Following a calorie-restricted diet has been shown to slow the effects of aging on the muscles, brain and heart. New findings show that cutting calories may also reduce chronic disease by slowing age-related changes in the genes of the heart.

In a study using 14-month-old mice (middle-aged for mice), it was found that those fed a calorie-restricted diet experienced fewer heart genetic changes brought on by age-close to 20 percent less-than those fed a regular diet. Additionally, potentially harmful changes in the immune system as well as apoptosis, a form of cell death, were decreased.

The findings suggest that calorie-restriction, even if begun in middle-age, can slow aspects of the aging process. Researchers mention that in order to gain benefits, a 30 percent decrease in daily caloric intake would be sufficient, however one must be certain that they are getting enough of the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences October 2002;10.1073

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

As I said last year:

Anti-aging medicine has never been a major interest of mine. I have heard of calorie restriction as a potent way to slow down the aging process, but I never paid much attention to this type of research.

However, last July I had the privilege of attending a lecture by Dr. Ron Rosedale at Designs for Health Institute's BoulderFest Seminar. Dr. Rosedale helped me understand the importance of grain restriction five years ago and at this seminar he opened my eyes once again.

He is convinced that most disease is an artifact of the RATE at which we age. There appear to be two potent influences on this aging rate. One is the amount of food one eats (as mentioned above) and the other is one's insulin level.

A low grain, no sugar eating plan is one of the most effective ways to lower one's insulin level. This is especially effective when combined with an aerobic-type cardiovascular exercise program. Ideally, one should increase his/her heart rate to about 75 percent of its maximum rate and maintain the rate for 45 minutes, five times a week.

I have been monitoring my patients' insulin levels for the past few months and am now convinced that exercise is a potent method to reduce one's insulin levels.

The other major perspective shift I learned from Dr. Rosedale is that it is likely very healthy to fast occasionally.

What is the take-home practical benefit from this?

Well, how many of us have been faced with trying to follow the eating plan at a party or restaurant where there are just no good food options available?

Guess what the other option is?

Don't eat anything. You can reframe this very positively as, I mentioned previously, occasional fasting is a healthy practice for most people. So you can tell yourself that making this choice will actually improve your health and allow you to live longer.

I have actually applied this a number of times very successfully when I have been traveling and there are no healthy breakfast options. Alternatively you could use Whey Healthier, a high quality protein drink in a very convenient format that I recommend highly and regularly use.

Lowering your insulin levels may be the fountain of youth. Consuming sugar and grains will increase your insulin level, and that is the equivalent of slamming your foot on the aging accelerator. There is simply no more-potent way to accelerate aging than eating sugar and grains.

Related Articles:

Less Calories Key to Keeping Muscle Tone as We Age

Cutting Calories Can Increase Your Lifespan

Low-Calorie Diet Slows Aging

Caloric Restriction: The Anti-Aging Diet?

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