Ben Greenfield Interviews Dr. David Sinclair About Lifespan: Why We Age―and Why We Don't Have To.

11/28/19 • 81 min

1 Listener

My guest on today's podcast - Dr. David Sinclair, an acclaimed Harvard Medical School scientist and named as one of Time’s most influential people - just wrote a paradigm-shifting book.

It’s a seemingly undeniable truth that aging is inevitable. But what if everything we’ve been taught to believe about aging is wrong? What if we could choose our lifespan?

In this groundbreaking new book Lifespan: Why We Age―and Why We Don't Have To, Dr. Sinclair, leading world authority on genetics and longevity, reveals a bold new theory for why we age. As he writes: “Aging is a disease, and that disease is treatable.”

This eye-opening and provocative work takes us to the frontlines of research that is pushing the boundaries on our perceived scientific limitations, revealing incredible breakthroughs—many from Dr. David Sinclair’s own lab at Harvard—that demonstrate how we can slow down, or even reverse, aging.

The key is activating newly discovered vitality genes, the descendants of an ancient genetic survival circuit that is both the cause of aging and the key to reversing it. Recent experiments in genetic reprogramming suggest that in the near future we may not just be able to feel younger, but actually become younger.

Through a page-turning narrative, Dr. Sinclair invites you into the process of scientific discovery and reveals the emerging technologies and simple lifestyle changes—such as intermittent fasting, cold exposure, exercising with the right intensity, and eating less meat—that have been shown to help us live younger and healthier for longer.

At once a roadmap for taking charge of our own health destiny and a bold new vision for the future of humankind, Lifespan will forever change the way we think about why we age and what we can do about it.

During our discussion in which we take a deep dive into "Lifespan", you'll discover: -What does a typical day look like for a scientist at Harvard?...5:45 -Dr. Sinclair's method of speeding up the aging process in mice...8:30 -Cellular Reprogramming 101...14:30-A device that determines a human genome via a USB connection...23:15 -Whether you can predict your lifespan with your current DNA data from 23andMe...25:15 -The correlation between protein consumption and longevity...29:30 -The importance of a proper methionine and glycine balance...38:00 -The effects of NMN on fertility...49:15 -Uncoupling proteins, and whether DMP supplements are a good idea...53:10 -Resveratrol, stressed wine and fruit, and longevity...58:00 -Cancer breakthroughs in which Dr. Sinclair is currently interested...1:03:15 -David's personal protocol...1:10:30 -And much more... Resources from this episode:

-Dr. Sinclair's website and newsletter

Book: Lifespan: Why We Age―and Why We Don't Have To

Chris Masterjohn Methionine Glycine balance database

Exogenous nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide regulates energy metabolism via hypothalamic Connexin 43 (Roh, 2018)

Dr. William Davis yogurt recipe

Aging journal

Article on Nature about Steven Horvath's study on the "epigenetic clock"

Jump Start Fertility

Continuum Biosciences

Dry Farm Wines

BGF podcast w/ Todd White of Dry Farm Wines

Episode sponsors:

-Kion: My personal playground for new supplement formulations, Kion blends ancestral wisdom with modern science. Ben Greenfield Fitness listeners, receive a 10% discount off your entire order when you use discount code: BGF10. **Take advantage of the HUGE Black Friday deals thru December 2!

-JOOVV

My guest on today's podcast - Dr. David Sinclair, an acclaimed Harvard Medical School scientist and named as one of Time’s most influential people - just wrote a paradigm-shifting book.

It’s a seemingly undeniable truth that aging is inevitable. But what if everything we’ve been taught to believe about aging is wrong? What if we could choose our lifespan?

-Dr. Sinclair's website and newsletter

Book: Lifespan: Why We Age―and Why We Don't Have To

Chris Masterjohn Methionine Glycine balance database

Exogenous nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide regulates energy metabolism via hypothalamic Connexin 43 (Roh, 2018)

Dr. William Davis yogurt recipe

Aging journal

Article on Nature about Steven Horvath's study on the "epigenetic clock"

Jump Start Fertility

Continuum Biosciences

Dry Farm Wines

BGF podcast w/ Todd White of Dry Farm Wines

Episode sponsors:

-JOOVV

Previous Episode

Deuterium Demystified: Everything You Need To Know About Deuterium Depleted Water (DDW), How To Lower Deuterium & Much More!

The good folks from The Center For Deuterium Depletion in Los Angeles, where I traveled to record this podcast episode. The Center for Deuterium Depletion's mission is to promote deuterium depletion research and therapies to prevent or ameliorate disease, maximize quality of life and/or improve personal performance.

Deuterium is a naturally occurring element. You acquire deuterium through the food you eat, the liquids you drink and the air you breathe. Your body's ability to deplete deuterium decreases with weight gain, age, illness and lack of quality sleep. Deuterium is a rare type of hydrogen – only 155 out of every million hydrogens are deuterium. Its nucleus contains a proton and a neutron, which makes it twice the mass (weight/size) of regular hydrogen.

My guests on this show believe deuterium in tissue should not exceed 130 ppm (parts per million) and they base this value on the deuterium levels found in a broad number of plants, animals that are grass fed and the food products of grass fed animals - butter, milk, tallow, etc. Unfortunately, many people are now saturated with deuterium and this affecting their mental and physical performance. On today's show, you'll learn exactly why that is, and what you can do about it. My guests on this show are Dr. Anne Cooper and Dr. Que Collins.

A native of Australia, Dr. Anne Cooper, D.C., LAc. earned her Doctorate in Chiropractic from Cleveland Chiropractic College (Los Angeles), graduating with Honors in 1997, while on the Dean’s list and winning the Charles Gibson award for clinical excellence. Her growing commitment to total health and innovative healing therapies led her to continue on with over 20 years post-doctoral experience in Functional Medicine and a Masters degree in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, graduating with highest honors in 2011. Early in her career, as a celebrity aesthetician, working with great beauties such as Ava Gabor, she realized that where there is beauty, there MUST be health and that health must be established on a very deep cellular level. Anne's credentials:

Master’s in Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine (Highest Honors)
Doctorate of Chiropractic (Honors)
Charles Gibson Clinic Entrance Award
Licensed Aesthetician
Certifications: Clinical Nutrition, Applied Kinesiology, Functional Medicine, Energetic Medicine, Herbal Medicine

Dr. Cooper manages Cignature Health's patients and guides their day-to-day therapy. She also is our healthcare professional liaison and helps them implement our protocols and services into their practices. Her expertise as both an experienced natural and functional medicine practitioner helps bridge any communication gap between our principal and chief scientists training in allopathic medicine and the training received by chiropractors, naturopaths, acupuncturists, herbalists, nutritionists, etc. Dr. Que Collins is a leading scientist when it comes to developing and applying nutrition and metabolic therapies to treat cancer in people and pets.

Ph.D., Clinical Immunology
M.S., Oncotherapeutics
M.A., Experimental Pathology
B.S., Poverty Health Care and Cancer Epidemiology

He is Co-Founder and Principal Investigator at Cignature Health Metabolic Clinic – the first clinic in the world to use deuterium and tracer technologies to describe and follow the health status of patients with metabolic disorders such as cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. Principal Investigator, Epigenix Foundation – this not-for-profit organization created by the founders of Quest Nutrition promotes research to prevent and ameliorate disease, maximize quality of life and/or improve personal performance. He is also Co-Founder and Principal Investigator of Ketopet Sanctuary – a 53-acre ranch outside Austin, Texas that uses the ketogenic diet and other metabolic therapies with and without standard of care to treat dogs with naturally occurring cancers. During our discussion, you'll discover: -What exactly is deuterium anyway?...7:30

A form of hydrogen
Deuterium has an extra which makes it twice as big and twice as heavy
Deleterious effects on our mitochondria when present in water
- Produces ATP; depending on hydrogen ions
- Deuterium "gums up the machine" due to its size
- Hydrogen atoms are replaced by deuterium when deuterium is present
- We actually make deuterium depleted metabolic water inside our mitochondria

-Deleterious effects of deuterium on the mitochondria and cells...10:30

Clinical tests showing its effects...

Next Episode

Q&A 406: Recovery & Injury Hacks, The Best Way To Combine Sauna & Cold, How To Know If Your Nervous System Is Recovered & Much More!

Have a question you'd like Ben to answer on the podcast?

Click here, or use the 'contact' button in the free Ben Greenfield Fitness app.

Prior to asking your question, do a search in the upper right-hand corner of this website for the keywords associated with your question. Many of the questions we receive have already been answered here at Ben Greenfield Fitness!

News Flashes...8:00

Excellent overview of recovery method for achilles tendon issues: Achilles Tendinopathy: An Evidence-Based Overview for the Sports Medicine Professional
If you go low carb, you better eat that extra steak (or, as I do, supplement with extra amino acids): Low-Carbohydrate Training Increases Protein Requirements of Endurance Athletes
If you take any type of Ayurvedic herb supplements, you should make sure you know where these are manufactured and if they have been tested...scary stuff: Ayurvedic and herbal medicine-induced liver injury: It is time to wake up and take notice

Special Announcements...

Click here to pre-order Ben Greenfield's new book “Boundless” now and to get in on the Boundless Sweepstakes!

Check out Ben on Instagram for epic posts and photos about his morning, day and evening routines, recipes, and much more!

Follow Ben on Twitter for daily news flashes and the latest health, fitness, and anti-aging research.

Join Ben's Facebook page for conversations with listeners and even more useful information, posts, and support!

Here's where Ben is speaking and traveling around the world coming soon:

January 14, 2020: Bouley Test Kitchen - New York, NY. Join me and Chef David Bouley for a crucial discussion “21 Ways to Become Boundless: Upgrade Your Brain, Optimize your Body, and Defy Aging.” My presentation will be followed by a wellness-inspired five-course dinner created by Chef David Bouley, accompanied with wine. Each guest will receive a promotional copy of my new book, Boundless. Space is limited, so get your tickets here now.
April 24 - 26, 2020: Paleo f(x) - Austin, TX. Join me and dozens of health and fitness experts to discover the latest breakthroughs in epigenetics, biohacking, Keto, AIP, nootropics, blood testing, strength conditioning, sleep, stress and much more. Try out delicious new foods, discover new workouts, and even try new gadgets in the biohacking lab. Register here.

View Ben's Calendar Here

This podcast is brought to you by:

-Kion Flex: The ultimate recovery formula, Kion Flex is a bioavailable blend to support joint comfort, mobility and flexibility, and bone health. Ben Greenfield Fitness listeners, receive a 10% discount off your entire order at Kion when you use discount code: BGF10.

-Organifi Glow: A plant-based beverage that helps support the body’s natural ability to produce collagen, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and protect the skin from sun exposure and toxins. Receive a 20% discount on your entire order when you use discount code: BENG20

-Vuori: Activewear and athletic clothing for ultimate performance. Vuori is built to move and sweat in, yet designed with a West Coast aesthetic that transitions effortlessly into everyday life. Receive 25% off your first order when you use discount code: BEN25

-MVMT Watches: Clean design, minimal and high-quality products. MVMT watches start at just $95 and have sold nearly 2 million wat...