London, July 18 2011 – Scientists have claimed to develop a technique that they say may lead to a longer life. Unfortunately, the treatment is only fit for pets at the moment.
The possible cure for age related problems is a drug which protects telomeres, sections of DNA believed to be the key to ageing.
However, the treatment is not yet considered safe for humans, and may first be tested on dogs and cats by being added to pet food.
Scientists think that ageing is caused by the telomeres in our genes shortening over the course of our lifetime.
Now, a US research team may have found a way to slow or even reverse this shrinkage, which could theoretically lengthen our lifespan.
The team is led by Bill Andrews, a scientist based in Nevada who is the founder of Sierra Sciences. He founded the company to find a way to prompt cells to produce telomerase and protect themselves from decay.
The new findings suggest that nearly 40 different substances could contribute to the production of this enzyme. “Inducing cells to produce telomerase would be a great medical advance,” Andrews said.
“The substances we have found can achieve this but we have to be cautious and there is no chance of getting medical approval for human use for some years,” he cautioned.
The fact is, chronological and biological age can differ. How you look is sometimes an indicator of your biological age, but looks can be deceiving. Early ageing is considered decease and without this normal human life expectancy is estimated to be around 120 years of age. Various factors cause the body to depreciate over time including toxic chemicals, allergies, injuries that do not heal completely, poor nutrition, excessive exposure to sun, overwhelming stress and inactivity. Early ageing can cause heart attacks, cancer or even a stroke. But the major reason is our lifestyle, routine and habits.
Premature aging can be reversed by reactivating the enzyme that protects the end of the chromosomes. The chromosomes have protective caps in their ends called telomeres and the enzyme that protects the chromosomes is the telomerase. Activating telomerase may slow cellular ageing.
Theoretically you can slow down ageing by taking care of you telomerase. Omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamin D, green tea extract promotes activity and prevents telomerase from breaking down. You can find these supplements in certain foods. Omega 3 fatty acids can be found in fish like albacore tuna, salmon, sardines, mackerel, swordfish and lake trout, which are also rich in vitamin D. Milk, pudding, cereals, egg and cheese are also a good source of Vitamin D.
Skin is the largest organ in our body; it protects the body against pathogens and excessive water loss, and when ageing is the topic, skin takes the leading role. Taking care of our skin doesn’t have to be expensive, here are some natural ways to keep your skin young looking and at the same time healthy.
• Cantaloupe/Rockmelon – increases the body’s ability to absorb free radicals which reduce skin problems so you’ll have healthier skin.
• Broccoli – is rich in vitamin A which is great for improving the turnover of cells in the skin. Your skin will be refreshed and renewed more quickly.
• Grapefruit and oranges – are great source of vitamin C, which assist the production of collagen (a key protein of the skin). Vitamin C is also an antioxidant and helps reduce skin damage caused by free radicals. When Vitamin C is properly delivered, there is a good chance to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture.
• Whole wheat – improves the skin at a cellular level and keeps you looking young and beautiful.
• Sunflower seeds – an ounce of sunflower seeds contain 75% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin E, which is an essential vitamin for youthful looking skin. It’s one of the best anti ageing foods because it’s rich in fibre, folate, copper, selenium and vitamin B6.
• Watermelon – This natural anti ageing food contains vitamins A, B, C and E and minerals like zinc, selenium and essential fats. They are the body’s shield from free radicals.
Eat a diet low in fat, sodium and refined carbohydrates. This diet should consist of many fruits and vegetables.
Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, even if it is just walking. Studies showed a positive correlation between aerobic activity and telomerase activity.
Practice different types of stress management, whether it be yoga, breathing exercises or other types of ways to deal with stress in a healthy way. Individuals who practiced stress management procedures showed increased telomerase productivity.
Take supplements of vitamin E and C daily. Other supplements, such as protein and selenium, also had positive effects on telomerase levels.
