Protecting Your DNA and Its Telomeres
Dr. Russell Blaylock, M.D., writes:
Telomeres are strings of unused genes that are located at the ends of DNA strands. Their purpose is to protect the DNA from injury, and from unraveling during cell division.
Unfortunately, each time a cell divides a small portion of the telomere is removed. After a certain number of cell divisions, the cell runs out of telomeres and becomes senescent.
Telomeres can also be damaged by oxidative stress as free radicals chip away at them. People with high levels of oxidative stress age faster and have a far greater number of senescent cells than those the same age whose bodies are able to control free radicals.
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Because brain cells (neurons) do not divide in most instances, cell division is not a cause of damage to their telomeres. But even in the brain, high levels of free radicals can erode telomeres, causing the cells to become senescent.
A special enzyme called telomerase can repair the damage done to telomeres. Unfortunately, our cells contain very little of this enzyme.
The good news is that an extract called astragalus has been shown to be a potent stimulator for the regeneration of telomeres. Quercetin also helps protect and even lengthens the telomeres.
Dr. Russell Blaylock, M.D., is editor of The Blaylock Wellness Report and a nationally recognized board-certified neurosurgeon, health practitioner, author, and lecturer.
Dr. Russell Blaylock, M.D., writes:
Telomeres are strings of unused genes that are located at the ends of DNA strands. Their purpose is to protect the DNA from injury, and from unraveling during cell division.
Unfortunately, each time a cell divides a small portion of the telomere is removed. After a certain number of cell divisions, the cell runs out of telomeres and becomes senescent.
Telomeres can also be damaged by oxidative stress as free radicals chip away at them. People with high levels of oxidative stress age faster and have a far greater number of senescent cells than those the same age whose bodies are able to control free radicals.
Special: Doctor Finally Discovers Natural Secret Weapon Against Aging
Because brain cells (neurons) do not divide in most instances, cell division is not a cause of damage to their telomeres. But even in the brain, high levels of free radicals can erode telomeres, causing the cells to become senescent.
A special enzyme called telomerase can repair the damage done to telomeres. Unfortunately, our cells contain very little of this enzyme.
The good news is that an extract called astragalus has been shown to be a potent stimulator for the regeneration of telomeres. Quercetin also helps protect and even lengthens the telomeres.
Dr. Russell Blaylock, M.D., is editor of The Blaylock Wellness Report and a nationally recognized board-certified neurosurgeon, health practitioner, author, and lecturer.