Nutritionists have long been interested in the dynamics of telomere length in the body, and how telomeres figure in to human health and life expectancy. Telomeres were first discovered in 1973 by Alexey Olovnikov.

He found that the tiny units of DNA at the very end of each chromosome—the telomere—shorten with time because they cannot replicate completely each time the cell divides and they may be the most powerful biological clock that has yet to be identified.

Hence, as you get older, your telomeres get shorter and shorter. Eventually, DNA replication and cell division ceases completely, at which point you die. However, a growing body of research is showing that certain nutrients play a huge role in protecting telomere length; greatly affecting how long you live.

Mercury is one of the most potent neurotoxins found in the environment. Exposure to this heavy metal poses potential psychological, neurological, immunological, and endocrinal damage in your body. Although mercury is found in air and water pollution, it can also reach your bloodstream and impair your vital functions through dental amalgams, which are deceptively called "silver fillings."

Your skin is your body’s largest organ and first line of defense. This “covering” is a complex system made up of nerves, glands, and cell layers, each having a role in your health. It serves as a buffer that helps protect you from extreme temperatures and toxic chemicals, while also producing antibacterial compounds that defend you against infection. Your skin also plays a role in the production of vitamin D.

Although your skin is capable of all of these functions, it needs protection, too. If not cared for properly, it can become dry and rough, produce wrinkles, and/or become susceptible to certain skin problems.

SEE INFOGRAPHIC HERE: Hidden Dangers in Personal Care Products

Environmental toxins are everywhere, and pregnant women and their unborn child are especially vulnerable to their pernicious effects. These chemicals do not only come from the environment, but may already be inside your home, car, purse – or worse, on your dinner plate!

The reality is, there are about 75,000 distinct chemicals that are produced here in America or imported from abroad. Many of these toxic agents have not been regulated properly. At this very moment, you may be holding in your hand a chemical cocktail, and your unborn child is especially at risk because of his or her underdeveloped system.

The featured study found the following nutrients to have a beneficial impact on telomere length:

• Vitamin B12
• Zinc
• Vitamin D
• Omega-3
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E

Below, I will review a few of those, plus several additional recommendations for what I believe are among the most important nutrients to maintain and promote telomere lengthening.

The mineral zinc has received some attention as of late because it appears to help fight the common cold when taken at the onset of symptoms. However, new research has shown another potential use in regard to idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss, also known as SSNHL.

High-intensity exercise can reap numerous health benefits, and combining it with intermittent fasting takes your fitness up a notch. Properly done, intermittent fasting will enhance your metabolism, fat-burning, and human growth hormone (HGH) production.

There are many considerations to remember when you exercise in a fasted state. This infographic on intermittent fasting provides a recommended schedule and eating to follow, as well as other fasting tips to use.

The nutrient in the news is turmeric, which is no surprise as there are so many research studies that show it has powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and antioxidant properties.

Feeling sluggish or out of sync? Struggling with skin problems, aches and pains, or digestive problems? Can't seem to lose weight? It might be time for a body detox.