The latest research on intermittent fasting and increased life span
- How does the body age? It’s all about “cellular housekeeping” to promote a healthier life, and therefore, a longer one.
- 2014 Howell-CSUPERB Scholars present their field of research.
La Jolla, CA. – February 7th, 2014. The Doris A. Howell Foundation for Women’s Health Research hosted its first Luncheon and Lecture of 2014, “The meal you miss could save your life: How intermittent fasting may extend health-span”. Dr. Roberta Gottlieb presented the latest research on the relationship between fasting and the benefits that ultimately lead not only to a healthier life, but a longer one.
When asked about the secrets of longevity, Dr. Roberta Gottlieb, Director of Molecular Cardio-biology at Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, commented that it is all about having a lifestyle that promotes cellular heath.
Intermittent fasting along with exercise and caloric restriction allow for a process called ‘autophagy’, a normal, automatic physiological process that deals with “garbage” in cells by digesting the debris. Research has shown that this “cellular housekeeping” or autophagy protects cells from fatal damage and allows organelles called mitochondria –the powerhouse of the cell – to become healthier and create energy for the cell, thus creating a realm of whole-body benefits; among them weight loss, cholesterol control, reducing the risk for cancer and heart disease, among other beneficial outcomes. The process of autophagy is greatly enhanced by fasting, caloric restriction and exercise. The result of maintaining cellular health in this manner is predicted to increase both the length and the quality of life in humans as has been shown in animals.
Although caloric restriction, intermittent fasting and exercise have their benefits, it is important to consider the downside: anemia, muscle loss, depression, bone loss and lethargy may be the most common side effects. Always consult with your physician on any new strategy to promote a healthy lifestyle that will lead to longevity.
- Lindsay Bradford (Microbiology, San Diego State University): Award for the proposal titled “Contribution of Bacterial Fibrinogen Binding Glycoproteins to Streptococcal Colonization and Disease.” Mentor: Kelly Doran, Biology
- Matthew Siracusa (Biology, CSU Fullerton) Award for the proposal titled “The effect of non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms on the function of the human cytosolic 70-kDa heat shock protein, HSPA1A.” Mentor: Nikolas Nikolaidis, Biological Science/NSM
- Patricia (Nhi) Nguyen (Chemistry, CSU Long Beach): Award for the proposal titled “Structural analysis and binding mechanism of apolipoprotein E cholesterol binding domain by fluorescence spectroscopy.” Mentor: Vasanthy Narayanaswami, Chemistry & Biochemistry
The Doris A. Howell Foundation wishes them all success in their fields of research!
About the Doris A. Howell Foundation:
The Doris A. Howell Foundation for Women’s Health Research is committed to keeping the women we love healthy, advancing women’s health through research and educating women to be catalysts for improving family health in the community.
The organization does so by funding scholarships to scientists researching issues affecting women’s health; providing a forum for medical experts, scientists, doctors, researchers, and authors to convey the timely information on topics relevant to women’s health and the health. of their families through its Lecture and Evening Series, and by funding research initiatives that will create women’s health awareness and advocacy in the community.
For more information about the Doris A. Howell Foundation, please visit www.howellfoundation.org.
