Whether you've been reading our blog for a while or are completely new to it, in this article we'll explain the basics of longevity hacking and give you a general overview of the topic.
What is longevity hacking anyway?
You've probably heard of the word biohacking. This generally describes the influencing of the body's biological mechanisms to improve health, performance or quality of life. Longevity hacking Builds on this in principle - but focuses even more on optimizing lifespan. In other words, it also attempts to optimize physical functions and thus the health spanthrough certain "longevity hacks". You can find out exactly what these are in this article.
But first a few words about longevity hacking in general. The mindset of longevity hacking differs fundamentally from that of anti-ageing. Longevity hacking is not just about stopping the ageing process - no, not only that - we actually want to reverse it! Studies are now increasingly showing that this is not some crazy dream of the future, but is already possible in the present. This is why measures are being taken not only to counteract or slow down the ageing process, but also to have a rejuvenating effect. The term "rejuvenation" is used to describe an increasing number of approaches aimed at doing just that: Reversing the ageing process in humans through targeted measures such as z.B. Stem cell therapies or gene therapies.
There is still no pill or therapy that can quickly turn an 80-year-old man with all kinds of age-related illnesses back into his 30-year-old self, full of vital energy. But researchers all over the world are working towards this goal. Exactly what such rejuvenation will look like 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. For example, filthy rich people such as Amazon founder Jeff Bezos or the Blueprint founder Bryan Johnson millions of dollars are being invested 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 degradation
It is also certain that we can already make some longevity hacks that can positively influence our ageing process. These are based on clinically proven and data-supported measures in the fight against the ageing process. The ageing process affects all human bodily functions and longevity hackers want to provide the best possible protection against such age-related diseases. Some of these are:
- Cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack or stroke
- Neuropsychiatric diseases such as Alzheimer's or dementia
- Sarcopenia (age-related muscle atrophy)
- Osteoporosis and therefore increased risk of bone fractures
- Cancerous diseases
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD for short)
The aim is to keep all bodily functions healthy. You want to be able to see just as well at the age of 80 or 90 as you did when you were younger. You want to maintain or improve your physical fitness so that you can move around in the world. You want to retain the mental clarity and cognitive acumen of your younger self in old age and not be restricted in any way.
Longevity hacking differs significantly from anti-ageing in terms of the path to the goal. While the aim of anti-ageing is to combat superficial or visible signs of ageing, longevity research addresses the molecular roots of ageing. These molecular causes are also referred to as hallmarks of ageing . For example, more telomere attritionoccurs with age, which inflammaging describes chronic inflammation in old age or with mitochondria no longer functioning as well (mitochondrial dysfunction).
Longevity hack no. 1 - nutrition
Our nutritionprobably has the most everyday influence on our biological systems. What we eat and drink has a direct effect on our body. Studies show, for example, that a plant-based diet can protect against certain diseases. For example, a diet rich in fruit and vegetables protects against the development of certain types of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes mellitus. This is mainly due to the secondary plant substances in plant-based foods. These are not found in animal products.
However, longevity hackers not only want to live as long as possible, they also want to stay healthy for as long as possible. This is the difference between Lifespan and Healthspan.
We don't want to prolong our lives and grow older - we want to be able to spend our time in as good 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 with a wealth of secondary plant substances, there are other strategies. The intake of so-called nutritional supplementsis directly linked to nutrition.
Many of the so-called longevity supplements have their origins in nature or in our diet. People have been using plant extracts and the like to treat and alleviate illnesses for thousands of years. In recent years, many substances have been analyzed for their life-prolonging effects, particularly in the area of longevity. Some examples of this are:
- Fisetin: z.B. from strawberries
- Quercetin: z.B. from onions and garlic
- Resveratrol: z.B. from peanuts and red wine
- Spermidine: z.B. from wheat germ or soybeans
- Magnesium: z.B. from whole grain breads, legumes and nuts
These substances are offered in isolation as dietary supplements on the basis of a number of studies. Diet should always be the foundation of a longevity hacker, but in consultation with a doctor, taking selected longevity supplements can contribute to a healthy and long life.
Longevity research is also focusing on other substances that do not occur directly in plants, but nevertheless affect our metabolism. These include alpha-ketoglutarate, vitamin D, langkettige Omega-3-Fettsäuren und Glucosamin.
For powder fans and capsule lovers - Trans-Resveratrol from MoleQlar is for everyone.
Longevity hack no. 3 - exercise and sport
In addition to diet and supplements, exercise and sport also have a direct influence on our physical systems. Experts such as Peter Attia u.arecommend so-called High Intensity Interval Trainings (HIIT for short). In addition, plenty of exercise in everyday life is an important part of staying healthy and fit. You should always walk around 10,000 steps a day. Studies also show that certain sports such as z.B. tennis as part of a healthy lifestyle protect against cardiovascular disease and obesity.
Some longevity hackers optimize their physical performance by taking creatine monohydrate. creatine is an endogenous substance that is formed in the liver and kidneys from several amino acids. The body produces approx. 1-2 g creatine. This can be used as an energy substrate, especially during fast and explosive physical activity. This can lead to an increase in performance. In addition, maintaining healthy muscle mass in old age is essential for all people.
Longevity hack no. 4 - sleep and regeneration
Once you have exercised, eaten well and provided your body with all the important nutrients, it is important to ensure sufficient regeneration . This mainly happens during sleep. This is why it is particularly important to sleep around seven hours a day. Studies show that a healthy sleep pattern is associated with better health and fewer illnesses in old age.
Just as important as having a good morning routine to start the day is having a healthy evening routine before bed. Whether it's a certain tea, turning off your cell phone at a certain time or using essential oils such as lavender oil: an evening routine can help to optimally prepare you for sleep and consequently regenerate your body.
Longevity hack no. 5 - Further longevity therapies
In addition to the longevity hacks mentioned above, there are many other longevity therapies that aim to prolong life and increase health. These include many applications from the biotech scene:
- Intravenöse NAD+-Injektionen
- Stammzellentherapie
- Sauerstofftherapie
- Kryotherapie
- Gentherapien
- Certain medications
In addition, abstaining from high levels of alcohol and tobacco consumption is recommended in any case, as these are both major risk factors for the development of numerous diseases.
Fazit
A healthy and balanced lifestyle is the foundation of every longevity hacker. In addition, after a thorough needs analysis, it makes sense to take certain substances in consultation with a doctor if necessary. These include dietary supplements such as vitamin D, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, but also more specific longevity supplements such as AKG, glucosamine and co.
