1 key to living longer. I give you the most extensive population-based study examining the link between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and telomere length in middle-aged women. Recently, I have been thinking about telomeres, our cellular markers of aging. I am particularly interested in using mindfulness, physical activity, and diet to optimize my telomere length. Today we focus on nutrition.
Faust, the eponymous protagonist in Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s famous play, asks Mephistopheles in the chapter Hexenküche (Witches’ kitchen) what he can do to improve his life. The erudite protagonist is bored and depressed with his life as a scholar.
Contemplating suicide, Faust goes for a walk as nearby Easter celebrations start. Walking with his assistant Wagner, Faust is followed home by a stray poodle. In Faust’s study, the poodle transforms into Mephistopheles. The devil provides some advice, which I will paraphrase: Seek out a life of moderation, stop being lazy, exercise regularly by plowing the field, and avoid unhealthy foods!
Faust did not respond positively. He does not like manual labor and opts for a magic youth potion. In essence, Faust trades his soul to the devil in exchange for knowledge.
Mephistopheles offers Faust magical powers for a set number of years, but at the end of the term, the Devil will claim Faust’s soul, and Faust will be eternally enslaved.
Let’s explore what I think is a reasonable alternative pathway to longer life: Slowing telomere shortening through lifestyle improvements.
Telomeres
I am fascinated by telomeres. You can find these strings of DNA at the ends of each strand of your chromosomes. Telomeres protect the chromosome ends from damage and from tangling with other chromosomes nearby. With each cell division, the telomeres shorten. Finally, they become so short that the cell can no longer divide.
1 key to living longer. Please go here to learn more:
https://medium.com/beingwell/one-key-to-living-longer-9ad9b6324cd3?sk=c3fad6333b4c8fae3da34a4874a19c0c
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