Whether you've been reading our blog for a while or are new here: in this article, we will explain what the so-called longevity hacking is all about and provide a general overview of the topic.
What is longevity hacking anyway?
You've probably heard of the term biohacking. This generally describes the influence of biological mechanisms of the body to improve health, performance, or quality of life. Longevity hacking is essentially based on this – but with a greater focus on optimizing lifespan. It also attempts to achieve an optimization of physical functions and thus health span through certain "longevity hacks." You will learn exactly what these are in this article.
But first, a few words on the topic of longevity hacking in general. The mindset in longevity hacking fundamentally differs from anti-aging. Namely, in that with longevity hacking, we not only want to stop the aging process – no, not just that – we actually want to reverse it! Studies are increasingly showing that this is not a crazy future concept, but is already possible in the present. Therefore, not only measures are applied that counteract aging or slow down this process, but also measures that have rejuvenating effects. Under the English term "Rejuvenation" (German: Verjüngung), there are more and more approaches that specifically aim at this: The reversal of the aging process in humans through targeted measures such as z.B. Stem cell therapies or gene therapies.
There is still neither a pill nor a therapy that can transform an 80-year-old man with all possible age-related diseases back into his 30-year-old version full of life energy in a short time. However, researchers around the world are working towards this goal. How exactly such rejuvenation will look in the future and when it will be possible remains to be seen. The fact is: more and more money is flowing into this field of research. Wealthy individuals like Amazon founder Jeff Bezos or the Blueprint founder Bryan Johnson are investing millions of dollars in the biotech companies of the Longevity future.
Billionaires like Jeff Bezos are investing hundreds of millions of dollars in the search for the holy grail of longevity.
Evidence-based against aging
It is also certain that we can already implement some longevity hacks that can positively influence our aging process. These are based on clinically proven and data-driven measures in the fight against the aging process. The aging process affects all human body functions, and longevity hackers want to protect themselves as best as possible from such age-related diseases.Some of these are:
- Cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack or stroke
- Neuropsychiatric disorders such as Alzheimer or dementia
- Sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss)
- Osteoporosis and thus increased risk of fractures
- Cancer diseases
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
The goal is to keep all body functions healthy. One wants to be able to see just as well at 80 or 90 years old as one could in younger years. One wants to maintain or even improve physical fitness in order to be able to move around in the world. One wants to retain the mental clarity and cognitive sharpness of their younger self even in old age and not be restricted in any way.
In the path to the goal, longevity hacking differs significantly from anti-aging.While anti-aging focuses on combating superficial or visible signs of aging, longevity research targets the molecular roots of aging. These molecular causes are also referred to as Hallmarks of Aging . As we age, there is more telomere attrition, inflammaging describes a chronic inflammation in aging, or mitochondria do not function as well anymore (mitochondrial dysfunction).
Longevity Hack No. 1 – Nutrition
The most likely everyday influence on our biological systems comes from our nutrition.What we eat and drink directly affects our body. Studies show, for example, that a plant-based diet can protect against certain diseases. A dietary pattern rich in fruits and vegetables protects against the development of certain types of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and also metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes. This is mainly due to the secondary plant compounds found in plant foods. These do not occur in animal products.
However, longevity hackers not only want to live as long as possible, they primarily want to stay healthy for as long as possible. This is the difference between Lifespan and Healthspan.
We do not want to extend life and grow older – we want to spend our time in as much health as possible. This is the goal of a longevity hacker: to stay healthy for as long as possible.
Longevity Hack No. 2 – Supplements
In addition to plant-based nutrition rich in secondary plant substances, there are further strategies. Directly related to nutrition is the intake of so-called dietary supplements.
Many of the so-called longevity supplements actually have their origins in nature or in our diet. For thousands of years, humans have used plant extracts and the like to treat and alleviate diseases. In the field of longevity, many substances have been analyzed in recent years regarding their life-extending effects. Some examples include:
- Fisetin: z.B. from strawberries
- Quercetin: z.B. from onions and garlic
- Resveratrol: z.B. from peanuts and red wine
- Spermidin: z.B. from wheat germ or soybeans
- Magnesium: z.B. from whole grain breads, legumes, and nuts
These substances are offered as dietary supplements based on some studies.Nutrition should definitely be the foundation of a longevity hacker, but in consultation with a doctor, the intake of selected longevity supplements can contribute to a healthy and long life.
However, longevity research also focuses on other substances that do not directly occur in plants but still intervene in our metabolism. These include among others Alpha-Ketoglutarate, Vitamin D, long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine.
For powder fans and capsule lovers - Trans-Resveratrol from MoleQlar is for everyone.
Longevity Hack No.3 – Movement and Sports
In addition to nutrition and dietary supplements, movement and sports also have a direct impact on our physical systems. Experts like Peter Attia u.arecommend so-called High Intensity Interval Trainings (short: HIIT). Furthermore, a lot of movement in daily life is an important component to keep us healthy and fit. You should definitely aim to walk about 10,000 steps per day. Studies also show that certain sports like z.B. Tennis can protect against cardiovascular diseases and obesity as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Some longevity hackers optimize their physical performance by taking creatine monohydrate. Creatine is a substance produced by the body, formed in the liver and kidneys from several amino acids. The body produces about 1-2 g of creatine every day. This can be used as an energy substrate, especially during fast and explosive physical activity. This can lead to performance increases. Furthermore, maintaining a healthy muscle mass in old age is essential for all people.
Longevity Hack No. 4 – Sleep and Recovery
After physical exertion, eating well, and supplying the body with all essential nutrients, it is important to ensure sufficient recovery .This mainly happens during sleep. Therefore, it is particularly important to sleep about seven hours a day. Studies show that healthy sleep behavior is associated with better health and fewer illnesses in old age. Just as important as a good morning routine to start the day is having a healthy evening routine before going to bed. Whether it's a specific tea, turning off the phone at a certain time, or using essential oils like lavender oil: an evening routine can help prepare you optimally for sleep and consequently regenerate your body. Longevity Hack No.5 – Other Longevity Therapies
In addition to the mentioned longevity hacks, there are a variety of longevity therapies aimed at extending life and enhancing health. These include, among others, many applications from the biotech scene:
- Intravenous NAD+ Injections
- Stem Cell Therapy
- Oxygen Therapy
- Cryotherapy
- Gene Therapies
- Certain Medications
Additionally, it is advisable to refrain from high amounts of alcohol and tobacco consumption, as both are major risk factors for the development of numerous diseases.
Conclusion
A healthy and balanced lifestyle is the foundation of every longevity hacker. Furthermore, after a thorough needs analysis, it makes sense to take certain substances in consultation with a doctor as needed. This includes dietary supplements such as Vitamin D, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, but also more specialized longevity supplements like AKG, glucosamine and others.
