Are you looking to increase your lifespan? In this blog post, we'll explore how telomeres and nootropics can help you live a longer and healthier life. We'll discuss what telomeres are and how they impact your longevity, as well as the benefits of nootropics and how they can reduce life-shortening stress. So, if you're interested in learning more about how to possibly extend your life and fitness, keep reading!
What telomeres are and what they do
Here's how telomeres work: Chromosomes are thread-like structures in your body that contain DNA. Your chromosomes are found inside each of your cells, and they house all of your genetic material. They contain the instructions for maintaining life and repairing your body.
Each chromosome ends in two strands of protective material called "telomeres". These are like the plastic tips (aglets) on the end of your shoelaces, and they perform much the same function: they protect the ends from fraying. Each time your cells divide, your telomeres get a little shorter. You can also think of them as buffer DNA that doesn't copy over to the new cell, because something always gets cut off in each replication. Telomeres contain the same basic sequence of six nucleotides over and over again, so they are somewhat disposable.
Your cells can't do anything without telomeres
This built-in redundancy is actually essential for allowing chromosomal DNA to be copied during cell division. Basically, if you didn't have telomeres, you would lose important genetic information with each successive replication. Eventually, your telomeres reach a critical length and the chromosome can no longer replicate. In other words, telomeres protect against a kind of genomic erosion that causes cells to die or become mutated - also known as programmed cell death.
Telomeres play a role in ageing
The decline in the ability of somatic cells to maintain telomere length is one of the ways we can determine biological age - or "Epigenetic Clock". But this 'ageing' process is not as simple as another birthday rolling around. It is influenced by environmental factors such as stress, smoking, poor nutrition and other lifestyle choices. In fact, there's a strong link between psychological stress and telomere length!
Telomeres are sensitive to stress
You're probably already aware that prolonged periods of intense stress can have profound effects on virtually all aspects of your life - from work to your relationships. It can be difficult to get through even the most basic of tasks when you're in a stressed state. The good news is that simple lifestyle changes can help reduce stress and preserve telomere length! So let's take a look at some ways that nootropics that may help protect your telomeres from damage...
Nootropics that may protect your telomeres
There are lots of practical steps you can take to reduce stress and increase the functioning of your telomeres - from simple to more complex interventions. But making sure your body has the right nutrients and essential building blocks that it needs to support telomere health is the foundation for all of this.
Whether you're new to nootropics or you're a self-proclaimed "biohacker", we've got just the thing for you. Simply Nootropics is a line of cognitive and neuroprotective supplements designed with busy entrepreneurs in mind. Our supplements help support focus and concentration, as well as combat chronic stress and fatigue.
The enzyme telomerase is essential to the healthy maintenance of telomere length. Some nootropics are thought to help stimulate the production of this enzyme, helping you maintain a healthy epigenetic clock and ensuring your telomeres stay in tip-top shape!
1. Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is a great example of a supplement that activates telomerase and may promote longevity. This herb has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and there's a strong body of research demonstrating its benefits to human health - from improved cognitive function to promoting the growth of new neurons and blood vessel formation (angiogenesis). Ginkgo may help protect against oxidative stress. It's also been shown that ginkgo can help improve the uptake of oxygen in areas of your brain that may not be getting enough during states of chronic stress. Simply Nootropics Elevate contains a daily active ingredient of 100mg of ginkgo extract.
2. Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid is another supplement we recommend for improving mitochondrial function and protecting telomeres. ALA has been shown to help protect cells against damage from free radicals, which can accumulate over time and contribute to accelerated ageing and chronic illness. Simply Nootropics Elevate contains 200mg of Alpha-lipoic acid in each serving.
3. Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola Rosea is a phenomenal root that supports the immediate fight against stress, helping you to deal with whatever life throws your way! Simply Nootropics Elevates delivers 250mg of Rhodiola extract - which is exactly what you need to counter the effects of harmful environmental factors such as stress and poor sleeping habits.
4. L-Theanine
Green tea is another great supplement for promoting the production of telomerase and protecting your epigenetic clock from premature ageing. A study published by the Cambridge University Press found that green tea consumption was associated with longer leukocyte telomeres (the protective caps at the end of chromosomes) in elderly Chinese men. L-Theanine is the most abundant amino acid found in green tea leaves. We've written about its potent adaptogenic, stress-busting benefits here. It's a great nootropic for helping to reduce anxiety, stress and blood pressure. Simply Nootropics Elevate contains 200mg of L-Theanine per capsule!
There you have it. If you want to protect your telomeres, we think Simply Nootropics is for you! Our innovative nootropic stack contains clinically studied ingredients with neuroprotective effects that have been shown to enhance cognitive function, increase energy levels, and reduce stress and oxidative damage. So why not start taking it right now, and beat the clock.
