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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insights 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.
insights INSIGHT
Telomeres Reflect Life Stress
Telomere length reflects cumulative life stress and environment impact.
A Revolutionary Approach to Living Younger, Healthier, Longer
Elizabeth Blackburn
Elissa Epel
This book, co-authored by Nobel Prize winner Elizabeth Blackburn and health psychologist Elissa Epel, explains the role of telomeres in aging and how they are affected by daily habits such as sleep quality, exercise, diet, and stress levels. The authors provide evidence from scientific studies showing that changes in lifestyle can protect telomeres, thereby increasing the number of years one remains healthy, active, and disease-free. They also discuss how chronic stress, negative thoughts, strained relationships, and environmental factors impact telomere health and offer practical advice on maintaining healthy telomeres from pregnancy through adulthood and at the community level.
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:
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