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Writer's pictureAmanda Landeros

Does Your Body Really ‘Reset’ Every 7 Years? Here’s the Deal on Cell Regeneration




Introduction


You’ve probably heard the myth: “Every 7 years, your body completely renews itself.” Sounds cool, right? But unfortunately, it’s not true. While some cells in your body regenerate regularly, not everything resets on a neat 7-year cycle.


The Truth About Cell Regeneration


Some cells regenerate quickly, while others stick with you for the long haul. Here’s how it really works:


  • Skin cells: Your skin is constantly shedding and renewing itself, with new cells forming every 2-4 weeks.

  • Red blood cells: These are replaced roughly every 120 days as they carry oxygen through your body.

  • Stomach lining cells: Since they face stomach acid daily, these cells regenerate every 2-9 days.

  • Bone cells: Your bones are a bit slower, with regeneration taking about 10 years.

  • Heart and brain cells: Some of these cells last a lifetime, with very few replacements happening over the years.


What Does This Mean?


While your body constantly renews itself, the idea of a “7-year reset” is just a myth. Your cells don’t all regenerate at once, and some last for many years. The good news? You are getting fresh skin, fresh blood, and other new cells regularly. It just doesn’t work on a set timer.


Conclusion


So, while it’s true that your body is constantly renewing itself, the idea of a full “reset” every 7 years doesn’t hold up. Your cells are working on their own timeline, some changing rapidly and others sticking with you for the long run. The takeaway? Your body is always in motion, but not on a predictable 7-year cycle.


Resources



https://www.discovery.com/science/Body-Really-Replace-Itself-Every-7-Years Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board


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