Lifestyle, telomeres and aging – what is the connection?

Telomere shortening is the mayor contributor of cellular aging and telomere length is reliable biomarker of aging process, both at individual as well as at the population level. Short telomeres are also connected with aging related diseases like cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes which are the leading causes of death in the world today. Recently, it has been demonstrated, for the first time, that comprehensive lifestyle changes can slow aging process at molecular level. Such changes include food rich in fiber, fruits and vegetables as well as low fat and low refined carbohydrates diet. If this diet is combined with moderate exercise and stress management techniques, it can result in increased telomerase activity in peripheral mononuclear blood cells during three months period only, which subsequently slow down telomere loss in humans.