An Anti Aging Diet - eat less, live longer

October 6th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

A popular theory - “the anti-aging diet”  - holds that by eating fewer calories humans (and other creatures) are able to slow the aging process.

The research behind the anti aging diet dates back to 1934, when scientists named Clive McCay and Mary Crowell noticed that when laboratory rats were fed all the needed nutrients but the calories in their diets were drastically cut, the rats lived up to two times as long as the rats that were not on this specialized diet.  These results have proven consistent over all animals and insects tested so far with the exception of the house fly. 

Some of the other organisms tested thus far include fruit flies, spiders, mice, and drosophila.  Tests on primates are currently underway, but due to their long lifespan results do not yet exist.  Certain tests are also being conducted on human volunteers however, due to the long lifespan of our species, these test are sill underway.

The anti aging diet requires that the person on the diet restrict their diet on a large degree.  It’s not just cutting back on a meal here and there.  This brings up the possible danger of not getting the necessary nutrients a person needs to live in a healthy manner. 

One caveat to the anti aging diet is that the cause of why this may work is still unknown.  Theories on this subject have been mostly proven false. Certain studies have claimed that the benefits of calorie restriction only benefit the young, although other studies have contradicted this claim.  Generally speaking, the evidence to support or deny the claim that calorie restriction slows the aging process in humans is lacking.  Further studies must be completed before anyone can determine for certain the benefits and risk of this type of program.

There are alternatives for individuals not willing to change their entire lifestyle to institute a practice that is difficult and thus far, unproven. 

Simply eating healthier can at the very least make ones’ quality of life improve, and likely the length of ones’ life as well.  Eating a diet that is full of fruits, vegetables, red meat, fish, and chicken is one way to start.  Avoiding processed foods and certain fats has been shown to improve a persons’ overall health.  Whatever diet a person decides to pursue, exercise still remains an important element to staying healthy and living longer as well. 


Anti aging diet - is calorie restriction the secret?

September 27th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

Your diet may hold the secret to anti aging.

“Unlocking the key to longevity” reports:

Last week, Harvard University researchers announced a link between aging and two human genes that seem to play a role in the longevity of the cells that compose our bodies. Scientists said the discovery might help explain the health benefits of caloric restriction, which can extend the life of a number of organisms - including rats and primates - by up to 30 percent.

You may not want to restrict your diet too much, but a healthy diet is part of the secret of health, no matter what your age.


Anti Aging Clinics - look after yourself

September 27th, 2007    Subscribe To Our Feed

Anti aging clinics help you to look and feel your absolute best. Most clinics offer a range of services, and are often run by medical personnel.

An anti aging diet

Although we usually think of diet in terms of weight loss, your diet has an important part to play in an anti aging routine. Eating right is something that is important for a person’s overall health, regardless of their age. 

Many anti aging clinics recommend that the best foods to combat aging are the foods you find in nature.  This generally includes unprocessed fruits and vegetables as well as foods such as beans.  Processed foods such as bread and pasta are generally not recommended in large quantities. 

Build an exercise routine

Exercise, like good nutrition, is something that is recommended for all age groups and is helpful in maintaining overall health.  Anti aging clinics also recommend exercise to their patients, generally on a daily basis.  Even minor improvements in exercise habits have been shown to improve overall health in all age groups.  Many anti aging clinics will recommend an exercise program that includes both cardio exercise, such as walking, and strength training exercises, such as lifting weights.

Many of these clinics also recommend that their patients practice mental exercises as well.  An example of this can include crossword puzzles, numbers games such as Sudoku, and lively conversations.  Reading and classes can also keep ones’ mind alert and in-shape, so to speak.

Anti Aging Supplements

Many different types of supplements are recommended by anti aging clinics.  These supplements range from the very controversial human growth hormone (HGH) and DHEA to everyday multi-vitamin supplements, to almost everything in between. 

Other specific supplements may focus on specific things that may deteriorate or be perceived to deteriorate with aging such as memory or energy levels.  A person considering starting on any supplements should check with their doctor before starting as even medications touted as natural can have significant side effects.

Alternative and Surgical Methods

Many different types of alternative medicine are also offered by anti aging clinics to combat aging, the types and successes of these methods are varied and most are untested by the general scientific community.  These methods may include acupuncture, chelation therapy, and oxidative therapy. 

Surgical methods may include liposuction, mesotherapy, face lifts, botox injections, and a multitude of other various tucks and lifts.  Not all anti aging clinics offer surgical services.


Next Page »