In the ancient Chinese medical text "Huangdi Neijing - Suwen", it is recorded that moderation in diet is one of the secrets to longevity, while immoderate eating leads to premature aging. Modern research has shown that a person's lifespan is related to the death hormones in the body, which originate from the pituitary gland.
Based on animal experiments, the medical community has partially removed the pituitary gland of diabetes patients, which has resulted in rejuvenation of collagen fibers and thinning of previously thickened capillary and arteriolar basement membranes. This increase in elasticity has not only enhanced physical vitality and hair regrowth, but has also alleviated retinal diseases, gradually restoring vision to the patients.
Research has found that the effects of dietary restriction are very similar to those of pituitary gland removal. Scientists have conducted experiments with mature hens, providing them only with water and hunger-suppressing plants. After two months of feeding, the hens have regrown feathers in their previously bald spots, and 81% of them have started laying eggs again.
Experiments with rats subjected to dietary restriction have shown that their lifespan is doubled compared to rats not subjected to restriction, and the rats that eat the most have the shortest lifespan.
Experts believe that dietary restriction can reduce the secretion of death hormones by the pituitary gland, improve the ability of animal cells to utilize thyroid hormones, and thus have certain anti-aging effects. Limited food intake can cause sodium ions to be released from cells and potassium ions to fill their positions, a physiological process that also has an anti-aging effect. In addition, appropriate fasting can enhance the function of the body's immune system. Therefore, experts advise people, especially the elderly, to practice moderate dietary restriction.
