Another interesting development has created division amongst scientists who study aging. Claims of genetic mechanisms have been identified by highly committed molecular biologists that manipulate and control the aging process. These scientists uncompromisingly believe that the biological clock can be stopped or turned back. Some highly committed molecular biologists claim that they have discovered genetic mechanisms that manipulate and control the aging process.

 

Here’s other breaking news

Thomas Rerls, director of the New England Centenarian study identified with his colleagues what he refers to as “genetic booster rockets”, a region of human chromosome 4, containing several hundred genes, which he believes will allow us to live to be ninety and beyond.

Year 2003 brought the discovery of a genotype found in near Centenarians and Centenaries that result in bigger lipoprotein particles or that transport cholesterol. This genotype also results in greater levels of HDL cholesterol, which is protective of the heart.

An evolutionary biologist Michael Rose stated that he tripled the life-span of fruit flies simply by preventing them from reproducing until they were more mature. He has identified a small number of genes that manipulates basic metabolism that he believes is responsible.

Studies dating back as early as the 1930’s revealed that when laboratory animals ate about 30% less calories then they normally would, but not malnourished, they significantly lived longer. In fact, mice often live 50% longer with this calorie reduction. And these aren’t idle additional years spent in a rocking chair; they are much more robust than their freely eating side kick; with a substantial delay of age-related diseases. These experiments have been replicated with rats and a wide variety of species. More recently studies of calorie restricted monkeys resulted in greater longevity and reduced their risk of heart disease cancer and other age related declines.

Similar life extension results on underfeeding humans, is not yet in, but there is a very high probability that the results will be similar. Studies are being published right now. But think about it, how many people could realistic deprive themselves this much of the one thing in life they love so much: FOOD! But what if I told you there may be another way to reap the same life extension benefits without depriving yourself so much. What if I told you the answer lies in the groundbreaking research conducted on a tiny worm no wider than a thread and only a millimeter long called a nematode? This tiny organism had the honor of being the first creature to have all its genes sequenced.

Under normal circumstances, this tiny creature only lives 20 days. But by manipulating different genes especially the gene named daf-2 that seems to be the master controller of numerous other genes associated with defense and metabolism, a structural biologist, Cynthia Kenyon has extended the life of this worm to 125 days and they remain vigorous right to the end. Kenyon even co-founded a pharmaceutical company with the goal of developing an anti-aging pill. When Dr. Weil asked if life extension was possible by altering a gene corresponding to Daf-2 in the nematode, she answered: “We might be able to, we don’t know; but it’s possible that we could change a human gene and double our life span.” I doubt that humans have special genes for longevity that the worms don’t have.

Researchers at Harvard are searching for compounds that mimic the master regulators. Since the gene named sir-2 (for silent information regulator), mirrors the outcome of calorie restriction, which is found in yeasts and an exact counterpart in humans. They analyzed a vast number of chemicals, searching for one that may activate sir-2, without food deprivation. They uncovered a promising anti-oxidant named Resverotrol that is naturally found in grape skins.You may remember resveratrol being mentioned in the news a few years back for its health properties as a substance found in red wine.

 

Here’s how it works

When grapes grow in a more stressful environment, they produce more resveratrol, cold weather, fungal infections and vines lacking nutrients all produce more resveratrol. Wines grown in colder climate states will produce more resveratrol than warmer climate states. Many other plants produce resveratrol in stressful conditions and this brings us to the next conclusion: There’s a very good chance that resveratrol activates protective properties much like when an animals’ food take is limited.

The bottom line: when yeast cells are given resveratrol, it dramatically increases their life span as if they were underfed. Weil believes it is “possible”; it would do the same for other species, including humans. If it does work with us, it would be the true essence of having your cake and eating it too. Some resveratrol enthusiasts have made the jump from, “possible” to associating the long lived people from the island of Sardinia to their high intake of red wine. There is even a stabilized, encapsulated form of resveratrol named Longevinex, where one (serving) supposedly offers protective health benefits equivalent to five to fifteen servings of red wine. Which takes Weil’s thoughts back to the Las Vegas exhibit hall where scientific evidence is stretched way beyond its boundaries.

Weil unquestionably recognizes that genes affect life span and he is intrigued by the life extension mechanisms that genes provide by lowering risks of age defining diseases by boosting our body’s defenses and slowing metabolism. He also believes that in the future these mechanisms may be manipulated. Futhermore, he believes that anti-aging pills of the future may be able to manipulate these mechanisms. But, he warns of the possible hazardous side effects.

 

The Anti-Inflammation Diet

What if I told you an exciting new hypothesis on age-related diseases exists. What if I told you inflammation is a common root cause of many chronic diseases including Asthma, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome and even cancer, to name a few. The word “inflammation” suggests “fire within” referring to redness, heat, swelling, and pain. The inflammatory process is under tight control opposing hormones including leukotriences and prostaglandins. Some heighten the inflammatory response and others lower it. Your aim is for normal inflammation reserved for your body’s healing process and avoiding excess inflammation leading to disease.

According to Dr. Weil, this is accomplished through diet, by choosing anti-inflammatory foods. The strongest dietary link to inflammation revolves around the type of fat in your diet. Your body manufactures leukotrienes and prostaglandins from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are essential nutrients, meaning your body can’t produce them, they must be supplied with food. Two groups of PUFAs are needed often with a healthy ratio which include omego-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids. Generally speaking, Omega-6 fatty acids promote inflammation and Omego-3’s reduce inflammation. A vast number of nutritional experts believe that many years ago, the ratio of Omego-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids was approximately equal in our diet, but has become more lopsided today with much more Omeg-6’s and much less Omega-3’s.

 

These changes occurred for the following reasons:

· A dramatic increase in refined vegetable oils

· Grain fed cattle instead of grass fed, which results in Omega-3’s in the fat of the animal

· People eating more meat and less fish

· Food produced with modern food technology

· Eating less green vegetables

Fast food is often full of Omego-6 fatty acids, but missing Omega 3’s

Grocery stores these days are all packed with cookies, crackers, candies and chips all loaded with Omega-6 fatty acids and lacking Omega-3’s.

With growing public concerns about mercury and other toxins in different fish, Weil believes we may see a decline in it’s consumption as a viable source for Omega-3’s.

If you’re looking for diets linked to longevity, The Mediterranean diet and the traditional Japanese diet fit the bill; both diets have a healthy ratio of Omego-6 to Omega 3’s, from vegetables, sea vegetables and fish as their main staple. They also avoid vegetable oils found in processed foods and don’t consume much meat. Here in America and Europe people don’t get enough Omego-3’s in their diet, which most likely explains the increase in diseases including heart disease, asthma, autoimmunity, neurodegenerative disease and several types of cancer.

 

In summary

· Your diet should consist of variety

· The more fresh food, the better

· Limit fast foods and processed foods

· Fruits and vegetables should be abundant in your diet

Now you have a realistic view on anti-aging and longevity. The rest is up to you. Armed with this new knowledge you can make positive changes today.