Telomeres and AgingTelomeres and Aging is the fourth part in our series on Stress and Health. Discover how stress contributes to accelerated aging based on research about chromosomes and the end caps that protect them. What are Telomeres?
Telomeres are the protective "caps" on each end of the chromosomes. They allow cells to replicate, or divide, without damaging the DNA inside them.Every time a cell divides, a little bit of telomere shortening occurs. If they get too short and the cell divides,the ends of the chromosomes can fray or stick to each other. This scrambles the genetic information and can lead tocancer, other diseases and death. Normally, a cell can copy itself about 50 times before the end caps get too short. Eventually, when telomere shortening reaches a certain point the cell stops dividing itself. These cells die and are replaced with new ones. Skin cells and stem cells are two types of cells that divide this way. Heart and nerve cells do not divide. Younger cells, immune cells, and reproductive cells (sperm and eggs) produce an enzyme called telemerase that keeps the caps long. This allows these cells to copy themselves indefinitely. Scientists believe that the length of your telomeres correlates to your biological age. The longer they are, the youngeryou are. Likewise, shorter end caps indicate cellular aging and aging of the individual. They have been linked to HIV, osteoporosis and heart disease as well. What Does Stress Have to Do With Cell Aging?Stress has been shown to speed up telomere shortening.The stress hormone cortisol causes white blood cells to age faster. It suppresses their telemorese production, which causes telomere shortening. Oxidative stress also plays a part by lowering production of telomerase. Cell biologist, Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn has proven that psychological stress accelerates aging. Her study of mothers caring long-term for ill children showed that the longer care was given, the lower the mother's telomerase and the shorter her telomeres had become. Another study of healthy premenopausal women showed that women experiencing chronic stress had shorter end caps than the low-stress group. This shortening happened at the rate of ten years faster. Both of these studies showed clear evidence of the relationship between stress, telomeres and aging. This interesting video by Drs. Oz and Roizen explain why and how this happens and an easy way to help yourself calm your body's
stress response.
|
Members:Visit the Members Area for a variety of wellness resources including your copy of
and other resources in the Members Area to learn more about mindbody healing. Sample techniques including EFT and energy medicine for healing, stress relief and manifesting.
Not a member yet? Join now, it's free.
