Calorie reduction lowers protein linked to the aging process

Medical Xpress / Yale University / Immunity ^ | August 15, 2022 | Seungjin Ryu et al

[ConservativeMind]

Reduced calorie intake has been shown to improve health and lifespan in laboratory animals, and recent research shows these benefits may extend to humans as well.

Researchers show that moderate calorie restriction in people reduces the production of a protein called SPARC, which then reins in harmful inflammation and improves health in the aged.

The study, led by Vishwa Deep Dixit, follows a study published earlier this year that identified key health benefits of moderate calorie reduction in humans.

Dixit further analyzed data from a clinical trial funded by the NIH. In the trial, known as Comprehensive Assessment of Long-term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy (CALERIE), some participants reduced their calorie intake by 14% for two years, while others ate as usual; researchers then tracked the long-term health effects.

Looking for genetic changes in participants' fat tissue after one and two years, they found that those who consumed fewer calories had reduced amounts of a protein called SPARC—or secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine—which has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and inflammation.

"Because inflammation plays such a big role in age-related decline, we wanted to better understand whether a pro-longevity intervention like calorie restriction works through SPARC in controlling inflammation and immune responses," said Dixit. So, to dig deeper into SPARC's contributions to inflammation they studied what effects the protein had on mouse immune cells and mouse health.

The researchers found that SPARC triggered inflammation by converting anti-inflammatory immune cells called macrophages into a pro-inflammatory state. However, lowering SPARC production by fat cells in mice reduced inflammation, improved metabolism, and extended their health span as they aged.

The findings could lead to preventions for age-related decline, said Dixit.

"We now have a better understanding of how SPARC affects inflammation and health span by acting on macrophages," he added.

[ConservativeMind]

It is hard to unilaterally just not eat less than your body craves, so look for diet approaches that naturally reduce such cravings, which appear to come down to having few simple sugars and complex carbs that quickly turn to sugar, like normal breads. Look for low Glycemic Index or low Glycemic Load foods, which could also mean lower carb. Low carb diets do this, naturally, but you can have a moderate carb diet, if very low on the two indexes mentioned above. You could also consider mixing it with intermittent fasting, which helps reset glucose and insulin metabolism when using enough time between meals.

I will say I go

[ConservativeMind]

I will say I go more toward lower carb, which leaves me often not feeling hungry, for well over 16 hours at a time.

[Morgana]

Thank you for posting these. I don’t comment but am reading.

[ConservativeMind]

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[EEGator]

You will also be weak, perpetually hungry, and not sexy…

[butlerweave]

How many insects a day does it take to keep you barely alive ?

[cicero2k]

Since I have prostate cancer I live by the PSA test. I order my own frequently. The biggest influence from diet is protein, specifically the amino acid methionine. Search NIH. I lower protein to 35 grams per day from the 100 grams most of us consume. I get to eat butter and whipped cream, bread and potatoes. Just no bacon, eggs, burgers, ribs. Protein is fertilizer for cancer.

[KierkegaardMAN]

Translation - fasting = longevity assuming when you eat, it’s balanced food with a short shelf life. Or as I prefer to say, if it’s delicious I can’t eat it.

[kelly4c]

Bkmk

[9YearLurker]

Yet another reason an all-bug diet will be good for us.

[Basket_of_Deplorables]

Good info.

I’ve fouif I eat a breakfast of eggs with cheese, I am less hungry all day.

Somehow managed to lose 20 lbs in 7 months.

[Basket_of_Deplorables]

“The biggest influence from diet is protein, specifically the amino acid methionine. Search NIH. “

Never knew that. Huh.

[TribalPrincess2U]

And pissed off all the time! Go hungry, go hateful!

[EEGator]

I’m already Irish, I don’t need any help in snapping with anger. :)

[cicero2k]

I enjoy bagels and croissants and baked potatoes. Dairy limited to butter, cream cheese and sour cream. All the fruits and vegetables. Stir fry mushrooms, onions and grape tomatoes. Plus walnuts, macadamia and some dark chocolate. Still I lose weight.

[Vermont Lt]

So we should be starving the old folks. Just a little.

[TribalPrincess2U]

Me also, very touchy. More so now with age.

[Chuckster]

Translation - fasting = longevity assuming when you eat, it’s balanced food with a short shelf life. Or as I prefer to say, if it’s delicious I can’t eat it.

Jack Lalane used to say "If it tastes good spit it out".

Unfortunately, he was onto something.

[Chuckster]

So we should be starving the old folks. Just a little.

People should eat what ever they want to eat. People should make all the excuses they need to to satisfy their cravings and justify their food choices.

Let the stupids die off young after years of suffering degenerative diseases caused by poor diets that taste great.

I assume they will all die blissfully happy clutching a bag of Oreos and a half gallon of Chunky Monkey or their organic, vegan equivalents.

[Magic Fingers]

“Protein is fertilizer for cancer.”

99% of the commenters here say it’s sugar/carbs.