Telomerase

Most ordinary cells of the body make little telomerase, so their telomeres gradually shorten. When the telomeres become critically short, the cell stops dividing and enters senescence or triggers apoptosis. In this way telomere shortening works as a "counter" of divisions and contributes to the aging of tissues.

Telomerase is active mainly in stem cells, germ cells and, unfortunately, cancer cells — it is precisely the activation of telomerase that helps tumors divide endlessly. Herein lies the "duality": more telomerase means potentially slower cell aging, but also a higher cancer risk.

You cannot directly "switch on" telomerase through lifestyle, but habits affect the rate at which telomeres shorten. It is accelerated by smoking, obesity, chronic stress and inflammation, and lack of sleep. It is slowed by regular physical activity, a balanced diet, stress management and good sleep.

This is not about telomeres "growing", but about spending them more sparingly — the same prevention that protects the heart and metabolism.

Supplements and products promising to "activate telomerase" and "lengthen telomeres" have no proven benefit for human lifespan and are potentially unsafe (a cancer-related risk). Telomere length is an interesting marker, but one not yet ready for personal decisions.

The practical conclusion is dull but honest: telomeres are best influenced by basic healthy living, not by "rejuvenating" products.