A telomere is a repeating sequence of DNA at the end of each chromosome which shortens every time the cell divides. When the telomere runs out, the cell can no longer divide and rejuvenate. This results in cell ageing which means ageing of your body. Stress accelerates the rate at which telomeres shorten, in turn speeding up the rate of biological aging. We may be able to lengthen telomeres thereby turning back the biological clock. This can be done by increasing the telomerase enzyme which adds length back to telomeres. Telomeres are influenced by a variety of epigenetic factors especially nutrition, some of the best nutrients are listed below:
1. Adequate methylation (donation of a methyl group to the genetic material of the telomere), marks the telomeres for proper function,& requires vitamin B6, B12 & folate. Your brain also requires a large supply of methyl donors to maintain a good mood. Chronic stress and depression typically indicate a lack of methyl donors, meaning telomeres are undernourished and prone to accelerated aging. This is a major reason why stress ages people.
2. Magnesium is necessary for many enzymes involved with DNA replication and repair. A human cell study shows that magnesium deprivation causes rapid loss of telomeres and inhibits cell replication. Magnesium deficiency is common in Australia and likely contributes to rapid aging.3. Zinc is involved in DNA repair. Lack of zinc causes an excessive amount of DNA strand breaking. Zinc deficiency in the elderly is associated with excessive numbers of short telomeres.
3. Tocotrienols (a type of vitamin E) has been shown in human fibroblast cells to restore the length of telomeres while reducing DNA damage.
4. Vitamin D - Researchers have shown in over 2,000 twins, that the highest levels of Vitamin D were associated with the longest telomeres, and the lowest vitamin D levels were associated with the shortest telomeres; Another study showed that 2,000 IU vitamin D daily in overweight adults boosts the activity of their telomerase enzyme, helping to rejuvenate telomere length
5. Quercetin, resveratrol, curcumin & astaxanthin are all anti-inflammatory antioxidants which help protect the telomeres, & increase the enzyme telomerase.
High stress and infection are two examples of wear and tear that shorten telomeres. Both are highly inflammatory, causing significant cell damage. As inflammation rises, so does free radical damage. For example, patients with periodontitis gum disease, have higher levels of inflammatory markers, higher amounts of free radical damage, and shorter telomeres.
During inflammation cells increase their rate of turnover in order to restore themselves. This need to recover from cellular damage actually accelerates telomere loss & free radicals generated during inflammation also damage existing telomeres. Thus, we want to do everything we can to reduce inflammation including the low-grade, chronic issues such as infections in our sinuses, mouth, and digestive tract.
If your body feels fit, energetic, free of aches and pains, and you recover well with a good night’s sleep, you are in relatively good anti-inflammatory shape & this is reflected in the length of your telomeres. if you want to improve these important things call Sunshine Coast Nutritionis and Kinesiologist Karen Emans 0408748532.
1. Adequate methylation (donation of a methyl group to the genetic material of the telomere), marks the telomeres for proper function,& requires vitamin B6, B12 & folate. Your brain also requires a large supply of methyl donors to maintain a good mood. Chronic stress and depression typically indicate a lack of methyl donors, meaning telomeres are undernourished and prone to accelerated aging. This is a major reason why stress ages people.
2. Magnesium is necessary for many enzymes involved with DNA replication and repair. A human cell study shows that magnesium deprivation causes rapid loss of telomeres and inhibits cell replication. Magnesium deficiency is common in Australia and likely contributes to rapid aging.3. Zinc is involved in DNA repair. Lack of zinc causes an excessive amount of DNA strand breaking. Zinc deficiency in the elderly is associated with excessive numbers of short telomeres.
3. Tocotrienols (a type of vitamin E) has been shown in human fibroblast cells to restore the length of telomeres while reducing DNA damage.
4. Vitamin D - Researchers have shown in over 2,000 twins, that the highest levels of Vitamin D were associated with the longest telomeres, and the lowest vitamin D levels were associated with the shortest telomeres; Another study showed that 2,000 IU vitamin D daily in overweight adults boosts the activity of their telomerase enzyme, helping to rejuvenate telomere length
5. Quercetin, resveratrol, curcumin & astaxanthin are all anti-inflammatory antioxidants which help protect the telomeres, & increase the enzyme telomerase.
High stress and infection are two examples of wear and tear that shorten telomeres. Both are highly inflammatory, causing significant cell damage. As inflammation rises, so does free radical damage. For example, patients with periodontitis gum disease, have higher levels of inflammatory markers, higher amounts of free radical damage, and shorter telomeres.
During inflammation cells increase their rate of turnover in order to restore themselves. This need to recover from cellular damage actually accelerates telomere loss & free radicals generated during inflammation also damage existing telomeres. Thus, we want to do everything we can to reduce inflammation including the low-grade, chronic issues such as infections in our sinuses, mouth, and digestive tract.
If your body feels fit, energetic, free of aches and pains, and you recover well with a good night’s sleep, you are in relatively good anti-inflammatory shape & this is reflected in the length of your telomeres. if you want to improve these important things call Sunshine Coast Nutritionis and Kinesiologist Karen Emans 0408748532.