Protein Restriction to Extend Life

[Triskeliongirl]

I think the problem with the article you are citing, is that while it refers to bonafide research studies, it takes things out of context and draws weak conclusions.

I think >90% of it is about having a healthy lifestyle, which most of us on this board have, in part due to our love of cycling. What is defined as a healthy diet can vary from individual to individual, since our individual genetic makeup and metabolism vary. Some of us (like me) don't process carbs well and do better on a high protein diet. Others do better on a more vegetarian diet. I think for all of us, its figuring out what combination of diet and exercise allow us maintain a healthy body weight and have energy for an active lifestyle. There is no one size fits all when it comes to diet prescription.

One problem with cutting protein too low, especially if you are also restricting calories in an attempt to lose weight, is that you will catabolize muscle for energy. Also, on a high carb diet you hormonally put yourself into a state that favors fat storage (higher ratio of insulin to glucagon).

Its also important to get your health screenings when recommended for your family history. I put off my first screening colonscopy for a bit longer than I was supposed to, and low and behold they did find and remove a large polyp that my doctor said would have progressed into cancer had it not been found and removed when it was (and I am only 53). So, paying attention to all your health markers is also really important. So whether its screenings for breast cancer, cervical cancer, colon cancer, etc. take them seriously.