Women's Health Expert Marla Ahlgrimm Examines Link Between Stress and the Aging Process

MADISON, Wis., Nov. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Good sleep, a healthy diet and plenty of exercise can help protect the body against the aging process, according to women's health expert Marla Ahlgrimm.

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A recent study involving older women discovered that a series of stressful life events may cause shortening of the telemeres, protective caps on chromosomes that influence how rapidly cells age.

Women who sleep well, eat right and maintain active lifestyles can fend off the devastating effect of stress, notes Marla Ahlgrimm. By taking control of their daily routines, women have the opportunity to lead healthier and longer lives.

Marla Ahlgrimm points out that cellular aging is often associated with cancer, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's disease – all age-related illnesses that can result in pain for sufferers and their families.

What are telemeres?

Some researchers have theorized that older people may be more likely to develop cancer due to shortened telemeres that create instability in the chromosomes, reports Marla Ahlgrimm. As the telemeres become shorter, people feel the effects of slower recovery, lack of energy, failing memory, loss of muscle and other symptoms. Marla Ahlgrimm states that observational reports have often noticed the presence of shortened telomeres in several types of cancer, including neck, head, kidney, lung, bladder, prostate, bone and pancreatic.

Which activities or habits may pose major problems?

Unhealthy behaviors such as lack of sleep, poor diet and smoking can cause the telemeres to shorten, according to Marla Ahlgrimm. Chronic stress has been associated with shorter telemeres.

What did this specific study entail?

In the recent study by health journal Molecular Psychiatry, researchers found that women who experienced major stress events during the study period were more likely to have shorter telemeres. Major stress events, notes Marla Ahlgrimm, may include losing a job, having a family death or becoming a caretaker for an ill relative.

The study demonstrates the necessity for women to maintain an active/healthy lifestyle even throughout the most challenging moments in life, says Marla Ahlgrimm. A higher level of stress resulted in a shortening of the telemeres in subjects who failed to practice healthy habits.

Marla Ahlgrimm urges women to take necessary precautions in order to decrease their risk of illness and disease. For women who are encumbered with stressful situations, it's important to monitor nutrition, sleep and fitness. Women who exercise and eat well have the ability to stem the aging process and enjoy their golden years, notes Marla Ahlgrimm.

There are numerous research studies claiming men have shorter telomeres than women, reports Marla. She continues to examine the latest developments to see whether or not this theory is accurate.

Marla Ahlgrimm is an American entrepreneur, pharmacist author and active philanthropist. Marla Ahlgrimm has encouraged people to follow a diet regimen combined with regular physical activity to combat many of life's most challenging medical conditions.

Media Contact:

Marla Ahlgrimm

608-520-0206

SOURCE Marla Ahlgrimm