It has been said that metabolism is what cause cells to die and eventually we die. Does that mean the less we exercise, the lower the metabolism, the longer we live?

There has been established a link between calorie intake and lifespan... the more calories you eat, the faster you die. Thus there is what is known as a "metabolic lifetime."

However, other diseases like heart disease and artherosclerosis can kill you long before you hit your metabolic quota.

Most exercises (brisk walking, biking, etc.) only burn 100-150 calories per hour anyway, which is only 5% of your daily calorie intake. You're much better off eating an apple and going for a jog than you are sitting on the couch.

- Warren

Does that mean in theory provided I don't die from diseases, the less I eat and exercise the longer my life?

You mentioned that most exercise burns only 5% of daily calories intake per hour. The way you said it seems to imply exercise is not important? But then you say its better to exercise than sit on a couch. I'm confused.

(by the way I consider myself an active person who have fun and exercise at the same time. I'm only concerned it might shorten my life.)

don't forget .. your metabolism is set with a built-in "thermostat" of sorts..(homeostasis) that can regenerate itself or cool itself down accordingly.

no just calories! the more you intack the shorter you live. Some guy did a study with rats gave them nothing but veggies to eat and little of that even. Increase the rats life span by 50%! though these rats look like holocaust victiums!

I see. Thanks guys. :)

I recall a TV show from the 70s or early 80s where Leonard Nimoy hosted and they tackled paranormal topics and the like. They did a show once on a Count St. Germain who was thought to have lived for hundreds of years while influencing policy, events, etc..

Anyway, they said that witnesses of the time only saw him eat oatmeal and drink senna tea in public.

Maybe we have the makeup to go on longer than 72.8 years - but hundreds? Do you really think diet has an impact like that?

I'll get back on my rocker ...

ha no! from the lab test on rats they never did more then 50% increase! Humans are designed like cars: we are not ment to last! It would take a serious act of genetic engineering or cybernetics to pull off a life span of +200.

indeed, and it increases the average lifespan. It might be that you have a predisposition to die rather early. Then you will have been on a strict diet for all your life and still die 'young'. There is no garantee that you specifically will live longer.

Is it worth it to sacrifice the quality of your life to increase the chances for a prolonged life? Remember that the quality of your life during those extra years might be rather poor, because of common old age health problems.
Also, the studies were done on rodents. There is no garantee that a similar huge effect of 50% will be possible for humans. Maybe we already live in a society that is specialized in extending our natural lives (healthcare, hygiene etc.). How much further could the average human life still be extended?

Eat well, exercise, die anyways

Eat healthy. Lots of veggies, tofu. Cut back on the meat and bread and desserts. No alcohol, no caffeine, no smoking anything, no drugs except vitamins and the health food store stuff like CQ10 and melatonin. Exercise at least one hour every day, preferably more. Every day, no exceptions. Hell with birthdays and Christmas, you still gotta exercise. Stop watching TV. Don't drive so much. Go for lots of bike rides. Better yet, walk everywhere. Never ride an elevator, stairs are great exercise. For vacations, hike the Appalachian trail or go cross-country skiing. Take up yoga. Both the meditation kind and the stand-on-your-head kind. If your friends aren't into this stuff, get new friends. Or no friends, just meditate more.

Will this make your life any longer? Hard to say, actually. But it will sure as hell FEEL like it!

Alcohol may be good for you. alcoholic red wine is best.

Stay way from saturated fats and starches. Stick with whole grain and vegetable fats. If you’re going to eat meat never eat red meat only seafood, eggs and maybe a little avian. Stay way from saturated fats and starches. Stick with whole grain and vegetable fats. Exercise is a must though it does were out your joints… I would advice swimming as the less damaging form of exercise (I bias toward swimming: I was on my high school swim team tell I was the last guy there and they closed the coed and I was honorably kicked out.)

avoid wars, riding a motorcycle and mountain climbing

and try to stay away from home, since most accidents happen at home.

Wellcooked...

You said "Alcohl is good for you"...

This is ridiculus.Alocohl is a slow poision of sorts.You get addiction to it slowly,but surely.It lends Permanent liver damage.If that is what a good Healthy life is about,then off course i have been a moron to be a complete Teetotler throught my life...

gee...:rolleyes:



bye!

everything is a poison in high enough doses

excess intake of water can kill you too...

wellcookedfetus was probably talking about consumption of alcohol in moderate amounts.

1 glass of red wine a day keeps the heart attacks away.

Originally posted by Pammy
It has been said that metabolism is what cause cells to die and eventually we die. Does that mean the less we exercise, the lower the metabolism, the longer we live?

Trade off any (hypothetical) increase due to the reduction in metabolism against the increased risk of heart attack due to lack of exercise. Trade off the increased risk of joint damage against the aerobic benefits of running....etc.

Your decision.

Cheers,

Ron.