Like many celebrities and entrepreneurs, 45-year-old American tech billionaire Brian Johnson is trying to reverse the aging process.

Johnson spends an average of $2 million a year on an anti-aging regimen and claims he is now aging more slowly than some children. “The rate of accumulation of age-related damage in my body is lower than that of the average ten-year-old child,” he explains. Many of Johnson’s methods of reversing age are dubious, involve clever science, and have known side effects.

And while you can’t stop the aging process, the gradual deterioration of our bodies as we age, there are some things we can all do – for free – to stay healthy in old age.

Johnson reported fasting for 23 hours a day. He then eats once a day: 2,250 calories of nutrient-dense food “adapted” to his body’s needs.

Eating for a limited amount of time per day can have positive effects on nutrient metabolism, inflammation levels, hormonal regulation, heart health, and metabolism (blood sugar, triglycerides, cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index, and waist circumference). ).

However, a Spartan diet can impair our body’s response to sugar (known as glucose tolerance). They are not necessarily more effective at maintaining weight than reducing calorie intake.

Large-scale, long-term human trials are needed to confirm the limited risks and benefits of fasting.

Johnson practices weekly acid peels (which use mild acid to exfoliate the skin) to keep her “youthful glow.”

But you will not be able to smooth out sagging facial skin, remove scars or deep wrinkles. Acid peels also come with risks, including organ damage, infection, scarring, and swelling.

Perhaps the most unusual measure Johnson has tried to motivate young people is a blood transfusion from his 17-year-old son.

American biotech companies have been exploring the use of plasma injections for the treatment of age-related human diseases for decades. But there are no proven clinical benefits.

Side effects of a blood transfusion include bloodborne infections, fever, and allergic reactions.

People have been experimenting with rejuvenation techniques for centuries. It included all kinds of bizarre, questionable and even sadistic behavioral and life practices.

Ancient practices included face masks made from crocodile dung, which the Greeks and Romans used to lighten their skin.

The Romans also used donkey milk and swan fat to reduce wrinkles due to their known anti-aging properties.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, “Countess Dracula,” nicknamed Elizabeth Bathory, was alleged to have resorted to serial murder to quench her thirst for youth and bathe in the blood of her young victims.

And research continues with cryotherapy as fountains of youth fixation have inspired many of today’s anti-aging trends. And staying in the cold is highly desirable.

Some research suggests it may have longevity benefits by slowing down cellular degeneration, stimulating collagen and elastin production, increasing metabolism, and reducing inflammation.

Athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo use cryotherapy, which exposes their bodies to very cold temperatures for two to four minutes, to reduce signs of aging and improve overall health.

However, the risks of cryotherapy include broken bones, frostbite, nerve damage, bleeding, spasms, swelling, and skin infections.

Johnson recommends two of the most popular anti-aging daily self-care habits: sleep and exercise. He has a strict sleep schedule that includes going to bed at 8:00 pm with an hour’s rest in a darkened room.

Adults report poor sleep quality and sleep problems long enough with age. Too much or too little sleep is associated with an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, and premature death.

A regular sleep schedule, reducing bedroom distractions such as cell phones, and regular exercise can help ease sleep problems.

He conducts “scheduled” workouts that include personalized daily techniques as well as high-intensity interval training, long walks and sports.

Starting in middle age, we all need to exercise regularly to increase muscle mass, bone density, strength, endurance, coordination and balance. One of the biggest health risks for older adults is falling, which can help reduce balance, flexibility, endurance, and strength training. Physical activity can provide social benefits to older people if it is done in groups and the mental health benefits are known.

Small changes in sleep patterns, diet (eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats, adequate protein) and exercise can contribute to healthy aging, reduce the likelihood of early death, and help us all lead active, independent lives in old age. .

The report was prepared by Rachel Jefferson Buchanan, Lecturer in Human Movement Studies (Health and Exercise) and Creative Arts at Charles Sturt University.

Source: Science Alert