Q & A with a RN at Turner Medical Arts
I am hearing a lot about Telomeres. What are Telomeres?
Telomeres are sections of DNA at the end of each chromosome that serve as a protective cap to your genetic material. When a cell divides, its telomere becomes shorter until there is no more telomere left to protect DNA from “unraveling” and the cell dies.
Why should I measure my Telomeres?
Our telomere test measures how old you are biologically. We want these measured so we can manage how well our cells are aging and and to inspire targeted lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.
How do I test my Telomeres?
We perform a blood test which uses 1 vial of blood and is sent to a lab to be tested. It usually takes 14-15 business days to get your results.
Is there a way to manage the results of my Telomere Test?
Yes, if your telomeres test comes back and you are biologically older than your actual age in years there are ways you can manage these results to slow the telomeres from shortening. These are diet, exercise, and NAD therapy. An inflammatory diet, or one that increases oxidative stress, will shorten telomeres faster. This includes refined carbohydrates, fast foods, processed foods, sodas, artificial sweeteners, trans fats, and saturated fats. A diet that is rich in antioxidants such as berries, dark leafy vegetables, and dark chocolate will reduce oxidative stress which in turn will slow telomere shortening. Our NAD therapy which stands for (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a co-enzyme that’s naturally occurring in the body that helps the cells produce energy. It’s also known to play a role in lengthening the telomeres, making you biologically younger.
How does Micro-nutrient testing aid in Telomere testing?
Micronutrient deficiencies and telomere length go hand in hand. For example, if you are deficient in an antioxidant, the body will have a hard time managing oxidative stress which will in turn shorten your telomeres.
What conditions can be affected by deficiencies in nutrients?
There are many conditions that can be affected by micronutrient deficiencies but some of the main ones are inflammation, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, mood disorders, migraines, obesity, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, fertility, cancer, and immune status.
With IV Drip Therapy can I target deficiencies and increase my test scores?
Our NAD therapy that we offer can lengthen your telomeres with regular NAD therapies weekly which biologically make you younger.
With our micronutrient testing we test 31 vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, and metabolites so we can target the deficiencies and give you an IV therapy that focuses on those deficiencies.
Will my Telomere number increase?
If you receive NAD therapy regularly, it is indicated that your telomeres will lengthen which means that you’re biologically getting younger!
How long should I wait to re-test?
It would be best to do at least 4 weekly treatments of NAD therapy to re-test.
What else can I do to increase my Telomeres?
Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly is an important factor in keeping your telomeres at a healthy length. The rate at which telomeres shorten is accelerated by inflammation, oxidative stress, nutritional deficiencies, obesity and other lifestyle habits. Studies have also shown that telomere shortening is strongly linked to cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke and cancer.
What makes SpectraCell’s micronutrient testing so comprehensive?
SpectraCell measures the intracellular and functional levels of 31 vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, antioxidants, and metabolites so that patterns of deficiency are clear.
Should I have testing done before doing IV therapy?
Yes, you will have better results if you do the blood test before you receive the IV therapy so we know what your baseline is. After your lab comes back, we can target your IV therapy based on what your deficiencies are.
Will I absorb vitamins I am deficient in more easily with IV drip therapy or supplements?
Yes, with the IV therapy, the vitamins and minerals that we give will go directly into your bloodstream, meaning that it won’t have to get absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract. When you take supplements, it takes time to process and most of the supplement will end up getting excreted in the urine.
