Aging gracefully and maintaining good health are aspirations for many, and common advice includes eating well, sleeping enough, and staying physically active. However, a recent Swiss study suggests that a specific kind of mild dietary stress might help the body defend itself more effectively against aging. The research, carried out at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel using the tiny roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans, was published in the scientific journal Nature Communications. It found that certain RNA molecules from the diet can trigger a protective mild stress response. The researchers emphasize "extended healthy lifespan" rather than just living longer. This distinction highlights the importance of not only living longer but also living well. In this study, Caenorhabditis elegans primarily consumes bacteria that provide dietary RNA. According to the University of Basel's press release, these molecules create a mild stress in the intestinal cells, prompting them to enhance their quality control systems. " These molecules prevent the formation of harmful protein deposits, which are typically associated with aging or diseases," explained Anne Spang, a professor at the Biozentrum. This internal stress activates autophagy, a natural process where cells recycle damaged proteins before they accumulate into harmful aggregates. These protein aggregates are considered key contributors to cellular aging and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. " These dietary RNA molecules are absorbed in the intestine and activate quality control mechanisms that protect against cellular stress," explained Emmanouil Kyriakakis, the study's lead author. "The low-level stress better prepares the body to handle damage to... Read more on Doctissimo."