Power Up Your Longevity Genes Without Starving

by Margaret Durst

Jenetics or genetics (this is a ‘j’ week) have lots to do with who we are and what our health is like, particularly as we age. We tend to put up with arthritis, high blood pressure, a little weight around the middle, etc. because we see them as symptoms of age as determined by our genes.

Scientists are discovering more and more about our genetic makeup – and more importantly, how to control it, or at least limit the worst aspects of it as it applies to our health. One interesting aspect that has come out of this research is the ‘longevity’ genes or sirtuin genes which decrease chances of heart disease, diabetes and other inflammatory processes.

These longevity genes are turned on and off by certain factors in our diet and environment. The favorable condition is to have these longevity genes turned on and active. Calorie restriction has long been understood to increase the chances of a long and healthy life, and now has also been found to turn on certain longevity genes.

The exciting part of this research has focused on how to turn these genes on without starving. This does not mean that you can take these supplements and eat anything you want to. The longevity genes are turned off by certain factors such as smoking and eating too many refined carbohydrates, so a healthy lifestyle is still recommended.

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February 13, 2010

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