Aging Reversed / ABC News

Now researchers have found a way not just to stop, but, reverse the aging process. The key is something called a telomere. We all have them. They are the tips or caps of your chromosomes. They are long and stable in young adults, but, as we age they become shorter, damaged and frayed. When they stop working we start aging and experience things like hearing and memory loss.

In a recent study published in the peer reviewed journal Nature scientists took mice that were prematurely aged to the equivalent of 80-year-old humans, added an enzyme and essentially turned their telomeres back on. After the treatment they were the physiological equivalent of young adults. You can see the before and after pictures in the videos above. Brain function improved, their fertility was restored it was a remarkable reversal of the aging process. In the top video the untreated mouse shows bad skin, gray hair and it is balding. The mouse with it’s telomeres switched back on has a dark coat color, the hair is restored and the coat has a nice healthy sheen to it. Even more dramatic is the change in brain size. Before treatment the aged mice had 75% of a normal size brain like a patient with severe Alzheimers. After the telomeres were reactivated the brain returned to normal size. As for humans while it is just one factor scientists say the longer the telomeres the better the chances for a more graceful aging.

The formal study Telomere dysfunction induces metabolic and mitochondrial compromise was published in Nature.

Additional information published by Harvard can be found in the following articles.

Scientists Find Root Molecular Cause of Declining Health in the Old

Decoding Immortality – Smithsonian Channel Video about the Discovery of Telomerase

While scientists are not yet able to accomplish the same results in humans we believe we have developed a nutraceutical to help prolong youth and possibly extend life until age reversal therapy for humans becomes available.

Stem Cell Secret’s of 115 Year Old Woman

New evidence that adult stem cells are critical to human aging has recently been published on a study done on a super-centenarian woman that lived to be 115 years. At death, her circulating stem cell pool had declined to just two active stem cells from stem cell counts that are typically more than a thousand in younger adults. Super-centenarians have survived all the normal diseases that kill 99.9% of us before 100 years of age, so it has been a mystery as to what actually kills these hardy individuals. This recent data suggest that stem cell decline may be the main contributor to aging. If so, stabilizing stem cells may be the best thing one can do to slow your rate of aging.

There are many theories of aging that have been proposed. For example, damage to cells and tissues from oxidative stress has been one of the most popular fundamental theories of aging for more than half a century. Yet antioxidant substances or genes that code antioxidant enzymes have proven largely ineffective in slowing aging when tested in model animals. Thus, interest by scientists has shifted to other hypotheses that might provide a better explanation for the slow declines in function with age.

Stem cells provide one such promising mechanism of aging. Of course, we all know that babies are young and vigorous, independent of the age of their parents. This is because adults have embryonic stem cells that can generate young new cells needed to form a complete young baby. Indeed, these embryonic stem cells are the product of continuously evolving stem cell populations that go back to the beginning of life on earth over 3.5 billion years ago!

In adults, the mostly immortal embryonic stem cells give rise to mortal adult stem cells in all the tissues of the body. These adult stem cells can regenerate your cells and tissues as they wear out and need replacement. Unfortunate, adult stem cells also age, which leads to fewer cells and/or loss of function in cell replacement. As functional stem cells decline, skin and organs decline with age.

Blood from world’s oldest woman suggests life limit

Time Magazine: Long-Life Secrets From The 115-Year-Old Woman

Somatic mutations found in the healthy blood compartment of a 115-yr-old woman demonstrate oligoclonal hematopoiesis

Abstract
The somatic mutation burden in healthy white blood cells (WBCs) is not well known. Based on deep whole-genome sequencing, we estimate that approximately 450 somatic mutations accumulated in the nonrepetitive genome within the healthy blood compartment of a 115-yr-old woman. The detected mutations appear to have been harmless passenger mutations: They were enriched in noncoding, AT-rich regions that are not evolutionarily conserved, and they were depleted for genomic elements where mutations might have favorable or adverse effects on cellular fitness, such as regions with actively transcribed genes. The distribution of variant allele frequencies of these mutations suggests that the majority of the peripheral white blood cells were offspring of two related hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) clones. Moreover, telomere lengths of the WBCs were significantly shorter than telomere lengths from other tissues. Together, this suggests that the finite lifespan of HSCs, rather than somatic mutation effects, may lead to hematopoietic clonal evolution at extreme ages.

Sugar, Not Salt Is The Culprit In High Blood Pressure

For more than a century, medical researchers have warned of the dangers salt poses on high blood pressure and cardiovascular deaths. But recent evidence is turning that belief upside down and suggesting it’s not salt but sugars in our diets that are driving up numbers related to heart health. A recent study published in BMJ Open Heart suggests that fructose is actually the more dangerous culprit when it comes to hypertension and heart disease.

Cutting back on salt may not be as beneficial for your health as previously believed. A 2011 meta-analysis from the Cochrane Collaboration even found that reducing your intake of sodium could actually increase chances of fatal heart disease, particularly when it comes to sources like sea and table salt. Processed foods are a major culprit, since they’re often high in both added sugar and dietary salts, making them doubly dangerous.

Evidence from across scientific disciplines has highlighted the damaging effects of sugar on blood pressure. In particular, fructose was found to be a major contributing factor in hypertension. Sadly, due to an increase in processed foods and high-fructose corn syrup consumption, Americans are now consuming more than 77-152 pounds per year, equal to approximately 24-47 teaspoons daily. This is far higher than 300 years ago when people only ate a few pounds annually. Alarmingly, 13% of US citizens consume 25% or more calories as added sugars which triples their risk for dying from cardiovascular causes.

Despite general health guidelines suggesting 25% of daily diet should consist of added sugar, when it’s fructose this can have a marked and dangerous effect on blood pressure. Consuming over 74g per day is associated with an alarming 77% greater risk for elevated readings above the recommended 160/100 mm Hg level. It appears that processed food sources are at fault here and fresh fruits and vegetables containing natural sugars do not produce any harmful effects.

While processed foods may appear to be delicious, they can increase the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure. Instead of reaching for artificial sweeteners, try incorporating more natural ones like honey or maple syrup into your diet in moderation. Ditch regular table salt and replace it with either Celtic sea salt or Himalayan pink sea salt for both flavor and health benefits.

To view the original scientific study click below:
The wrong white crystals: not salt but sugar as aetiological in hypertension and cardiometabolic disease

Breathe Through Your Nose Not Your Mouth For Optimal Health

Our breath is the life source that keeps us going, and dodging any health issues related to it should be a top priority. As such, nasal breathing has increasingly gained attention as an essential element for respiratory well-being. By efficiently channeling air through your nose rather than your mouth, you are reaping numerous benefits for both short- and long-term health, whereas chronic mouth breathers may unknowingly be harmful in various ways.

By breathing through the nose, our bodies take up more oxygen due to an increase in airway resistance. This allows for improved elasticity and volume of the lungs, as well as increased oxygenation inside the nasal passageway thanks to a network of arteries, veins, capillaries and lymphatic vessels. A 2015 clinical review published by Nursing in General Practice found that these benefits can have a net result 10-20 percent higher uptake rate than when exhaling solely with your mouth.

Through the simple action of nasal breathing, you can promote a calming effect on both mind and body. This is because slow deep breaths stimulate your vagus nerve, which in turn activates your parasympathetic nervous system’s relaxation response. An additional bonus comes from nitric oxide production. This compound produced by nearly every cell helps relax blood vessels and boosts oxygen absorption capacity, while providing anti-fungal, antibacterial benefits.

Nasal breathing offers numerous benefits for your health and well being. Evidence indicates it can help keep the air moist, trap airborne debris before entering the body, reduce symptoms of common illnesses, encourage diaphragm action and even influence dental development such as creating arches in teeth.

Breathing through the mouth, which is done by a large portion of people, may have serious health implications such as gum disease or even sleep apnea. Additionally, it can also lead to dental decay and bad breath while influencing speech patterns and swallowing abilities.

Nasal breathing has been widely endorsed by many experts and cultures from around the world as a beneficial habit. While not everyone can easily breathe through their nose due to various issues such as a deviated septum or facial trauma, those who are able should cultivate this practice for its ample health perks.

Looking to become an expert breather? Try incorporating the following approaches into your daily life. Set reminders throughout the day, take a few minutes for breathing exercises like alternate nostril or diaphragmatic breath work, and consider taping your mouth at night. However, it’s important that this should not be attempted if any medical conditions apply like difficulty in nasal respiration or allergies/colds etc. One of the best mouth tapes is SomniFx, which can be purchased from Amazon and is easily applied and removed. Incorporating even just one of these strategies can help establish healthier habits as we move through our day-to-day lives.

To view the original scientific study click below:
The health benefits of nose breathing

Consuming Sugar Alters The Gut Microbiome

With the prevalence of fast food and junk food on our menu, it’s no surprise that a Western-style diet high in fat and sugar can wreak havoc with human health. By consuming this type of diet it can cause obesity or diseases such as metabolic syndrome or diabetes. But how exactly does this type of eating affect our body internally?

To answer these questions, researchers from Columbia University recently studied the microbiome response to an unhealthy diet by taking mice through 4 weeks of controlled nutrition study using a Western-style meal plan. The results showed poorer metabolism over time, weight gain, insulin resistance and glucose intolerance.

Fascinatingly, a major component of the gut microbiota in the mice underwent drastic alterations that had consequences on Th17 cells. By reducing this particular type of bacteria- segmented filamentous, researchers were able to reduce the number of immune system tissues related to metabolic diseases such as diabetes and weight gain.

Immune cells in the intestine are responsible for keeping our gut healthy and protecting us from absorbing dangerous lipids. The recent study has revealed that, when it comes to high-fat, high-sugar diets, sugar is likely what drives these harmful changes. Evidently this makes sense as excess consumption of sugary treats can lead to inflammation which increases susceptibility towards disease.

The research revealed that when mice were fed a sugar-free, high fat diet they retained crucial intestinal Th17 cells and as a result had full protection against obesity and pre-diabetes. Even though the same number of calories was consumed it demonstrated an interesting implication – by simply eliminating added sugars from your diet you can protect yourself from major metabolic diseases.

While cutting back on sugar can be beneficial for some, it may not have the same effect in individuals without certain bacteria present. This was demonstrated by mice that became obese and developed diabetes despite a lack of filamentous bacteria. To address this, probiotics could help restore Th17 cells to balance out metabolic syndrome when high-fat diets are consumed.

The research highlights that the interaction between diet, intestinal microbiota and the immune system is crucial in influencing conditions such as obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. While humans don’t possess filamentous bacteria like mice do, other gut-dwelling microorganisms may provide similar protection from illness. The data shows how mice were able to resist higher levels of fat consumption when given certain filamentous bacteria – a cellular induction which may also be therapeutic for humans. Importantly, it was not solely the actions of these organisms providing protection but rather Th17 cells activated by them.

These findings could be integral for preventing or reversing these conditions through dietary interventions.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Microbiota imbalance induced by dietary sugar disrupts immune-mediated protection from metabolic syndrome

New Study Shows Hydration Improves Longevity

Research has revealed a potential link between water consumption and long-term health benefits. Staying hydrated could positively impact your overall well being. It has the potential to slow down the aging process by mitigating decreases in body water content which can result in higher levels of serum sodium.

According to a study recently featured in The Lancet journal eBioMedicine, staying hydrated could play an important role in promoting longevity and overall well-being. Drinking plenty of water optimizes metabolism and cell function while reducing risk for chronic illnesses associated with premature aging.

The research reveals that drinking adequate amounts of water can have lasting health benefits. The researchers used the long-term Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study which followed nearly 16,000 individuals between 45-66 years old for 25 years. It assessed their serum sodium levels as a proxy for hydration status. It was determined those with higher normal serum sodium had poorer outcomes than those who remained better hydrated over time. Results showed even small differences from lower end to upper limits of 135-146 mEq/L could lead to significant detriments on overall well-being by age 76.

Elevated sodium levels in the bloodstream can be associated with serious health issues, such as stroke and dementia. Adults whose serum sodium level was between 142-146 mEq/L demonstrated a higher risk of chronic diseases than those who had lower values (137-142). Surprisingly, an even greater increased risk for death occurred if their sodium went up to 144.5–146mEq/L. Keeping your serum levels at 138 40 mEq/L may help reduce one’s chances of developing these conditions significantly. The authors suggest looking beyond just sodium intake and consider other important contributing factors such as hormones, inflammation levels and cytokines when exploring how these elements affect the aging process.

Research has found that roughly half of the world’s population does not consume enough water or liquids to sustain a healthy lifestyle, with minimum recommendations starting at 1.5 liters per day. The National Institutes of Health recommends adult women aim to drink about 2-2.5 liters and men 3 liters each day, with 80% coming from drinks like water or tea. Pay attention to how you feel and adjust this amount accordingly so that you can maintain a healthy balance.

Maintaining water balance is a crucial part of keeping our bodies functioning properly. The amount we need to drink daily depends on factors like health conditions and medications. Drinking too little can lead to unpleasant symptoms such as fatigue, soreness and confusion due to electrolyte deficiencies. It’s important to remember that food also has significant water content which helps contribute towards necessary intake.

Although there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that drinking water directly protects against different diseases, research has shown an association between proper hydration and overall health. Staying well-hydrated may have long term benefits for our bodies!

To view the original scientific study click below:
Middle-age high normal serum sodium as a risk factor for accelerated biological aging, chronic diseases, and premature mortality

Take A 5-Minute Walk Every Half Hour For Better Health

Tired of sitting hunched over your desk all day? Taking a five-minute stroll each half hour could be the secret to better health and improved mood, according to new research from Columbia University. Studies confirm that this simple movement can reduce blood sugar levels and spikes by up to 60%, while lowering your blood pressure and boosting your mood.

The researchers conducted a study to determine the optimal amount of movement for humans. 11 people participated to determine the most beneficial exercise regime for people who sit in an ergonomic chair for long periods of time. Each individual took part in five regimes, ranging from one minute intervals after every 30 and 60 minutes to no walking breaks at all. By empirically testing multiple options with varying frequency and duration levels, conclusive evidence was offered as well as specific guidelines concerning optimal physical activity patterns while seated.

They allowed participants to perform activities such as working on laptops, reading books and using their phones while monitoring how much they exercised over prolonged periods of time. The results indicated that taking five minutes’ worth of walking breaks every 30 minutes had beneficial effects in terms of blood sugar levels and reduced systolic blood pressure by up to 5 mm/Hg when compared with confined sitting all day long. Interestingly, any other frequent intervals or lengths were found not to provide improvements, hence demonstrating the importance timing plays regarding physical activity.

Regular movement isn’t just for the gym – it’s essential to maintain good health. This research shows that even in small doses, periodic walking throughout your work day can have a marked impact on reducing heart disease risk and other chronic conditions.

By introducing manageable amounts of exercise into your daily routine you’ll be feeling invigorated in no time. So why not take advantage of the health benefits and give yourself regular walking breaks throughout the day for better physical and mental wellness.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Breaking Up Prolonged Sitting to Improve Cardiometabolic Risk: Dose-Response Analysis of a Randomized Cross-Over Trial

Higher Vitamin D Levels Linked to Better Cognitive Function

A recent study has revealed a promising connection between Vitamin D levels in the human brain and lower rates of dementia. It suggests that higher amounts may be associated with decreased risk as people age, but further investigation is needed to fully comprehend how this crucial vitamin can influence cognition. While some possible causes for Alzheimer’s Disease are known, much more research into its origin remains an important area of inquiry.

Tufts researchers conducted a thorough review of brain tissue samples from 209 participants in the Rush Memory and Aging Project, which has been tracking Alzheimer’s progression since 1997. They were looking to examine the link between vitamin D levels and rates of dementia or mild cognitive impairment.

Remarkably, their findings indicated that individuals with higher amounts of Vitamin D had up to 33% lower odds for developing such conditions. The sample included 92-year olds at time of death; 77% were female while 72% possessed 12+ years worth of formal education. Analyses demonstrated different regions in the brain responded differently depending on whether it was linked with Alzheimer’s disease related changes, vascular issues or neither. Astonishingly these discoveries display an undeniable relationship between increased Vitamin D intake and reduced likelihoods concerning dementia/cognitive decline.

Previous research has linked a healthy diet and adequate vitamin D levels to improved cognitive functioning in older adults. Vitamin D is known for its important role in keeping bones strong, and thought to have anti-inflammatory properties that protect the brain from damage or worsening of neurological conditions. Foods full of this powerhouse vitamin include oily fish (like salmon), dairy products & beef liver but it can also be attained from natural sunlight exposure in 10–30 minute increments three or more times per week.

The findings suggest that while there may be an association between vitamin D levels in the brain and cognitive function, these results are only indicative of a correlation – not necessarily causation. The study was also limited to those who had normal levels of Vitamin D; so it did not look at how insufficient amounts might affect cognition. Lastly, authors suggested another possible interpretation for their data could be that higher concentrations point to greater “cognitive resilience” even with neurological impairment present.

This study casts doubts on the long-held belief that amyloid plaques could be a cause of Alzheimer’s. In fact, no correlation was found between vitamin D levels and plaque buildup in patients with dementia or cognitive impairment. As such, numerous clinical trials attempting to treat this condition have struggled due to an absence of consensus about its potential causes – something which further highlights how complex Alzheimer’s disease really is.

Vitamin D has been identified as a potential contributing factor in cognitive impairment, although exactly how remains unclear. This study is the first of its kind to examine Vitamin D levels directly within the brain and explore any relationship with cognition. Research suggests that vitamin D may be involved in cell-signaling pathways connected to neurodegeneration. However, understanding this process continues to remain complex due largely to incomplete evidence on whether low levels of vitamin D alone are responsible for impairments or if other factors also play a role.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Brain vitamin D forms, cognitive decline, and neuropathology in community-dwelling older adults

Link Identified Between Insomnia and Memory Decline

If you’re having trouble sleeping, now may be the time to take action. A recent Canadian study suggests a correlation between insomnia and an increased chance of developing memory decline or dementia as we age. Postdoc Nathan Cross details these findings in his longitudinal research which also highlights psychological disorders as potential comorbidities for diminished mental health.

Through an extensive study involving more than 26,000 participants of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging aged 45-85, researchers have found a link between poor sleep quality and increased odds of subjective memory decline. Their findings were published in SLEEP journal after combining self-reported evaluations from 2019 with follow up assessments three years later in 2022.

The study revealed a direct correlation between insomnia disorder and impaired memory, with no other cognitive functions affected. This suggests that treating the sleep issue at its root could be an effective strategy for preserving mental acuity later in life.

Dr. Cross’ study is groundbreaking in both its massive data set and how it approaches sleep disorders. Insomnia is classified as a psychological disorder that requires difficulty falling asleep at least 3 nights a week over 3 months for an extended period of time. This can lead to cognitive fatigue during daytime hours. This study focused on three groups of people: those who experienced no issues with sleep initially, individuals showing signs of insomnia and those newly developing probable cases. Through such categorizations, the researchers were able to analyze how shifting states may impact overall health.

Analyzing the data of the 2022 follow-up revealed that those who reported poor sleep quality, or had a worsening of their symptoms were significantly more likely to show memory decline, greater levels of anxiety, depression, daytime exhaustion and breathing disruptions during rest. Furthermore, these same people are prone to smoking habitually as well having higher BMI scores, which all being major risk factors for cognitive loss & dementia. Even more striking was when researchers determined that men with sleeplessness fared worse on memory tests than women which suggests they may be predisposed towards higher risks associated with aging.

As we age, insomnia can become an unwelcome change. Fortunately, there is a silver lining: this sleep disorder has effective treatment options. By recognizing and treating the symptoms of insomnia early on in older adults’ lives, cognitive decline may be postponed or even avoided entirely.

Understanding this disease could lead to improved quality of life for millions worldwide who suffer from chronic sleeplessness. By tackling sleeplessness before it becomes worse, we may be able to reduce our risk of developing debilitating mental impairments later on in life!

To view the original scientific study click below:
Insomnia disorder increases the risk of subjective memory decline in middle-aged and older adults: a longitudinal analysis of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging

Intermittent Fasting Benefits Gene Expression

Paving the way for potential dietary treatments, researchers have revealed a promising link between our genes and what we eat. Exploring this connection could aid in treating serious conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Recent research has sparked new insights into the potential benefits of intermittent fasting. According to a study published in Cell Metabolism, when mice only ate during certain periods of time, there were profound changes in gene expression impacting almost 80% of all genes. This can lead to improved blood sugar regulation and decreased risk for obesity as well as reversing signs typically associated with aging.

Genes are like intricate blueprints, written in DNA and turned into tangible proteins by cellular machinery. This protein production is influential and controls how the body metabolizes fat, functions immunologically and more. New scientific discoveries suggest that different feeding patterns can change when genes are expressed. For example, one study found that by regulating when mice were allowed to eat, their diet impacted which metabolic pathways were activated or suppressed. This demonstrates how simple lifestyle choices may affect our genetics and health significantly. By restricting diet during certain time periods your organs “wake up” particular blood sugar regulating genes at mealtimes and switch them off during fasting periods.

Maintaining a consistent eating schedule helps to keep our body in sync with the natural rhythms of living. Time-restricted eating can promote adherence to this pattern by constraining meals within an 8 or 10 hour window and fasting for the remainder of the day. This practice, called intermittent fasting, is not just simple dieting – it reinforces healthy biological activity in both mind and body.

Time-restricted eating has recently emerged as a promising new dietary pattern that offers many health benefits. In one study, two groups of mice were both fed high calorie diets. One group was given access to food for 9 hours each day while their counterparts ate freely at any time. The results showed impressive reductions in weight gain among those with the restricted feeding times, although they consumed an equal amount of calories. These exciting findings suggest potential positive impacts on obesity and diabetes risk factors, cardiovascular health, gut function and cardiometabolic well-being.

The study of the time-restricted diet yielded remarkable results. It was found to reduce inflammation, enhance cellular housekeeping and balance RNA & protein levels, which are all contributing factors in promoting a longer life. On a molecular level, pathways activated by this diet, saw drastic improvements across multiple organ systems with its effects already linked to improved health.

Despite interesting findings from testing with animal models, there is still have an incredibly long journey ahead until time-restricted eating is proven to provide the same results in humans. We must keep that in mind when exploring this area of medical research. While exciting discoveries can take place at a cellular level, only further tests will give us conclusive evidence for any effects on people.

To view the original scientific study click below:
Diurnal transcriptome landscape of a multi-tissue response to time-restricted feeding in mammals

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