LONGEVITY with Nathalie Niddam

#378: Zombie Cells: The SECRET to Slowing Aging Revealed | Peptides, Senolytics, & Longevity Hacks (Halloween Edition!) With Nat Niddam

14 snips
Oct 14, 2025
Dive into the intriguing world of senescent cells, known as 'zombie cells,' and their role in aging. Discover how these cells can accelerate inflammation and chronic diseases. Learn about the lifestyle habits that increase their numbers, from diet to sleep. Explore the benefits of a Mediterranean diet and plant polyphenols in combating senescence. Uncover effective interventions like exercise, cutting-edge supplements, and even peptides. This Halloween-themed discussion reveals the balance between managing zombie cells and supporting overall health!
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

What Zombie Cells Are And Why They Form

  • Senescent or “zombie” cells are permanently non-dividing but metabolically active and harmful when accumulated.
  • They arise from DNA damage, oxidative stress, telomere shortening, and impaired autophagy.
ADVICE

Reduce Lifestyle Drivers Of Senescence

  • Avoid lifestyle drivers of senescence like high-glycemic diets, smoking, chronic overeating, poor sleep, and low polyphenol intake.
  • Favor plant polyphenols and a Mediterranean-style diet to reduce oxidative stress and senescent cell formation.
INSIGHT

Key Biological Features Of Zombie Cells

  • Senescent cells show irreversible cell cycle arrest, secrete pro-inflammatory SASP factors, change structure, and resist cell death.
  • They are larger, have altered gene expression, and persist instead of self-destructing.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app