How Long Can Humans Live?

The crossroads of food, science, and longevity are pushing the forefront of current thinking.  The science of Epigenetics and Nutrigenomics deals with how what we put in our bodies impacts our DNA, the chance of disease and the likelihood of living a long life.

This week's podcast dives into the flavors around the art and science of food as medicine.

Let me know what you think after listening.  I’ve posted the show notes/ outline below for further contemplation.

Show Notes:

Intermittent Fasting

Nutrient dense

Vital and essential nutritional cofactors

 

The 120 year diet

 

Not new – 80yrs + of data

Dr. Walford – 1950s pioneer of concept

Under-nutrition without malnutrition

Restrict calories to 40% of 2,000 cal diet

Our daily intake has ballooned along with waistline

Vitamins

Minerals

Phytonutrients

**Notice I didn’t say anything about eating a cow sandwhich

 

Experiements showing benefit of up to 70% reduction in calorie intake

 

 

Beneficial Mechanisms of Caloric Restriction

 

CV effects

Decrease HR, BP, LDL & triglycerides

Improved insulin sensitivity – normalization of glucose levels

Increase protein synthesis

elimination of abnormal proteins

Enhanced actions of chaperone molecules

Synthesis & maintenance of essentialproteins

Modulation of apoptosis (orderly cell death)

Improvement in repair & maintenance of DNA integrity

Benefits transcription

Reduce oxidative stress

Qualitative and quantitative decrease in free radicals

Decrease body temperature

Reduction in body fat mass

Decrease visceral fat mass

Increase muscle mass

Beneficial effects on age related decreases in hormone secretion

DHEA

Growth hormone

Improved brain function

Memory

Cognition

Mood

Enhanced engagement in physical activity

Growth factor stimulation

Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)

Weight loss

 

 

Calorie Restriction Mimetics

Metformin

Resveratrol

Carnosine

Avocado

Gymnema

2-deoxyglucose

Aminoguanidine

Hydroxycitrate

Adiponectin

Thiazolidinodiones

Iodoacetate

Modulators of NPY

Exandin

PYY3-36

Leptin

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Cinnamon

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Mixed Antioxidants

Oxaloacetate (not approved for supplement use)

 

 

Positive lifestyle change and multiple interventions promote longevity in a synergistic manner.