Dietary patterns play a crucial role in healthy aging and longevity, with certain approaches such as intermittent fasting and the Mediterranean diet being linked to extending the number of healthy years a person enjoys, known as ‘healthspan’. These diets influence key pathways in the body related to cellular repair, inflammation, and metabolic regulation, ultimately contributing to optimal aging and health benefits. A recent scoping review published in Nutrients delves into the impact of diet on aging, examining four specific dietary patterns: caloric restriction, intermittent fasting, the Mediterranean diet, and the ketogenic diet. While further research is needed, the findings suggest that these diets may support healthy aging by influencing critical pathways in the body.
As the global population ages significantly, there is a need to enhance healthspan, the period spent in a healthy state free from chronic diseases and age-related disabilities. Researchers in Romania reviewed various studies to determine how four specific diets, including caloric restriction, intermittent fasting, the Mediterranean diet, and the ketogenic diet, might influence healthy aging by analyzing their impact on molecular pathways in the body. While further studies are needed, the reviewed studies highlight the impact of each dietary pattern on promoting healthspan, including weight loss, reduced inflammation, improved cardiometabolic health, and slowed biological aging.
Caloric restriction appears to promote healthy aging by contributing to weight loss, obesity prevention, reduced inflammation, improved cardiometabolic health, and slowed biological aging. Intermittent fasting involves alternating between periods of fasting and normal eating, offering benefits in body composition and cardiovascular health. The Mediterranean diet, rich in plant-based foods, may support cognitive function, slow biological aging, and reduce frailty in older adults. The ketogenic diet, a high-fat, low-carb diet, may improve triglyceride levels, increase good cholesterol, and aid in short-term weight loss.
The main metabolic pathways involved in the health benefits of these diets include insulin signaling, mTORC1, and AMPK pathways. Calorie restriction, intermittent fasting, and ketogenic diets impact these pathways by lowering calorie or carbohydrate intake, while the Mediterranean diet influences these pathways indirectly through its rich unsaturated fats and antioxidants. Together, reducing mTORC1 activity and activating AMPK helps cells manage energy more effectively, promoting healthy aging and extending the time spent in good health. It is vital to personalize dietary interventions based on individual preferences, metabolic health, and specific health goals to ensure the effective implementation and maintenance of these strategies.
In conclusion, combining the Mediterranean diet with calorie restriction or intermittent fasting may amplify their benefits for healthy aging. However, a comprehensive approach to healthy aging also involves regular exercise, stress management, and social connections. Consult your doctor or registered dietitian to develop a personalized plan to enhance your healthspan and suit your specific needs. By focusing on dietary patterns that support healthy aging, individuals can improve their quality of life as they age and prevent age-related chronic diseases.
