Why calorie-restricted diets could be a bad idea – Irish Times
The nearest animal-relative to humans studied on increasing lifespan is the monkey. Two US research teams have now reported that calorie-restricted monkeys are living longer than controls
I assume that most people, if offered an easy formula to lengthen their lifespan while retaining good health, would grab the opportunity with both hands. A formula is now potentially available to lengthen human lifespan in the form of a calorie-restricted diet, although this is not yet proven.
The calorie-restricted diet is also difficult to tolerate. However, the good news is that significant health benefits can be realised by adopting more moderate diets and healthy habits.
In 1935, CM Crowell, MP McCay and LA Maynard reported (Journal of Nutrition, Vol 10) that reducing the calorie intake of rats, in a diet otherwise adequate in vitamins and minerals, nearly doubled their lifespan.
It was later shown that a calorie-restricted diet beginning in early adulthood not only increased rats lifespans but also reduced the incidence of spontaneous cancers arising by more than 50 per cent.
We now know that calorie-restricted diets lengthen the lifespan of a wide variety of organisms, including yeast, worms, flies, rodents, fish and primates.
The body needs energy to carry out its various activities and it derives this energy from food. The energy is measured in units called calories. In a healthy balanced diet a man needs about 2,500 kilocalories (kcal) a day and a woman about 2,000 kcal to maintain body weight. A calorie-restricted diet typically limits daily calories to 1,800kcal (men) and 1,500kcal (women).
Ingested food is burned in the body to release the energy required to do essential work. This food-burning process generates a class of chemicals called reactive oxygen species that can damage the cell.
You can visualise reactive oxygen species as maniacal scissors that, unless neutralised, fly about randomly snipping and damaging cell structures. A class of chemical in the cell called antioxidants can neutralise reactive oxygen species, but do so less effectively when levels of these chemicals are high oxidative stress.
Biochemical studies (eg Huiru Tang and others, Journal of Proteome Research, 2016) have shown that low calorie diets reduce oxygen stress and disturbance of energy metabolism. However much of the biochemistry that underpins the effects of calorie-restricted diets has yet to be discovered.
Because calorie-restricted diets lengthen the lifespan of such a wide range of organisms, it is reasonably anticipated that they will also lengthen human lifespan, but science has yet to determine this.
The nearest animal-relative to humans studied in this regard is the monkey. Macaque monkeys live about 26 years in captivity. Two trials began in the US in the 1980s but not all the monkeys have died yet. Both research teams have now reported that calorie-restricted monkeys are living longer than controls.
Calorie-restricted males are living two years and females living six years longer on average than controls, as well as having lower rates of cancer and heart disease (Julie Mattison and others, Nature Communications, published online, January 17th). The longevity improvements in the calorie-restricted monkeys are very modest compared to the effects seen in mice.
The monkey results extrapolate to a calorie-restricted diet induced human lifespan lengthening of about nine years.
Caloric restriction delays ageing of model organisms, but whether it works in nonhuman primates has been controversial.
Here, the authors pool and reanalyse data from two long-running primate studies, concluding that moderate caloric restriction indeed improves health and survival of rhesus monkeys.
A few thousand people worldwide are now on calorie-restricted diets, hoping for longer and healthier lives. However there are difficulties associated with this diet. It must be carefully formulated to ensure it is nutritionally adequate in all respects, apart from energy calories.
Unpleasant side effects are not uncommon feeling hungry and cold, reduced libido, low energy, reduced inclination to exercise and more. One wonders why anyone would want an extra nine years of that.
I strongly advise against going on a calorie-restricted diet given current limited knowledge of its effects in humans, but, if you are determined to go ahead, it is essential that you first consult your GP, who will refer you to a specialist in nutrition for expert advice on formulating the diet.
My advice on diet/lifestyle is eat a wide variety of whole foods in moderation, mostly plants, and take plenty of aerobic exercise and light resistance exercise (weights). This lifestyle has no unpleasant side effects, is relatively easily sustained and there is extensive evidence that it is good for your health.
William Revile is an emeritus professor of biochemistry at UCC, http://understandingscience.ucc.ie
Read the original post:
Why calorie-restricted diets could be a bad idea - Irish Times
- The Food Detective Instructional Video [Last Updated On: May 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: May 6th, 2011]
- Cellulite Exercise with 20 day Instant result [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2011]
- How to Treat Pills Effectively- Best Natural Home Remedies for Piles [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2011]
- Best Foods For Weight Loss [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2011]
- Creatine On Trial - How To Use Creatine Effectively (maybe) [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2011]
- Effectively Treat IBS Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Naturopathic Medicine - Dr. Trebilcock, ND [Last Updated On: September 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2011]
- Low Carbs Diet - Carbohydrates diet explained [Last Updated On: September 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2011]
- How to Get Rid of Spider Veins Naturally [Last Updated On: September 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 10th, 2011]
- SUPER Gorgeous Fat Woman [Last Updated On: September 11th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 11th, 2011]
- Healthy Foods That Any Succesful Diet Plan Should Include [Last Updated On: September 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 13th, 2011]
- Invitation to Dr. Will Tuttle's World Peace Diet Mastery Program [Last Updated On: September 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 13th, 2011]
- Fat Woman Very selfconfident [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2011]
- How to lose body fat effectively [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2011]
- Low Carb Meal Plans For Weight Loss [Last Updated On: September 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 15th, 2011]
- How To Lose 10 Pounds Fast [Last Updated On: September 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 17th, 2011]
- Kidney Diet - The Best Diet for Kidney Disease Sufferers? [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Plans [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Solutions [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Meal Plan [Last Updated On: September 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 21st, 2011]
- A Fast Way To Lose Weight [Last Updated On: September 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 21st, 2011]
- Weight Loss Program [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2011]
- Weight Loss System [Last Updated On: September 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 25th, 2011]
- 3. The Last Diet You'll Ever Need [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2011]
- Effectively Treat Psoriasis [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2011]
- A Low Glycemic Diet [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2011]
- Effectively Treat Asthma with Naturopathic Medicine - Dr. Shannon Sinsheimer, ND [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2011]
- Banana Diet [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2011]
- HCG Diet - How do you take HCG drops [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2011]
- Dr Amanda's 'The Don't Go Hungry Diet' [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2011]
- Menopause and Raw Foods Diet [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2011]
- How to be healthy and lose weight Effectively [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- 7 Day Cabbage Soup Diet Plan [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Dr Amanda explains 'The Don't Go Hungry Diet' [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Diabetic Diet - 5 Ways To Lower Your Blood Sugar Level [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- The Power of Plant Foods in Anti-Aging and Lifestyle Medicine [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Eating Healthy Foods to Lose Weight Effectively [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Waist Training 2: diet, exercise, fashion [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Healthyliving Carb Confusion [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Fat Belly Diet [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- THREE KEYS TO FAT BURNING: Hormone Triggers [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Race For Glory!: Post-Workout Meal and Diet Update! [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Programs [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- How To Lose Weight Fast and Effectively [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Diet Specialist - Issam Ghannam [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- The Diet Solution Program Ebook Guide Overview [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Diet Specialist - Dr Issam Ghannam [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Bulking - How to Add Muscle to Your Frame Effectively [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Dr. Marc K. Weinberg, DC - Free Fat Burning Seminar [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Workouts for Physical Conditions : How to Exercise on a Low-Carb Diet [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Best Way To Lose Weight Fast [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Who Else Wants to Lose Excess Weight Effectively [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- How Protein Helps You Lose Weight [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2011]
- Effectively Treat Anxiety Disorder with Naturopathic Medicine - Dr. Tamara Trebilcock, ND [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2011]
- Fat Loss Diets - How To Lose Belly Fat Now - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- Healthy Eating or Junk Food - What is a Good Diet? - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- The Empowered Nutrition Meal Plan Story with Vince DelMonte and Patrick McGuire - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- Effectively Treat The Flu Influenza With Natural Medicine - Dr. Patti Kim, ND - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2011]
- Diverticulitis Diet: Here's What Works! - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2011]
- How To Lose Baby Weight - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- HCG Diet is the Proven System to Lose Weight Effectively - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- African Mango Diet-Buy African Mango-Pure African Mango - Video [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2011]
- How to Treat Rosacea Naturally and Effectively? Boris Malayev - Video [Last Updated On: October 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 18th, 2011]
- Smoothie Diet Time Now The Juice Fast Is Over? - Video [Last Updated On: October 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 19th, 2011]
- Colon Cleansing and Liver Detox Diets Part 1 - Video [Last Updated On: October 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 19th, 2011]
- How to Lose Weight Fast - The truth about Fat Burning Foods and Weight Loss Programs - Video [Last Updated On: October 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 19th, 2011]
- Danger of diet partches - Video [Last Updated On: October 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 19th, 2011]
- Weight Loss Exercises - Video [Last Updated On: October 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 20th, 2011]
- The best diet to follow is NO diet at all " Easy .." - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2011]
- Best Kept [ Diet] Secret. Part 5. Its all up to you - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2011]
- Effectively Treat High Cholesterol with Natural Medicine - Dr. Angela Agrios, ND - Video [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2011]
- How To Lower Your Cholesterol Naturally [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2011]
- Effectively Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis with Natural Medicine by Dr. Angela Agrios, ND - Video [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2011]
- Blood Type Diet Gets My Thumbs Up As It Balances Me - Video [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2011]
- Foods for Health: Eating for Heart Health - Video [Last Updated On: October 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 26th, 2011]
- 3/10/08: Safe and Effective Detox Part I - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- FASTEST WEIGHT LOSS DIET - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- Raw Sangha #57 - Black American Diet - A Raw Food Revolution Coming Soon! - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- Easy-as Ways To Lose Weight Fast - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- Diet tips101 - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- Foods To Gain Weight Pre- And Post-Workout - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]