Is Stress Speeding Up Your Aging? What You Can Do About It Today with Elissa Epel

19 snips

Jul 11, 2025

Elissa Epel, an expert in stress and aging from UCSF, discusses how stress accelerates the aging process by shortening telomeres, the protective caps on our DNA. She highlights the significant impact of lifestyle choices and nutrition on telomere health, advocating for a whole food diet to combat inflammation. Epel also explores the relationship between depression and cellular aging, providing strategies for reframing stress as a challenge. Mindfulness and social support are emphasized as vital tools for managing stress and promoting well-being.

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INSIGHT

Telomeres Protect DNA Integrity

Telomeres are DNA caps at chromosome ends that protect genetic material.
They shorten with cell division and stress, causing aging and inflammation.

INSIGHT

Telomeres Reflect Life Stress

Telomere length reflects cumulative life stress and environment impact.
Childhood adversity significantly shortens telomeres, affecting adult health.

INSIGHT

Telomere Length Links to Disease

Short telomeres statistically predict earlier aging diseases except some cancers.
Genetic evidence shows longer telomeres causally reduce risks for heart disease and dementia.

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In this episode, Elissa Epel explores how stress can speed up aging and what you can do about it. She explains telomeres, which are those protective caps on our chromosomes, shorten with stress and poor habits, speeding up aging and disease. She also delves into the science of how thought patterns, diet, and even our response to daily challenges can literally change our biology.

Want to stay intentional in your daily life? Sign up for Good Wolf Reminders—free, thoughtful text messages from Eric that land once or twice a week. Each message offers a quick burst of insight to help you pause, reflect, and feed your good wolf. No spam. Easy to opt out anytime. Join nearly 5,000 others at oneyoufeed.net/sms.Key Takeaways:

The science of telomeres and their role in cellular aging.
The impact of stress and lifestyle choices on telomere length and overall health.
The relationship between genetics and environmental factors in health outcomes.
The concept of “inflammaging” and its connection to chronic inflammation and aging.
The influence of diet on telomere maintenance and inflammation.
The bidirectional relationship between depression and telomere shortening.
Strategies for reframing stress as a challenge rather than a threat.
The importance of mindfulness and social support in managing stress.
The potential risks and benefits of telomerase and its role in telomere health.
The significance of making intentional lifestyle choices to influence aging and well-being.

If you enjoyed this conversation with Elissa Epel, check out these other episodes:

How to Shift Your Emotions: Moving from Chaos to Clarity with Ethan Kross

Small Steps to Happiness: The Science of Mindful Living with Laurie Santos

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