The dietary requirements of the study included a plant-centered approach with high intake of nutrients involved in methylation biosynthetic pathways, such as folate and betaine, along with cofactors and modulators for TET demethylases (e.g., alpha ketoglutarate, vitamin C, and vitamin A) and polyphenolic modulators of DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) (e.g., curcumin, EGCG, rosmarinic acid, quercetin, luteolin). The diet also incorporated limited nutrient-dense animal proteins, restricted carbohydrates, and included mild intermittent fasting to lower glycemic cycling. Participants were supplemented daily with a fruit and vegetable powder rich in polyphenolic modulators of DNMT activity and a probiotic providing Lactobacillus plantarum.
Life Style Requirements
The lifestyle guidance in the study included a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise per day, at least 5 days per week, at an intensity of 60-80 percent of maximum perceived exertion.
Twice-daily breathing exercises that elicit the Relaxation Response were prescribed for stress reduction. It was recently demonstrated that 60 days of relaxation practice designed to elicit the Relaxation Response, 20 minutes twice per day, could significantly reduce DNAmAge as measured by the Zbieć-Piekarska clock in their group of healthy participants (though not in their ‘patient’ group).
This study aimed to optimize sleep, with a recommendation for at least seven hours nightly. Seven hours is generally considered to be healthy.
Takeaways
Eat as close to the earth as possible. Micronutrients play a big part in the diet that was prescribed.
