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Over the last year or so, I have been focusing on improving my health. In particular, I have become interested in aging backwards after doing research into the work of experts such as Dr. David Sinclair, etc.
Please bear in mind that I am not a doctor myself, but all the information I have gathered on this topic is from reputable doctors and medical experts who are on the cutting edge of this developing science.
In particular, I have consulted academic research papers and YouTube videos produced by verified doctors such as David Sinclair, Dr. Berg, and others.
On this page, I will try to document the progress I have made and show you what I am doing to combat the effects of ageing on my own body. At the time of writing this post in 2023, I was 59 years old.
I hope you find the account of my journey and the information I have discovered along the way of immense value to you. I’d love to hear your comments and your story too, if you use any of the ideas and suggestions here.
Introduction: Embracing the Path to a Healthier Life
Firstly, I considered as my number one priority the physical repair of my body and the maintenance of good health. This means first fixing and improving any problems I have, and then going from there. So, what were my health problems that I needed to concentrate on before moving forward?
My number one health problem
*I don’t want to say “how I cured it” because that sounds clickbaity to me, and I also think it is not 100% cured. I have improved it by almost 90–95%, I believe, but if I revert to unhealthy practises, I am sure the problem may return.
The health problem I have been facing for more than 15 years is a digestive problem. It is acid reflux. I figured that despite trying for many years to find a natural cure and then reverting to standard medicine and pills, I should fix this problem before anything else, as digestion is so important and perhaps the root cause of so many other health issues in the body.
So after 15 miserable years of suffering, what did I do to fix this problem?
Well, I think this is a topic worthy of its own discussion, so I have written a complete account of my experiences of suffering from acid reflux and how I have virtually cured it following the advice of a number of open-minded doctors. This is a completely natural approach and has released me from the use of long-term medicine, which is damaging to the body and quite costly.
Once I did this, I was free to follow the next steps in my health journey. This meant reverse ageing. I wanted to accept the challenge that experts are throwing out about aging backwards!
The greatest wealth is health.
– Virgil
Let’s move on.
Recognising the Signs of Ageing: A Personal Wake-Up Call
Let me explain what provoked me to take action to improve my health and look into the idea of aging backwards.
There were three main reasons why I chose to start this health journey:
- I have seen the problems that my parents face as they age into their eighties and beyond.
- As an extension of the above, I want to improve my health so my family won’t face as many of the problems we are currently facing with our parents.
- My last annual health check at a private hospital caused me to stop and reassess my lifestyle and approach to my own health.
My Parents
Just to add a few details about the above My father has Alzheimer’s, and I find it very painful to witness his slow deterioration. This disease is heartbreaking and will affect so many, as dementia is so common. Currently, dementia is regarded as a very probable outcome for the elderly. It doesn’t need to be like this.
I believe we can protect ourselves from dementia, and this is one of the aspects of aging backwards that I want to discuss in this article. We will look at what steps we can take to protect ourselves from dementia and even reverse it. How amazing would that be? Check out the video below for more:
So if that interests you, keep reading.
My Family
The second reason for my health journey has been the desire to make life easier in the future for my kids. I don’t want them to go through what I am currently doing with my parents. Can I help make things better for them? I hope so!
I believe that it would be a huge gift to our families if we could offer them our continued good health even as we age. That’s what I’m aiming for!
My last annual health check didn’t show anything new but reinforced the need to get started on my own personal health project. It seems that after many years of not being able to find open-minded doctors who might consider alternative treatments, I have found many both online and those I can visit in the real world.
My recent health check and conversations with the doctors at the local hospital have brought to my attention a few things, including:
- How do I deal with stress?
- I have a fatty liver and need to deal with this. If it advances, it may become a serious and irreversible issue.
- I need to reduce my intake of sugar. There is a history of diabetes in my family, and doctors have told me I am at risk.
- After many years of being very slim, I have started to put on weight more easily. I think this is very normal as we get older.
One big change that has come about after this health check has been my choice to start intermittent fasting. More specifically, I skip or delay my breakfast until at least noon and just have a brunch. I try to eat mainly protein for this meal. In effect, I no longer eat three meals but only two.
The effect of this fasting is that I have felt much better, lost some weight, and it wasn’t that difficult to do! My digestion is also working much better. This is a huge relief after so many years of acid reflux.
What scientific research supports the idea of aging backwards?
Scientific research has shown that certain lifestyle factors and interventions can potentially slow down or reverse some aspects of ageing. One area of research focuses on telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of our chromosomes. Telomeres naturally shorten as we age, but studies have found that certain lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, stress reduction, and a healthy diet, can help maintain or even lengthen telomeres. Longer telomeres are associated with better health and longevity, suggesting that these interventions may have anti-aging effects.
Another area of research is the role of caloric restriction and intermittent fasting in slowing down the ageing process. Studies in animals have shown that reducing calorie intake without malnutrition can extend lifespan and delay age-related diseases. This may be due to the activation of certain cellular pathways that promote cellular repair and resilience. While more research is needed in humans, preliminary studies have shown promising results in terms of improved metabolic health and markers of ageing.
Check out this research paper: Human Age Reversal: Fact or Fiction?
Furthermore, research on the potential of certain compounds and interventions to reverse ageing is also being explored. For example, the field of senolytics focuses on targeting and eliminating senescent cells, which are cells that have become dysfunctional and contribute to ageing and age-related diseases. Studies in animals have shown that removing senescent cells can improve health and extend lifespan. Other interventions, such as stem cell therapy and gene editing, are also being investigated for their potential for aging backwards by rejuvenating or repairing damaged tissues and organs.
It is important to note that while there is scientific evidence supporting the idea of reversing ageing to some extent, the field is still relatively new, and many interventions are in the early stages of research. Additionally, individual results may vary, and it is crucial to consult with healthcare professionals before making any significant changes to one’s lifestyle or pursuing experimental interventions.
This research paper talks about the potential for stem cell therapy to slow or reverse ageing.
Here is an excellent talk given by Doctor Michael McGreger M.D. FACLM titled “How Not to Age”. He is also the author of the famous books “How Not to Die” and “How Not to Age”. I will add the links below the video so that if you wish to get a copy you’ll be able to buy one from Amazon.
Grab a copy of Dr. Greger’s books (links should go to your local Amazon store):
Taking Charge of My Health: Setting Goals for Transformation
Meditation and mindfulness practices can reduce inflammation and improve immune function.
One step I have taken for the past year is to consume turmeric and black pepper with my meals. Turmeric is a wonder herb and is thought to be helpful in reducing inflammation in the body. It should be combined with black pepper, as a study showed that this increases the absorption of turmeric by up to 2000%!
Find out why I included turmeric as one of the 3 best herbs for your heart here.
Intermittent fasting aims to extend the period when we don’t eat. If I eat early and then delay eating until noon, I will generally have fasted for longer. I am aiming for at least 16 hours between my evening meal and my next one. No snacking in between, of course!
The purpose of this is to put the body in a state where it needs to get supplies that already exist in the body, such as by converting fat into energy. This should help with the fatty liver, and many claim that this is a big step towards aging backwards.
I’d like to look and feel younger, and basically anything I can do to take a few years off will be helpful. But what is the realistic limit, and just how many years can we hope to start aging backwards?
Eating Right for Rejuvenation: Nourishing the Body from Within
I believe that the most important aspect of health and aging backwards is eating a healthy diet. Cutting sugar, eating healthier fats, and cutting out processed foods have to be the way to go for better health.
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help prevent age-related diseases.
A healthy diet can lower the risk of heart disease by 80%.
One thing that many doctors say is one of the most important things you can do for your health is to consume omega-3 fats. I used to take Ocean’s Omega-3 supplements for this, which worked really well, but recently I stumbled upon something amazing while visiting Norway. It is both an Omega-3 and Omega-6 supplement produced from seal oil.
The Power of Exercise: Revitalising the Mind and Body
There is no doubt that exercise is a key aspect of health, and this is no different for ageing. We just need a few extra precautions when we are getting older in terms of how best to get exercise.
Here are a few of the main benefits of exercise:
- Regular exercise has been shown to improve overall health and increase lifespan.
- Regular exercise can reduce the risk of chronic diseases by up to 50%.
- Regular physical activity can improve brain health and reduce the risk of dementia.
I have several options that work for me, which are:
- Swimming. I’m lucky to live by the sea in a warm area that is often sunny.
- Walking. At least I try to walk every day, including some hills.
- Gardening. I like to do this as my work is often done in front of the computer, and getting out into the garden allows me to move around and work those muscles a bit.
Discovering the Fountain of Youth: Anti-Aging Secrets Unveiled
I make sure to go for a yearly health check, and lucky for me, this is free. It’s a must!
The average life expectancy has increased by 30 years in the past century.
Good news, but as I have seen with my parents and others, people are living longer but not necessarily more healthily. What is the point of an extra few decades if they are spent on poor health and pain and often require us to stay in bed?
For this reason, we should be discussing the extension of the health span, not merely the lifespan.
Sleeping Your Way to Health: Unlocking the Benefits of Quality Rest
Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining good health and promoting longevity.
This is one area I need to focus more on, as I have recently noticed my sleeping has become a bit disturbed by vivid dreams and late nights. My hobby of astrophotography keeps me up at night as well, so that has an effect.
Never neglect your sleep! And don’t resort to sleeping tablets; find a natural solution that cures the problem.
Inspiring Others: Sharing My Personal Transformation Story
The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes.
– Frank Lloyd Wright
Are there any specific diets or foods that can help aging backwards?
Here is a list of some of the top foods and strategies that I am trying out:
- Intermittent fasting: I have cut out breakfast and combined it with a later lunch, which I eat around 12.
- Turmeric and black pepper with a meal consisting of some fats
- Omega 3 and 6 tablets for the heart
- Flaxseed for fibre
- Nad + tablet daily (I use life Extension’s tablets)
- Berberine tablets
- Resveratrol and Quercetine tablet
- I also consume olive oil as my choice of oil with my meals
Are there any supplements or vitamins that can aid in reversing aging?
*No supplement can enable the process of aging backwards on its own; however, I am taking these three supplements for my overall health and to reverse the effects of ageing:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil):
- Benefits: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil supplements, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. They can help reduce inflammation throughout the body, which is linked to various age-related conditions such as arthritis, cognitive decline, and heart disease. Omega-3s also support brain health and may improve cognitive function, benefiting overall mental well-being.
- Resveratrol:
- Benefits: Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in red grapes, red wine, and certain berries. It has gained attention for its potential anti-aging properties. Resveratrol is believed to activate sirtuins, a group of proteins associated with longevity. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which may help protect cells and DNA from damage. While the research is ongoing, there is some evidence to suggest that resveratrol may have positive effects on heart health and promote healthy aging.
- Berberine:
- Benefits: This naturally occurs in several plants, including goldenseal and barberry. It has gained attention for its potential health benefits. Although there is no scientific evidence to suggest that berberine can contribute to aging backwards, many doctors believe it does help, and that’s why I take it every day.
- Blood Sugar Regulation: Berberine has been studied for its ability to help regulate blood sugar levels. It can enhance insulin sensitivity and promote the uptake of glucose into cells, which may be beneficial for those with type 2 diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition.
- Cardiovascular Health: Berberine may have a positive impact on heart health. It can help lower LDL cholesterol levels and reduce triglycerides, which are risk factors for heart disease. Additionally, it may support healthy blood pressure levels.
- Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties: Berberine has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These qualities can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are associated with various age-related health issues.
- Weight Management: Some research suggests that berberine may aid in weight management by promoting fat loss and inhibiting fat storage. This may indirectly benefit overall health and potentially reduce the risk of age-related conditions.
Here are some links to further information about these substances and how they can help you.Â
How long does it typically take to see the results of aging backwards?
It’s not going to happen overnight, is it? After all the years of eating the wrong foods and the other habits we all follow, it will take time—weeks or months at least—to see some differences. But don’t give up; the results will come, and you’ll feel so much better!
Conclusion: Embracing a New Chapter of Health and Vitality
I hope my new journey and focus on health and aging backwards have inspired you. I’d love for you to tell me how you’re getting along if you decide to take a similar path in your journey to better health. Drop a comment or contact me for more information or just to exchange ideas. All the best!
Experienced researcher/ writer/ life coach with personal experience of dealing with a number of health issues including acid reflux and digestive issues. I help people find natural ways to improve health and nutrition.