The Effects of a Low Carbohydrate Diet on Metabolic Changes and Its Effect on Aging ( Part 2 ) | by Kendra Clark
and cellular stress responses . Increasing the activity of the Sirtuins is associated with the delay of age-related diseases and , in some cases , increased longevity ( 1 ). Moreover , Sirtuins protect the cell from damaging stress , otherwise known as oxidative stress . An increase in Sirtuins ’ activity is linked to a healthy metabolism , cellular health , and decreased pro-inflammatory inflammation .
Reactive Oxygen Species
( ROS ) damage negatively affects longevity and aging .
Body Composition Changes .
Increased fat accumulation can occur between the ages of 30 and 70 as subcutaneous fat levels decrease and visceral fat increases due to insulin resistance . What is the difference between subcutaneous fat and visceral fat ? Visceral fat is more dangerous than subcutaneous fat , which lies just under the skin around the belly , thighs , and rear end . Subcutaneous fat does not carry the same risks as visceral fat ; a modest amount of subcutaneous fat may even be protective . Visceral fat , on the other hand , wraps around internal organs and is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease , diabetes , and other cardio-metabolic conditions ( 3 ).
Weight Gain .
Research suggests that a diet heavy in carbohydrates , especially refined grains and sugars , leads to weight gain .
Carbohydrates drive up insulin in the body , causing the body to hold onto fat and suppress calorie burn . According to this principle , to lose weight and keep it off , one needs to reduce the number of carbohydrate calories consumed , thus driving down insulin levels and increasing metabolic calorie burn , resulting in a decrease of fat cells .
Moreover , the hormones which are responsible for appetite and hunger control , namely leptin and ghrelin , are regulated more efficiently in a low carbohydrate state . Leptin is known as the “ stop eating ” hormone , signaling the brain to indicate satiety , controlling appetite , thus resulting in a decrease in fat stores . Ghrelin is a partner hormone to Leptin and completes the “ appetite cycle .” When the stomach is empty , the stomach excretes the hunger hormone , ghrelin , which signals the brain that it ’ s time to eat . There ’ s a natural balance between leptin ( the fullness hormone ) and ghrelin ( the hunger hormone ). Both leptin and ghrelin follow one another through cycles of hunger and fullness . A decrease in carbohydrate consumption optimizes the balance between leptin and ghrelin , ensuring metabolism efficiency and regulation ( 3 ).
Minimizing Reactive Oxygen Species ( ROS ) damage .
What is Reactive Oxygen Species and how does Reactive Oxygen Species contribute to aging ? Reactive Oxygen Species ( ROS ) damage negatively affects longevity and aging . During the process of sugar burning , free radicals are produced , which are harmful compounds
90 iS Skin Source