DontDie: Zombie Cells, Gratitude, and Your Metabolic Switch

• Senolytics Show Promise in Human Trials: Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have reported promising results from the first human trials of senolytics, drugs that clear out senescent "zombie" cells. In a small study of 14 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the senolytic combination of dasatinib and quercetin improved physical function and reduced markers of inflammation.

• Why it matters: Senescent cells accumulate as we age and contribute to various age-related diseases. Clearing them out could potentially slow down the aging process across multiple organs.

• Gratitude Associated with Greater Longevity in Older Adults: A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found that older women who scored highest in a gratitude assessment had a 9% lower risk of death over a four-year period compared to those who scored lowest.

• Why it matters: This is the first empirical evidence linking gratitude to physical health and longevity. It suggests that experiencing grateful affect may increase lifespan among older adults, potentially offering a simple psychological intervention for promoting healthy aging.

The Uric Acid Reset: Flip Your Body's Fat-Burning Switch

Ever wonder why some people seem to effortlessly maintain a healthy weight while others struggle? The answer might be hiding in your bloodstream. Recent research suggests that uric acid levels could be the hidden puppeteer controlling your metabolism.

How to do it:

1. Get your uric acid levels tested (aim for below 5.5 mg/dL).

2. Cut back on fructose-rich foods and alcohol.

3. Stay hydrated – aim for half your body weight in ounces of water daily.

4. Consider supplements like vitamin C (500mg) and tart cherry extract.

Why it works: High uric acid acts as a cellular "fat switch," signaling your body to store more fat and burn less energy. By lowering uric acid, you're essentially flipping that switch back to "burn" mode.

Pro tip: Track your uric acid levels over time using at-home test kits. It's like having a metabolic dashboard for your body.

"Rapamycin is too dangerous for general longevity use" (No, it isn’t)

This stems from rapamycin's use as an immunosuppressant in high doses for organ transplants, ignoring its potential benefits at lower doses.

The truth: Low-dose, intermittent rapamycin has shown promising results in longevity studies. A 2009 Nature study found it extended mice lifespan by 9-14%, even when started late in life. Recent human trials suggest it may boost immune function in older adults. The key is dosage - longevity doses are far lower than immunosuppressive ones.

What to do instead: 

• Consult a longevity-focused physician about rapamycin's potential benefits.

• If prescribed, start with a low, intermittent dose under close medical supervision.

• Combine rapamycin use with proven longevity strategies like exercise and a healthy diet.

• Stay informed about ongoing rapamycin research in humans.

How can I hack my biological age to be younger than my chronological age?

Biological age is more than just a number—it's a reflection of how well your body is functioning. While you can't change your chronological age, you can potentially lower your biological age through strategic lifestyle choices.

Recent research suggests that a combination of interventions can significantly impact biological age. A groundbreaking study published in Aging Cell showed that a trio of drugs—growth hormone, metformin, and DHEA—reversed biological age by an average of 2.5 years over 12 months. However, this cocktail isn't without risks and should only be considered under close medical supervision.

For a safer approach, focus on the basics: optimize your sleep (aim for 7-9 hours), manage stress (try meditation or yoga), and exercise regularly (both cardio and strength training). Nutrition plays a crucial role too—consider a plant-rich diet and intermittent fasting, both of which have shown promise in longevity studies.

Don't overlook the power of social connections and purpose—they're associated with lower inflammation and better overall health. Remember, consistency is key. Small, sustainable changes often yield the most significant long-term results in "hacking" your biological age.