Foods That Lengthen Telomeres

By Al Sears MD

 

In 1984 Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn discovered what may be the single most important anti aging discovery.

The Telomerase Enzyme.

Dr. Blackburn was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine for this discovery.

I have personally known about the importance of Telomeres for years, but until recently the only known way to really boost the length of telomeres was an outrageously expensive supplement called T-65, that only the very rich could afford.

I am so excited to report that there are now scientifically proven simple ways that the average person can boost the length of their telomeres, which slows down the aging process.

I found out about these simple protocols through one of my trusted anti aging advisers,

Dr. Al Sears.

Dr. Sears is considered a pioneer in anti aging medicine. He operates a successful integrative medicine and anti-aging clinic in Florida with over 25,000 patients. He is famous for his cutting-edge therapies that solve some of the most difficult-to-diagnose cases.

Dr. Sears has written 14 books and over 100 reports on health and wellness. He is also the founder and director of the Wellness Research Foundation, a non-profit research organization.

Dr. Sears was the first doctor licensed to administer groundbreaking DNA therapy that activates the gene that regulates telomerase.

After reading his report on how to Activate the Enzyme that Rebuilds Your Telomeres, I realized that this is the reason my husband seems to be growing younger. You can read all about his journey back to health in Cathey’s Immune Boosting Tips.

You may be asking what are Telomeres and why should I care?

Deep inside every cell in your body is a strand of DNA with a “protective tip” similar to the protective tip of a shoelace. This “protective tip” called a telomere controls aging.

Everytime your cells divide, your telomeres get shorter, which causes you to age faster. Once you run out of telomeres, cell division stops and life comes to an end.

The goal then is to keep the telomeres as long as possible therefore slowing down the aging process so that you not only feel younger, you look younger and you may even live longer.

There are simple protocols that will activate, or turn on the Telomerase Enzyme that will “rebuild” your Telomeres.

As I mentioned earlier the supplement TA-65 is one way to “flip the switch” turning on the telomerase enzyme which will lengthen your telomeres. The cost is around $500 per month.

Resveratrol

According to new studies this anti-aging nutrient “significantly increases telomerase activity” by “turning on” genes that promote longevity, and “turning off” genes that promote disease.

• Resveratrol is found in
• Red Wine
• Purple Grape Juice
• Mulberries
• Raisins
• Acai (I buy the organic freeze dried acai and put into my morning smoothies every day)

It is very hard to get enough Reserveratrol in your daily diet. (you would have to drink 1,000 glasses or more of red wine daily)

Dr. Sears recommends taking a Resveratrol supplement with around 10mg – 20 mg for optimal telomerase activation.

Green Tea (EGCG)

In a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, the telomeres of green tea drinkers were .46 kilobases longer. This is equal to about 5 years of life.

The EGCG in green tea can prevent and repair cell damage and fights the effects of pollution, sunlight and smoking.

Forget the bottled green tea drinks and go for the whole tea leaves sold in specialty tea stores.

N-Acetyl-Cystein (NAC)

NAC is a potent amino acid building block of the body’s master anti-oxidant called glutathione (GSH). NAC activates the telomerase gene, often called the “fountain of youth” gene.
Dr. Sears recommends a dose of 1,800mg – to 2,400 mg a day.
I personally take Pure Encapsulations NAC.

Alpha Tocopherol

This is the most well-known from of vitamin e and will protect against telomere shortening.
Researchers from Finland believe that alpha tocopherol prevents cancer by neutralizing free radicals, protecting cells from oxidation and stopping damaged cells from multiplying.

The best way to get your Vitamin E is from food.

• Nuts
• Nut oils
• Seeds
• Apples
• Beef
• Seafood
• Avocados
• Spinach.

• You can also take 400 IU of Vitamin E with mixed tocopherols.
• I personally take Pure Encapsulations Ultra-Synergist E.

Gamma Tocotrienol

One of the four lesser known forms of vitamin E, Gama Tocotrienols can extend telomere length by 16%.

It is next to impossible to get enough tocotrienols from the few foods that contain them Dr. Sears recommends a supplement with at least 20 mg of “mixed tocotrienols”.
I recommend Carlson’s Tocotrienols.

L-Carnosine

Used to repair tissues and clear away toxins and it helps preserve your telomeres.

Grass fed, pasture raised meat is the best way to get carnosine from food.

If you don’t eat meat, Dr. Sears recommends taking a supplement of L-Carnosine
500 milligrams twice a day instead of all at once.

L-Arginine

Increases telomerase activity by stimulating the production of nitric oxide (NO), the molecule that relaxes the blood vessels.
Body builders have been using l-arginine for years. Taken before a workout, it gives them a “muscle pump” by getting more blood and oxygen to their muscles.
Dr. Sears recommends 500mg – 1,000 mg per day.

Vitamin C

There is now evidence that vitamin c not only prevents loss of telomeres, it also increases telomerase activity in specific stem cells.

Telomeres are very sensitive to oxidation and vitamin C prevents oxidation.

Food sources of vitamin C

• Citrus fruits
• Cantaloupe
• Kiwi
• Mango
• Papaya
• Pineapple
• Berries
• Watermelon

Dr. Sears recommends 540 mg per day. (I personally take 1500 mg per day)

Vitamin D3

Crucial for boosting the immune system, Vitamin D also activates telomerase activity by as much as 19.2%.

One of the best ways to boost Vitamin D3 is to get in the sun at least 15 minutes 3 – 5 times per week.
You can also get Vitamin D from

• Cod Liver Oil
• Herring
• Catfish
• Salmon, cooked
• Mackerel, cooked
• Sardines, canned in oil, drained
• Tuna, canned in oil

Milk Thistle (silymarin extract)

This ancient herb is known for it’s detoxifying benefits. Silymarin triples telomerase activity.
Dr. Sears recommends 200 mg in capsule form twice a day.

Ginko Biloba

Known as a brain booster because it helps open up blood vessels and enhance circulation and oxygen levels. Ginkgo Biloba extract also significantly increased telomerase activity.
Dr. Sears recommends taking 40mg -80mg for 4-6 weeks then stopping for 4-6 weeks, then starting up again. If you take Ginkgo Biloba continuously it loses it’s effectiveness.

Folic Acid

Stimulates the activation of telomerase.

• Food sources include
• Black eyed peas
• Lentils
• Spinach (raw)
• Asparagus
• Lettuce
• Avocade
• Broccoli
• Tropical Fruits
• Oranges
• Wheat Bread

Acetyl L-Carnitine

This amino acid is a brain booster as well as an activator of the human telomerase gene.

• Food sources include
• Beef steak
• Ground Beef
• Pork
• Bacon.

There you have it, some simple ways to boost your telomerase activity.

I don’t believe you need to run out and buy all the supplements. My advice is to be more conscious of the telomere boosting foods and include them more often in your diet.