No, it’s not some magic spell. But it has something to do with the magic word — TELOMERES.
What Are Telomeres?
In our cell nucleus, there are chromosomes. In our chromosomes lies our DNA. DNA is made of genes, in simple terms.
Telomeres are stretches of DNA at the end of our chromosomes. If there weren’t telomeres, our chromosomes would stick to each other. That would destroy our genetic information.
They are part of the DNA that protects our genes and enables our cells to divide. Cell division is essential for growing new skin, bone, blood, and other cells.
With time, repeated cell division causes a shortage of the enzyme called telomerase. That enzyme adds ‘base pairs’ to the ends of telomeres.
Telomeres have a length that typically counts up to 15,000 base pairs. Each time our cell divides, the telomeres get shorter by 25–200 of those base pairs.
Newborn babies’ telomeres are 8–13 thousand base pairs long. On average, every year, humans lose 20–40 base pairs.
When they get too short, problems occur.
What Problems Happen When Telomeres Get Shorter?
Chromosomes in cells can’t replicate anymore. They become older and die. Old cells—an old body.
Shorter telomeres are often associated with various diseases. This ranges from intestinal problems to different forms of cancer (cancer cells have high levels of telomerase that give them an unstoppable dividing ability).
Geneticist Richard Cawthon claims shorter telomeres mean a shorter life. In his study, a group of people with shorter telomeres tended to live five years shorter.
There Are More Factors?
We can’t pause life. But besides our age, some factors also impact the length of telomeres — the ones we can control in some way.
One is oxidative stress. Whereas during ‘normal’ cell division they lose about 20 base pairs, oxidative stress ‘contributes’ with 50–100 base pairs less per division.
Oxidants are reactive substances that damage DNA, lipids, and proteins. They are formed when we breathe (don’t stop breathing). But also when we consume alcohol and cigarettes.
Glycation is another factor. It occurs when glucose (the sugar our body uses for energy) disrupts DNA, lipids, and proteins from functioning properly. Thus, restricting calories lowers glycation.
Other factors, such as a sedentary lifestyle, pollution, and obesity, can also increase the pace of telomere shortening.
What Can We Do About It?
We can slow down the pace of aging and shortening of telomeres in many ways, according to studies.
This can help us:
- Diet high in fiber, antioxidants, and low protein
- Calories restriction
- Regular exercise
- Stress management
- A feeling of fulfillment
With this in mind, we can take responsibility for the quality of our health. We can’t decide not to breathe but we can give up alcohol and cigarettes.
Of course, we can’t affect everything. But we can for sure make life choices. Give our best and strive for those health goals.
And be sure not to go to extremes — from time to time eat a piece of cake, drink a glass of wine, binge-watch TV…
