A few years ago Molecular Biologist Dr. Bill Andrews spoke at the Manhattan Beach Project Longevity Conference. He explained that, as we mature, our cells turn over and over--and our telomeres get shorter which, in turn, slows the process of rejuvenation and renewal.

What's a telomere?  It's the object at the end of our DNA in our cell's nucleus.  Every time a cell divides and turns over, the DNA replicates-and when it does, our telomeres get shorter--and that's exactly when illness and aging occurs:  lack of muscle tone, memory and energy; obesity and poor eyesight, among other things.
 

We can't do anything to lengthen telomeres, he says, but we can certainly slow the shortening process by fighting the free radicals so responsible for aging and illness.

Says Kinesiologist Kinga Papp, B.Sc, Dip, Kin, N.D: "I'll read your body through muscle testing to tell us what it requires to move toward wellness, youthfulness and balance. It's possible that you need to release a blocked emotion or trauma; that certain nutritional elements are missing from your diet; or that energy clearing is needed to address hereditary tendencies. Professional Kinesiology provides personalized answers because everyone is unique."

There are five very critical points that everyone, without fail, should keep in mind when trying to reverse the aging process.    

The most important thing is to start your day off right with a healthy breakfast. A healthy meal will maintain your energy and regulate your blood sugars--and you'll continue to make wiser choices throughout the day.

"I begin my day with a healthy, whole grain breakfast of oatmeal and fresh fruit, " says Faith Hope Consolo, renowned real estate broker and "Queen of Retail." Consolo's day starts very early and usually ends late at night, so maintaining energy levels is a priority. She favors high-quality, fresh ingredients and, after breakfast, "It's pretty much vegetables and lean protein, including a lot of fish."

"I stay away from complex carbohydrates that are not whole grain, said Linda Alexander, president of Alexander Marketing, a full-service public relations firm. She explained that, although her diet is largely plant-based, she will sometimes eat poultry or organic meat; she'll eat fish, but only if it's wild-caught adding "never farmed fish."

• Exercise: Here's the bottom-line on exercise.  It releases endorphins, which make you feel better and can reduce stress. It will also help you tone those muscles and  maintain a healthy weight.

Everyone has their own particular favorite, whether Pilates or Zumba or Inten-Sati--and now there's been a lot of media attention about the health benefits and anti-aging effects of yoga.

Joschi Schwarz , Creative Director and Co-Owner of the Joschi Yoga Institute in New York City, says "Yoga keeps your muscles and joints flexible, and gives you a fit body and an active mind. A regular yoga practice, including breath work (Pranayama) , increases blood circulation and the amount of oxygen throughout your body and your brain, therefore helping to delay the signs of aging.

Schwartz continues: "The inverted yoga postures, especially, have an anti-aging effect and reverse the effect of gravity, firming our facial muscles, giving you a natural face-lift and glowing skin." 

Read the entire story here to hear more even more great advice--AND listen  to a guided meditation by Deepak Chopra.