Healthy brain linked to telomeres
Here is an important tip for a healthy brain: stay young! Some 500 years ago, Ponce de Leon came to Florida on a quest to find the fountain of youth. He never found it, because he was looking in the wrong place. The fountain of youth has been found, and it’s not in Florida. It’s been hiding in our chromosomes!
Fortunately, some people were looking in the right place. In 2009, three researchers shared the Nobel Prize in Medicine for discovering telomerase. This enzyme rejuvenates telomeres over and over–eternally or at least as long as we are alive! A telomere is a protective cover that keeps chromosomes from fraying, like a cap at the end of a shoelace. The length and health of telomeres influence genetic damage and how long and well we live.
Telomeres are the missing mind-body link, the reason why your mind can mess up your health. Chronic stress from negative thinking elevates inflammation and depletes telomerase, causing telomeres to become shorter and expediting the aging process of the brain and body. Inflammation is the enemy of a healthy brain and is a known driver of Alzheimer’s disease.
Damage to telomeres can be reversed
Additional research finding have revealed some exciting news you can use: telomeres can be repaired and lengthened. Extensive research has medically proven that damage to telomeres (and even some diseases) can be reversed by these adaptive changes in lifestyle:
- Low-fat, plant-based diet
- Regular moderate exercise
- Stress management (mindfulness, meditation, yoga, tai chi)
- Group emotional support (talk therapy!)
Ancient lifestyle practices rejuvenate telomeres
Perhaps the ancients did not know about telomeres, but they sure understood how to rejuvenate them. The four recommendations mentioned above to reverse telomere damage are quite similar to typical ancient practices for elders, including:
* Movement to build strength, such as tai chi and yoga
* Deep breathing for stress reduction
* Nutrition, especially plant-based foods
* Elixirs made of natural substances
* Wisdom rituals to provide social support and recognition
* Mindfulness and meditation to expand the mind’s power
* Spiritual growth to overcome despair and fear of death
Today, an effective brain training program should include these best practices.
Stay young from the inside out by renewing your telomeres–you and your healthy brain will be the better for it.
