When it Comes to Telomere Length, Size Really Does Matter!

Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn shared the 2009 Nobel prize in Medicine for discovering that humans are programmed to die, and this “programmed cell death” is determined by specific DNA that caps the ends of our chromosomes. These telomeres ensure chromosomal stability during cell division, but a fragment of each telomere is sacrificed every time a cell replicates. Telomerase is the enzyme responsible for rebuilding the telomere but despite its action our telomeres shorten measurably over time. When they are too short for safe cell division the cell dies. Our average telomere length is a direct reflection of biological aging.

There is now a large body of literature on the causes of shorter or longer than average telomeres. If longevity is a family trait then it is likely that your telomeres are longer to start with. However, lifestyle factors: smoking, poor nutrition, inactivity, and high stress as well as obesity, diabetes, certain cancer therapies and environmental exposures may all contribute to short telomeres and reduced life expectancies. The good news is that various interventions including healthier diets, exercise, meditation and supplements have all been shown to enhance telomerase action and lengthen our telomeres.

References:
Increased telomerase activity and comprehensive lifestyle changes: a pilot study
Can meditation slow rate of cellular aging?

Though the studies are just beginning, it is presumed that lengthening telomeres through lifestyle and other interventions will also lengthen our lifespans. Telomere testing is now a readily available blood test that costs less than the equivalent of two months of your favourite daily java.