All the cells in our body are made up of DNA. DNA is the genetic material that makes us who we are. Every organ in the body is also made up entirely of cells and telomeres are vital to our health.
Telomeres are the caps at the end of each strand of DNA that protect our chromosomes. Similar to plastic tips at the end of shoelaces that protect shoelaces from getting frayed, telomeres are the caps at the end of chromosomes that protect the chromosomes.
Our cells replenish by copying themselves and albeit DNA stays intact, telomeres shorten as cells copy themselves. Eventually, telomeres get too short to do their job which causes our cells to age and stop functioning properly.
It can be said that telomeres act as the aging clock in every cell. The length of telomeres represents our biological age. Shortening of telomeres affects all aspects of the aging process. As we age and telomeres shorten, our cells begin to age and our immune system weakens.
In order to slow the loss of telomere length or help restore the length of telomeres, there are simple practices that we can incorporate in our daily life. It is to reduce stress, stop smoking, lose weight, exercise more and eat a healthier diet.
