Stress and Telomere Shortening

As humans, we all experience stress from time to time. When that stress becomes chronic, our bodies have a profound response, not only psychologically, but physically. Psychological stress can speed up the process of biological aging through the impact it has on the protective caps at the end of our chromosomes called telomeres. These telomeres act as buffers and naturally shorten over time as we age. As these lengths reach critical levels, cell senescence, or death of a cell, begins. This leaves us at risk for age-related diseases and advanced signs of aging. Keep reading to learn how stress affects your telomeres and what you can do to preserve your telomere length. 

At Longevity by Nature, we offer a telomere supplement Telos95, which is clinically proven to increase telomere length and lower cellular aging. By taking our supplements, knowing how stress and telomeres impact the aging process, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you now have a chance to fight the natural aging process. Longevity By Nature proudly delivers truly all-natural longevity supplements that are made in the USA, FDA compliant, clinically proven, and 100% GMO-free.

How does stress affect telomeres?

Stress has a profound effect on our entire body, including our telomeres. Physiological stress can be directly linked, on a cellular level,  to shorter telomeres with impaired function. Let’s break down what that process looks like. 

A classic endocrine response to physiological stress is the production of glucocorticoids. These glucocorticoids stimulate gluconeogenesis, which is the energy our bodies use in the adrenaline-fueled “flight or fight” response. This phenomenon leads to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is known to both damage telomeres and impact telomerase function. 

Interestingly, psychological stress can also cause increased inflammation throughout the human body due to increased levels of cortisol. Inflammation can be a major contributor to telomere shortening. 

What are the consequences of telomere shortening?

As our telomeres shorten with age, lifestyle habits, and stress, our chromosomes begin to malfunction which impairs the ability of cells to maintain health and wellness. Telomere length is essentially a representation of, or a window into, our biological aging process as well as a risk factor for several diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. Once a telomere has reached a critical length, cell senescence begins and the cell can no longer replicate.

Studies that have found a link between stress and telomere shortening

There have been many studies on the effects on stress on telomere shortening. In one study, the cortisol levels of 23 post-menopausal women were monitored before, during, and after minor laboratory stressors. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were assayed throughout this study and indeed did display a connection between the increased cortisol levels and decreased telomerase activity that stress causes and telomere length. 

The role of telomerase in telomere maintenance

Decreased telomerase activity is directly associated with cell senescence or the longevity of cellular replication. Telomerase can improve the health of telomeres and keep them from becoming frail and shorter, helps to aid our DNA as we age, live healthier, and stay more active.

Potential supplements that may help to lengthen telomeres, such as Telos95

Though we now know that chronic stress can contribute to telomere shortening, we also know that sometimes stress is unavoidable. That doesn’t mean that there isn’t a way to combat those effects, though. To preserve the length of telomeres, even if you struggle with chronic stress, try a telomere lengthening supplement such as Telos95 by Longevity by Nature. Naturally derived from olive leaf and grapevine, Telos95 offers a way for you to slow down the natural telomere-shortening process. 

The importance of stress management for telomere health

Managing stress can have a great impact on the longevity of your telomeres, which in turn, has a profound impact on our overall health and wellness. As our telomeres shorten due to stress, our biological clock starts ticking, and we subject ourselves to premature age-related diseases. 

Closing thoughts

There is evidence to suggest that certain lifestyle factors may help to maintain or even lengthen telomeres, this includes living as stress-free as possible. Chronic stress has been associated with shorter telomeres, so finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as meditation or yoga, may help to preserve telomere length. Here are some other strategies that may help reduce stress levels and promote telomere longevity:

• Exercise regularly: Regular exercise has been shown to be associated with longer telomeres, as well as reduced stress levels! Exercise induces endorphin production, which are neurotransmitters that create a “feel good” response in your brain and body. These endorphins can negate stress levels, therefore protect your telomere length. 
• Get enough sleep: Poor sleep quality or insufficient sleep has been associated with shorter telomeres and increases in stress levels. Getting sufficient sleep can actually reduce your body’s cortisol, or stress hormone, levels. 
• Eat a healthy diet: A diet that is high in whole, nutrient-dense foods and low in processed foods may help to maintain telomere length and promote a less stressful lifestyle. Healthy foods give your body the necessary fuel to navigate stressful events and, in turn, protect your telomere length. 

Discover Telos95 Telomere Supplement

At Longevity by Nature, we are dedicated to providing individuals with the optimal amount of nutrients to protect their telomeres. By taking Telos95, a supplement designed to fight telomere shortening and promote telomere lengthening, you can slow down the natural aging process of your healthy cells. In conjunction with a healthy lifestyle, our 100% natural Telos95 supplement is proudly made in the USA, FDA-compliant, and clinically proven to lengthen your telomeres and decrease cellular age by an average of 7.42 years!

Telos95® is the only plant-based, dietary supplement that aids in chromosome stability during the process of cell replication. A daily dosage of 95mg has been clinically shown to lengthen your telomeres in just six months and decrease your cellular age by an average of 7.42 years.

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