How to protect your DNA for great health benefits

(HealthDay) – You might think that stress only affects you emotionally or that lack of sleep simply leaves you feeling grumpy. But these are among the many lifestyle factors that can lead to health problems because of the changes they cause in your body's cells.

Your DNA and its chromosome strands are packed inside each cell. Chromosomes are protected at the top and bottom by sections called telomeres. The health of these "tips" is crucial for your health and longevity. If they are damaged, that is, abbreviated, because of poor lifestyle habits, such as poor diet or lack of sleep, your health may suffer.

Shortened telomeres may, for example, be the link between lack of quality sleep and the development of chronic diseases. Stress is another risk factor for telomere damage. Small studies have shown that telomeres are shorter and the risk of illness increased in people who experience prolonged stress. This seems to be especially true for people with an anxiety disorder.

Obesity can also play a role in the damage caused by telomeres.

But there is good news. A research journal published in Gerontology journals reports that telomeres can respond positively to healthy lifestyles, which allows them to influence their health. Aim for a healthy diet and a healthy weight, exercise and rest properly and find ways to manage stress.

Although research has not yet identified the type of specific exercise that can improve the health of telomeres, more has been learned about the effects of certain food choices. If you consider that the Mediterranean diet offers many health benefits, be aware that it has been positively badociated with the prevention of telomere shortening badociated with age and reduced risk of death in individuals elderly. So, pbad olive oil and grilled salmon.

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