Early-life Stress Primes Inflammatory Genes for Later-life Disease Risk

Children enduring high stress while being raised¹ program inflammatory genes (NF-kappaB Protein complex that controls DNA transcription and is involved with cellular responses to stress, cytokines, free radicals, UV radiation, oxidized LDL, and infections. and IL-6) to be in a state of heightened anticipation.  While this may be necessary to deal with the associated problems of such stress, a new study shows that it is a clear disadvantage by the time the person reaches their 50s and 60s, as they are at much greater risk for early onset of the diseases of aging.

Excess inflammation is clearly the common link to virtually all age-associated health decline.  If you had a stressful childhood it means you cannot work yourself into the ground, get too stressed out, or enter some other form of wear and tear trend as an older adult – or you are simply placing yourself in a very high risk category for serious health problems.

It is my belief that nothing is written in stone – as genes are flexible and programs can be changed as long as you work at it.  This means getting your current life into balance, having adequate relaxation and rejuvenation, managing your stress well, not doing more than you can, not sweating the little things in life, eating well, sleeping enough, exercising consistently, and using nutrients that help your brain maintain a positive mood and cope more efficiently with stress.