Carbohydrate Restriction for Delaying the Aging Process

In a growing aging population, increasing life expectancy is becoming a secondary concern to mitigating age-related disease and the associated repercussions. Improving health outcomes for rising older population is necessary to decrease the socio-economic burden of age-related disease, while promoting overall population health. Although the human lifespan has greatly expanded over the past century, good health and its maintenance remain topics of importance. Recently, dietary solutions to quelling the aging process have surged in popularity, with intermittent fasting, calorie restriction, and other diet plans spearheading the movement.

Although they have the potential to increase lifespan and delay age-related disease, low-calorie diets and long periods of time without sustenance are not suitable for everyone – especially older individuals. While low carbohydrate and calorie restrictive diets are similar – both reduce serum insulin levels, increase ketone production, and target the same signaling pathways – the former may prove a safe and more efficacious option. Further research is needed to compare the benefits of both diets and their effects on inflammation, cachexia, and aging. However, the current understanding of aging as the main contributor to metabolic decline and diseases such as CVD, type 2 diabetes, and stroke, underscores the importance of slowing down age-related metabolic changes to decrease health risk factors and increase longevity.

Recent research is suggestive of the benefits of carbohydrate restriction, which may be more efficacious at preserving muscle mass, decreasing inflammatory markers, and increasing longevity in older individuals at risk of cachexia. A scientific study led by Dr. Saad Sami Ai Sogair examines how a diet low in carbohydrates yet adequate in fats and proteins can help reverse aging processes and metabolic changes. Published in the Journal of the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine, his findings reveal that a low carbohydrate diet has the potential to decrease inflammatory markers, enhance insulin sensitivity, and trigger mitochondrial biogenesis, among many other beneficial mechanisms that support the aging body.

Effects of a Low Carbohydrate Diet on Metabolic Changes 

Inflammation

Aging is associated with increased pro-inflammatory cytokine production which often leads to chronic inflammation and subsequent insulin resistance. Diets that are high in fat content and low in carbohydrates have been shown to decrease inflammation by inhibiting inflammatory mediators; they can suppress the expression of inflammatory cytokines by restricting NLRP3 inflammasome activity. Reduced inflammation has a positive correlation with extended longevity as well as a decreased risk for cardiometabolic disease.

Insulin Resistance

The development of insulin resistance is associated with increases in pro-inflammatory cytokines and chronic inflammation. High glucose diets have been linked to reduced lifespans in animal and human studies, revealing decreases in sirtuin expression. Improvements in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity have been observed in previous studies with low carbohydrate diets leading to better weight and glycemic control.

Body Composition Changes

Increased fat accumulation can occur between the ages of 30 and 70, as subcutaneous fat levels decrease and visceral fat increases due to insulin resistance. Visceral fat in the abdominal region is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other cardiometabolic conditions. Following a carbohydrate restrictive diet may encourage weight loss, while maintaining muscle mass in those at risk of sarcopenia, as well as increase anabolic hormones while controlling appetite.

Mitochondrial Decline

With age, there is a progressive loss of mitochondrial function, including in the skeletal muscle cells. Decreases in mitochondrial oxidative capacity and ATP synthesis can contribute to insulin resistance and are a significant risk factor for the development of age-related diseases. A diet that is low in carbohydrates and adequate in fat and proteins may improve mitochondrial function, decreasing oxidative stress, and stimulating ATP production through increased uncoupling protein activity.

Hormonal Imbalance

Age-related declines in hormone production may lead to increased risk for cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and stroke. Studies have found that a low carbohydrate diet may prompt improvements in serum factors, decreasing metabolic mediators, such as insulin, leptin, glucose, and triglycerides. Additionally, such diets can promote weight loss despite not focusing on caloric intake. As such, following a low carbohydrate diet has the potential to mitigate the effects of declining hormonal levels and slow down metabolic changes related to aging.

As Dr. Sogair reveals in his research, the outcomes of various studies demonstrate the promising potential of a low carbohydrate diet – rather than just a decreased caloric intake – to improve metabolic changes associated with aging, increasing longevity while delaying the aging process. Further research in the field will aim to identify the metabolic pathways involved in carbohydrate restriction and subsequent metabolic changes to provide more clinical evidence for the low carbohydrate diet. In the meantime, the risk-to-benefit ratio needs to be assessed for middle-aged individuals following a calorie restrictive diet as new research indicates a carbohydrate restrictive diet may assist them to better adapt to age-related disease and metabolic changes.

BY: ZUZANNA WALTER

* This article is a repost which originally appeared on A4M.com.

Health And Wellness In My Experience

This article is written by Dr. Terry Grossman. To learn how Dr. Grossman helps patients live a healthier and longer life, go to the Grossman Wellness Center.

If you want to live a long time in excellent health, it doesn’t hurt to have good genes. I feel quite fortunate in that at least one of my grandparents, my mother’s father enjoyed remarkably good health until, at almost 105, he died of a stroke suddenly during lunch. He was hospitalized only briefly twice in his life, for pneumonia at age 96 and appendicitis at 97. Most of his brothers and sisters lived well into their 90s. Knowing that I have at least some of his genes is a comfort to me, because I know that I also have a number of potentially harmful genes as well. For instance, his wife, my maternal grandmother, died of colon cancer at 57 years old, and I have quite a few of her genes too.

I have performed complete genome sequencing (all 22,000 genes!) on myself, and this information has played an important role in the fine-tuning of my health-maintenance program. After I recovered from the initial depression of finding out about some of my “bad genes” (perhaps feeling a bit like Neo after he took the red pill in the initial Matrix film and had my eyes opened to “the real world”), I became even more motivated to follow the principles outlined in my latest book, Transcend: Nine Steps to Living Well Forever.

Statistically, I might expect to live another 12 to 25 years. The figure of 12 years is based on actuarial tables from the Social Security Administration, the 25 year figure is based on questionnaires (“How Long Will You Live?”) that ask specific questions about my lifestyle. But this projected life span doesn’t take into account the accelerating progression of scientific discoveries, while actuarial tables of today are based on the past.

In my actuarially projected life span of 12 years, many therapies should be enormously beneficial to me. Sophisticated scanning devices and new tests are now able to both detect and destroy any cancer cells in my body before they have a chance to get out of control. If my heart begins to fail me, as it almost undoubtedly will eventually if I live long enough, I expect to be able to receive new heart tissue cloned from my own stem cells. I had a sample of my stem cells collected and placed in cryonic (frozen) storage back in 2013, so that I would have the most youthful cells available for this contingency. Other options include a heart transplant from a transgenic animal (an animal that has had human genes inserted) or even a shiny new bionic heart.

Now, I would like to share with you some specifics on what I am doing to increase my chances of living a longer, healthier life. Please click on the sections below to expand the specifics:

At 6 feet tall, I weigh 164 pounds. My body composition is 14 percent fat, within the acceptable range for men of 12 to 20 percent. I find strict caloric restriction difficult and even though I do not have diabetes, I take metformin, the most commonly prescribed drug for type II diabetes. Metformin has been shown to reduce cancer risk and has some caloric restriction properties. Metformin is a key component of our Program for Optional Wellness (POW)™.

I have been a vegan since 2015 and have lost over 15 pounds since adopting this diet. I enjoy ethnic cuisines and find that vegan options are widely available when I eat out. I have several cups of green tea and coffee (both have antioxidant benefits) throughout the morning and try for 8 -10 glasses of alkalinized, ionized water per day.

My typical lunch consists of vegetable soup and a salad, a veggie burrito, steamed or stir fry vegetables, sometimes tofu or tempeh, a small amount of brown rice, and green tea. For supper, I have a wide variety of vegan options including veggie burgers, whole grain pastas or grains with vegetables and very often a salad. When I have a desire for something sweet, I eat some wild organic blueberries or organic fruit.

While I travel and eat out frequently, I have found a wide variety of restaurants to be very accommodating to my dietary program. Meals consisting of vegan options are easy to find. I never eat at conventional fast-food restaurants.

I have undergone a full panel of genomics tests and have taken measures to tailor my diet and supplement program to counter and minimize the risks presented by my specific genetic makeup. For example, high blood pressure is very common in my family. My genomic testing revealed I possess copies of specific ACE, AGT, and AT1R polymorphisms, which predispose me to high blood pressure. Therefore, I am careful to limit my sodium consumption, try to exercise regularly, and keep my weight at an optimal level.

INFLAMATION & METHYLATION

I have tested my hs-CRP (the screening test for silent inflammation in the body). I am proud to report that it is 0.02, the lowest level I have seen in any patient I have ever tested. I attribute this low level of inflammation (which many physicians feel is the common denominator in most chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer) to my low-fat, plant-based vegan diet. My homocysteine level tested at 12.6, within the normal range, but well above our POW program optimal range of 7.5 or less. I do carry a common MTHFR mutation, which predisposes me to abnormal methylation and elevated homocysteine levels. Therefore, I take folic acid, B6, and TMG orally along with bi-weekly vitamin B12 injections to optimize methylation and reduce homocysteine levels in my body. Vegans, by the way, often have elevated homocysteine levels because B12 is only found in animal products.

DETOXIFICATION

My detoxification testing offered a bright spot among some of my other somewhat sobering genomics results. My detoxification capacities are well above average for survival in our increasingly polluted world. Even so, I try to limit my exposure to environmental toxins as much as I can. I eat organic food whenever possible. I drink double-filtered, alkalinized water at home. I have had my mercury-containing dental fillings removed. I have a Far Infrared (FIR) Sauna, in my home, which I use to promote the elimination of environmental toxins through sweat. I have many houseplants throughout my home to filter my indoor air. I try to limit my cell-phone use and my exposure to electromagnetic radiation. I undergo intravenous chelation therapy on a regular basis to assist in toxic heavy metal removal (lead, cadmium, aluminum, mercury, etc.) This consists of an intravenous amino acid, EDTA, along with vitamins and some minerals.  Our clinic performs chelation therapy on patients thousands of times a year and we recently participated in the federally sponsored TACT study (Trial to Assess Chelation Therapy). This was a $30 million randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, which showed that chelation therapy provided a statistically significant benefit in the treatment and prevention of heart disease.

CORONARY HEART DISEASE AND CANCER

I have had a total-body ultrafast CT scan, including a cardiac (coronary artery calcium) scan, and perform periodic blood screening. I get a treadmill test and undergo screening colonoscopies on a regular basis. Rather than being content with an “acceptable” cholesterol level, in addition to my low-fat vegan diet, I use a low dose of statins to achieve an optimal level (total cholesterol < 140 and HDL <57). This is exactly what we offer to our Program for Optimal Wellness (POW)TM patients, and is consistent with our basic philosophy that “Good is not good enough!” I seek optimal levels for myself and my patients. This applies to cholesterol levels, blood sugar, blood pressure, body fat, and all the parameters associated with optimal health. I feel this use is among many other benefits of low-dose statin therapy, another key component of our Program for Optional Wellness (POW)TM.

Because cancer is easily treated when detected early, and can often prove fatal at more advanced stages, our clinic offers Oncoblot testing. This novel test can detect minuscule numbers of circulating cancer cells in the bloodstream, and can reveal the presents of tumors the size of a pinhead.  Being able to detect the presence of cancer cells at a very early stage allows for treatment at a time when curative action is extremely likely.

HORMONES

I check my hormone levels regularly, but don’t find that I yet need hormonal supplementation. I take DIM (di-indole-methane) and a low dose of anastrazole to reduce conversion of testosterone into estrogen, as well as a saw-palmetto complex for prostate health and to reduce excess formation of DHT (dihydrotestosterone).

BRAIN

I try to engage myself in both intellectually challenging left-brain as well as artistic right-brain activities. I find that writing provides an excellent outlet for both. I take a few “smart nutrients” to enhance memory, including vinpocetine, and huperzine-A.

SUPPLEMENTATION

I take supplements to treat what I have identified as my specific health risks. Essential nutrients. I take a multiple vitamin/mineral/antioxidant formulation. To provide for essential fatty acids, I take a fish-oil EPA/DHA formula (omega-3).

Super-nutrients. For their powerful antioxidant properties and other benefits, I take coenzyme Q10 in the form of ubiquinol, and a fruit extract which contains grapeseed extract, and resveratrol. To maintain mental clarity and protect brain function, I take the “smart nutrients” listed above. Specific supplements. To help control stress and aid with sleep, I take GABA and melatonin before bed. My program is not particularly onerous or expensive and I find it very simple to take a few handfuls of pills each day to ensure that my cells are bathed in these powerful nutrients at all times. EXERCISE I try to engage in vigorous interval training and aerobic exercise a few times a week.  I enjoy outdoor activities such as cross-country skiing in winter and in-line skating and bicycling in summer. I engage in weight training in my home gym twice a week.

STRESS

Like most of my patients, I often suffer feelings of excessive stress. I have a number of close friends and try to maintain strong relationships with family, which I feel is a very important aspect of my stress-reduction program. I try to get regular massages to assist with both lymphatic detoxification as well as stress reduction. I also use an alpha-wave stimulator to increase calming alpha waves in my brain.

THE FUTURE

I entered the official ranks of “senior citizen” when I became eligible for Medicare back in 2012. As I watch many people my age trying to figure out ways to use the time they have “on their hands” now that they are retired, a bigger problem for me is trying to maintain balance in my life by not working on too many projects at once. I still have many goals that I want to accomplish, so I try to incorporate the advice in my books into my daily life. I feel that as a physician and health educator, I must walk the walk as well as talk the talk. By eating well, exercising regularly, controlling stress, and following the Longevity Programs I recommend to my patients rather strictly, I feel great almost all of the time. And although we can never be absolutely certain of the future, I am confident that my lifestyle choices will maximize my prospects of living long enough to take full advantage of the radical life-extending therapies that lie just ahead.

This article is written by Dr Terry Grossman. To learn how Dr Grossman helps patients live a healthier and longer life, go to the Grossman Wellness Center.

Smelly Penis Ruining Your Sex Life? Here’s How You Can Prevent It

Smelly Penis Ruining Your Sex Life? Here’s How You Can Prevent It

* This article is a repost which originally appeared on LatestLY

Just imagine how embarrassing would it be if your girlfriend complained about your penis being smelly! A smelly penis reflects badly on you, because it clearly hints that you have no sense of genital hygiene. It’s not an uncommon phenomenon when a penis gives out a foul odour and if it does, then there are chances you could also be having smegma buildup. Smegma is a mixture of oils and skin cells around the penis, especially under the foreskin. If you are uncircumcised, the buildup is more. Too much smegma, if you don’t shower enough or wash your penis regularly, can create smelly white chunks that can breed bacteria. Yuck!

This isn’t a hazardous condition but that doesn’t mean you don’t treat it. A smelly penis can have adverse effects on your sex life. Among the many sex queries on the internet today, the one about a foul-smelling penis is most common. So, how do you tackle it? What are the causes of it and how can you prevent it from occurring again? We help you out.

The Causes and Symptoms of a Smelly Penis

Apart from smegma, there are quite a few other reasons that could possibly be the cause of a bad-smelling penis. STDs like gonorrhoea, chlamydia, balanitis, yeast infection and UTI (Urinary Tract Infections) can be the cause for it too. The accompanying symptoms range from itchiness, redness, swelling, irritation to a burning sensation while peeing. Cloudy or pink urine, enlarged prostate and a frequent need to pee even if you don’t pass much urine are also some of the symptoms to look out for.

What Can You Do For Prevention?

1. Using a condom while having sex is a must. Unprotected sex not only paves way for unwanted pregnancy but also unwanted STIs.

2. Don’t forget to wash your penis thoroughly after having sex.

3. To get rid of a smelly penis, it’s important you practice hygienic habits. Cleaning and washing your genitals every day is the simplest and easiest way to avoid a smelly penis.

4. Don’t wear underwear without patting it dry. After cleaning it, make sure you pat dry under the foreskin and penis.

5. Avoid wearing underwear that’s too tight.

6. Trim your pubic hair regularly.

Bad smelling penis has implications beyond your sex life. If you don’t get to a doctor on time or practise better hygiene, your health may take a turn for the worse.