Fasting

I watched the Horizon programme on how living longer relates to diet. I  was fascinated by the science involved and how it affects our IGh (Insulin dependent growth hormone), blood sugar and cholesterol, which are three measures which can shorten or lengthen life span. They also are indicators of our propensity to diabetes,coronary and diseases like prostrate cancer. Of course they are not the only indicators or causes but they are the most important.
The presenter, a 50 year old Doctor Michael Moseley, slightly overweight, in that "middle aged" way, wanted to determine if diet could dictate the aging process by controlling those three indicators. He discovered that the less you eat the more your body is able to "repair" itself and if you restrict the growth hormone, the brain can even grow new cells which could prevent the onset of Alzheimer's. Our bodies have what they described as a "go go" mode which  encourages eating more than we need to. 
I have naturally left out a lot of the detail and simplified the content, the programme is Eat, Fast and Live Longer and you should still be able to see it on iplayer.
His investigation discovered that "fasting", whether you fast for 3 to 4 days, once a month, every other day or 5 days eating and 2 days (not necessarily consecutive) fasting is a way of controlling and reducing those indicators.
He tried the first method but decided it was not for him, though it did dramatically lower all 3 levels. He eventually decided to follow the latter method and embarked on it for 5 weeks. On fast days he would eat up to 600 calories and drink, water and tea, throughout the day. He found a protein breakfast suited him best (say eggs for example). The results were impressive, he lost a stone in weight, all of his levels were significantly less and therefore his risk factor's had decreased. He discovered his food intake also reduced on "eating" days. Naturally, he ate sensibly on those days, although some studies show you can eat whatever you like on non fast days, as your overall calorie intake is reduced.
So I am going to try it and I will report my progress. Today is my first fast day (try saying that quickly 5 times!) I have had a shake, lemon water and green tea lets see how it goes.
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