Bryan Johnson claims that he has no intention of growing older or dying. Sounds impossible, right? Well, the 46-year-old tech billionaire from California is giving it his best shot. He follows a strict routine of taking 100 vitamins a day, fasting for 23 hours daily (eating only within a one-hour window), and formerly receiving blood transfusions from his son. Johnson believes that this process has “reversed” his age, with doctors confirming that he has the heart health of a 37-year-old, skin quality of a 28-year-old, and the fitness level of an 18-year-old. He is not alone in this quest. There is a rising number of self-proclaimed experts using social media to advocate their own strategies for living longer, if not forever, than the average person. These longevity influencers claim that by adhering to rigorous, often unconventional lifestyle regimens, one can “hack” or outsmart the aging process, significantly reducing the risk of developing age-related diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and dementia.
Bryan Johnson and these longevity gurus are immensely popular, one of the most notable being 50-year-old Canadian Dr. Peter Attia, a former cancer doctor with over 1.5 million followers on YouTube and Instagram. He is also the author of a top-selling book, “Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity.” A significant number of these gurus suggest regular ice baths and sauna usage to promote a longer life. According to Dr. Tamsin Lewis, the founder of UK longevity health firm Wellgevity, these practices can decrease the risk of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Lewis, a former GB triathlete, mentions that exposing the body to hot and cold temperatures is akin to exercise, making individuals more resilient and aging better. Saunas have been linked to a decreased risk of heart attacks and strokes. However, the scientific evidence for the benefits of ice baths is lacking, and there have been instances of deaths associated with cold-water immersion. Dr. Attia suggests going barefoot as much as possible and carrying heavy weights in a backpack to potentially extend one’s healthy life by decades. On the other hand, Ben Greenfield, a 43-year-old self-proclaimed “biohacker, nutritionist, physiologist, fitness coach, athlete, and bestselling author,” advocates for ice baths and coffee enemas. He claims that tests have exhibited his biological age to be that of a nine-year-old. These longevity gurus appear alongside A-list celebrities in documentaries, on popular podcasts, and often sell out their speaking tours immediately.
The claims made by these influencers appear to promise everlasting youth given their message and admirable physical forms. Nonetheless, Professor Ilaria Bellantuono, an aging expert at the University of Sheffield’s Healthy Lifespan Institute, mentions that the scientific evidence to support their assertions is often tenuous. Nonetheless, people are captivated by this commitment to enduring youth. So, is their guidance worth following? We have assembled some of Britain’s foremost aging experts to dissect their most captivating claims.
Adherents of fasting claim that it can reduce the number of senescent cells in the body, also known as ‘zombie cells.’ These cells are alive but not functional and can lead to tissue, organ, and immune system weakness, culminating in age-related diseases. For instance, Bryan Johnson consumes only one meal a day, generally consisting of raw vegetables, sweet potato salad, nuts, and fruit, totaling 2,250 calories. Experts agree that fasting can be beneficial and eradicates zombie cells. Trials with rodents displayed improved fitness, kidney function, and increased lifespan with a time-restricted diet, fasting for 12 hours daily. Unlike Johnson’s extreme fasting regime, intermittent fasting for 12 hours appears to eliminate some body waste.
Ben Greenfield suggests that regular coffee enemas can cleanse and heal the colon, detoxify the liver, reduce chronic pain, and increase mental acuity and energy levels. However, the National Cancer Institute found no evidence that coffee enemas aided people with cancer. Additionally, enemas administered incorrectly can have risky complications.
Dr. Attia advocates for weightlifting to build muscle mass and increase resilience, reducing the risk of life-threatening injuries later in life. Strength-based exercises may decrease premature mortality rates, regardless of whether individuals perform aerobic exercises.
Supportive shoes weaken the leg and foot muscles, according to Dr. Attia. He recommends going barefoot or wearing “barefoot” shoes to enhance stability and reduce the risk of long-term injuries impacting healthy living. The long-term effects of barefoot shoes are unknown, and sudden changes in walking style could result in foot or leg injuries.
Johnson claims to take 104 vitamins a day to complement his diet, based on the results of regular tests by his team of doctors. Many people in the UK have a Vitamin D deficiency, which can increase the risk of bone problems and affect the body’s infection-fighting capabilities. Nevertheless, experts prefer getting the right nutrients from food and sunlight instead of relying solely on supplements. Some influencers support controlled breathing, also known as ‘breath work,’ to decrease stress and lower illness risk. Research shows that patients who regularly practice controlled breathing witness a reduction in blood pressure as their stress levels decrease.
According to Dr. Attia, hormone therapy, including testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for men and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women, can enhance the quality of life. However, while HRT can reduce menopause symptoms and protect bone health, there are potential side effects, including a slight increase in breast cancer risk, prompting the NHS not to recommend it for those seeking general health improvement.
In conclusion, many claims made by longevity influencers have varying degrees of scientific evidence to support them. While some practices have shown potential benefits, others remain controversial and lack substantial research to validate their long-term effects on health and longevity. It is crucial for individuals to carefully consider and consult with healthcare professionals before adopting any radical lifestyle changes or unconventional health practices.
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