The Fountain of Youth

There are numerous theories about aging, all of which may be applicable to the aging process, but one of the most important factors in the health and overall aging of the human body is nutrition.

I often state in my interactions with patients and students, "If you eat Ding-Dongs and Twinkies... your body will be made out of Ding-Dongs and Twinkies!" How could it possibly be composed of anything else if nothing else is consumed? One is literally what they eat and the body can only make living cells out of the nutrients - or lack of nutrients - that it receives from dietary intake; resilient tissues cannot be made from inferior ingredients.

A modern study on the enzyme telomerase, published by BBC News, demonstrates the powerful effect of telomerase on protecting the ends of the genetic material. Telomerase repairs and lengthens telomeres which in turn protect the valuable DNA code. The study effectively demonstrates that improving nutrition can prevent the damage and death of cells; this equates to better health and longevity as the body can better defend itself against destructive bombardment from antioxidants, toxins, and radiation. This study also verifies that a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and obesity all contribute to shorter-than-average lifespans. On the other hand, those that ate a diet high in fruit and vegetables, took supplements of vitamins and fish oils, had an exercise regimen, properly managed stress ,and incorporated relaxation techniques and breathing exercises had a significant increase in telomerase and improved health and longevity!

"Lifestyle can affect your telomeres. It would be interesting to find out whether it is diet, stress or both that is important."
-Tim Spector, Professor - King's College London

From this study on telomerase, it is evident that both diet and stress are important factors in the aging process! I will attest from my experience in the health industry that both diet and stress are important factors in health and longevity! Epigenetics demonstrates that our emotions, thoughts, lifestyles, and diet all have an effect on our health and longevity!

"Eating the right foods guards against age-related cell damage, new research shows. It's yet another finding showing that the right foods have a powerful longevity effect in humans. Now, imagine how well off these people would be if they ate a diet of LIVING food!"
-Mike Adams, The Health Ranger

The "fountain of youth" is not in an unknown land and only accessible to the rare few. Rather, the "fountain of youth" is at your fingertips - the food that you put into your mouth. Choose your foods wisely and nutritiously!