have one thing in common : they all cause an increase in autophagy . Autophagy is central to extending lifespan and combating the diseases of aging ( 1 ).
Inflammation .
Inflammation is a natural process and vital in countering viruses , infections , and injury . Inflammation is the body ’ s attempt to defeat a “ threat ” to its natural balance system , called homeostasis . In terms of diet and sugar intake , most individuals understand that dietary sugars are inflammatory . Aging , in general , is associated with increased pro-inflammatory cytokines . Cytokines are regulators of host responses to infection , immune responses , inflammation , and trauma . Some cytokines act to make disease worse ( pro-inflammatory ), whereas others serve to reduce inflammation and promote healing ( anti-inflammatory ) ( 2 ).
A balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines is necessary to maintain health . An increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine production often leads to chronic inflammation and subsequent insulin resistance . Excessive chronic production of inflammatory cytokines contributes to inflammatory diseases that have been linked to a host of diseases , including atherosclerosis and cancer . Consuming fewer carbohydrates has been shown to decrease inflammation by inhibiting inflammatory mediators , thereby suppressing the expression of inflammatory cytokines . There is a positive correlation between extended longevity and reduced risk of cardio-metabolic diseases and reduced inflammation ( 2 ). In short , proper anti-aging efforts are focused on blocking cytokines , which are particularly harmful when chronic inflammation is present .
Insulin Resistance and Sirtuin Expression .
When glucose metabolism is compromised , the cell ’ s metabolic integrity is subsequently affected , thus rendering cells insulin resistant . When cells are insulin resistant , this results in chronically elevated blood sugar levels , type II diabetes , obesity , and a host of chronic diseases . Insulin resistance has a strong correlation with increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and chronic inflammation . Additionally , high glucose diets have been linked to a reduction in Sirtuin expression .
What are Sirtuins ?
Sirtuins are a family of proteins that regulate cellular health and play a key role in regulating cellular homeostasis . Cellular Homeostasis is the cells ’ regulating process by which the cell maintains stability while adjusting to changing external conditions . Sirtuins have important beneficial roles in aging , longevity ,
There is a positive correlation between extended longevity and reduced risk of cardio-metabolic diseases and reduced inflammation .
Ketone bodies improve mitochondrial function and increase both health-span and lifespan , including cellular energy production .