Indian Man Survives 70 Years Without Food

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3236118.stm
Indian hermit, Prahlad Jani, claims to have not consumed anything (food or liquid) within the past 70 years. He spent 10 days under constant observation in Sterling Hospital, in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad.

During that time, he was under strict surveillance and it was confirmed that he did not eat or drink anything for the 10 days. Doctors and scientists performed a number of tests on him and found no deterioration in his condition. He did not pass urine or stool during the 10 days as well.

Most people can't go more than 3-4 days without water, but it was confirmed that this man went 10 days without water (or food!). His claim that he has not consumed anything for 70 years hasn't been verified, but 10 days definitely impresses me! I'm happy that the science world stepped in to take a closer look at what most people would probably consider a "hoax."

When they examined him, they also found him to be quite fit and healthy for an 82 year old man. This could be further evidence that less food = longer life, perhaps?

Does Calorie Restriction Lead to Increased Lifespan?

(photo from NY Times)

There doesn't seem to be a wealth of information on increasing lifespan. I have always found it surprising that more research hasn't been done on the slowing of the aging process. I think that most people consider aging and decreasing levels of mental and physical functioning, inevitable consequences of life. My main motivation for this blog and my pursuit of health is to live a longer, healthier life, so this subject is very important to me.

Unless I am mistaken (if so, please alert me!), the only scientifically proven way to extend life is through calorie restriction. It has been found across many different animals (rats, mice, primates, spiders) that a 10-30% caloric reduction leads to longer life and reduced health problems. In fact, according to animal studies, the higher the amount of calorie restriction and the earlier it is implemented, the longer life can be extended (http://legacy.signonsandiego.com/news/science/20041124-9999-lz1c24cr.html).

(graph from of www.iangoddard.com)

The money question is whether calorie restriction animal studies can translate to humans. Personally, I don't see why it wouldn't, but for worldwide recognition, more research needs to be done. We have seen the dangers of obesity and the health benefits of eating fewer calories, so it isn't a huge leap in thought to think that calorie restriction may extend lifespan. There is evidence that lower body weight is associated with less disease and increased longevity, and since eating less is associated with lower body weight, it isn't far off to group calorie restriction with those ideas (http://www.iangoddard.com/cr.html).

It also makes sense on an evolutionary level. We have not evolved since we became modern human beings. This means that we live in a modern society, but our bodies are still adapted for a prehistoric world. We evolved during a period of time when starvation and disease were a daily threat. We now have tons of food, materials, and goods, but our bodies are still made to deal with starvation and lack of materials. In this way, overconsumption becomes the enemy.

How restricted is it?

The average human consumes about 2000-2500 calories a day, so a 30% reduction would be 1400-1750 calories a day. Sounds pretty restricted, doesn't it? The important (and difficult) thing to remember is that this is a change in lifestyle, not a temporary fad diet plan. Luckily, there are supportive books and websites for those trying to implement calorie restriction into their lives.

Recommended Websites

Calorie Restriction Society International

The Longevity Meme

Recommended Books

The Longevity Diet (by CR Society President Brian M. Delaney and Emeritus Board member Lisa Walford)

Beyond the 120 Year Diet: How to Double Your Vital Years

The CR Way: Using the Secrets of Calorie Restriction for a Longer, Healthier Life

The Benefits?

In Laboratory animals, aside from increased lifespan, calorie restriction has also been linked with a reduction in:

- Cancer

- Heart Disease

- Diabetes

- Osteoporosis

- Autoimmune disorders

- Neurological decline

- Alzheimer's

- Parkinson's

(see below for associated research)

I am intrigued by all of this information. I'm not sure I would be able to forgo that many calories on a daily basis, but it is still important information. Eating a well-balanced diet and getting plenty of exercise also go far. As a compromise, it might be a good idea to fast every now and then. When we fast (or reduce calories) we redirect our body's forces to repair, detoxification, and renewal. Maybe a healthy diet combined with an occasional fast can accomplish as much as long-term calorie restriction.

An important note: You should never implement any type of severe diet without consulting your doctor or health professional. Also, it is important to keep in mind that even though calories are restricted, it is mandatory that healthy food be eaten, along with enough vitamins/protein/minerals. A generous handful of cheese-its 3 times a day, resulting in 1500 calories is not going to cut it! :)

Publications

Cancer

Kritchevsky D, & Klurfeld DM. (1986). Influence of caloric intake on experimental carcinogenesis: a review. Advances in Experimental Medicine & Biology, 206, pages 55-68.

Albanes D. (1987) Caloric intake, body weight, and cancer: a review. Nutrition & Cancer, 9(4), pages 199-217.

Kritchevsky D. (1997). Caloric restriction and experimental mammary carcinogenesis. Breast Cancer Research & Treatment, Nov-Dec, 46(2-3), pages 161-7.

Kritchevsky D. (2001). Caloric restriction and cancer. Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology (Tokyo). February, 47(1), page 13-9.

Heart Disease

Swoap SJ. (2001). Altered leptin signaling is sufficient, but not required, for hypotension associated with caloric restriction. American Journal of Physiology, Heart & Circulatory Physiology, December, 281(6):H2473-9.

Keenan KP, et al (1994). The effects of overfeeding and dietary restriction on Sprague-Dawley rat survival and early pathology biomarkers of aging. Toxicologic Pathology, May-June, 22(3), pages 300-15.

Diabetes

Stern JS, et at. (2001). Calorie restriction in obesity: prevention of kidney disease in rodents. Journal of Nutrition, March, 131(3), pages 913S-917S.

Fujioka K, et al (2000). Weight loss with sibutramine improves glycaemic control and other metabolic parameters in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism, June, 2(3), pages 175-87.

Okauchi N, et al. (1995). Is caloric restriction effective in preventing diabetes mellitus in the Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima fatty rat, a model of spontaneous non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus? Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, February, 27(2), pages 97-106.

Osteoperosis

Kalu DN. (1984). Aging and dietary modulation of rat skeleton and parathyroid hormone. Endocrinology, October, 115(4), pages 1239-47.

Kalu DN. (1984). Lifelong food restriction prevents senile osteopenia and hyperparathyroidism in F344 rats. Mechanisms of Ageing and Development, July, 26(1), pages 103-12.

Auto-immune disorders

Fernandes G. (1983). Influence of diet on vascular lesions in autoimmune-prone B/W mice. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, February, 80(3), pages 874-7.

Nandy K. (1982). Effects of controlled dietary restriction on brain-reactive antibodies in sera of aging mice. Mechanisms of Ageing & Development, February, 18(2), pages 97-102.

Fernandes G, et al. (1976). Influence of diet on survival of mice. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, April, 73(4), pages 1279-83.

Neurological decline

Means LW, et al.(1993). Mid-life onset of dietary restriction extends life and prolongs cognitive functioning. Physiology & Behavior, September, 54(3), pages 503-8.

Pitsikas N, & Algeri S. (1992). Deterioration of spatial and nonspatial reference and working memory in aged rats: protective effect of life-long calorie restriction. Neurobiology of Aging, May-Jun, 13(3), pages 369-73.

Pitsikas N, et al. (1990). Effect of life-long hypocaloric diet on age-related changes in motor and cognitive behavior in a rat population. Neurobiology of Aging, July-August, 11(4), pages 417-23.

Eckles-Smith K, et al. (2000). Caloric restriction prevents age-related deficits in LTP and in NMDA receptor expression. Brain Research, Molecular Brain Research, May 31, 78(1-2), pages 154-62.

Lee CK, et al. (2000). Gene-expression profile of the ageing brain in mice. Nature Genetics, July, 25(3), pages 294-7.

Alzheimer's

Mattson MP. (2000). Existing data suggest that Alzheimer's disease is preventable. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 924, pages 153-9.

Parkinson's

Roth GS, et al. (1984). Delayed loss of striatal dopamine receptors during aging of dietarily restricted rats. Brain Research, May 21, 300(1), pages 27-32.

Levin P, et al. (1981). Dietary restriction retards the age-associated loss of rat striatal dopaminergic receptors. Science, October 30, 214(4520), pages 561-2.

Ingram DK, et al. (1987). Dietary restriction benefits learning and motor performance of aged mice. Journal of Gerontology, January, 42(1), pages 78-81.

How to Live to 100 Without Really Trying

OK, it might actually take SOME trying to live that long, but there are common habits found among those who live to 100.

Today the oldest living woman, Mary Josephine Ray, died at the ripe, old age of 114. She was known as a "super-centenarian." It's the new term for the lucky individuals who live past 110! I don't know about you, but I'm totally in the 100 club. More and more evidence shows that environment, diet, and lifestyle (ie. things within our CONTROL) play a larger role than was once thought on how long we live.

Since this is the case, it is worth taking a look at the habits that are common among centenarians:

1) Eat well - Most centenarians have good eating habits, don't drink heavily, and don't smoke. Some studies have shown a correlation between calorie restriction and increased lifespan.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/31/health/nutrition/31agin.html

2) Get your blood moving - Exercise is a great way to slow the aging process by preventing many diseases (obesity, heart issues, diabetes). It also helps maintain wellbeing by warding off depression and anxiety.

3) Use your noodle - Most centenarians remain mentally active throughout their life. Stay mentally fit by having a hobby, engaging in stimulating conversation, travelling, or whatever moves your brain!

4) Reach out - Staying connected with others and/or being a part of a community is another common habit among 100-year-olds. Feeling needed can give you a sense of purpose and belonging.

5) Have faith - Those who are religious or spiritual tend to live longer. Prayer, faith, meditation, spirituality (or whatever works for you) lowers stress and raises spirits. Almost all centenarians have been shown to be very spiritual or religious. If you're not religious, try taking up meditation.

6) Give thanks and relax - Those who have made it to 100 are generally better at handling their emotions and keeping stress levels in check. They generally have good mental health and a positive outlook on life (see my previous post on positive psychology for suggestions!!)

Be calm and well!!