Summary
Dr. Eric Verdin discusses ketogenic diet effects on longevity, beta-hydroxybutyrate as a signaling molecule, and the science behind ketosis for healthspan extension.
Key Points
- Ketogenic diet extends lifespan in animal models
- Beta-hydroxybutyrate acts as signaling molecule
- Ketones provide alternative brain fuel
- Metabolic flexibility improves with keto-adaptation
- HDAC inhibition from ketones affects gene expression
- Practical implementation of ketogenic eating
Key Moments
Fasting as a longevity tool: insulin, mTOR, and the pathways that regulate aging
Fasting lowers insulin signaling and activates protective pathways. Ketosis begins around 16 hours; 14-hour fasting is the minimum.
"It takes anywhere between 12 to 36 hours to deplete your liver glycogen. You start seeing ketosis at about 16 hours where your level will slowly rise."
Three meals and three snacks is the worst possible way to eat for longevity
Standard advice of 3 meals + 3 snacks keeps insulin high all day. Restricting eating windows lowers insulin, mTOR, activates autophagy.
"What dietary authorities today are recommending is three meals and three snacks. I think this is the worst possible way that you can possibly eat."
