimmunity), leading to disease and aging.</li></ul>

Programmed theories of aging

<ul><li>Wear and tear theory - cells break down and become damaged over time.</li><li>Genome instability theory -aging happens because the body loses its ability to repair DNA damage.</li><li>Cross-linkage theory - aging is due to the buildup of cross-linked proteins, which damages cells and slows biological functions.</li><li>Rate-of-living theory - an organism’s rate of metabolism determines its lifespan. </li><li>Free radical theory - aging is due to the buildup of oxidative stress, caused by free radicals. </li><li>Mitochondrial theory - mitochondrial damage releases free radicals and causes aging. </li></ul>

Error theories of aging

<ul><li>Telomere theory- Telomeres<a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/telomeres"> </a>protect the ends of your chromosomes as they multiply. Over time, telomeres shorten, which is associated with disease and aging.</li><li>Programmed senescence theory - Cellular senescence occurs when cells stop dividing and growing, but don’t die. </li><li>Stem cell theory - Stem cells<a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/stem-cell-research"> </a>can turn into other cells, which helps repair tissue and organs. But the function of stem cells declines over time, potentially contributing to aging.</li><li>Longevity gene theory - This is the idea that certain genes extend lifespan. </li></ul>

Genetic theories of aging

It says that an organism begins aging after they have reached their peak of reproduction and have passed down adaptive traits.<ul><li>Mutation accumulation - This theory presumes that random mutations accumulate later in life.</li><li>Antagonistic pleiotropy  - According to this theory, genes that promote fertility early in life have negative effects later on.</li><li>Disposable soma theory - The theory claims that when more metabolic resources are directed toward reproduction, the less is put toward DNA repair. The result is cell damage and aging.</li></ul>

Evolutionary theory of aging

<ul><li>Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) - <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/advanced-glycation-end-products">AGEs </a>develop when fats or protein are exposed to sugar. High levels may lead to oxidative stress, which speeds up aging.</li><li>Heat shock response - Heat shock proteins protect cells from stress, but their response decreases as we age.</li><li>Damage accumulation - Normal chemical reactions damage DNA, proteins, and metabolites over time.</li></ul>

Biochemical theory of aging

In most parts of the world, women live longer<a href="https://www.healthline.com/health-news/why-women-live-longer"> than men </a>. This is due to several biological, social, and environmental factors.<ul><li>Estrogen is the female sex hormone, and has been found to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects, which may protect women from certain diseases.</li><li>In contrast, the male sex hormone,  testosterone<a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-testosterone"> </a>may suppress the immune system. </li></ul>

Women live longer than men

<ul><li>Eat a nutritious diet - Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Limit <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/processed-foods-to-avoid">processed foods </a>.</li><li>Stay active - Aim for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.</li><li>Avoid tobacco - <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/addiction/tobacco">Tobacco </a>speeds up aging.</li><li>Drink alcohol in moderation - Alcohol increases your risk of chronic disease.</li><li>Attend regular checkups</li><li>Know your family history - To have appropriate screening or get early treatment for potential chronic diseases.</li><li>Engage your brain - by doing brain exercises.</li><li>Wear sunscreen - <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health-news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-sunscreen">Sunscreen </a>protects your skin from UV radiation, which can cause premature aging</li></ul>

How to slow down aging

There are about 300+ theories of aging, some which have been broken down here. Along with them, certain lifestyle changes which could slow down the physiological effects of aging. is also given.

Some aging theories suggest cells have a predetermined lifespan, while others claim it’s caused by damage, genetics, evolution, or biochemical reactions.

Why Do We Age, and Can Anything Be Done to Stop or Slow it?

It basically talks about the possible fundamental particle of mass, and the presence of other dimensions of space-time.

What is string theory?

<ul><li>The problem faced in newtonian physics(and by Newton himself) was that, although he could mathematically calculate gravitational pull, he was baffled by HOW this gravitational force was exerted through an inert medium like space on a celestial object so far apart.</li></ul>But it could be successfully, mathematically be applied to astonomy, except for the 'how'.

Newtonian physics

Now, coming to Einstein's era,he postulated that,<ul><li>space time has got 4 dimensions(including time), (like Newton did), but he also managed to explain the how, which Newton couldn't.</li></ul>According to Einstein, <ul><li>without any matter on the fabric of space time, it appears to be flat and linear</li><li> when matter is present, this space-time fabric warps and curves around that matter, alongwhich gravity attracts.(check pic)</li></ul>

Einstein's theory

<ul><li> Theodor Kaluza, theorized that electromagnetism(just like gravity) exerts its effects as warps and curves in a 5th dimension (including time).</li><li> Furthermore, using the assumption of the existence of a 5th dimension, he could also successfully mathematically derive out, not only einsteins equation, but also the equation for electromagnetism.</li></ul> That is it formed the basis of a unified theory, where every other physical theories could be derived from.

 Kaluza-Klein theory(KK theory) : Kaluza part

<ul><li>Oskar Klein, went a step ahead to postulate that there are relatively smaller dimensions which are curled up, located at a microscopic level of the larger dimensions. </li><li>just like how an electric cable from afar seems to be single dimension, but for small ants on the cable, there are much more dimensions(clockwise/anticlockwise) to that cable than a single dimension as perceived by the observor.</li></ul> <ul><li>That is according to Klein, ultramicroscopic enlargement of the visible dimensions could lead to the demonstration of, curled up microscopic dimensions.(check image)</li></ul>

  Kaluza-Klein theory(KK theory) : Klein part

Coming to the present era,<ul><li>Superstring theory - Talks about the smallest, indivisible entity which makes up space.</li><li>i.e. We know, matter is made of atoms, which is composed of a nucleus, a proton and an electron. We have even gone further and found that, these micro particles are made of packets of energy called quarks.</li></ul>

Superstring theory

<ul><li>According to string theory, quarks are actually constituted of dancing, filament like form of energy, which looks like a vibrating string. </li><li>And these can vibrate in different patterns(frequencies), leading to production of different types of particles based on the vibrating frequency. </li></ul>This is the ultramicroscopic landscape of the universe. The matter within matter.

<ul><li>Mathematically speaking, a very fascinating result was obtained, while applying and trying to incorporate Newtons, Einstein's equations.</li><li>The string theory equation holds true mathematically in a scenario involving 10 dimensions of space and 1 dimension of time(i.e. a 11 dimensional system), which has not yet being observed by man</li><li>The discovery and exploration of these extra dimensions could also hold the answer to why the 20(actually 26) <a href="https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.codata.org%2Fuploads%2Fimages%2FTable%25201-CODATA%2520Recommended%2520Values%2520of%2520Fundamental%2520Physical%2520Constants%25202014.jpg&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fcodata.org%2Fcodata-recommended-values-of-the-fundamental-physical-constants-2014%2F&tbnid=vz1jX8rjxOjTaM&vet=1&docid=OX1uvsqAeHzkPM&w=2156&h=1446&itg=1&hl=en-IN&source=sh%2Fx%2Fim">fundamental constants</a> have such distinct values which are relevant to the decimal.</li></ul>

String theory's mathematical implication

<ul><li>The geometrical shape of the ultramicroscopic landscape, is called as Calabi Yau manifold, and is postulated to be one which folds in on itself.(see pic) </li><li>The shape of the landscape is thought to be what determines how the filaments of energy vibrate. </li></ul>

 Geometry of the ultramicroscopic landscape

<ul><li>Since, we have only observed the existence of 4 dimensions(including time), but have mathematically figured out the existence of 7 more dimensions, many experiments are being conducted to empirically observe them.</li><li>One such experiment, done in the large hadron collider, where, particles moving near the speed of light are allowed to collide head on, to see if any resulting debris (called as gravitan) enters into any of these unknown dimensions.(This is calculated by measuring the total energy before and after the collison, lesser energy after the collision implies energy has been lost somewhere).</li></ul>

Realisation of string theory

The essence of the fascinating string theory. 

Physicist Brian Greene explains superstring theory, the idea that minuscule strands of energy vibrating in 11 dimensions create every particle and force in the universe. View full lesson: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/brian-greene-on-string-theory Talk by Brian Greene.

String theory - Brian Greene

NASA conducted a study to assess the biological effects that long term space exploration can have on humans. The study was done on a pair of twin astronauts, one on earth as a control and the other after a 1 year long space mission.

NASA's Study on long term space missions

To study the influence of microgravity, radiation and confinement in long-duration spaceflight, NASA selected twins Scott and Mark Kelly for a unique mission. Scott went to space while Mark was chosen as the control to stay on earth for comparison.The one year long space mission spanned across March 27, 2015 till March 1, 2016.Although, biological changes were seen across varying aspects, most of them reverted back to preflight state after a few months.

Introduction

Telomeres, are the “caps” that protect the ends of DNA strands. On Earth, these telomeres get depleted over the course of a person’s lifetime as each round of DNA replication wears away at them.However, in space, the findings were contradictory to what the scientists were expecting. They assumed that due to the immense stress on the body, these telomeres would shorten. But, on the contrary, they had increased in length considerably.But, a critically large amount of telomeres were lost during the body's return back to normal on earth, which is a cause for concern.

The Question of Aging.

Under stressful situations, normally, there is a change in genetic expression. Accordingly there were changes, but, the unexpected finding was that, these changes in gene expressions, seemed to have accelerated(6 times more) during the latter 6 months of the mission.This is concerning, because for extended space missions, this could imply that genetic expression could alter exponentially leading to severe consequences. Upon returning, about 90% of these altered genetic expressions returned back to preflight states.

Gene expression in space

A decline in cognitive efficiency was reported.NASA had prepared a set of questions to assess various mental state and cognition.Upon return, even though Scott’s in-flight measures were stable, his “cognitive efficiency,” or his speed and accuracy in completing the test battery, dropped once he got back to Earth. The decrease lingered over the six months after his return, till it reverted back.This is a complication due to the obvious complexity of a space mission, which would require a pretty good cognitive state.

Mental state

His gut microbiome showed altered bacterial proportions, although the overall bacterial diversity was intact.Several proteins also changed during the spaceflight. <ul><li>Elevated levels of collagen, a structural protein was seen in his urine. Looking at this measure along with physiological changes—like those observed in Scott’s eyeballs and vascular system—could be a sign that the body was restructuring.</li><li>Researchers also observed heightened levels of aquaporin 2, a protein that tends to be a marker of dehydration.</li></ul>

The space explorer's body

This study was in no way conclusive or predictive, because of the very small sample size(just one pair of twins), a short study period, just to name a couple of reasons.However, it has given an idea of potential changes to be expected and a foundation for upcoming research in the field of prolonged deep space exploration.

Conclusion

Deep space exploration is something which scientists have been aiming for, for a long time. However, among many other technical limitations and complications, biological limitations are also a factor.

Wide-ranging research compares astronaut Scott Kelly to his earthbound twin brother, Mark

NASA's Study of Astronaut Twins Creates a Portrait of What a Year in Space Does to the Human Body

Eliminating sugary drinks, this includes sugar-sweetened beverages, sugary sodas, fruit juices, and various high sugar sports drinks.Keep in mind that none of this applies to whole fruit, which are extremely healthy and have plenty of fiber that mitigates the negative effects of fructose.(Sugar is half glucose and half fructose. When you eat a lot of added sugar, the liver gets overloaded with fructose and is forced to turn it into fat.)


1. Minimizing the amount of sugar in your diet 

Eating plenty of protein can boost your metabolism and reduce hunger levels, making it a very effective way to lose weight. Several studies suggest that protein is particularly effective against abdominal fat. They also provide for good calories.

2. Increase Protein intake

Just avoiding the refined carbs — like sugar, candy, and white bread — should be sufficient, especially if you keep your protein intake high. Low carb diets have many other <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-benefits-of-low-carb-ketogenic-diets">health benefits </a>besides just weight loss. For example, they can significantly improve health in people with type 2 diabetics.

3. Cut down on carbs

They dramatically slow the movement of food through your digestive system. They can also slow down the digestion and absorption of nutrients. The end result is a prolonged feeling of fullness and reduced appetite. The best way to get more fiber is to eat a lot of plant foods, including vegetables and fruit. Legumes are also a good source, as well as some cereals, such as whole oats.

4. Increased intake of soluble fibres

Weight training and cardiovascular exercise will reduce fat across the body.Aerobic exercise — like walking, running, and swimming — can allow major reductions in abdominal fat (<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3568069/">32</a>Exercise also leads to reduced inflammation, lower blood sugar levels, and improvements in other metabolic problems associated with excess abdominal fat<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3568069/"> </a>

5. Exercise

Tracking food intake doesn’t mean you need to weigh and measure everything you eat. Tracking intake every now and then for a few days in a row can help you realize the most important areas for change.Planning ahead can help you achieve specific goals, such as boosting your protein intake to 25–30% of calories or cutting down on unhealthy carbs.

6. Tracking your diet

Here are some tips to reduce abdominal fat, the accumulation of which is linked to life threatening cardiac diseases. Not only that, eating healthy always manifests itself with an overall improved mood.

Belly fat is the most harmful fat in your body, linked to many diseases. Here are 6 simple ways to lose belly fat that are supported by science.

6 Simple Ways to Lose Belly Fat, Based on Science

<ul><li>Sleep for 7-9 hrs</li><li>Lack of sleep has its consequences, including excessive daytime sleepiness and chronic fatigue</li></ul>

The 3 Day Energy Fix.

Start:<ul><li> Go to bed at 11pm on Friday night.</li><li>Set an alarm for the next day, to wake up, 10 - 11 hrs from 11pm.</li></ul>

The Fix

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Add vegetables to your meals. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">Take a water bottle with you.(proper hydration helps to improve mood)</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Stick to one glass. Alcohol disrupts your sleeping pattern and can leave you struggling to fall back asleep in the middle of the night. A glass (or two for men) is all right. </li></ul> <ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Take the weekend completely off. Dont check your email.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Hit the gym. Try walking , a gentle bike ride, or yoga for low-intensity exercise. </li><li class="ql-align-justify">Clean your bedroom. A messy room can leave you feeling stressed and anxious. Dust can reduce your sleep quality and cause headaches, congestion, and itchy eyes. Vaccum & wash biweekly.</li></ul>

Saturday/Day 1

When to sleep today: 11 p.m.Set a timer to wake you up in 9 to 10 hours.

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Choose veggies and whole foods today.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Go easy on the caffeine: Limit to 1-2 cups, that too prior to 2 p.m.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Eat to beat fatigue. (Whole fruits, nuts, seeds, sweet potatoes, jerky, hummus)</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Meal plan for the rest of the week. to avoid skipping and takeout</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Avoid naps - max 20-30 mins & before 3pm</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Stretch/go for a walk/do yoga</li></ul>When to sleep - 11 p.m.<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Unwind-gentle stretching/reading/shower; Consistent bedtime routine 15 to 60 mins prior.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">White noise/Ear plug.</li></ul>

Day 2 - Wake Up 8 a.m.

<ul><li>Don’t hit the snooze button - Instead, make your morning coffee.</li><li>Dont skip breakfast - Follow the prepared meal plan.</li><li>Lighter lunch - Avoid fatty foods like chips & ice cream.</li><li>Afternoon walk/Workout- excercise reduces fatigue.</li><li>If it was difficult to wakeup early, go to bed earlier.</li><li>No more screens 1 hr prior to bed.</li></ul>

Day 3 - Wake up: 6 a.m.

With all the deadlines, increased screen times and work load, coupled with isolation due to covid, its very easy to find ourselves fatigued and burnt out. This 3 day fix would help to recharge and boost ourselves, to be back on our A game.

Sleeping in on the weekend could do wonders for your energy level. Our flexible three-day guide will reset your system through sleep, food, and exercise, leaving you refreshed for the work week.

Bite-sized knowledge
to upgrade
your career

Joel M Saju
@joelm_saju

Petitioning for the Impossible

Why Do We Age, and Can Anything Be Done to Stop or Slow it?

String theory - Brian Greene

NASA's Study of Astronaut Twins Creates a Portrait of What a Year in Space Does to the Human Body

6 Simple Ways to Lose Belly Fat, Based on Science

Bite-sized knowledgeto upgradeyour career

Joel M Saju@joelm_saju

Petitioning for the Impossible

Why Do We Age, and Can Anything Be Done to Stop or Slow it?

String theory - Brian Greene

NASA's Study of Astronaut Twins Creates a Portrait of What a Year in Space Does to the Human Body

6 Simple Ways to Lose Belly Fat, Based on Science

Bite-sized knowledge
to upgrade
your career

Joel M Saju
@joelm_saju