Unlocking the Fountain of Youth: The Telomere Length Mystery and Nature's Secrets
- homeopathichub
- Jan 9, 2024
- 6 min read
The Secret of Youth
Have you heard of Telomeres?
These tiny structures at the end of our chromosomes are like the biological clock of our cells. As we age, they gradually shorten, and this process is linked to cellular aging and various age-related diseases.
Scientists are working hard to figure out how we can keep the telomeres in our cells from getting shorter. This is crucial for maintaining the youth and proper functioning of our cells.
Imagine Your DNA as a Shoelace
In simpler terms Imagine your DNA, the genetic material inside your cells, as a shoelace. Now, at the ends of these shoelaces, there are small protective caps called telomeres.
These telomeres act like the plastic tips on your shoelaces that keep them from fraying.
As your cells divide over time, these telomeres get a bit shorter, just like the tips on your shoelaces might wear down after a lot of use.
AGING or FACING HEALTH ISSUES:
When telomeres become too short, cells can have trouble dividing correctly, and this can be linked to getting older or facing health issues.
THE GOOD NEWS:
Over the last few years, scientists have accumulated a compelling body of evidence showcasing the impact of nutrition on telomere health. One promising avenue is a daily regimen of specific vitamins in adequate amounts. These include:
1. B Vitamins (B12, B6, and Folic Acid): Essential for supporting telomere length, B vitamins contribute to cellular health and vitality.
2. Vitamin D3: Linked to telomere preservation, maintaining optimal vitamin D levels is crucial for overall cellular well-being.
3. Vitamin C: With its antioxidant properties, vitamin C helps shield telomeres from oxidative stress, potentially contributing to their length.
4. Vitamin E (Gamma-tocotrienol): This specific form of vitamin E is a potential game-changer, not only preventing but potentially reversing telomere shortening.
5. Vegetable Carotenoids (Lutein and Zeaxanthin): Found in colourful vegetables, high levels of these carotenoids are associated with significantly longer telomeres.
Fish Oils: The Omega-3 Connection
Fish oils, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, have demonstrated a significant impact on telomere length. By reducing blood levels of pro-inflammatory omega-6 fats and increasing omega-3s from fish oil, telomeres can be preserved and even lengthened. Maintaining the correct ratio between omega-6s and omega-3s is crucial for preventing excess inflammation and promoting overall health.
An Important Note for Women
Women, take note: Antioxidants are crucial in the fight against telomere shortening and the risk of breast cancer. A diet rich in antioxidants, including vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene, has been linked to longer telomeres and a lower risk of breast cancer.
MORE GOOD NEWS!
Herbals: Nature's Allies in Telomere Health
Beyond vitamins and fish oils, certain herbs have shown potential in supporting telomere health:
1. Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus): Studies suggest potential anti-aging properties, but more research is needed.
2. Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Curcumin, the active compound, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may contribute to cellular health.
3. Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea): An adaptogenic herb studied for potential anti-aging effects, with some evidence of protective effects on telomeres.
4. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG): Found in green tea, EGCG's antioxidant properties may positively impact telomere length, though more research is needed.
5. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): An adaptogenic herb with potential anti-aging properties, though further research is needed to understand its impact on telomeres.
Impact on Female Hormones:
The reduction of hormones on telomere shortening is also to be considered! Our Female homeoherbals will also be helpful to keep your hormones in harmony.
Conclusion: The journey to unlock the secrets of telomere length and cellular youth is a multifaceted one. Integrating a balanced diet, vitamin supplementation, and herbal allies into our daily lives may hold the key to a healthier, more vibrant future. As we continue to explore the intricate dance between nutrition, herbs, and telomeres, we may inch closer to the elusive fountain of youth.
Ashwagandha, Astragalus, Rhodiola & Turmeric are in our homeobotanical blends.
To see how homeoherbals can help you on your health journey book a call
For more information on how Homeopathy, Homeoherbals or Health coaching can help you on your health journey Book a call
RESEARCH REFERENCES
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus):
Title: "Astragalus membranaceus extends lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans by reducing reactive oxygen species."
Authors: Wang D, Qiao J, Zhao X, Chen T, Guan D.
Published in: Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology (2014).
Link: PubMed
Turmeric (Curcuma longa):
Title: "Curcumin and telomere biology: explore more about it."
Authors: Munjal C, Tyagi N.
Published in: Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry (2018).
Link: PubMed
Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea):
Title: "Rhodiola rosea L. as a putative botanical antidepressant."
Authors: Panossian A, Wikman G.
Published in: Phytomedicine (2010).
Link: PubMed
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) from Green Tea:
Title: "Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) modulates telomerase activity in human Raji cells."
Authors: Naasani I, Oh-Hashi F, Oh-Hara T, Feng WY, Johnston J, Chan K, Tsuruo T.
Published in: Cancer Research (2003).
Link: PubMed
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera):
Title: "Telomerase expression in mouse bone marrow cells after treatment with Ashwagandha root extract."
Authors: Malik F, Kumar A, Bhushan S, Khan S, Bhatia A, Suri KA, Qazi GN, Singh J.
Published in: Experimental and Molecular Pathology (2009).
Link: PubMed
Zhu H, Guo D, Li K, et al. Increased telomerase activity and vitamin D supplementation in overweight African Americans. Int J Obes (Lond). 2012;36(6):805-9.
Chiappori AA, Kolevska T, Spigel DR, et al. A randomized phase II study of the telomerase inhibitor imetelstat as maintenance therapy for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. Ann Oncol 2015;26(2)354-62.
Pusceddu I, Herrmann M, Kirsch SH, et al. One-carbon metabolites and telomere length in a prospective and randomized study of B- and/or D-vitamin supplementation. Eur J Nutr. 2016.
Xu Q, Parks CG, DeRoo LA, et al. Multivitamin use and telomere length in women. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009;89(6):1857-63.
Shin C, Baik I. Leukocyte Telomere Length is Associated With Serum Vitamin B12 and Homocysteine Levels in Older Adults With the Presence of Systemic Inflammation. Clin Nutr Res. 2016;5(1):7-14.
Min KB, Min JY. Association between leukocyte telomere length and serum carotenoid in US adults. Eur J Nutr. 2016.
Jennings BJ, Ozanne SE, Dorling MW, Hales CN. Early growth determines longevity in male rats and may be related to telomere shortening in the kidney. FEBS Lett. 1999 Apr 1; 448(1):4-8.
Jennings BJ, Ozanne SE, Hales CN. Nutritional, oxidative damage, telomere shortening, and cellular senescence: individual or connected agents of aging? Jennings BJ, Ozanne SE, Hales CN. Mol Genet Metab. 2000 Sep-Oct; 71(1-2):32-42.
Xiong S, Patrushev N, Forouzandeh F, et al. PGC-1alpha Modulates Telomere Function and DNA Damage in Protecting against Aging-Related Chronic Diseases. Cell Rep. 2015;12(9):1391-9.
Pusceddu I, Farrell CJ, Di Pierro AM, et al. The role of telomeres and vitamin D in cellular aging and age-related diseases. Clin Chem Lab Med. 2015;53(11):1661-78.
Zhang D, Sun X, Liu J, et al. Homocysteine accelerates senescence of endothelial cells via DNA hypomethylation of human telomerase reverse transcriptase. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2015;35(1):71-8.
Harley CB, Liu W, Flom PL, et al. A natural product telomerase activator as part of a health maintenance program: metabolic and cardiovascular response. Rejuvenation Res. 2013;16(5):386-95.
Borras M, Panizo S, Sarro F, et al. Assessment of the potential role of active vitamin D treatment in telomere length: a case-control study in hemodialysis patients. Clin Ther. 2012;34(4):849-56.
Makpol S, Zainuddin A, Rahim NA, et al. Alpha-tocopherol modulates hydrogen peroxide-induced DNA damage and telomere shortening of human skin fibroblasts derived from differently aged individuals. Planta Med. 2010;76(9):869-75.
Tanaka Y, Moritoh Y, Miwa N. Age-dependent telomere-shortening is repressed by phosphorylated alpha-tocopherol together with cellular longevity and intracellular oxidative-stress reduction in human brain microvascular endotheliocytes. J Cell Biochem. 2007;102(3):689-703.
Makpol S, Abidin AZ, Sairin K, et al. gamma-Tocotrienol prevents oxidative stress-induced telomere shortening in human fibroblasts derived from different aged individuals. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2010;3(1):35-43.
Sen A, Marsche G, Freudenberger P, et al. Association between higher plasma lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin C concentrations and longer telomere length: results of the Austrian Stroke Prevention Study. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2014;62(2):222-9.
Kiecolt-Glaser JK, Epel ES, Belury MA, et al. Omega-3 fatty acids, oxidative stress, and leukocyte telomere length: A randomized controlled trial. Brain Behav Immun. 2013;28:16-24.
Gonzalez-Suarez I, Redwood AB, Grotsky DA, et al. A new pathway that regulates 53BP1 stability implicates cathepsin L and vitamin D in DNA repair. Embo j. 2011;30(16):3383-96.
Liu JJ, Prescott J, Giovannucci E, et al. Plasma vitamin D biomarkers and leukocyte telomere length. Am J Epidemiol. 2013;177(12):1411-7.
Kim YY, Ku SY, Huh Y, et al. Anti-aging effects of vitamin C on human pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes. Age (Dordr). 2013;35(5):1545-57.
Li Y, Zhang W, Chang L, et al. Vitamin C alleviates aging defects in a stem cell model for Werner syndrome. Protein Cell. 2016;7(7):478-88.
Farzaneh-Far R, Lin Jue, Espel ES, Harris WS, Blackburn EH, et al. Association of Marine Omega-3 Fatty Acid Levels With Telomeric Aging in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease. Jama 2010 Jan 20;303(3):250.
Masood A. Shammas. Telomeres, Lifestyle, Cancer and Aging. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2011 Jan; 14(1): 28–34.
Jing Shen, Gammon MD, Terry MB, Qiao Wang, et al. Telomere length, oxidative damage, antioxidants and Breast cancer risk. Int J Cancer. 2009 Apr 1;124(7):1637-43.
#femalehormones #telomere #ashwagandha, #rhodiola #hormoneharmony #omega3 #vitamind #antiaging #vitamine #vitaminc
Comments