Tech millionaire Bryan Johnson has made headlines for his outrageous $2 million-a-year anti-aging regimen, known as the Blueprint protocol. This controversial treatment includes receiving “young blood” transfusions from his son.
But is the risk worth taking? Netflix documentary Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever investigates behind-the-scenes stories like his.
1. Blood transfusions
Tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson is on a quest for immortality by turning back time. He’s become famous for his extraordinary $2 million-a-year anti-aging regimen of full plasma exchanges, microneedling and MRIs; unfortunately though his efforts to rejuvenate have led to unwanted side effects including mouth ulcers, slow-healing wounds and cholesterol abnormalities – although blood-thinning drugs such as rapamycin may help mitigate some of these adverse reactions by inhibiting production of proinflammatory proteins and decreasing inflammation overall.
2. Aloe vera
Aloe vera leaves are used for cosmetics and medicinal purposes alike; its anti-ageing benefits have now been scientifically demonstrated by scientists. According to one recent study, its multipurpose benefits could also help treat arthritis and lupus erythematous (swelling of the skin). Scientists even conducted DNA mapping and research that discovered which plants it is closely related to that may share some of its healing properties; their findings were published in Foods journal. Furthermore, aloe vera contains six antiseptic agents which help prevent infection caused by fungi, bacteria and viruses – another plus point for this versatile multitasker!
4. Algae
Algae are photosynthetic microorganisms that produce oxygen by fixing carbon dioxide (photosynthesis) in aquatic ecosystems, as well as food and nutrition supplements. Algae are rich in proteins, their derivatives, peptides and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), including omega-3 (g-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) and omega-6 PUFAs respectively). Additionally they contain phenolic compounds like phlorotannins, flavonoids and phenolic terpenoid.
Nature offers us various species of algae, from free-floating phytoplankton to stringy masses resembling weeds. Algae are a vital source of nutrition, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, vitamins, and minerals; they may even relieve allergy symptoms. Algae are an excellent source of antioxidants; rich sources include vitamins C, b-carotene, A and E which contain anti-inflammatory, antiviral and immune stimulating properties while simultaneously being effective against fatigue, premenstrual syndrome or stress.
5. Spirulina
Spirulina is an edible microalga that provides protein, B-Vitamins, and gamma-linolenic acid in abundance. Additionally, its antioxidant properties may protect against oxidative stress and help support healthy aging processes.
This multicellular, cyanobacteria belongs to the Arthrospira genus and specifically includes two species – Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima – as it thrives well in both salty and alkaline waters.
Kurashvili et al. (2018) has demonstrated its tolerance of extreme temperatures, pH values and salt concentration in its culture medium, producing massive biomass accumulation as a result. Cultivated in open raceway ponds or closed photobioreactors for cultivation purposes, microalga is sold in many forms including fine spray-dried powders for smoothies and bakery fortification, compressed tablets with convenient dosing capabilities and aqueous or ethanol extracts which contain cells which have deformed into segments of various length or highly fragmented material compared with original shape of cells present originally.
6. Omega-3 fatty acids
Many individuals seek the fountain of youth in hopes of living longer, yet some simple dietary changes may help slow biological aging. A recent study published in Nature Aging revealed that taking one gram of omega-3 oil each day may delay biological aging clock by up to four months; combined with vitamin D supplementation and strength training regimen, omega-3 could have an even more reversive effect on biological clock.
Omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), both found in fish as well as many fish-oil products, have long been recognized to promote fetal brain development, improve cardiovascular function, decrease inflammation risk factors and help stave off cognitive decline.
Kristy Liekfet, APN is an adult gerontology nurse practitioner at Shore Physicians Group’s primary care office in Somers Point. Her expertise lies in chronic disease management as well as understanding the importance of diet on long-term wellbeing.
