The supplement world is ever-changing, with new claims of the greatest new supplements always circulating. With so many supplements on the market, it can be challenging to determine which supplements to take and when to take them. More importantly, determining the effectiveness of supplements and the science that supports these claims can make even the most advanced biohackers’ heads spin.
Although it can be challenging to navigate, biohackers thrive on the hunt for new natural substances that can show promising results for longevity. We’ve broken down the latest data and research in the supplement realm to help make it easier for you to hack your longevity. Check out some herbal supplements to consider incorporating into your routine below.
Herbal Approaches for Longevity
The process of aging is often characterized by low-grade inflammation found throughout the body. With this in mind, biohackers target the inflammation that damages our bodies’ cells with herbal supplements that fight inflammation. Inflammation is closely linked with almost all major chronic diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and more.
One supplement that has been found to fight inflammation is curcumin. Curcumin, the active component of turmeric, offers anti-inflammatory effects throughout the body. With this in mind, consuming Curcumin, NRF1, and Nrf2 are a great biohacking techniques to help reduce oxidate stress and inflammation throughout the body, helping to fight aging. Ginger may also produce similar anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.
Berberine is another popular herb that may help promote longevity. In studies that followed worms and flies, Berberine had promising longevity results which could be similar to effects in humans. Of course, Curcumin and Berberine are only a few of the many supplemental herbs which may help support an increased lifespan.
Amino Acids
Amino acids are the basic building blocks for so many of our body’s essential functions. As such, supporting your longevity with proven amino acids can help fight aging on a cellular level, helping to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. As the building blocks of proteins in your body, Amino acids are involved with growth, repair, and so many other essential functions.
For example, L-theanine is an amino acid that can have calming effects on the body. However, biohackers who wish to hack their lifespans with supplements may take this supplement too. Research suggests L-theanine can help activate anti-aging genes that are linked to longer lifespans. Other examples of popular amino acid supplements for longevity include Taurine, Glycine, and Carnosine. Based on your specific health goals and longevity concerns, try utilizing one or more of these amino acids for longevity!
Other Compounds for Longevity
In addition to herbal supplements and amino acids, some biohackers also look to substances naturally created within the body to support longevity. For example, Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) serves as a precursor to a molecule known as NAD+ in the body. This molecule is responsible for producing energy on a cellular level, supporting immune function, and repairing DNA.
Over time, levels of NAD+ drop in the body, a natural occurrence with aging. However, biohackers may try boosting NAD+ levels in the body to help combat this, helping to improve cellular function. At this time, studies have only been done on yeast, worms, flies, and rodents. However, these studies show promising correlations that enhancing NAD+ levels may support anti-aging.
NMN is just one of several compounds that biohackers have begun to explore. By enhancing cellular function and energy production, biohackers can intervene with cellular processes to help reduce the risk of age-related diseases. In turn, this can help support your efforts in living a longer, healthier life that is free of chronic disease.
Supplements for Enhancing Longevity
Taking supplements to enhance longevity is just a small part of a larger puzzle. Your food consumption and habits, exercise habits, sleep hygiene, and other forms of wellness practices all play a role in how your body ages and at what rate. To help maximize your biohacking efforts, work to slowly make changes to each of these areas of your lifestyle.