251: The Telomere Effect: Cell Aging, Stress & Mind-Body Practices

Science has linked meditation with longevity through the study of telomeres, the chromosomal caps that are an indication of cell health. By mitigating our stress response specifically, research indicates that mindful practices down-regulate our stress response and up-regulate telomerase production, an important protein for the health of these chromosomal caps. What does all that mean? Basically, it means meditation can make you live longer in the future and live healthier right now. On this week's Yoga Talk Show, you'll meet Dr. Elissa Epel, one of the leading researchers on stress, cell aging, and telomeres.

------------

Listen & Learn:

• How telomeres are the protective caps on the ends of our chromosomes, just like the plastic tip on a shoelace
• How short telomeres release cytokines or die—both of which are very negative
• How chronic inflammation (from cytokines) can contribute or even cause diseases and illnesses
• Why meditation can mitigate stress response and be protective of telomeres
• Why abuse, violence and trauma can literally shorten your life
• Why vagal nerve tone can reduce the stress response

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Elissa Epel is psychologist who studies stress, aging, and obesity. She is the director of UCSF's Aging, Metabolism, and Emotion Center (AME) She consults to the National Institutes of Health on various initiatives related to human behavior and how to change it, and is on the Steering Council of the Mind and Life Institute that supports research on contemplative practices. She has been studying stress and biology for almost 20 years now.

Nutritional Tip of the Week:

• Protein

Links & References from the Show:

• The Telomere Effect Book
• Acute Childhood Experiences Studies (ACE)
• Telomeres Defined
• Telomeres, Lifestyle, Cancer, and Aging
• Shamatha Project

Got Questions?

• Send me a voicemail here: Ask Lucas a Question
• Or write to us: [e-mail] 

Like the Show?

• Leave us a Review on iTunes

Thanks to our sponsor:

• Hurt So Good Massage Balls -- Natural Rubber Creates Human-Like Deep Tissue Massage Experience on Soft Tissues

Hurts So Good Massage Balls allow you to release tension, break up sliding surface dysfunctions, and improve circulation in and around your muscles and tendons, ligaments, and fascia. In our modern lives, our movement patterns tend to be very habitual. We sit, stand, drive, and walk; but we often lack the dynamic range of motion that our bodies are designed for.

Learn More