Vigorous Exercise Reduces Cellular Aging

Telomeres are complexes composed of protein and DNA that cap the ends of the chromosomes in our body's cells.  Because telomeres shorten as we age, they have become a cellular marker of biological age.  Additionally, short telomere length has been linked to a number of chronic diseases and possibly early death.   Interestingly, telomere length appears to be modified by a variety of factors including diet, body size and stress.  A number of studies have reported that greater amounts of perceived stress are associated with shorter telomere length.  However, few studies have evaluated the ability of stress-reducing interventions to protect telomeres.

In a new anti-aging research study (full paper is free to read), investigators examined the effect of exercise on stress and telomere length.  Previous research has suggested that stress has a negative impact on human health and that this might be due to a link between chronic stress and telemore length. Other studies have shown a positive link between exercise and longer telomere length.  This new study was conducted to more clearly define the possible relationships between stress, exercise, and telomere length. 

For this new anti-aging study, investigators divided 63 postmenopausal with different stress levels into either Sedentary or Active groups based on their level of physical activity.  The women classified as Active met the CDC-recommended amount of daily activity.  The odds of the study subjects having long or short telomeres were calculated based on their amount of exercise and their perceived stress level.  The study investigators reported that:

• Volunteers with high perceived stress levels were less active and had shorter telomeres.
• Among non-exercisers, each increase in perceived stress increased the odds of having shorter telomeres by 15 times.
• Among volunteers who exercised, telomere length was not affected by stress levels.
• Analysis of different levels of physical activity indicated that the benefits of exercise on telomere length were achieved by at least 15 minutes of vigorous activity per day.

These are fascinating research results, which suggest an anti-aging benefit of short periods of vigorous physical activity.  This study suggests that (1) high levels of chronic stress are linked to shorter telomeres and therefore a shorter cellular lifespan and (2) short periods of physical activity can protect our telomeres from stress-related shortening.  It is thought that exercise might protect telomeres by increasing the enzyme needed to prevent or slow telomere breakdown, though this theory requires additional testing.  While exercise appears to have an anti-aging benefit, stressed individuals are reportedly less likely to exercise.  This makes it imperative to develop physical activity programs targeted towards highly stressed individuals, individuals who might possibly derive some of the greatest benefits from exercise.

Exercise is an important aspect of any healthy weight management plan,  My easy diet plan recommends 30-45 minutes of walking or other physical activity you enjoy 6 days per week.  Visit us at www.drtabor.com to learn more.