Calorie Restriction = Protection

Take a look at the graphic below. The US Centers for Disease Control data shows these to be the leading causes of death in the United States, circa 2003. In addition, the latest numbers tell us that diet (too many calories, nutriet-deficient foods) and physical inactivity has surpassed tobacco as the leading killer.

Let's assume that you are sensible and do not smoke, nor over-consume alcohol or use illicit drugs, and practice safe sex. These wise precautions on your part would still leave you suscptible to pathogens and toxic agents -- some of whose risks are somewhat out of our control or unknownto us at any given time. How can calorie restriciton help you against these ravages?

Centers for Disease Control data showing causes of death in USA, circa 2003; 2004 data indicates poor diet to be the leading cause of death in the US. Adapted from chart in American Scientist, Vol. 93. No. 1

Genetic disposition

Solar radiation -- UV

Air pollution (daily exposure in urban and industrial environments, indoor parking garages, cooking, dry-cleaning agents, household cleaners)

Water pollution including: flouride in drinking water and produce; some heavy metals; other leached contaminants

Herbicides and pesticides in produce

(speculative) EM fields (power grids, transformers, cell phones)

Caution: put in extreme conditions, CR may work aganist you

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