As trite as it may sound, to date the only way to slow down aging is the notorious "he althy lifestyle". This is claimed by the world-renowned scientist Academician Vladimir Skulachev - director of the Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, who has been dealing with the problems of aging for years. He suggests that by knowing the laws of biology operating in the living cell, we can "cure" old age as one of the main diseases affecting the human organism. Here is the place to briefly recall that Academician Skulachev created in laboratory conditions the so-called Skulachev ions, which participate in a complex biochemical process, slowing down oxidation in cells and ultimately - aging of the body
“This project generated interest worldwide, and finally a year ago the US Food and Drug Administration finally granted permission to conduct clinical studies of the effect of our drops on American patients,” he shares the scientist.
Academician Vladimir Skulachev
Academician Skulachev, in a recent article you claim that moderate fasting can make us long-lived. How true is this statement of yours?
- Scientists have long been trying to find a way to slow down aging. But to date, no substance or method is known that can slow down this process. Except for one thing. This is the limitation in nutrition. If an animal is semi-starved (i.e. given 70% of the amount of food it would eat if it had unlimited access), it lives longer. In addition, as experiments show, it not only increases life expectancy, but also slows down the aging process. Signs of aging, such as graying, develop more slowly. Old-age diseases such as ischemic heart disease, glaucoma, cataracts and even cancer are receding and moving away.
At the expense of what is such an effect achieved? What is the principle, the algorithm for this to happen?
- Scientists used to think that restricting food slowed down the metabolism. That is, less food - less use of oxygen, which means less oxidation processes and as a result the body wears out less.
We offer another explanation for the effect of food restriction. It turns off the genetic aging program to some extent. Basically, the organism forces itself to age so that the human species can evolve. But if he begins to starve - then he will not be able to evolve, he will have to fight to preserve life, to survive. And if in such a situation the organism does not include its reserves, humanity will die. Therefore, the organism turns off the aging process, which by the way takes a lot of energy, and rushes in search of food. And when it finds food, it again engages in the same aging program. The only way to reliably slow down aging is to not eat.
Should we fast regularly?
- No, of course. Only occasionally. In this sense, the religious fasts are really ingeniously arranged. It is according to them that such unloading is necessary and in this way life is extended. The positive, unique thing about these religious fasts is that there are indeed very wise restrictions. For example, children, the elderly and sick people can eat normally. While for the young and he althy it is useful to starve. This gives a powerful impetus to the struggle for existence of our human species.
If starvation shuts down the aging mechanism, then why doesn't this happen in other extreme and life-threatening conditions? Why exactly has fasting become the magic key that unlocks the anti-aging mechanism?
- At this stage, there are no special developments for the action of extreme and life-threatening conditions in terms of longevity. In this regard, matters are complicated by the stress that accompanies such extreme conditions. And it's no secret that stress shortens life anyway.
Let's go back to fasting. In what way should we do it so as to prolong our life?
- As I have already said, you can trust and submit to the religious traditions of fasting that have come down to our days from centuries. It is clear that it is not about complete starvation, but about lowering food consumption by 30-40% and excluding meat from the menu. Further, it is necessary to do such fasting with breaks, during which you can eat as much as you want.
What else besides proper fasting can you recommend for prolonging life?
- Active physical exertion, sports, positive attitude. Science confirms it: the centuries-old conjecture of scientists that the notoriously he althy lifestyle leads to longevity is absolutely correct. That's just the way it is. Although one thing is quite clear: without the participation of science, a significant extension of life cannot be achieved. This is the direction we work in.
