The Long Life: Human Longevity
I think most of us would prefer to live a long time over a short time.
Longevity studies show there are certain things that can help us live
a long time. Caloric restriction, genetics, exercise, nutrition, and cell
damage all work together in determining our lifespan.
One of the leaders in the field is Dr. Aubrey de Grey, a scientist at
the University of Cambridge. Dr. Gray claims that our human lives can
be extended over a thousand years. This news is not as surprising to bible
readers because many people in the bible lived very long times. Methusaleh
lived 969 years.
Caloric Restriction
Research on rats and mice has shown that reducing their food caloric
consumption by 50 percent, while maintaining adequate nutrition, can lead
to a 30 to 40 percent increase in longevity. Caloric restriction could
potentially increase the human lifespan by thirty years. Scientists haven't
actually proven this is humans, but is definitely plausible due to the
fact it has worked with other animals. Caloric restriction is another
reason to rely on natural fruits and vegetables.
Genetics
Families that have more than one person living close to 100 are said
to have superior longevity genes. Gene longevity is evidenced by the fact
that "Siblings of centenarians have a four-fold higher chance of
living into their 90s than do siblings of persons dying in their 70s"
says Dr. Terry Reed.
Reduce Cell Damage
Cell death is what causes us to die. If we reduce cell damage, we will
live longer. To reduce cell damage reduce sun exposure and eat healthy
organic foods. Proponets of caloric restriction think there may be a chemical
in our cells that tells them to age. If we could produce a drug to counteract
this chemical process we could live much longer.
Exercise and Nutrition
Mountian streams are clean and pure. When the water is moving it cleanses
itself. Stagnate water is found in non moving water such as natural ponds.
In stagnate water, we find harmful bacteria and parasites that are not
found in mountain streams.
Our body is made of 70-80 percent water. If we keep moving by exercising
our mind, body, and spirit, we will live on average 3-6 years longer.
Finally, without the proper nutrients our cells become damaged. Nutrients
in fruits and vegetables repair cell damage and help us live longer.
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