Cells contain chromosomes. A chromosome is an organized structure of DNA, protein, and RNA. It is a single piece of coiled DNA — like a two-strand piece of rope — containing many genetic materials.

On either end of this chromosome strand are telomeres [teel’-o-meers], much like the hard plastic ends of shoe laces. Telomeres are about to become very well known in anti-aging circles — they hold many keys to the aging process.

The Anatomy of the Chromosome

Telomeres play a special role in our biology. They are made of specialised DNA and protein structures that protect the chromosomes from unraveling during cellular division. This ensures true duplication of these cells.

But life gets in the way and affects telomeres. Lifestyle — dietary choices, stress, exercise [or lack thereof] all erode telomere length. As they shorten, the cells in the chromosomes die, which leads to disease and death over time.

Nobel Prize for Telomeres Research

Scientific research of telomeres merited the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for the discovery of how chromosomes are protected by them and the enzyme telomerase.

So how does all this fit into the anti-aging puzzle?

Telomere length is found to be a significant biomarker for the biological age of your body. The shorter they are, the shorter your lifespan likely will be.

Scientists at the University of Utah have found people older than 60 are three times more likely to die from heart disease and eight times more likely to die from infectious disease if they have a biomarker showing shorter telomeres.

While the science of telomeres is still in its infancy, you don’t need to wait for conclusive evidence on how to reduce their shortening. Like virtually every answer to the anti-aging puzzle, The MEANS to an End Lifestyle™ is a sure way to get there:

Mindset | Exercise| Avoidance | Nutrition | Sleep