I just read a fascinating article from “Heart,” the newsletter from St. Luke’s Cardiovascular Consultants in Kansas City. James O’Keefe, M.D. is the Editor-in-Chief. He says, The rate of aging of living creatures is to a large degree controlled at a cellular level by your telomeres which are the segments of DNA that cap the ends of chromosomes and provide stability. Think of the telomere like a fuse, and when it burns away, the cell auto-destructs.
Long telomeres are linked with longevity while short telomeres are associated with age-related issues such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis, and death. One of the keys to keeping your genes in pristine condition is to maintain those telomeres that prevent your DNA from unraveling. The rate of aging and your ultimate lifespan are to a very real degree dependent on how fast you burn through that telomere fuse on the ends of your chromosomes.
Here are some ways you can prevent age-related diseases by slowing telomere shortening:
1. EXERCISE DAILY, especially if you are feeling stressed. Shoot for 40 – 60 minutes per day. Try to make some of it vigorous physical activity, especially outdoors.
2. TAKE A PURIFIED FISH OIL SUPPLEMENT, at least one gram (1000 mg.) of DHA + EPA daily.
3. TAKE A VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENT DAILY. Have your doctor check your level to determine what dose you need, or just take 2000 IU of vitamin D-3 per day.
4. AVOID JUNK FOOD. Eat two colored vegetables or fruits, and one serving of protein with each meal.
5. KEEP YOUR WAIST SIZE TO LESS THAN HALF YOUR HEIGHT.
6. GET 7 – 8 HOURS OF SLEEP EACH NIGHT.
7. TRY TO KEEP STRESS UNDER CONTROL. Invest a sizable portion of your time, energy, and money into enjoyable and enriching experiences. Nurture other life; get a dog or cat, tend a garden.
8. MINIMIZE EXPOSURE TO SMOG, SMOKE, TOXIC CHEMICALS, AND RADIATION.
9. DRINK 4 CUPS OF GREEN TEA DAILY.
I have printed out this list and posted it in several places in my home. These are NOT difficult things to do, but they could add years to all of our lives. I wish you all the blessing of good health, wonderful relationships, and long life.
GrannaBarbara, Simon, and Owen
Blessings,
Barbara
To learn more about Barbara’s life and work, go to www.barbaraglanz.com
