Professor Valter Longo, director of the Longevity Institute at the University of Southern California (USC), returns to the LLAMA podcast to discuss his pioneering work and fascination with "youth-span." Over the past 30 years Prof. Longo has published ground-breaking research focussing on the role nutrients play in aging and age-related diseases, such as cancer and diabetes. During this time the age-old practice of fasting has emerged as one of the most powerful interventions to promote good health. A biogerontologist and cell biologist, the Italian scientist is the creator of the Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) and the Longevity Diet.  

Live Long and Master Aging (LLAMA) host Peter Bowes first met Dr. Longo at his laboratory in Los Angeles in 2012.  He later took part in a clinical trial, as a volunteer, when USC researchers explored, for the first time, the feasibility and safety of the FMD. Peter also accompanied Dr. Longo on a trip to Ecuador to learn more about a tiny community of people with the genetic disease, Laron syndrome. It results in stunted growth but also appears to protect those with the condition from the killer diseases of old age.

For this new interview, Peter returned to the USC School of Gerentology, in Los Angeles, to discuss with Dr. Longo, the milestones of the past decade and the future direction of longevity research.

Topics discussed include:

• Further understanding the implications of a growth hormone deficiency (Laron syndrome) that protects against diabetes, cancer, cognitive decline. New research address cardiovascular disease
• The connection between of growth hormones and pathways, and long life
• Dietary interventions that control the genes that control the aging process
• The Fasting Mimicking Diet and its implications for people undergoing chemotherapy
• What and when should people eat in between periodic cycles of the FMD?
• What are the optimum hours to practice Time Restricted Eating?
• Is it safe to skip breakfast? Does skipping breakfast affect lifespan?
• Which family of foods is best to promote longevity? 
• Why Dr. Longo says "don't do" keto diets

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The Live Long and Master Aging (LLAMA) podcast, a HealthSpan Media LLC production, shares ideas but does not offer medical advice.  If you have health concerns of any kind, or you are considering adopting a new diet or exercise regime, you should consult your doctor.