{"id":6438,"date":"2023-01-22T12:01:32","date_gmt":"2023-01-22T16:01:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sevaniskin.com\/blog\/?p=6438"},"modified":"2024-02-29T20:42:44","modified_gmt":"2024-03-01T00:42:44","slug":"telomeres-and-aging-unraveling-the-truth-behind-age-related-conditions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sevaniskin.com\/blog\/2023\/01\/22\/telomeres-and-aging-unraveling-the-truth-behind-age-related-conditions\/","title":{"rendered":"Telomeres and Aging: Unraveling the Truth Behind Age-Related Conditions"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"DNA_orbit_animated_static_thumb\"<\/a>This is a topic I have been obsessed with as of late. It may seem overwhelming but it is crucial information when it comes to the actual science of aging. Of course, you can always skip to the prevention section, but otherwise read on and enjoy!<\/p>\n

When we think of aging, we tend to think of unsightly fine lines and so-called \u201csenior moments\u201d of forgetfulness.\u00a0 However, our whole bodies change as we age, and these changes begin on a cellular level.\u00a0 Scientists are beginning to understand the cellular changes that perpetuate the aging process, and shortening of telomeres and aging seem to go hand-in-hand.<\/p>\n

What are Telomeres?<\/h2>\n

Our cells have 23 pairs of chromosomes, which are bundles of DNA that encode our genetic makeup.\u00a0 Chromosomes are discrete structures and therefore must be kept separate from one another, and must not unravel.\u00a0 At the ends of each chromosome, there is a repetitive sequence of nucleotides<\/em> known as the telomere<\/strong>, which deters degradation of genes near the end of a chromosome during cell division, and prevents chromosomes from fusing with one another.<\/p>\n

Telomeres Shorten with Age<\/h2>\n

Most of your body\u2019s cells are constantly dividing to produce new cells in a process known as mitosis<\/em>.\u00a0 During mitosis, enzymes known as polymerases<\/em> copy the cellular DNA, and during each cell division, telomeres unravel and shorten.\u00a0 When we\u2019re younger telomere shortening isn\u2019t a big deal, but as we age and telomeres degrade further, cells become stressed and then don\u2019t function properly or stop dividing in a process known as senescence.\u00a0 Moreover, high stress levels and poor lifestyle practices can further shorten telomeres<\/span><\/a><\/span>, accelerating the aging process.<\/p>\n

Consequences of Telomere Shortening <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Dysfunctional and senescent cells with defunct telomeres cause all kinds of problems throughout our bodies.\u00a0 Shortened telomeres are known to be associated with stroke, cardiovascular disorders, vascular dementia, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis and even many forms of cancer.\u00a0\u00a0 Shortened telomeres are also thought to play a role in cosmetic consequences of aging, such as sagging skin, fine lines and age spots.\u00a0 Luckily, scientists are also working to slow, prevent or even reverse the process of telomere degradation.<\/p>\n

Preventing Telomere Shortening<\/h2>\n

A groundbreaking study at UCSF<\/span><\/a> <\/span>recently identified that certain lifestyle changes substantially lengthened telomeres in human patients.\u00a0 When patients improved diet and exercise habits<\/strong>, increased social interaction and practiced yoga-based stress relief for 3 months<\/strong>, their telomeres extended by an average of 10% – a big difference in the aging body.<\/p>\n

You can decrease age-related telomere degradation by making the following simple changes to your lifestyle:<\/p>\n