Summary: Telomeres are segments of DNA at the end of our chromosomes. These segments prevent genetic information from getting mixed up or destroyed. Each time a cell divides, its telomeres become shorter. Over time, they become too short to divide any further. This is in essence how our bodies age. The enzyme telomerase can lengthen telomeres. Thus, increasing telomerase production can likely increase your lifespan. Yet, telomerase can also increase the growth of cancer tumors. Hence, we must proceed with caution when stimulating it.
Source: Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care
1. Longer telomeres may extend life.
Description
Participants with the shortest telomeres were more likely to die within 3 years. Compared to those with longer telomeres, they had a 23% great chance of dying.
Source: Healthy Day News
2. Too much telomerase can be dangerous.
Description
Too much telomerase production can be as dangerous as too little production. This is due to telomerase being a critical step in the development of most cancers. Thus, excessive activation increases your likelihood of developing cancer.
3. Chronic stress shortens telomeres.
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Many studies focus on chronic stress and the health-damaging effects it leads to. Several studies have linked stress to telomere reduction.
4. Stress reduces telomeres by 40 percent.
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A 2014 study included 9-year-old African-American boys. It involved boys from stressful and non-stressful environments. The stressed-out boys had 40 percent shorter telomeres than their peers.
Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
5. Intense runners have 75 percent longer telomeres.
Description
In 2010, scientists measured the telomere length of middle-aged adults. They compared intense runners and their sedentary counterparts. They concluded that intense runners have 75% longer telomeres than their sedentary counterparts.
Source: The New York Times
6. Sugar-sweetened soda reduces telomeres.
Description
The importance of a healthy diet is inherent. To construct one, we need to cut way back on sugar. This was for instance shown in a 2014 study. It concluded that the intake of sugar-filled soda decreases our telomeres.
7. The more we meditate, the longer our telomeres.
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In 2020, a meta-analysis showed how people meditating have longer telomeres than abstainers. Additionally, the more you meditate, the longer your telomeres might be.
Source: Taylor & Francis
8. Increase telomerase with TA-65.
Description
TA-65 is a compound extracted from the root of Astragalus. This extract can increase our telomere length. In 2011, scientists conducted a study on mice. The trial showed that TA-65 lessens DNA damage and increases the telomere length of mice. Female mice experienced the greatest benefits. Health-span indicators such as osteoporosis, glucose tolerance, and skin fitness improved. This occurred without a big increase in cancer growth.
Source: Nature Medicine
9. Lengthen your telomeres by losing weight.
Description
A 2009 study showed the impact of weight loss on telomeres. The participants practiced a calorie-restricted diet for 52 weeks. The study led to profound results. It led to a 10-fold increase in their telomeres.
Source: Europe PMC
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