Podcast Summary
Synergistic supplements: Taking a combination of multiple supplements, rather than just one, can provide better anti-aging benefits due to the synergistic effects of different polyphenols.
Dr. Sandra Kaffman, an expert in cellular biology, anesthesia, and ethnobotany, recommends taking a synergistic combination of multiple supplements, rather than just one, for optimal anti-aging benefits. She takes around 70 supplements herself and believes that different polyphenols, when taken together, can have better effects than taking the full dose of just one. This approach, which she calls the Kaufman Protocol, is based on scientific evidence and is accessible to everyone. Dr. Kaffman's background in various fields, including cell biology, plant studies, and medicine, has given her a unique perspective on aging and the role of supplements in supporting cellular health.
Cellular aging tenants: Cellular aging is influenced by various factors including DNA damage, telomere shortening, epigenetic changes, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, autophagy failure, and inflammation, collectively known as the 7-10ths of aging. Understanding these processes at a molecular level is crucial for developing effective anti-aging interventions.
Cells, which make up our bodies and are the foundation of life, are complex systems that can be influenced by various factors leading to aging. The speaker, a cell biologist, identified seven tenants of cellular aging, including DNA damage, telomere shortening, epigenetic changes, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, autophagy failure, and inflammation. These tenants can be remembered as the 7-10ths of aging. Understanding these processes at a molecular level is crucial for developing effective anti-aging interventions, such as stem cell therapy, which aims to keep our own stem cells healthy or replace damaged cells with healthy ones. It's important to note that our bodies are not just made up of human cells, but also bacteria and other microorganisms, which play essential roles in our health. Therefore, an overly aggressive approach to eliminating all microbes could harm our beneficial bacteria and make us more susceptible to infections.
Stem Cells and Epigenetics: Stem cells, specifically V cells, can reverse physiological aging by an average of three years when extracted, activated, and reintroduced to the body. Epigenetics offers ways to positively influence gene expression and protect telomeres and mitochondria through simple methods like consuming sulforaphane or EGCG.
Advances in stem cell technology and epigenetics offer promising solutions to combat aging and age-related diseases. Stem cells, specifically V cells, can be extracted from the body, activated, and then reintroduced to reverse physiological aging by an average of three years. Dr. Todd Olavakis in San Diego is leading this innovation. Epigenetics, on the other hand, provides a way to hack into our genes and positively influence their expression, helping to protect telomeres and mitochondria. Simple, non-invasive methods include consuming epigenetic modifiers like sulforaphane from broccoli or EGCG from green tea. While we may not live forever, these advancements will significantly extend our lifespan. Additionally, protecting telomeres and mitochondria through reducing oxidative stress, glycation, and epigenetic factors can help slow down the aging process.
Mitochondria care after 40: Consume every day powerful antioxidants like Astaxanthin and Delphinidin, increase NAD levels, and activate sirtuin 3 for mitochondrial health after age 40.
After the age of 40, taking care of your mitochondria is crucial for maintaining their function. Two key things to do for your mitochondria are: first, consuming powerful antioxidants like Astaxanthin and Delphinidin, which act as free radical scavengers and activate your body's own endogenous free radical scavenging production. Second, increasing NAD levels through supplements like nicotinamide riboside, nicotinamide mononucleotide, or IM strategies, is important for mitochondrial health. Additionally, activating sirtuin 3, which lives specifically in your mitochondria and acts as a "maestro" of mitochondria activity, can be done through compounds like hanokial from magnolia bark and dihydromaricetin from Chinese vine tea. These supplements help mitigate the damage caused by alcohol and improve the liver's ability to process toxins. It's important to note that everyone's body responds differently to supplements, so taking a variety of supplements at lower doses can be more effective than taking a full dose of just one supplement.
Senescent cells and anti-aging: Damaged senescent cells hinder natural health processes and can be eliminated with anti-senescence drugs and natural compounds like quercetin and fisetin, while lactoferrin helps reduce AGEs formation
Our bodies have natural processes for maintaining health and longevity, such as DNA repair mechanisms and autophagy, which recycles and eliminates damaged cells. However, these processes can be hindered by the presence of senescent cells, which are damaged cells that can't be fixed and release inflammatory factors, negatively affecting surrounding cells. Research is being conducted into anti-senescence drugs and natural compounds like quercetin and fisetin, which can help eliminate senescent cells and reduce their inflammatory effects. Another important nutrient is lactoferrin, which scores highly in glycation management by helping to reduce the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in the body.
AGEs and lactoferrin: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) damage proteins and cause inflammation, particularly in collagen-rich areas. Lactoferrin, a protein in milk, can bind to and remove AGEs, reducing their harmful effects. Natural sources of lactoferrin, like camel milk, may be especially beneficial for healthy aging.
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are harmful compounds that form when a reducing sugar, such as glucose, binds to proteins under oxidizing conditions. These AGEs make the proteins they're attached to malfunction and can cause inflammation, which leads to tissue damage, particularly in collagen-rich areas like skin. Lactoferrin, a molecule found in milk, can act as an "AGE sponge," binding to and removing these harmful compounds from the body. Natural sources of lactoferrin, such as camel milk, can be particularly effective in reducing the negative effects of AGEs and promoting healthy aging. Additionally, improving the bioavailability of curcumin, a compound found in turmeric known for its anti-inflammatory properties, can make it even more effective in reducing inflammation and promoting overall health as we age.
Epigenetic modifiers, Sertuan activator: The Sertuan activator, an epigenetic modifier, plays a crucial role in promoting brain health and reducing inflammation. Finding a bioavailable version is essential.
Learning from this conversation with Sandy is the importance of epigenetic modifiers, specifically the Sertuan activator, in promoting brain health and reducing inflammation. However, it's crucial to find a bioavailable version of this compound. Sandy's website, mentioned multiple times during the podcast, is a valuable resource for learning more about various compounds and their potential benefits. Listeners are encouraged to engage with the content by printing out the Kauffman Protocol and decorating it with personal touches. The podcast also covers other ways we age, and previous episodes on supplements provide a less scientific entry point to the conversation. Feel free to share personal stories, questions, or travel experiences related to aging and mid-life by emailing the podcast or following on social media. Overall, this conversation emphasizes the value of continuous learning and exploration in understanding the complexities of aging and maintaining optimal health.