Telomeres: Essential to Anti-Aging Process
Telomeres photo via University of California – San Francisco.
Our genes are located on chromosomes. At the ends of the chromosomes are stretches of DNA called telomeres. Telomeres protect our genetic data, aid in cell division, and hold some secrets to how human race ages.
Each time a cell divides, the telomeres get shorter. When the telomeres get too short, the cell no longer can divide. Basically, the cell becomes inactive and dies. The telomere cell division process is associated with aging, cancer and death. Cell division is needed so we can generate new skin, blood, bone and other cells when needed.
Geneticist Richard Cawthon at the University of Utah found shorter telomeres are associated with shorter lives. Among people older than 60, those with shorter telomeres were three times more likely to die from heart disease and eight times more likely to die from infectious disease.
Cawthon’s study found that the group with longer telomeres lives five years longer than those with shorter telomeres, which suggests lifespan could be increased five years by increasing the length of telomeres in people with shorter ones. People with longer telomeres still experience telomere shortening as they age. How many years might be added to our lifespan by completely stopping telomere shortening? According to his research, Cawthon believes 10 years and perhaps 30 years.
Another major cause of aging is oxidative stress. It is the damage to DNA, proteins and lipids caused by oxidants produced from environmental factors, consumption of alcohol and cigarettes and from health related causes, such as inflammation and infection.
The third factor of aging is glycation, which occurs when the glucose sugar from what we eat binds to some of our DNA, proteins and lipids, leaving them unable to do their jobs. The problem becomes worse as we get older. It is the primary cause for body tissues to malfunction, resulting in chronic disease and even death. Glycation is a good arguement for restricting calorie intake as we age to extend our lifespan.
Is there a way to prolong the cell division process and slow the aging process?
An enzyme named telomerase adds bases to the ends of telomeres. In young cells, telomerase keeps telomeres from wearing down too much. But as cells divide repeatedly, there is not enough telomerase, so the telomeres grow shorter and the cells age.
Supplementation, such as our new product Stay Young, is available that includes telomerase and reduce oxidative stress. I would highly recommend taking supplements and modifying your diet to prolong the aging process and live a long and happy life.
Wow, I love the idea of lengthening my telomeres. I would love to see how I feel on Stay Young. I think I’ll get some. Pam Shurilla ~ Referral Specialist and Health Advocate, in the OC.