It's not a surprise to anyone that we all want to prevent aging. Now, new research suggests that our telomeres may play a role in how quickly we age. What are telomeres, you ask? They are the protective caps on the ends of our chromosomes, and they play an important role in aging. The length of our telomeres has been shown to predict lifespan, so it's no wonder that scientists are interested in understanding more about them! In this blog post, we will explore the latest research on telomeres and aging. Stay tuned for exciting updates!

What are telomeres?

Telomeres are tiny caps of DNA at the end of chromosomes and their main function is to protect the chromosome from DNA damage much like our shoelaces have aglets (or plastic tips) to prevent the shoelace from fraying. Chromosomes contain our DNA and our DNA is what makes us who we are. Telomeres prevent our DNA from being damaged or lost as cells divide.

However, telomeres get shorter with each cell division. When they are too short, the cell is no longer able to divide and dies. This is how we age. But what if we could lengthen our telomeres, and in turn, reverse aging? According to new research, it might be possible.

Do telomeres control our aging process? 

New research suggests that telomeres may play a role in how quickly we age. One study found that telomere length was associated with mortality risk in older adults. The study found that shorter telomeres were linked to an increased risk of death from any cause, while longer telomeres were linked to a decreased risk of death. Telomeres may also play a role in the aging process by affecting cell division and repair. In one study, telomere length was found to be associated with skin aging. The study found that shorter telomeres were linked to increased skin aging, while longer telomeres were linked to decreased skin aging.

What is telomerase?

Telomerase is an enzyme that's produced naturally in our cells, but its levels decrease as we age. Telomerase has the ability to add telomere repeats to the end of our chromosomes, which can lengthen telomeres and prevent them from getting too short.  

While the findings of this study are exciting, it's important to note that telomerase is not a magic bullet for aging. The study found that telomeres were only lengthened by about 20 percent, and telomere length is just one factor that contributes to aging. However, the findings of this study suggest that telomeres may play a role in aging, and telomerase may be a potential treatment for age-related diseases.

How to meausre Telomeres?

The telomere complex can be measured using a telomere assay. A telomere assay is a laboratory test that measures the length of telomeres in cells. The test can be used to measure telomere length in blood cells, skin cells, or any other type of cell. A telomere assay is a simple and relatively inexpensive test that can be used to measure telomere length.

Is it possible to naturally lengthen telomeres?

You can lengthen telomeres naturally in multiple ways, some of which are:

• Exercising regularly 
• Maintaining a healthy diet 
• Taking antioxidants
• Stress reduction management

Telomeres and supplements

So if you're looking for a way to turn back the clock, telomeres might be the answer. There are a few supplements on the market that claim to lengthen telomeres, so do your research and find one that works for you. Here is the list of supplements :  

- TA-65 from a company called TA Sciences 

- TRF from a company called Telos95. 

- Advanced Telomere Support by Advanced Bionutritionals 

- Telogenesis by LCR Health 

- Elysium Health Basis from a company called Elysium Health. 

- Telomere Health by Cellhealth

Telomeres and Cancer

Cancer cells differ from healthy cells in that they don't have a set lifespan. One of the interesting features of cancer cells is that they maintain long telomeres, which allows them to keep dividing even though they should theoretically reach the end of their lifespan. This is one of the mechanisms by which cancer cells mislead the human body into believing they should keep growing and replicating. 

If you have a history of cancer or telomere diseases, it is wise to consult with your doctor before using any telomere-related supplements. Always consult your physician or a licensed Functional Medicine Practitioner before taking any supplements.

Are telomeres the fountain of eternal youth? 

The jury is still out on whether telomeres are the fountain of eternal youth. More research is needed to confirm the findings of this study. However, the findings of several studies suggest that telomeres may play a role in aging, and telomerase may be a potential treatment for age-related diseases. There are many factors involved in aging and telomeres are one piece of the aging jigsaw puzzle. 

Please note that this blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a medical professional if you have any questions or concerns. 

In my new book, "Understanding Genomics; How Nutrition, Supplements, and Lifestyle Can Help You Unlock Your Genetic Superpowers," you can learn more about telomeres and how to extend your lifespan.

If you want to learn more about how to harness your genetic powers this book is a must-read! Order a copy today!

Until then, stay healthy and happy!

Dr. Marios Michael

drmichaelswellness.com

Resources:

• Dr. Marios Michael, DC, CNS, cFMP, 06/2022, Understanding Genomics; How Nutrition, Supplements, and Lifestyle Can Help You Unlock Your Genetic Superpowers, 1st edition, Austin, Bookbaby.

• Shammas MA. Telomeres, lifestyle, cancer, and aging. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2011 Jan;14(1):28-34. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0b013e32834121b1. PMID: 21102320; PMCID: PMC3370421.

• Vaiserman Alexander, Krasnienkov Dmytro.Telomere Length as a Marker of Biological Age: State-of-the-Art, Open Issues, and Future Perspectives.Frontiers in Genetics.Volume11,2021. DOI=10.3389/fgene.2020.630186.ISSN=1664-8021

• Karen Anne Mather, Anthony Francis Jorm, Ruth Adeline Parslow, Helen Christensen, Is Telomere Length a Biomarker of Aging? A Review, The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, Volume 66A, Issue 2, February 2011, Pages 202–213.

 https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glq180

• https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/accurate-telomere-length-test-influences-treatment-decisions-for-certain-diseases

• https://www.healthycell.com/blogs/articles/should-you-be-taking-a-telomerase-supplement-every-day

• https://www.elysiumhealth.com

• Arsenis NC, You T, Ogawa EF, Tinsley GM, Zuo L. Physical activity and telomere length: Impact of aging and potential mechanisms of action. Oncotarget. 2017 Jul 4;8(27):45008-45019. doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.16726. PMID: 28410238; PMCID: PMC5546536.

• https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2015/01/telomere-extension-turns-back-aging-clock-in-cultured-cells.html

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