9 Tiny Tweaks That Help You Live Longer

Who needs a crystal ball? Recent research suggests we can predict the future just by looking at our telomeres, the protective end caps on our DNA, which are indicators of longevity. The shorter our telomeres, the more vulnerable our chromosomes and the higher our risk of fatal cancer or cardiovascular disease—and of dying younger in general. Telomeres usually shorten during cell division, which happens throughout our lives—and this process can be accelerated by everyday factors like stress and poor eating and sleeping habits. Fortunately, we can take steps to protect and maintain telomeres. It’s as easy as living healthfully and managing your emotional well-being, according to Elizabeth Blackburn, PhD, who won a Nobel Prize for discovering how telomeres protect chromosomes, and her collaborator Elissa Epel, PhD, a health psychologist. In their book, The Telomere Effect: A Revolutionary Approach to Living Younger, Healthier, Longer, they promise that “we can change the way we age, at the most elemental, cellular level.” Best of all, you could be reaping the benefits by your next birthday. Research shows that making lifestyle changes can have an impact on telomere maintenance in as little as three weeks to four months. Start with this daily schedule, based on Blackburn and Epel’s advice, and you—and your DNA—may feel years younger. 6:30 a.m. - Get your heart pumping for at least 30 minutes. Exercise is amazing for your cells: It c...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news