Calorie Restricted Diets and Genetic Aging
April 16th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed
In today’s incredibly advanced world it is really not hard to believe that studies and research is being done to determine how we can genetically stop aging. It is an interesting topic regardless of what point in the aging process you are currently at.
It is generally believed that the speed at which we age is predetermined depending on our genes. By the same token it is also believed that how we live determines how these genes express them selves and at what age this will occur. For instance an individual may be predisposed to diabetes because it does indeed have a hereditary factor however we also know that diet and exercise has a profound effect on whether this same individual will indeed have diabetes. This is the same for many diseases and also other aspects of aging including everything from wrinkles, mobility to heart health.
We may not be able to change the age at which our hair turns grey but we do have control over many other aspects which in the grand scheme of things are much more important. We all want to live longer but it is somewhat pointless if we do not also live better and healthier.
Science has begun to look at the effects of a low calorie restricted diet on health and longevity. It does need to be understood that this type of eating routine does not mean starvation; it is the restriction of calories to a point where you are consuming approximately 20% less than the body requires to maintain its weight and at the same time getting all of the daily required nutrients including vitamins and minerals.
This theory has been tested on rodents, insects, dogs and primates and has shown promising results. While the verdict is still out for the real impact this may have on humans, many believe the results will be similar. Increasing numbers of individuals who feel strongly about this topic have already embraced and implemented the restricted calorie lifestyle.
Short term studies have shown that aspects such as cholesterol levels, blood pressure, blood sugar and heart rate are all positively affected by calorie restricted diets but at the same time diet and exercise also has a profound effect as well. The real question is how will a calorie restricted diet change longevity.
Test animals on a calorie restricted diet have lived up to 20% longer than their counterparts on a normal diet. The mechanism that allows this to happen is not fully understood. It appears as though a switch is triggered that puts the body into survival mode, as well, less free radicals are produced and cells seems to be more resistant to outside stresses. All of these aspects seem to work together to ward off diseases and put the aging process on hold but the how is still being investigated.
Calorie restricted diets to increase our life spans and longevity is an interesting concept however in a society that is plagued with obesity and inactivity it would seem that this new trend will not catch on any time soon. We can all benefit by eating properly and exercising which for now is the sure fire method to increase the length of our lives as well as the quality of it.
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