(31-07-12) High levels of anxiety and stress can shorten lifespan by up to six years

by John Phillip

(NaturalNews) Scientists have placed increasing emphasis on the science of
telomeres over the past decade, as they continue to uncover how these zipper-
like structures that bind our genetic destiny can prematurely shorten in
response to environmental and lifestyle factors. Prior studies have found that
our telomeres are influenced or expressed by diet, exposure to chemicals and
pollutants as well as how we react to a variety of short and long term
stressors and anxiety in our lives.

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) and the Harvard Medical
School in Boston have revealed the result of their research into the negative
impact of external stressors on telomere length. Publishing in the journal PLoS
ONE, the study team has shown that a common form of anxiety, known as phobic
anxiety, was associated with shorter telomeres in middle-aged and older women.
The study suggests that phobic anxiety is a possible risk factor for
accelerated aging.

Telomeres are known to protect chromosomes from deteriorating and guard the
genetic information at the ends of chromosomes during cell division. Telomeres
are considered markers of biological or cellular aging, and premature
shortening has been linked to increased risk of cancers, heart disease,
dementia and mortality. Essentially, when a telomere has reached the end of its
life-cycle, cell death ensues and the process of aging is accelerated, leading
to increased risk of chronic disease.

Stress and anxiety reduction can add up to six years to your lifespan
To conduct the study, researchers obtained blood samples from 5,243 women,
aged 42 to 69 years, who were participants in the Nurses' Health Study. The
study team then analyzed the telomere length of white blood cells from all
blood samples collected, and contrasted against the participants perceived
degree of anxiety or stress related symptoms as determined by a validated
questionnaire. The scientists noted this was the first cross-sectional study to
analyze and compare telomere length (a measurable biomarker) with differing
levels of stress.

The authors found that having a high phobic anxiety level was associated with
significantly shorter telomere lengths. The difference between reported anxiety
levels was shown to increase lifespan by a factor of six years for those
experiencing the lowest degree of stress. The lead study author, Dr. Olivia
Okereke concluded "this study is notable for showing a connection between a
common form of psychological stress, phobic anxiety, and a plausible mechanism
for premature aging."

Many people with phobic anxiety are placed on a deadly regimen of anti-anxiety
pharmaceuticals that alter brain metabolism and neurotransmitter function.
Common side effects include drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, memory problems,
and physical dependence. Eliminating external stressors that are within your
control by engaging in regular physical activity, meditation or yoga may be the
key to extending your natural years by maintaining telomere integrity.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.plosone.org
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/07/120711210102.htm
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/247792.php
http://www.brighamandwomens.org

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