ART OF LIVING HEALTHY

ART OF LIVING HEALTHY: IMPACT OF DIET DIVERSITY AND LIFESTYLE ON AGE REVERSAL & TELOMERES LENGTH (ART) 

By CM Biradar, GGGC

In recent years, scientific research and ancient food wisdom have increasingly focused on the relationship between health and lifestyle factors and reversing or slowing the aging process. Particular attention has been paid to how our way of living (diets- more fruits and fresh produce, exercise, yoga, meditation, social, environment) can potentially slow down aging and promote overall health and wellness. One key area of interest is the effect of healthy eating habits and lifestyle choices on telomeres; the protective caps at the ends of our chromosomes play a crucial role in cellular ageing.

Healthy Foods and Aging

Health is a continuum of the soil, water, air, sunlight, flora and fauna, and everything is connected and caring in an integrated system. In the natural system, everything is in sync and synergy. So, how we grow food, diversity, culture, and nature are synch and symbiotic – restoring this union makes the food system sustainable, equitable, inclusive, and healthy [1]. Healthy foods grown under healthy conditions, such as healthy soil and an environment rich in nutrition, antioxidants, flavonoids, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients, have been associated with slower ageing and longer telomeres. A study shows that those who consume good diets have longer telomeres compared to those who don’t [2], and consuming healthy food and balanced diets and diversity helps restore one health and plenty of health [3]. The diet’s high content of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and good fats (e.g., ghee, coconut and olive oil), may contribute to staying healthy and younger [4].

Exercise and Telomere Length

Regular physical activity has been shown to have a positive impact on health and telomere length. A meta-analysis published in the journal Ageing Reversal Research Reviews concluded that individuals who engaged in regular moderate to vigorous exercise had significantly longer telomeres compared to sedentary individuals [5].

Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and meditation, practices that combine physical postures, breathing techniques, and mindfulness, have also been linked to slower cellular aging. A study in the journal Cancer found that breast cancer survivors who practiced yoga had longer telomeres compared to those who didn’t [6]. Similarly, research published in Psychoneuroendocrinology showed that loving-kindness meditation was associated with longer telomeres in women [7].

Lifestyle Interventions and Telomerase Activity

Telomerase, the enzyme responsible for maintaining telomere length, can be influenced by lifestyle factors. A landmark study published in The Lancet Oncology, and Eat Lancets demonstrated that comprehensive lifestyle changes, including a plant-based diet, moderate exercise, stress management techniques, and social support, led to increased telomerase activities[8].

ART of Living Longer and Healthier

Age Reversal Therapy (ART) of living longer, healthier, and wealthier is deeply intertwined with the quality of our nutrition and lifestyle choices. By prioritizing organic, naturally grown foods under healthy soil and enviroment and integrating them with mindful practices like yoga and meditation, we may unlock the potential for extended healthspan – the period of life spent in good health.

While the field of Age Reversal Therapy (ART) is still evolving, the current evidence suggests that an organic, plant-rich diet combined with mindful lifestyle practices offers a promising path to longevity and wellness. As always, it’s important to consult with healthcare professionals when making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

While aging is a complex process influenced by various factors, including genetics, mounting evidence suggests that lifestyle choices can play a significant role in how we age at a cellular level. By adopting a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, and practicing stress-reduction techniques like yoga and meditation, individuals may be able to positively influence their telomere length and potentially slow down the aging process.

However, it’s important to note that while these diets and lifestyle factors show promise, more research is needed to fully understand their long-term effects on aging and overall health especially urban lifestyles where access to good food is still a challenge. Always consult with elders with food wisdom and healthcare professionals before making significant changes to your diets and lifestyle or starting new health regimens.

References

1. Biradar, C., 2021. Innovations to integrate indigenous wisdom for better diet diversity and planetary health. UN Food Systems Summit 2021, Global Dialogues: Integrating Indigenous Knowledge with Emerging Technologies to Enhance Sustainability of Food System. 31 May, 2021, https://www.un.org/en/food-systems-summit
2. Crous-Bou, M., et al. (2014). Mediterranean diet and telomere length in Nurses’ Health Study: population based cohort study. BMJ, 349, g6674.
3. Biradar, C. 2021. Digital augmentation to support the agro-ecological transformation of agri-food systems in the drylands of Africa and Asia. In Agroecological transformation for sustainable food systems. Special France-CGIAR partnership. UN Food Systems Summit. Agropolis Internation. New York, September 2021. 
4. Biradar, C., Rizvi, J., & Dandin, S. (2022). Diversified farming systems for changing climate and consumerism. Journal of Horticultural Sciences, 17(1), 19–24. https://doi.org/10.24154/jhs.v17i1.2174
5. Mundstock, E., et al. (2015). Effects of physical activity in telomere length: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Ageing Research Reviews, 22, 72-80.
6. Thaker, P. H., et al. (2013). Chronic stress promotes tumor growth and angiogenesis in a mouse model of ovarian carcinoma. Nature Medicine, 12(8), 939-944.
7. Hoge, E. A., et al. (2013). Loving-Kindness Meditation practice associated with longer telomeres in women. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 32, 159-163.
8. Ornish, D., et al. (2013). Effect of comprehensive lifestyle changes on telomerase activity and telomere length in men with biopsy-proven low-risk prostate cancer: 5-year follow-up of a descriptive pilot study. The Lancet Oncology, 14(11), 1112-1120.

Transforming India’s Food and Land Systems for a Healthier Future

Transforming India’s Food and Land Systems for a Healthier Future

Insights from the High-Level Plenary on Enabling Sustainable and Resilient Food and Land Systems in India. By CM Biradar

In a world grappling with climate change and public health crises, India stands at a critical crossroads. The recent high-level plenary discussion on “Enabling Sustainable and Resilient Food and Land Systems in India” brought together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time: how to create a food system that nourishes both our people and our planet.

The Interconnected Crisis: Land Degradation and Public Health

The plenary highlighted a stark reality: the health of India’s population is inextricably linked to the health of its land. Consider these sobering statistics:

• Nearly half of India’s population faces chronic health issues
• Every second Indian adult leads an inactive lifestyle (WHO, 2024)
• 147 million hectares of land are affected by degradation
• Over 35% of districts are experiencing groundwater depletion (225 of 700 districts)

These figures paint a picture of a nation where the decline in land health is mirrored by a decline in human health. With half of India’s workforce tied to food and land systems, the economic implications of this crisis are profound.

A Holistic Solution: Functional Agroecosystems and Agroforestry

The good news? We have a powerful solution at our fingertips. The plenary emphasized the potential of functional agroecosystems and agroforestry to address both land and human health simultaneously. This approach focuses on creating systems characterized by “five highs”:

1. High Biodiversity: Integrating diverse crops, multifunctional trees and indigenous livestock to enhance ecosystem resilience and nutritional diversity.
2. High Carbon in Land: Sequestering carbon in soil and biomass, combating climate change while improving soil fertility.
3. High Water in Soil: Enhancing water retention, reducing runoff, and return of springsheds are crucial in a country facing severe water scarcity.
4. High Productivity: Diversifying income streams and increasing yield stability in the face of climate uncertainties.
5. High Equity: Creating year-round employment opportunities, particularly benefiting small farmers and women.

The Multiple Benefits of Transformation

By embracing functional agroecosystems, with focus on land, water and food in India stands to gain on multiple fronts:

• Environmental Restoration: Reversing land degradation and enhancing biodiversity.
• Climate Resilience: Increasing carbon sequestration and improving on-farm water management.
• Public Health: Providing diverse, nutritious foods and reducing exposure to synthetic agrochemicals.
• Economic Growth: Boosting agricultural productivity and creating new market opportunities to suite evolving new consumerism.
• Social Equity: Empowering rural communities, enhancing over system level resilience and reducing healthcare costs.

Charting the Path Forward

Implementing this vision will require a concerted effort across sectors. The plenary outlined a multi-pronged strategy:

1. Policy Reforms: Incentivizing the transition to agroforestry and functional agroecosystems.
2. Research and Innovation: Investing in locally-adapted models and exploring one-health and agrifood system transformation linkages.
3. Education and Outreach: Training farmers and educating consumers about the benefits of diverse, local foods.
4. Market Development: Creating sustainable value chains for agroforestry products and promoting functional foods.

A Call to Action

The transformation of India’s food and land systems is not just an environmental or agricultural initiative—it’s a comprehensive strategy for national health and prosperity. As we are heading towards grassroots level action for global change and Global Green Growth transition to reflect on the insights from this plenary, we’re more convinced than ever of the urgent need for action.

We call on policymakers, businesses, farmers, and citizens to unite behind this vision. By working together to implement functional agroecosystems and agroforestry practices, we can create a healthier, more resilient, and more prosperous India.

The path to a sustainable future is clear. It’s time to nurture our land, so it can nurture us in return. Join us in this crucial endeavor to transform India’s food and land systems—for the health of our nation and generations to come.

Moderated by Dr Ruchika Singh, Executive Program Director, Food, Land and Water, WRI India and Dr. Sampriti Baruah, Program Head, Sustainable Agriculture, Food, Land and Water, WRI India with distinguished panelists Ms. Yogita Rana, IAS, Joint Secretary, Department Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, and Director General, MANAGE, Hyderaba; Mr. Takayuki Hagiwara, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) Representative in India; Ms. Pritee Chaudhary, Regional Director, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI); Padma Shri Reema Nanavaty, Director, Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA); and Dr. Chandrashekhar M. Biradar, Chairman and Managing Director, Global Green Growth Co. & Former Country Director-India CIFOR-ICRAF