Dr. Lam Author of
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Calorie Restriction
Slows Aging in the Elderly
Michael Lam, MD, MPH
www.DrLam.com
 Elderly
mice on a very low-calorie diet for as little as four weeks reversed many of
the changes in the activity of various genes that had occurred during normal
aging, according to a new study published in the Proceedings of the
National Academy of Sciences (September 11, 2001 98:10630-10635)
The research study uses a new technology to pinpoint which genes are active
in mice at different ages, may help scientists to understand how calorie restriction
extends animals' lifespan and, eventually, to develop longevity therapies for
humans. Calorie restriction and longevity research in the past 60 years have
consistently shown it to the only treatment
that extend mammals' lifespan, although its effectiveness in people
is unproven is currently under study as well. There is no reason to expect that
the result would be different in humans.
In various animal studies, calorie restriction
has been shown to lower the incidence of cancer and delays the onset of other
age-related diseases.
Many theories have been advanced on the exact mechanism on how calorie restriction
works, and recently, researchers are able to examine how calorie restriction
diets affect the function of many of the approximately 30,000 genes present
in a mouse or a person.
In this study, some mice were fed a low-calorie diet -- providing just enough
food to prevent starvation -- from the time they were weaned, and others were
switched from a normal to a low-calorie diet for four weeks starting when they
were 34 months old. The researchers found 20 genes whose expression increased
with age. Also found were several genes associated with inflammation, a process
that in the liver can contribute to the development of cirrhosis or cancer.
Others genes were discovered to be involved in protecting and repairing cells
and in preventing cell suicide. In 14 of the 20 genes, long-term calorie
restriction completely or partially prevented the age-related changes.
The expression of 26 genes decreased with age. Some were responsible for putting
the brakes on cell growth and division, and an age-related reduction in their
activity could explain why mice of the strain studied often die of cancer. Others
affected genes were responsible for detoxifying foreign substances such as drugs.
Researchers found that prolong calorie restriction
reversed the age-related changes in 13 of the 26 affected genes by
70 percent. This is highly significant
because it shows that it is never too
late to start calorie restriction, even
among the elderly.
 Calorie
restriction is not the same as starvation. In a properly conducted
calorie restriction program, cells are maintained at optimum nutrition through
eating the right kinds of food without sacrificing nutrition. Starvation does
not lead to longevity, and this confusion must be dispelled.
The best way towards calorie restriction is to follow my
Anti-aging Food Pyramid or my 10 week
Anti-aging Protocol if you are near your target body weight. If you
are more than 10-15% above your ideal body weight, follow my 12 months Detox
Diet Protocol is best.
Related links:
Calorie Restriction
How much should you weight?
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About The Author
Michael Lam, M.D., M.P.H., A.B.A.A.M. is a specialist in Preventive and Anti-Aging Medicine. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University, and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine, California. He also holds a Masters of Public Health degree and is Board Certification in Anti-aging Medicine by the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. He has authored numerous articles and the following books: The Five Proven Secrets to Longevity, How to Stay Young and Live Longer, Estrogen Dominance - Hormonal Imbalance of the 21st Century, and Beating Cancer with Natural Medicine.
For More Information
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at www.DrLam.com. Feel free to email
Dr. Lam by clicking here if you have any questions.
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© 1999-2009 Michael
Lam, M.D. All Rights Reserved.
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