The Impact of Caloric Restriction, Ketogenic Diets, and Sauna Use on Health Span and Longevity

TLDR Dr. Rhonda Patrick discusses the effects of caloric restriction, ketogenic diets, and sauna use on health span and longevity, highlighting the importance of IGF-1, the benefits of ketosis, and the potential of NAD supplementation for improving overall health and quality of life. The podcast also explores the impact of fasting, exercise, and cycling between anabolic and catabolic phases on longevity, muscle mass maintenance, and cardiovascular health.

Timestamped Summary

00:00 Dr. Rhonda Patrick discusses changing beliefs about caloric restriction and its impact on health span and aging.
06:44 Periods of growth, specifically IGF1, are important for health span, as constant caloric restriction may hinder growth, with recent studies showing that caloric restriction in lemurs increased lifespan but also caused significant brain atrophy, while ketogenic diets have shown potential benefits for health span and cognitive function in rodents when calorie intake is restricted or timed.
13:24 Exogenous ketones have shown benefits for focus and anxiety levels, but their effect on normal fatty acid metabolism remains unclear.
19:58 Consuming a ketogenic diet low in protein and carbohydrates may lead to lower levels of insulin and IGF-1, potentially impacting health span.
26:17 Consuming high levels of saturated fat in a ketogenic diet can lead to negative health effects, including increased inflammation and cholesterol biosynthesis markers, which can be improved by reducing saturated fat intake and increasing monounsaturated fat consumption.
32:36 Some patients may struggle with achieving ketosis efficiently, but fasting, exercise, and time-restricted eating can help them overcome this challenge.
39:05 Experiments with worms have shown that knocking down the insulin IGF-1 signaling pathway can double their lifespan and maintain their youthfulness.
45:31 Knocking down the IGF-1 insulin signaling pathway in worms leads to increased activity in stress-resistance pathways, DNA repair, autophagy, stem cell function, and more, potentially impacting longevity and cancer risk.
52:19 IGF-1 plays a crucial role in stem cell activation and cancer cell sensitization during fasting, potentially leading to improved cancer treatment outcomes and symptom relief in multiple sclerosis.
58:40 Low IGF-1 levels may be important for the immune system and could potentially play a role in cancer treatments when combined with other therapies.
01:04:46 Improving aerobic performance and maintaining muscle mass can lead to a better quality of life, even if it doesn't necessarily increase maximum lifespan.
01:11:37 The potential benefits of cycling high periods of anabolic and catabolic phases, including the use of sauna to lower cardiovascular mortality and improve sleep quality, are being explored for personalized health optimization.
01:17:56 Sauna use can have significant mood-enhancing effects, with different types of saunas offering varying benefits and potential impacts on the immune system and insulin sensitivity.
01:24:04 Sauna use and cold exposure can have mood-enhancing effects and impact recovery from workouts through mechanisms like heat stress, immune system modulation, and neurotransmitter release.
01:30:17 Cold exposure, such as swimming in 42-degree water, can induce vasoconstriction and impact recovery from strength training, potentially blunting hypertrophy effects if done immediately before or after the workout.
01:36:50 The discussion delves into the potential benefits of NAD supplementation, fasting to increase NAD levels, and the intriguing possibility of rejuvenation through periodic prolonged fasting for longevity and health span improvement.
01:43:28 Research on dogs receiving rapamycin showed promising results in improving heart function, raising questions about the potential of targeting specific cells for health benefits and longevity.
Categories: Health & Fitness

The Impact of Caloric Restriction, Ketogenic Diets, and Sauna Use on Health Span and Longevity

Rhonda Patrick, Ph.D.: the performance and longevity paradox of IGF-1, ketogenic diets and genetics, the health benefits of sauna, NAD+, and more
by The Peter Attia Drive

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