Today’s Features

Do you remember a movement years ago that embraced calorie restriction to live longer and they all looked malnourished? I remember thinking, “if that’s what healthy looks like, I’ll pass.” Thank goodness we have a better alternative to share today that gives you the benefits without looking like the walking dead.

I hope you also appreciate the quote from George Bernard Shaw - shout out to Kay on that one!

Get the Anti-Aging Benefits of Calorie Restriction Without Starving Yourself

One of the most promising methods to slow aging is caloric restriction (CR), which involves reducing calorie intake without malnutrition. Here’s why CR is beneficial and how we can harness its power without drastically cutting calories.

Why Caloric Restriction Promotes Longevity

Caloric restriction has been shown to slow down aging for several reasons. It makes your body use energy more efficiently. Think of it as making your car engine run smoother and longer on less fuel.

CR also reduces oxidative stress. This means it helps decrease the production of harmful molecules that can damage cells, similar to how antioxidants work. 

Restricting calories  improves how your body handles insulin and glucose, which are crucial for energy and metabolism. Better insulin sensitivity means a lower risk of developing diseases like diabetes as you age.

In addition CR activates cellular repair processes (remember the senescent cells we covered last week?). It enhances autophagy, where cells clean out damaged components and recycle them, and supports the function of mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cells. 

CR lowers inflammation, a common factor in aging and many chronic diseases. 

And last but certainly not least, CR helps preserve immune function. As you age, your immune system tends to weaken, but CR can help maintain its strength, ensuring better defense against illnesses.

That is A LOT of benefits from restricting how much you eat. Hmm, I wonder why we all don’t just do it? Feeling hungry most of the time is a distraction and just not fun. The body adapts, but it is a hurdle to overcome. And fortunate for us, easier ways exist to get all of the great benefits of CR and not look like a walking skeleton.

The Benefits of Caloric Restriction Mimetics (CRMs)

CRMs mimic the effects of caloric restriction without the need to drastically cut calorie intake. They target key metabolic pathways involved in aging by stimulating autophagy, modulating nutrient-sensing pathways, activating sirtuins (proteins associated with longevity), and reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. CRMs may also reduce the risk of age-related diseases, offering potential protection against conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Currently Available CRMs:

• Resveratrol: Available as a supplement, found in red wine and grapes, it mimics some effects of CR.

• Metformin: Available for off-label use, it is a diabetes drug showing promise for anti-aging.

• Rapamycin: Available for off-label use, it is an immunosuppressant that inhibits mTOR.

• Spermidine: Available as a supplement, it is a polyamine found in various foods that supports cellular health.

• NAD+ Precursors: Available as supplements, these compounds boost cellular NAD+ levels.

• Hydroxycitric Acid: Available as a supplement, found in garcinia cambogia fruit, it shows potential CR-mimetic properties.

John and Mary have both personally used all but rapamycin and hydroxycitric acid on this list and noticed improved energy. And we definitely don’t restrict calories unless we’re fasting. If you need help finding any of them, please let us know.

Future of CRMs:

In the future, you can expect to see combination therapies that use multiple CRMs together for greater effectiveness, improved delivery methods to make CRMs more absorbable by the body, and personalized treatments tailored to your unique genetics and metabolism.

Incorporating CRMs into your lifestyle unlocks the powerful anti-aging benefits of caloric restriction, setting the stage for a vibrant, healthier, and longer life—without the rumbling of hunger pains distracting you.

Shaw’s quote reminds us that the most timeless people we know are full of joy. We are planning to help with that in upcoming issues. For now our goal this weekend is to laugh till our bellies hurt!

Be Timeless,

Mary and John

Publishers, AgeBetter.news