Podcast Summary
Dr. David Sinclair and Andrew Huberman on Slowing Aging and Prolonging Healthspan: Aging is not an inevitable part of life, it's a disease that can be slowed or halted. A combination of behavioral interventions, nutritional interventions, supplementation, and prescription drug interventions targeting cellular and molecular pathways can help combat aging.
Dr. David Sinclair and Andrew Huberman discuss the biology of aging and tools to intervene in the aging process. Dr. Sinclair believes that aging is not a natural consequence but a disease that can be slowed or halted. He focuses on the cellular and molecular pathways to slow or reverse the effects of aging by behavioral interventions, nutritional interventions, supplementation, and prescription drug interventions. Their discussion covers the epi genome, the circuit level, and tools to combat aging that have not been covered in any other podcasts or in his book 'Lifespan'. Dr. Sinclair is also launching 'The Lifespan Podcast', which focuses on the biology of aging and tools to intervene in the aging process, from January 5th, 2022, available on platforms like YouTube, Apple, or Spotify.
The Role of Epigenome in Aging and Disease: Epigenome controls gene expression, and aging causes scratches on DNA that affect the epigenome. This results in loss of control systems and contributes to various age-related diseases.
Aging is the major cause of various diseases, including heart disease and Alzheimer's. Scientists have identified eight to nine hallmarks of aging that contribute to this process. The epigenome, the system that controls which genes are switched on and off, is a critical factor in aging. Aging is like the loss of information due to entropy, resulting in a loss of control systems that can contribute to diseases. DNA is like the music on a DVD, while the epigenome is the reader. Scratches on the DNA caused by aging can result in cells not hearing the right songs and not functioning well, leading to various age-related diseases.
Chemical Markings in DNA and Its Impact on Aging and Diseases: Chemical markings in our DNA dictate gene expression and cell function and can lead to aging and diseases. Self-care can slow down the biological clock, and researchers must study ways to prevent damage and slow down aging.
Our body controls the genome by marking and modifying DNA with chemicals such as methylation, dictating which genes are switched on and off, and determining the cell type and function. Changes in these marks can disrupt the pattern of genes and lead to aging and diseases. The period of immense vitality like infancy and puberty may also be the same periods when we're aging faster. The biological clock of our skin represents the age of our organs, and people who look after themselves can be biologically younger than their chronological age. DNA damage, broken chromosomes, and scratches are some of the causes of these changes, and researchers should look for ways to slow down aging and prevent diseases by targeting these changes.
Managing Cell Damage and Stress for Controlling Aging: Slower growth development, low growth hormone mutants, fasting, and managing insulin levels through hunger can help extend lifespan. Body size and epigenome can also impact health and longevity.
Controlling aging is possible through managing factors like cell damage or stress. Studies show that slower development predicts a longer, healthier life, with growth hormone being pro-aging. Low growth hormone mutants and fasting combined with one of these dwarf mutations have shown significant results in extending lifespan. Body size also has a direct correlation with longevity. One of the reasons why fasting is good for us is that having elevated blood sugar, glucose, and insulin ages us faster. The feeling of hunger is crucial in managing insulin levels. The epigenome can change, and how you live your life can have a significant impact on your health, even if you're born tall or small.
The Benefits of Hunger for Longevity: Skipping a meal a day, particularly at the beginning or end of the day, along with periodic hunger, can activate longevity genes. It's not about what you eat, but when you eat. The first three weeks of breaking the habit of constant eating are crucial.
Eating constantly can lead to reduced longevity as it keeps the longevity genes in the body switched off. Low levels of insulin and glucose turn on the longevity genes. Hunger and periods of not being fed are beneficial for longevity as the body turns on defensive genes. Skipping a meal a day, preferably at the beginning or end of the day, can be beneficial for longevity. The subjective experience of hunger could also be beneficial for longevity. Periods of hunger can be simulated without reducing calorie intake. It's not as important what you eat but when you eat during the day. Try to make it through the first three weeks of skipping a meal per day to get through the habit of constantly eating.
The Benefits of Regulating Your Blood Sugar Levels and Fasting: Maintaining steady blood sugar levels by eating within a short window and avoiding sugar can lead to sustained energy and focus. Fasting beyond 24 hours can trigger the autophagy system with unique dietary needs and fasting capabilities for each person's health.
Maintaining steady blood sugar levels throughout the day can lead to pure focus and sustained energy without experiencing crashes or hunger pangs. Skipping breakfast and eating within a short window of time, as well as avoiding sugar and simple carbohydrates, can help regulate blood sugar levels. Occasionally fasting for longer than 24 hours can trigger the autophagy system, helping to digest old and misfolded proteins in the body and lead to longevity benefits. While fasting, it may be helpful to ingest electrolytes if feeling lightheaded or shaky, but it's not always necessary. Each person's dietary needs and fasting capabilities are unique, so it's important to measure what works best for individual health.
The Benefits of Reduced Blood Sugar Levels for Longevity: Intermittent fasting and reduced blood sugar levels for 24 hours can activate the body's defenses and trigger longevity pathways for optimal health. It's important to have a rational protocol that includes exercise, supplements, and diet for muscle growth and long-term health.
Reduced blood sugar levels for 24 hours can trigger longevity pathways which activate the body's defenses like insulin sensitivity, energy, and cell repair. The longevity pathways are triggered through two systems: the sirtuin activation and down-regulation of mTOR which can be beneficial for longevity. Ingesting leucine triggers cellular growth which provides immediate benefits but could cost long-term health. Ori Hofmekler's warrior diet, where one rarely eats more than once per day, promotes intermittent fasting and reduces blood sugar levels to trigger longevity pathways. It is important to have a rational protocol that includes exercise, supplements, and diet in the right timing to build up muscle and achieve optimal health.
The Benefits of Restriction and Pulsing for Anti-Aging: Alternating periods of restriction and indulgence can increase vitality and slow down the aging process, with the help of substances like resveratrol and metformin, used in specific ways to enhance their benefits.
Pulsing, not necessarily feast and famine, but certainly famine and feast, have a tremendous effect on vitality. The cells need to be pushed to proceed with adversity, as modern lifestyles make them relaxed and age rapidly. The idea of restriction and pulsing can help slow down the ticking aging clock. Resveratrol, a red wine molecule, protected mice against high-fat diets and significantly extended their lifespan when they were given every other day on a normal diet. Taking Metformin in the morning, along with resveratrol, is better because the body responds better. Skipping Metformin on exercise days can reduce your ability to have stamina but helps build up muscles that are stronger and have lower inflammation and other markers of aging.
Comparing Metformin and Berberine, Benefits of Resveratrol, and Metformin Before Exercise: While both Metformin and Berberine increase insulin sensitivity, Berberine is available over the counter. Supplements are necessary to receive the benefits of Resveratrol, and taking Metformin before exercise should be avoided if there is stomach sensitivity.
Metformin and berberine both boost energetics in the body and increase insulin sensitivity, but Metformin is available only with a prescription while berberine is available over the counter. Berberine is often referred to as the poor man's Metformin since it is a cheaper alternative to Metformin. However, if you want to get the benefits of resveratrol, drinking 200 glasses of red wine per day won't be enough. Supplements are a better way to get the required amount of pure resveratrol. It is important to ensure that the resveratrol supplement is light gray or white. Taking Metformin before exercise does not greatly inhibit the ability to exercise for most people, but it is better to skip it if there is stomach sensitivity.
Effective Ways to Boost Longevity with Supplements and Lifestyle Changes: Dissolving supplements like resveratrol in yogurt or olive oil with vinegar and basil leaves can activate sirtuin defense and fasting rationally by gradually cutting down meals can improve longevity. Enjoying life and consulting a physician is also important.
Ingesting high doses of supplements like resveratrol with water is not effective as it does not get through the gut. Dissolving it in yogurt or olive oil with some vinegar and basil leaves helps activate the sirtuin defense and can be taken in small quantities without affecting longevity pathways. Fasting rationally is a pragmatic approach that involves gradually cutting down meals rather than going cold turkey, which is likely to fail. Enjoying life and doing the best one can is crucial in this journey. NMN and vitamin B3 are also supplements that can boost longevity, and it is best to consult a physician on the recommended dosage.
Boosting Longevity Through Exercise, Fasting, and NAD+: To improve the activity of genes that control aging, combining exercise and fasting with supplements like resveratrol and NAD+ precursors like NMN can support longevity. Taking NMN can double NAD levels, while vitamin B3 is not as effective.
To boost the activities of the genes that control aging, exercise and fasting can be effective. Resveratrol is one way to activate these genes as it acts as an accelerator pedal. However, for these genes to function effectively, the body needs NAD, a small chemical used for chemical reactions in the body. NAD levels decrease as we age or become obese, and an enzyme called CD 38 chews up NAD. To increase NAD levels, precursor NMN can be taken as the body uses it to make NAD molecule in one step. Clinical trials have shown that taking NMN for two weeks can double NAD levels. Taking vitamin B3 doesn't work well as the body needs additional components like phosphates that are present in NMN.
How NMN Can Improve Insulin Sensitivity But Its Effectiveness Depends on Personal Factors: Taking NMN can increase NAD levels to improve insulin sensitivity, but results vary based on age, sex, and microbiome. Buy from reputable sources, take in the morning, and monitor glucose levels for individual effects.
Taking a gram of NMN every day can increase NAD levels in the body, which can improve insulin sensitivity. However, personal factors such as age, sex, and microbiome can affect the effectiveness of the supplement. While Dr. David Sinclair recommends buying from a well-established company that follows good manufacturing practices and has high-quality control, he is also working on a solution to help people know what works and what does not. The NMN supplement should be taken in the morning to avoid disrupting circadian rhythms, and immediate effects such as increased energy and focus may be observed after two weeks of use. Personal glucose monitoring can also be helpful for understanding individual reactions.
The Science of Longevity and Aging: Clinical trials at Harvard Medical School are exploring NAD+ supplements' effects on elderly patients' endurance. Artificial sweeteners have minor effects on prolongevity pathways, while iron monitoring can be critical for lifespan. Media outlets may overemphasize results, so it's vital to approach news with caution.
There are ongoing clinical trials at Harvard Medical School to determine if NAD+ supplements increase endurance in elderly patients, as observed in mice. While there are anecdotal reports of improved energy and vitality, results from the trials are still pending. Artificial sweeteners have small potential effects on prolongevity pathways, but they are not significant enough to cause concern. Iron can accelerate the aging process and monitoring iron levels can be important in managing longevity. Science journalism tends to exaggerate results and sponsor content for fear or excitement, so it is important to interpret news with a grain of salt.
Personalized Medicine and Long-term Tracking of Biomarkers to Optimize Health.: To make informed health decisions, individuals should track their biomarkers over time, as everyone's baseline is different. Blood work can reveal crucial information about health status, enabling personalized medical treatment to achieve optimal health outcomes.
Excess iron can increase the number of senescent cells in the body which are zombie cells that cause inflammation and cancer. Personalized medicine and long-term tracking of biomarkers are important to know what's healthy and optimal for an individual. Doctors work with a scale of what's normal but everyone's different, so it's vital to know an individual's baseline and not work towards the average human. Tracking of biomarkers is essential, and over time, informative. Paying attention to changes in cholesterol, inflammatory markers, and other biomarkers can help individuals to make necessary corrections. Blood work can be a useful tool to get a deeper understanding of what's going on under the hood and personalize medicine to work towards what's optimal.
How Patients Can Request Specific Blood Tests & Options for Affordability: Patients can ask for specific blood tests, even if their doctor cannot provide a comprehensive panel. A high CRP level can predict future heart attacks, but a healthier diet with more vegetables can help. The correlation between serum and dietary cholesterol and health is still debated.
Doctors like to have comprehensive blood tests for their patients but may not be able to do so for financial reasons. Patients can ask their doctors for specific tests like blood sugar levels, CRP for inflammation, and cholesterol levels. If patients cannot afford these tests, there are companies that offer them like Inside Tracker. CRP levels are an early marker for diseases like macular degeneration and heart disease. A high level of CRP can predict a future heart attack. To reduce CRP levels, one can switch to a healthier diet and eat more vegetables. The relationship between serum cholesterol and dietary cholesterol and their impact on health is perplexing and remains a topic of debate in the medical community.
Debating the Long-Term Effects of Statins and Dietary Cholesterol: Statins may have benefits beyond cholesterol-lowering for those with a family history of heart disease, but new PCSK nine inhibitors offer an alternative option. Eating mostly plants can be highly nutritious, while animal products high in amino acids may have pro-aging effects.
Statins can help reduce cholesterol levels, but their long-term effects are still debated. While some studies suggest they may be associated with Alzheimer's disease, others show they can have benefits beyond lowering cholesterol. Individuals with a family history of heart disease may be willing to take the risk. New PCSK nine inhibitors may offer an alternative option. Dietary cholesterol has little impact on blood cholesterol levels, and eating certain banned foods like eggs and butter may not be harmful. Eating mostly plants can be highly nutritious and provide xeno-hermetic molecules that benefit health. Eating meat, particularly animal products high in amino acids, may have pro-aging effects.
Turning on the Body's Natural Defenses Against Aging with Resveratrol and Kristen: Resveratrol and Kristen, found in stress-induced plants, can activate the body's natural defenses against aging by stabilizing Xeno hermetic molecules and tuning our defenses. Overdosing on antioxidants can be harmful, so choose good vitamins that are actually needed.
Resveratrol, a plant defense molecule found in wine and other stressed plants, can activate our own defenses against aging by stabilizing Xeno hermetic molecules. Antioxidants are not sufficient for longevity as they only modulate but do not mechanistically control our defenses. Instead, we should turn on the body's natural defenses by consuming stress-induced plants or supplements like Kristen, found in trace amounts in apples and onions, which can activate or tune our defenses and even help kill senescent cells. However, overdosing on antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin A can be detrimental, and a better approach would be to take good vitamins that we actually need.
Optimal Exercise Types for Humans and the Importance of Hormone Levels Maintenance: Exercising and fasting can naturally increase hormone levels and delay infertility. Maintaining muscle mass plays a crucial role, particularly for older males. However, extreme fasting and caloric restriction should be avoided to preserve fertility. Tracking progress through hormone level measurements is essential.
While aerobic exercise is known to raise energy levels and the sirtuin gene in mice and rats, optimal exercise types for humans are still unknown. However, maintaining muscle mass is crucial for hormone level maintenance, particularly for older males. Hormone levels, including testosterone, can be increased and maintained naturally through lifestyle adjustments such as exercising and fasting, which can also slow down aging and delay infertility. Aging females can benefit from these pathways, known to delay in fertility in female animals. However, extreme fasting and caloric restriction are not recommended, as they could harm fertility rather than preserve it. It's important to base exercise and lifestyle adjustments on scientific literature and measure hormone levels to track progress.
The Future of Rejuvenation Through Transcription Factors: Our bodies have incredible healing potential, and research shows that we can reset and rejuvenate through certain stimuli. In the future, transcription factor pills could help reverse aging and improve overall health. Clinical trials are underway.
The body has remarkable powers of healing and recovering from illness and injury, and can be reset and rejuvenated through certain processes. Research has shown that neuroplasticity and fertility share characteristics of having critical periods and being subject to reactivation through certain stimuli, such as sensory deprivation or the use of certain transcription factors. While current treatments involve gene therapy and injections, it is possible that in the future, a combination of transcription factors could be used in a pill to rejuvenate the entire body by 20 years. Clinical trials involving monkeys and eventual patient trials are on the horizon for these treatments.
Pain-free eye injections, blood tests for cancer, and thermoregulation for weight loss.: Eye injections, blood tests, and thermoregulation can all help with various health issues, but detecting tumor growth still requires specialized medical services.
Injections into the eye, when done by an ophthalmologist, are painless and a one-time treatment that could potentially restore vision permanently. Though it may take five to 10 years to be affordable, blood tests that measure circulating DNA can detect colon cancer, but it has its limitations. Challenging the body to thermoregulate, either by sleeping cool or dressing with fewer warm clothes, can help burn energy and compensate for metabolic winter. Obesity reduces NAD levels and accelerates aging, possibly due to white adipose tissue's direct effect and neural innervation. While fat gets neural innervation, there is no simple, affordable at-home technology that can detect the growth of tumors, and there is a need for a clinic that people can pay a minimal amount to receive this service.
The Link between Obesity, Senescent Cells, Inflammatory Molecules, Aging, and Life Span.: Obesity can accelerate aging due to senescent cells that secrete inflammatory molecules. Inhibition of inflammation in the hypothalamus through diet and environmental conditions can extend the life span of animals. Foraging the internet for practices that are being done and then wondering whether there's any basis for it can be a useful exercise.
Obesity comes with senescent cells that secrete inflammatory molecules which accelerate aging. Senescent cells in fat gland mentality surround fat or contain a lot of fat that don't switch on sirtuin pathways when the body needs them. Inhibition of inflammation in the hypothalamus through diet and environmental conditions extend the life span of animals. The hypothalamus is a leading regulator of the body's age. Methylene blue was found to extend the life span of some lower organisms, but it's unclear why people ingest it, as it can have harmful effects. Environmental conditions and behaviors can control the release of GnRH, a hormone that controls longevity in mice. Foraging the internet for practices that are being done and then wondering whether there's any basis for it can be a useful exercise.
Measuring Biological Age and Limiting Radiation Exposure for Optimal Health: Measuring biological age is important for monitoring lifestyle modifications. Technology can help monitor biological age and alert doctors for early detection of illnesses. Limiting radiation exposure can be done through simple adjustments like opting for a pat down at the airport and limiting dental x-rays.
Measuring biological age is crucial to ensure that the body is reacting positively to the changes brought about by lifestyle modifications. Testing biological age can be done by taking a swab from the mouth and through the use of technology, biological age can also be measured through continuous monitoring for movement, heart rate variability, and body temperature. These devices will also enable continuous monitoring for health issues and alert the doctor in real time for advice and early detection of illnesses. Limiting exposure to radiation is also critical, and avoiding unnecessary x-rays can be done by opting for a pat down at the airport and limiting dental x-rays even though they may be necessary for certain health conditions.
Importance of Public Educators in Science and Medicine: Technology has made it easier for experts to communicate with the public in order to provide accurate information in the face of misinformation. Public educators like Dr. David Sinclair have a responsibility to educate the public with trustworthy facts.
There is a growing need for public educators in the field of science and medicine as 2020 revealed a gap in understanding. With the overwhelming amount of information available, it is important to have trusted sources of information. In the past, it was difficult for experts to communicate with the public, but now technology has made it possible through podcasts and other platforms. Scientists and MDs have a responsibility to educate the public with facts that they can trust. It is important to have voices of reason and fact to combat the misinformation that is present in the world today. Public educators like Dr. David Sinclair are now allowed by universities to talk to the public, and this is a positive step towards educating people.
Dr. David Sinclair's Test for Predicting Health and Longevity: Dr. David Sinclair's biological age test uses a simple mouth swab to predict future health and time of death. The test allows people to measure their health cheaply and keep track of their progress towards a better future.
Dr. David Sinclair has developed a biological age test that can predict future health and time of death, and he aims to democratize it for everyone to access it easily. He intends to build a system that points people in the right direction and offers discounts for certain things that improve their health. The biological age test is a simple mouth swab, and people can celebrate their 'negative birthday' if they succeed in taking their age back a year or more. Measuring something is important to optimize it, and this test will enable people to keep measuring their health very cheaply and know if they are on the right track.
