What Are Sirtfoods? A Guide To Sirtuins And Weight Loss

31 Mar What Are Sirtfoods? A Guide To Sirtuins And Weight Loss

Posted at 07:38h in Weight Loss by

The Sirtfood Diet can be credited with popularising sirtfoods. So what are sirtfoods? And can they really help improve your health and support weight loss? In this article we will look at the role that sirtuins play in overall health and weight loss, as well as how to get more sirtfoods into your diet.

As is always the case with weight loss, it’s important to find what works for you. You are more likely to achieve long term success if you have the support of a qualified, experienced expert to guide you. You can book a complimentary call with us today to find out how we can help you reach your ideal weight and maintain it long term.

WHAT ARE SIRTUINS?

Before we get onto sirtfoods, let’s first take a look at what it is they’re impacting: sirtuins.

Sirtuins are a family of proteins that play a role in regulating a variety of cellular processes in the body. These include processes of the metabolism, DNA repair and stress response.

There are seven sirtuins in humans, numbered SIRT1 to SIRT7. Each sirtuin has a specific function and location within human cells.

Sirtuins have been implicated in various age-related diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic disorders. They have also been studied for their potential anti-aging effects. Some research suggests that activating sirtuins may help slow down the aging process and extend lifespan. However, more research is needed to fully understand the role of sirtuins in these processes.

HOW DO SIRTUINS AFFECT OUR WEIGHT?

Sirtuins play various roles in regulating metabolism and energy expenditure and activating sirtuins can promote their activity.

SIRT1, for example, has been shown to activate a pathway involved in the breakdown of fats in the liver, which can help reduce the amount of fat stored in the body. SIRT1 has also been shown to regulate energy expenditure by increasing the activity of mitochondria. Mitochondria are referred to as the ‘powerhouse’ of the cell and it’s responsible for producing energy. SIRT1 activation can enhance insulin signaling and glucose uptake, which can support weight loss as well as reducing the risk of metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes.

SIRT3 has also been implicated in regulating metabolism and energy expenditure, particularly in regards to exercise. Some research suggests that SIRT3 may help improve exercise performance by enhancing mitochondrial function and increasing energy metabolism.

While the specific mechanisms by which sirtuins affect our weight are still being studied, it is clear that these proteins play an important role in regulating metabolism and energy expenditure.

HOW ELSE DOES SIRTUIN ACTIVATION BENEFIT YOUR HEALTH?

Sirtuins have been linked to cellular processes that play a role in aging, such as DNA repair and inflammation. Activating sirtuins may therefore offer powerful longevity benefits.

They may have neuroprotective benefits and play a role in protecting the brain from age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Sirtuins have also been linked to promoting cardiovascular health. Activating them has benefits such as reducing inflammation and improving blood vessel function both of which support cardiovascular health.

WHAT ARE SIRTFOODS?

‘Sirtfoods’ is a term applied to foods that contain naturally occurring compounds that have the potential to activate sirtuins. Sirtfoods are mainly plant-based foods that are rich in specific nutrients and bioactive compounds that have been shown to activate sirtuins. The concept of sirtfoods was introduced in the book “The Sirtfood Diet” by Aidan Goggins and Glen Matten.

WHAT IS THE SIRTFOOD DIET?

The Sirtfood Diet is a weight loss plan that focuses on eating foods high in sirtuins – proteins that regulate metabolism, inflammation, and longevity. The diet claims these “sirtfoods” like kale, dark chocolate, and red wine can activate the “skinny gene” and lead to rapid fat loss. The diet has two phases – the first is very low-calorie (1,000 calories/day) and involves drinking multiple green juices, while the second phase gradually increases calories to 1,500/day. It is likely that the weight loss benefits of the diet are more from the calorie restriction than the sirtfoods included in the diet.

WHAT ARE THE BEST SIRTFOODS?

Foods that contain sirtuin activators include:

Blackcurrants
Capers
Cocoa
Dates
Green tea
Kale
Miso
Onions
Olives
Extra-virgin olive oil
Parsley
Tofu
Turmeric
Walnuts

HOW CAN YOU GET MORE SIRTFOODS INTO YOUR DIET?

One of the easiest ways to introduces sirtuin activators into your diet is to start your day with a mug of good quality green tea. During the summer months, cold brew a pitcher of green tea and add slices of lemon and then keep it in the fridge.

Consider a sirtfood smoothie for breakfast. Blend together a scoop of quality protein powder, some unsweetened nut milk, a large handful of blackcurrants and some kale.

Swap less healthy savoury snacks like crisps for olives, and add them to salads.

Dress salads with olive oil instead of your usual salad dressing. Choose cold pressed extra virgin olive oil in a glass bottle.

Miso soup makes a good afternoon snack.

WHAT OTHER FACTORS INCREASE SIRTUIN ACTIVITY?

As well as sirtuin activating foods, other factors can promote sirtuin activity. These include:

Caloric restriction: Sirtuins are strongly activated during periods of caloric restriction. This involves reducing overall calorie intake while an optimal intake of essential nutrients.

Exercise: Exercise has been shown to increase sirtuin activity, particularly in muscle tissue. The type, intensity, and duration of exercise can all affect sirtuin activation.

Fasting: Intermittent fasting or time-restricted eating may increase sirtuin activity by inducing a metabolic shift that mimics caloric restriction.

Hormones: Certain hormones such as growth hormone and testosterone have been shown to increase sirtuin activity in some studies.

Supplements: Supplement that have been shown to activate sirtuins include nicotinamide riboside (or NR, a form of vitamin B3) resveratrol, quercetin and fisetin.

WORK WITH US

Ultimately, the best approach to long term weight loss is finding the solution that best fits your unique circumstances and biology. We are all different. We all have different goals, different challenges and different nutritional needs. How can we expect one diet to suit us all? Bespoke solutions are the key to long term success.

We are a team of qualified nutritionists who specialise in weight loss. If you’re ready to overcome your weight challenges, achieve your goal weight and maintain it long term, we can help. You can use this link to book in for a complimentary call today. This is an opportunity to talk through your challenges with a member of our team and decide together whether one of our Intelligent Weight Loss programmes is right for you. Or contact us to request a copy of our brochure and we will get back to you soon.

Sign up for Kim’s weekly weight loss and wellness newsletter to receive the latest news, expert tips and advice direct to your inbox.

Print page
0 Likes


LINDA ROBINSON

Linda is our Practice Coordinator, helping to keep the clinic running smoothly.

 

Originally from Texas, Linda completed her MBA at SDA Bocconi in Milan. Linda has worked as a Strategy Consultant across multiple industries globally in cities including Kyoto, Paris, Chicago and San Francisco. She developed an interest in nutrition whilst volunteering for an organisation that provides cooking and nutrition education to children and families.

Linda is now settled in London with her husband, two children, and her very bouncy, sociable dog.

SARAH LAW

Sarah has worked with hundreds of clients over the past decade to help them live in a healthy body that they feel confident in.


Sarah spent a large part of her teens and 20’s as a professional dancer battling with orthorexia and an unhealthy relationship with food and her body. This created a desire to understand the human body more so she could finally cut through the confusion and end the cycle of yoyo dieting. This fuelled her passion to help other women do the same.

 

Sarah specialises in supporting women who are struggling to lose weight due to underlying health issues. She’s helped many women manage their weight during and after the menopause, as well as clients with thyroid disease and immune system dysfunction. Sarah loves food and sharing healthy recipes with her clients. Her aim is to ensure that clients don’t feel deprived and instead, achieve their weight loss and health goals in a positive and sustainable way.

 

To enquire about working with Sarah, please contact us.

AILSA HICHENS

 

Ailsa is one of our most experienced practitioners. She specialises in helping clients to lose weight, develop a healthy relationship with food and finally feel comfortable in their skin. Ailsa’s mission is for everyone she works with to enjoy the journey and that working with a nutritionist should not be a punishment, but your access to a new possibility.

 

Ailsa is not only an experienced weight loss nutritionist, she is also a skilled coach. She helps our clients overcome emotional eating, destructive habits and self-sabotaging behaviours that have prevented successful weight loss in the past. Ailsa has spent years in clinic working with clients who have experienced yo-yo dieting and have discovered that long term weight loss is not just about eating less until you can stand it no longer.

 

Working with Ailsa you will be comprehensively supported, not only in improving your nutrition and lifestyle, but also your eating habits and your relationship with food. When you work on all these elements together, the results can be truly astonishing.

 

To enquire about working with Ailsa, please contact us.

Test Nikki is our Practice Manager, managing our team of practitioners and heading up the day-to-day running of the business. Nikki is involved in the strategic development of our practice, coming from a strong business background in town planning. A Florida girl, Nikki relocated to the UK in 2014 with her husband and two children.

NIKKI ANDRIANI

Nikki is our Practice Manager, managing our team and heading up the day-to-day running of our clinic.

 

Coming from a background in town planning, Nikki is involved in the strategic development of our practice, continually ensuring we are delivering the very best service to our clients.


A Florida girl, Nikki relocated to the UK in 2014 where she lives with her husband, two children, and her rescue dog Skyy.

STÉPHANIE ACHAR

Stéphanie is a skilled nutritional therapist and functional medicine practitioner with additional training in eating disorders, disordered eating and obesity. She believes that working towards both physiological and mental health is key in achieving optimum wellbeing.

 

Stéphanie’s personal experience of emotional eating and the ongoing struggle to find the right support led her to combine the science of nutrition with behavioural coaching to motivate and empower her clients. She specialises in helping people who struggle with their weight and their relationship with food. She helps them develop a healthier and more peaceful relationship with food and their bodies.

 

To enquire about working with Stéphanie, please contact us.

INNA WEARN

Inna is passionate about supporting women on their journey to improved health and wellbeing. She believes that the solution to effective weight loss does not lie in ever more restrictive diets, but a more sophisticated approach that optimises health and vitality, as well as promoting effective weight loss.

 

Working with Inna you will benefit from her in-depth knowledge of female health and hormones. She will support you in developing a healthy diet, lifestyle and mindset that ensures you reach your ideal weight and maintain it in the years to come.

 

Inna is passionate about food with a wide repertoire of delicious healthy recipes and meal ideas to ensure your weight loss journey is as enjoyable as possible!

 

To enquire about working with Inna, please contact us.

ANIA MASON

 

Ania is a firm believer that improving your health and losing weight should be a positive, empowering journey, not one centred around deprivation.

 

After being diagnosed with two autoimmune conditions in her twenties, Ania spent several years educating herself on the power of food and nutrition. She put it all into practise and changed her diet and lifestyle, reversing her endometriosis and thyroid disease. After experiencing such a significant improvement in her health, Ania had a big desire to help others. She embarked on a four year journey to study nutrition, graduating from the Institute for Optimum Nutrition with distinction.

 

Ania specialises in autoimmunity and works with clients who have underlying health issues preventing successful weight loss. Her expertise enables her to successfully support our clients with conditions such as hypothyroidsm (underactive thyroid), PCOS and diabetes. 

 

To enquire about working with Ania, please contact us.

Get weekly weight loss & wellness updates.

Subscribe and receive your free download:

 

7 STEPS TO INTELLIGENT WEIGHT LOSS