This is The Juice…Science, Stories, Laughs and Stacks More

TODAY’S GOODNESS WILL BE…

• Symptoms for Prescriptions: The modern day healthcare dilemma

• Juice - e - memes

• Microdoses: The key biomarkers for living to 100

• Our New Series: Longevity Secrets from Around the World

• In the hood: Jan from Stockholm

• De-mystifying: EWOT

• Today in the Apothecary: Rapamycin (by popular demand)

SYMPTOMS FOR PRESCRIPTIONS

A trip to the doctor's office often feels like an exercise in trading symptoms for prescriptions. This experience, while common, underscores a larger question: In an age of unprecedented medical advancements, why does the focus seem more on treating illnesses rather than preventing them?

My journey into the realms of healthcare began not in a doctor's office, but at home, with my 3 young children. At 50, I am older than most parents with kids under 8 years and there has been a realization that aging optimally will make the difference between being an engaged father or potentially a burden in years to come. The discovery of my pre-diabetic status, coupled with high cholesterol, served as a wake-up call. It propelled me into an in-depth exploration of my health, far beyond what was offered in standard medical consultations.

In my interactions with healthcare professionals, I frequently encountered a well-intentioned but predominantly reactive approach, particularly in the context of my own health condition. For example, in managing my high cholesterol, I encountered a one-size-fits-all medical approach, despite clear evidence of low risk in my personal health profile. My tests indicated a zero CAC score and no stenosis, aligning with the longevity of family members with elevated cholesterol who lived into their 90s without medication. Yet, my treatment was quickly directed to statins, with no exploration of diet, discussion of side effects, or alternative treatments. This prescription-first, follow-up-in-six-months method highlights a broader trend in healthcare: a generalized treatment model that often overlooks individualized care and comprehensive risk assessment.

This experience is not an isolated one, nor is it an indictment of the medical profession, whose work is invaluable. However, it does point to a systemic bias in healthcare — a bias towards managing disease rather than proactively working to prevent it. This bias, I believe, is rooted not only in the complexities of healthcare delivery, where time constraints and systemic pressures often limit the scope of patient care to immediate treatment, but also in a range of other factors. Economic incentives often favor treatment over prevention, with the healthcare industry's fee-for-service model rewarding interventions more than preventive measures. Patient behavior and expectations, focusing primarily on seeking care for existing ailments, coupled with a medical education system historically skewed towards treatment, further exacerbate this bias.

In seeking answers beyond medication, I embarked on a more proactive health journey. This included comprehensive health screenings, including extensive blood work, genetic testing, and embracing technologies like continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), which provided insights into my body's unique reactions to food, stress, and exercise, and was how I discovered I was pre-diabetic.

Through this personal exploration, I've come to appreciate the importance of a more preventive approach in healthcare. Prevention is not just about avoiding disease; it's about understanding and optimizing health before an issue becomes a medical problem. This approach requires a shift in our mindsets — from seeing health as a state to be regained once lost, to viewing it as a dynamic aspect of life that requires ongoing attention and care.

The key for all of us seeking longevity and optimal health is that it's essential to understand both the strengths and limitations of the current healthcare system and to take an active role in managing our own health. This approach involves staying informed, seeking preventive measures, and sometimes, pursuing personal health investigations beyond what is typically offered in standard medical care, and moving beyond trading symptoms for prescriptions to a more holistic view of health and wellbeing.

Written by Benjamin Mac

JUICE-e- MEMES

MICRO-DOSES

Scientists have identified the key biomarkers in our blood that predict the chance of living to 100. The study analyzed data from 44,000 Swedes and found centenarians generally had lower levels of glucose, creatinine, and uric acid from their 60s onwards. The research suggests a connection between metabolic health, nutrition, and exceptional longevity.

Living longer doesn't always mean living better. Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel's take on prioritizing healthspan over lifespan challenges our perception of aging. Explore how lifestyle, medical advancements, and societal factors intertwine in the quest for a longer, healthier life in this thought-provoking read.

Dr David Sinclair on the latest on geroprotective drugs, metformin, NAD+ and rapamycin in human trials. Explore how these interventions might revolutionize our approach to aging and health.

Longevity Secrets From Around The World

Our new 52-week series

Welcome to "Longevity Secrets From Around The World," our quick 3-minute series that takes you on a year-long journey through the world's most fascinating longevity secrets. Every week, we delve into different regions, unveiling age-old traditions, unique recipes, and life-enhancing tips for a long, healthy life.

Week 1: Exploring Ikigai: Okinawa's Secret to Longevity

In this week's journey around the world to uncover longevity secrets, we land in the serene landscapes of Okinawa, Japan. Renowned for its high concentration of centenarians….continue reading here

IN THE HOOD: STORIES FROM OUR COMMUNITY

In the Hood Spotlight: Jan from Stockholm, Sweden

How old are you? I'm 56 years old.

What is your 'longevity number' (The ideal age you hope to live to)? I haven't set a specific number, but my goal is to live a healthier, more active life for as long as possible.

Can you share a specific turning point that motivated you to prioritize your health and well-being?

The turning point for me was about eight months ago. I was moderately overweight and struggling with Type 2 Diabetes. One day, I found myself out of breath just walking up the stairs in my apartment. That moment was a long time coming and made me realize I had surrendered to being overweight and sick for the rest of my life. It was time for a change.

What are the greatest challenges you face in achieving a long life?

The biggest challenge has been overhauling my diet and lifestyle. Cutting out refined carbs and making the shift to a low-carb diet was tough at first, but it's been essential in managing my diabetes and weight.

What diet/style of eating works for you?

I've eliminated almost all refined carbs, rice, and potatoes from my diet. Now, I focus on a clean, low-carb approach, incorporating lots of high-quality fats like extra virgin olive oil and avocados.

What do you do for physical fitness?

I've incorporated more walking into my daily routine. I walk to and from work every day, which takes about 40 minutes each way. Additionally, I lift weights twice a week to build the muscles I have never really had.

Do you have a supplement stack?

Yes, I've been inspired by Bryan Johnson and his approach to supplements. While I'm trying out a few that he recommends, I mainly focus on consuming high-quality fats and maintaining a balanced diet.

What other things do you do for longevity?

The key for me has been in making consistent, sustainable changes to my lifestyle and even though I hate the cold I am trying ice bathing for the first time next week

What has had the biggest impact on your longevity to date?

The dietary changes have had the most significant impact. Since altering my eating habits, I've lost 12 kilos, and my diabetes is much better managed.

What role does mental health play in your overall approach to longevity, and how do you prioritize it?

I think it is huge, I couldn’t make this big change to my life without a lot of emotional support from my friends who are very supportive and encouraging. It really has been the difference to staying positive and upbeat.

How do you balance the social aspects of life with your longevity goals?

I try to find a middle ground. While I've made significant changes to my diet, I still enjoy social gatherings and find ways to stay true to my eating plan.

What advice would you give to someone just starting their journey toward a longer and healthier life?

Enlist your friends and family for support and find a coach or trainer to help keep you accountable and ensure that your making efforts in the right areas for the best results

  DE-MYSTIFYING: EWOT

Exercise With Oxygen Therapy (EWOT) is becoming increasingly popular for those aiming to boost their health and longevity. This method involves exercising while breathing in oxygen at much higher concentrations than normal air — around 91-93%, compared to the usual 21% found in the air we breathe. This high level of oxygen intake during exercise aims to enhance the oxygenation of blood and body tissues, which can potentially lead to faster recovery after physical activity and increased energy production at the cellular level.

The primary purpose of EWOT is to combat hypoxia, a condition where parts of the body do not receive adequate oxygen. By using EWOT and breathing in more oxygen than usual while exercising, it's believed that this can offer a range of health benefits. This increased oxygen intake can help ensure that all parts of the body, especially those typically lacking sufficient oxygen, receive enough to function optimally.

How EWOT works

An EWOT (Exercise With Oxygen Therapy) system uses a large 900-liter oxygen bag, an oxygen concentrator, and a mask. The concentrator takes air from the room and increases its oxygen content. This oxygen-rich air fills the large bag. When you exercise, you wear the mask connected to this bag, breathing in the high-oxygen air, which can help improve your workout and recovery.

Benefits

Enhanced Mitochondrial Function: With more oxygen available, mitochondria—the powerhouses of the cell—may work more efficiently, producing more ATP, the energy currency of the cell. This is especially beneficial for muscle function and endurance during exercise.

Regulation of Hypoxia-Inducible Factors: Normally, the body responds to low oxygen levels by activating certain proteins. With EWOT, the higher oxygen levels may help maintain a balance, promoting better metabolic health and stability within the body’s systems.

Inflammation and Recovery: Oxygen’s role in reducing inflammation is well-documented, and this can be particularly helpful in speeding up recovery after strenuous workouts.

EWOT and Hypoxic Training

EWOT systems are quite versatile. Apart from providing a high-oxygen environment, they can also be used for hypoxic training by not using the oxygen bag. This allows for training under conditions that mimic lower oxygen levels, such as those found at high altitudes, which can lead to increased red blood cell production and better oxygen utilization.

Conclusion

In conclusion, EWOT is emerging as a promising tool in the pursuit of health and longevity, drawing more attention as its use spreads. While still in the early stages of adoption, the availability of EWOT systems is on the rise, with an increasing number of suppliers contributing to a more competitive market. This expansion is mirrored in the varied pricing, which currently ranges from $2,000 to $6,000 USD, depending on the system's complexity and features. As EWOT continues to gain traction, it's an area worth watching, both for its potential benefits in health and well-being and for its evolving accessibility and affordability.

The Juice’s rating of EWOT

1. It’s the shiz, DO IT! 🥳

2. Worth a go

3. Meh, not much juice

4. Non Non Non

The Juice wants to hear from you!

“We are inviting stories about your personal journeys in longevity, or any related topics you're curious about. If you have a unique experience with longevity, whether it's your own story or that of someone you know, or if there are specific aspects of longevity you're interested in learning more about, "The Juice" encourages you to reach out and share. This is a chance to contribute to the conversation and learn from a community focused on longevity and wellness

The Secret to Maintaining Mobility: Moving Like a Child!

Could the key to preserving our mobility as we age be as straightforward as regressing and moving the way we used to as kids?

At The Juice we think crawling is pretty cool! More here

Rapamycin

Rapamycin: Extending Lifespan for Better Health

In this week's apothecary section, we're exploring a groundbreaking compound that could hold the key to extending your lifespan and enjoying more years of good health. Rapamycin, endorsed and used by experts like Peter Attia, David Sinclair, and Bryan Johnson, has gained prominence in the world of health and longevity. Emerging as a potential game-changer, let's dive into what Rapamycin is, its potential benefits, and why it's generating so much interest.

What is Rapamycin:

Rapamycin, originally discovered in the soil of Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui, has found its place in medicine as an immunosuppressant for organ transplant recipients and in treating certain cancers. However, recent research has uncovered its potential to extend lifespan and promote overall health.

Potential Benefits of Rapamycin:

1. Lifespan Extension: Studies in mice and other model organisms have shown that Rapamycin can significantly increase lifespan. While more research is needed in humans, this longevity-promoting effect is promising.

2. Improved Immune Function: Rapamycin may enhance the immune system's response to infections and diseases, potentially lowering the risk of age-related illnesses.

3. Enhanced Cognitive Health: Some studies suggest that Rapamycin may protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's by reducing the accumulation of harmful proteins in the brain.

4. Heart Health: Rapamycin has shown potential in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases by improving blood vessel health and reducing inflammation.

Who Might Benefit from Rapamycin:

Rapamycin's potential benefits make it particularly appealing to those interested in maintaining their health as they grow older. It may be of interest to individuals looking to:

• Extend their lifespan and enjoy more years of good health.

• Enhance their immune system's ability to fend off diseases.

• Protect their cognitive function as they age.

• Reduce the risk of heart-related issues.

Considerations:

It's important to note that Rapamycin is not readily available for over-the-counter purchase and is only accessible by prescription. Additionally, its current cost can be prohibitively high for many individuals.

Conclusion:

While Rapamycin holds promise in the realm of longevity and overall health, we still need to see more science around the benefits and risks. While the hardcore longevity enthusiasts might jump on the Rapamycin train now, for most, it is one to watch and see how it evolves in the future.

Should you take it?….The Juice thinks it should be……

Your number one supplement: *(After more testing and clinical trials)

In your top 5 supplements

In your top 10 supplements

in your top 20 supplements

Next Week's Teaser:

Stay tuned for next week's apothecary section, where we'll dive into the world of the lipid lowering drugs including Statins, Ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors.

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