How Fast Are You Aging?

We now have a window to not just a person's chronological age but how does one's chronological age compare to how their cells are aging biologically. It is called Telomere Analysis and it is a fascinating, new tool for medical science. Telomeres are sections of DNA at the end of each chromosome that serves as a "cap" to your genetic material. Every time one of your body's cells replicates, the telomere will become shorter and shorter telomeres imply a shorter life span for the cell. Shorter telomere length implicates advanced biological aging. Evaluation of this telomere length is an indicator of how rapidly one is aging relative to the normal population. When measured, your telomere length is compared to a sample of the American population in your same age range. The higher the telomere score, the "younger" the cells. Shorter telomeres have been associated with metabolic abnormalities, obesity, cancer, dementia and heart disease. Diet also plays a role in telomere length. A diet consisting of refined carbohydrates, fast foods, processed foods, sodas, artificial sweeteners and saturated fats will lead to shortening of the telomeres, while a diet consisting of fresh, uncooked fruits and vegetables, mixed fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, cold water fish, and high quality vegetable proteins will prevent permature shortening. Other factors that will have a positive effect on telomere length include; achieving ideal body weight with low body fat, regular aerobic and resistance exercise, 8 hour a night sleep, no tobacco products, and reduction of stress. The Telemore analysis is a simple, non-painful test to do and just requires a blood sample and than you will be on your way to increasing your longevity and a healthier life!