Anti-Aging, Cardiometabolic Health, Cognitive Health, Longevity Medicine

#3 Biohacking for Longevity – proven strategies

Next up, let’s explore on the proven strategies of biohacking and how does it work for longevity by Dr Wong.

Longevity isn’t just about living longer, it’s about living better. Biohacking is the science based practice of optimizing health through lifestyle, nutrition, and technology to enhance vitality and extend lifespan. Here are some of the most effective, research-supported biohacking methods for longevity.

1. Optimizing Mitochondrial Function

Mitochondria, the energy powerhouses of our cells, play a critical role in aging. Research suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to age-related diseases (1). Strategies like intermittent fasting, exercise, and supplements like PQQ, CoQ10 alpha-lipoic acid and others can support mitochondrial health and improve energy metabolism (2,3).

2. Intermittent Fasting & Caloric Restriction

Studies on caloric restriction and short term intermittent fasting show significant benefits for longevity. Fasting triggers autophagy, the body’s natural cell-cleaning process, which helps remove damaged cells and improve metabolic efficiency (4). The 16:8 method or periodic fasting can enhance insulin sensitivity and promote cellular repair. However, if you have gastric or diabetes on medications, this may not be a suitable option, and alternative dietary strategies should be considered.

3. Sleep Optimization

Sleep is essential for brain function, immune regulation, and hormone balance. Poor sleep is linked to accelerated aging and chronic diseases (5). Quality sleep enhances memory consolidation, supports cellular repair, and regulates key longevity-related hormones like growth hormone and cortisol. Prioritizing sleep hygiene, consistent sleep schedules, reducing blue light exposure, and creating a restful environment plays a crucial role in biohacking.

4. reducing Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a major driver of aging and disease (6). Anti-inflammatory diets rich in polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants help combat oxidative stress. Foods like turmeric, green tea, fatty fish, and dark leafy greens have been shown to reduce inflammation and support cellular health (7).

5. Controlled Stressors for biohacking

Mild stressors, like cold exposure, heat therapy (saunas), and high-intensity exercise, activate cellular repair mechanisms and enhance resilience (8). This concept, known as hormesis, has been linked to improved metabolic health.

6. Precision Supplementation

While diet is foundational, certain nutrients play a key role in longevity. Nutraceutical compounds like polyphenols, antioxidants help support cellular function and combat oxidative stress. A functional medicine approach tailors nutrition strategies to individual needs based on lab biomarkers and overall health status.

7. Mind-Body-Soul: Stress Reduction and Mental Well-being

Chronic stress accelerates aging by shortening telomeres, the protective ends of our DNA (9). Mindfulness, meditation, and breathwork help regulate the nervous system, lower cortisol levels, and promote longevity.

Longevity isn’t about a single hack, it’s about making small, consistent choices that add up over time.

References

(1) Srivastava S. The Mitochondrial Basis of Aging and Age-Related Disorders. Genes (Basel). 2017;8(12):398. Published 2017 Dec 19. doi:10.3390/genes8120398

(2) Duberley KE, Heales SJ, Abramov AY, Chalasani A, Land JM, Rahman S, Hargreaves IP. Effect of Coenzyme Q10 supplementation on mitochondrial electron transport chain activity and mitochondrial oxidative stress in Coenzyme Q10 deficient human neuronal cells. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2014 May;50:60-3. doi: 10.1016/j.biocel.2014.02.003. Epub 2014 Feb 15. PMID: 24534273.

(3) Fernández-Galilea M, Pérez-Matute P, Prieto-Hontoria PL, Houssier M, Burrell MA, Langin D, Martínez JA, Moreno-Aliaga MJ. α-Lipoic acid treatment increases mitochondrial biogenesis and promotes beige adipose features in subcutaneous adipocytes from overweight/obese subjects. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2015 Mar;1851(3):273-81. doi: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2014.12.013. Epub 2014 Dec 24. PMID: 25542506.

(4) Shabkhizan R, Haiaty S, Moslehian MS, et al. The Beneficial and Adverse Effects of Autophagic Response to Caloric Restriction and Fasting. Adv Nutr. 2023;14(5):1211-1225. doi:10.1016/j.advnut.2023.07.006

(5) Walker, M., 2017. Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams.

(6) Ferrucci L, Fabbri E. Inflammageing: chronic inflammation in ageing, cardiovascular disease, and frailty. Nat Rev Cardiol. 2018;15(9):505-522. doi:10.1038/s41569-018-0064-2

(7) Stromsnes K, Correas AG, Lehmann J, Gambini J, Olaso-Gonzalez G. Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Diet: Role in Healthy Aging. Biomedicines. 2021;9(8):922. Published 2021 Jul 30. doi:10.3390/biomedicines9080922

(8) Le Bourg E. Hormesis, aging and longevity. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2009 Oct;1790(10):1030-9. doi: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2009.01.004. Epub 2009 Jan 22. PMID: 19463497.

(9) Lin J, Epel E. Stress and telomere shortening: Insights from cellular mechanisms. Ageing Res Rev. 2022;73:101507. doi:10.1016/j.arr.2021.101507