Faster DNA aging, or accelerated epigenetic aging, is a higher biological age relative to an individual’s chronological age and indicates a higher risk for chronic health issues later in life, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Two new studies from the University of Alabama at Birmingham show that early puberty in teenagers is linked to faster DNA aging. What makes teenagers experience puberty at an early age, and how can parents help prevent early DNA aging?

Lead authors Marlon Goering, Ph.D., and Sylvie Mrug, Ph.D., from the Department of Psychology in the UAB College of Arts and Sciences, say two risk factors for early puberty parents can monitor are a teen’s diet and sleep habits. Goering says a diet that includes high levels of heavily processed, sugary and high-fat foods can lead to elevated levels of leptin, which contributes to earlier puberty. Insufficient physical activity and excessive body fat can also disrupt hormonal balance and accelerate puberty onset.

In addition to early puberty, exposure to environmental toxins, stress and unhealthy lifestyle can contribute to faster epigenetic aging.

“Adolescence is a critical time for developing healthy lifestyle habits and managing stress,” Goering said. “Helping teens avoid environmental toxins and adopt healthy lifestyle habits — such as eating a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise, maintaining good sleep hygiene and learning effective ways to manage stress — can slow epigenetic aging and set the foundation for a healthier adulthood.”

When cooking foods, he recommends being mindful of the dishes used as “some research also highlights the potential role of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which are found in plastics, certain cosmetics and food packaging.” Goering says these chemicals can interfere with hormonal systems and may contribute to earlier puberty.

“By providing a balanced diet, encouraging regular physical activity, prioritizing consistent sleep routines and reducing nighttime screen exposure, parents can help foster healthy habits at home that could stick with them in adulthood,” Goering said.

Another risk associated with early puberty and contributing to faster DNA aging is substance use. While it can be a difficult conversation, Goering suggests for parents to maintain open communication with their children about the dangers of substance use and provide clear expectations and consequences.

“Monitoring their activities, knowing their friends and creating a supportive environment where teens feel comfortable discussing challenges can help reduce the likelihood of substance use,” he said. “For early-maturing adolescents, it is especially important to ensure they receive the same level of guidance, structure and boundaries as their on-time or late-maturing peers.”

Parents can educate themselves and their child about healthy coping strategies for stress, as stress is a common trigger for substance use.

While there are many steps parents and caregivers can take to help delay early puberty and DNA aging in their teenagers, Goering assures the connection between early puberty and health risks is not deterministic.

“Many adolescents who mature early thrive with the right support. Parents, other trusted adults and supportive friends can play a transformative role in creating a nurturing environment that can help teens navigate challenges successfully.”

Source: https://www.uab.edu/news/news-you-can-use/early-puberty-and-faster-dna-aging-how-can-parents-help-delay-it-in-teenagers