Caloric Reduction for Life Extension

[freag34]

Anyone have any theories on caloric reduction to prolong life? It seems like all of the research done on rats/etc... is fairly conclusive with life being extended by 30-50% after reducing calories, it also makes sense thinking about food intake as ticking your biological clock along.

Anyone have any theories for/against this? Bodybuilding is a funny sport with us packing in crazy food most of the time (ignoring the drugs too i suppose). Any numbers known on life-span of bodybuilders vs others - or I suppose the real bodybuilders won't start dropping off for a while, since it only blossomed as a sport in the 70s correct?

I'm not arguing that the fitness level / diet type of most lifters doesn't WAY exceed that of a normal couch potato - but just wondering what the case would be all other things being equal who would live longer (on average).

One example essay: http://www.aces.edu/dept/extcomm/health/july9c02.html

 

[vitor97]

Hmm

I read a great book on People in China, and similar asians countrys. The do have the longest life expectancys. They also have the lease incidents of cancer, heart problems, and diabiets. The belief as to why the live longer, healthier and are more active and sharp at old ages is their diet. Alot of fish, rice, tofu, and portion control. If you have ever been to someone who is asian and had a tradional dinner. Im talking someone who grew up there, not an americanized person. You will get a small bowl of rice, alittle soup, and some sort of meat or fish to go with your rice. You get about a big fist full of food, some tea and the meal is over. I have a friend at my gym he is about 80 years old he is asian, and he can do cardio, pull ups, and lift all sorts of weight. he isnt bodybuilding or anything, but he is lean, in great shape, and real sharp. I know my grandparents are about 85 and can barely get around, and are slowly getting to become not as sharp.

that would be my theory.

 

[anthrax]

yes, eating less wil make you live longer..

.... but what do you want:
livequite old with cocoo's look, or look good but a few years less ?

 

[Ceebs]

It's quite simple - fewer calories equals a slower metabolic rate. By-products of a slower metabolism would be reduced signs of aging and a greater life expectancy.

Like Anthrax said, however, it's about quality of life. I'd rather enjoy food - one of the indisputable great pleasures of life - and live a few years less, than make it to 102 years old and still be lugging around the calorie counter and food scale.

 

[Mr.X]

Anyone have any theories on caloric reduction to prolong life? It seems like all of the research done on rats/etc... is fairly conclusive with life being extended by 30-50% after reducing calories, it also makes sense thinking about food intake as ticking your biological clock along.

Anyone have any theories for/against this? Bodybuilding is a funny sport with us packing in crazy food most of the time (ignoring the drugs too i suppose). Any numbers known on life-span of bodybuilders vs others - or I suppose the real bodybuilders won't start dropping off for a while, since it only blossomed as a sport in the 70s correct?

I'm not arguing that the fitness level / diet type of most lifters doesn't WAY exceed that of a normal couch potato - but just wondering what the case would be all other things being equal who would live longer (on average).

One example essay: http://www.aces.edu/dept/extcomm/health/july9c02.html

As you pointed out, the studies are done on rats. Really, in America today the problem is NOT the calories but it is the type of food the average american consumes. I mean give me a break, when I hear that the average American eats 2 fast-food meals a day w/ other snacks and such, I amount that to at least 3000-4000 cal, consider the average person to be 150 lbs. the are about 2000 cal. over their BMR or, in other words, DOUBLE their caloric intake while sitting on their ass in the office.

The problem boils down to the overall food intake that will ultimately make that transition to a longer life span in your life. Either way, the heart is made to beat a sertain number of beats and no matter what you do: once is reaches that # of beats, you are dead.

Mr.X

 

[anthrax]

Re: Re: Caloric Reduction for Life Extension

Either way, the heart is made to beat a sertain number of beats and no matter what you do: once is reaches that # of beats, you are dead.

Mr.X

Life span is also said to be controled by telomere size