Longevity by Design

Dr. Gil Blander and Ashley Reaver discuss the connection between oral health, healthspan, and longevity. They explain the importance of oral health for overall well-being and answer questions on the oral microbiome. They also explore how oral health relates to mortality, Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. The podcast provides tips for improving oral health through brushing techniques, diet, and nutrition.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Tony Wyss-Coray, a leading neurology professor at Stanford, shares insights from his groundbreaking research on brain aging and Alzheimer's disease. He reveals how young blood could potentially rejuvenate older brains, opening doors for new treatments. Dr. Wyss-Coray narrates his scientific journey from childhood farming dreams to pivotal discoveries in neurodegeneration. The conversation emphasizes the importance of blood proteomics in assessing cognitive decline risks, highlighting a fascinating intersection of science and longevity.

Dr. Joe Baur, a Professor at the Perelman School of Medicine, dives into the intriguing world of NAD+ and its connection to cellular health and longevity. He discusses how NAD+ levels decline with age, impacting metabolism and overall well-being. The benefits of resveratrol supplements for insulin sensitivity are explored, as well as strategies to combat declining NAD+ levels through natural interventions like exercise and dietary changes. Baur also sheds light on the complexities of NAD supplementation and the ongoing research into its potential for health optimization.

Dr. Eric Verdin, CEO of The Buck Institute, discusses the latest updates in longevity research including the future of anti-aging drugs, the question of whether aging is a disease, and the potential for a maximum lifespan. He also shares insights on senescence and senolytics, the impact of genetics and lifestyle on longevity, and the importance of optimizing lifestyle factors for a longer and healthier lifespan.

Dr. Nick Burd, a skeletal muscle physiologist, discusses the importance of muscle mass, protein intake, and exercise. He explains the optimal timing of protein consumption after exercise, the benefits of whole food protein over powders, and the significance of distributing protein throughout the day.

Dr. Sara Gottfried, MD from Harvard Medical School and completed residency at UCSF, talks about tracking data for precision medicine, impacts of birth control pills on women's health, erectile dysfunction as a warning sign, hormone replacement therapy for women, tracking cortisol levels, consequences of early menopause, sleep tracking with wearables, challenges of ketogenic diet, significance of testing for improved health outcomes, and the balance of weightlifting and cardio.

Cholesterol expert Ashley Reaver discusses dietary cholesterol's impact on blood cholesterol levels and navigating high cholesterol family history. Dr. Blander explains the importance of VO2max for heart health, quality sleep, and NAD+ precursors.

Dr. Bartek Nogal discusses genetic predispositions to conditions of aging with Dr. Gil Blander, focusing on improving healthspan using DNA insights. They cover bone mineral density, epigenetic age acceleration, cognitive decline, risk of elevated ApoB, grip strength, and more. Understanding genetic predispositions helps fine tune wellness plans.

Dr. Joseph Maroon, Neurosurgery professor at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and longtime team neurosurgeon to the Pittsburgh Steelers, shares interesting science on Alzheimer's disease, oxidative stress, and brain health. He discusses sleep's role in preventing Alzheimer's and gives lifestyle advice. He also talks about concussions, new concussion-detection technology, VO2max, and how triathlons saved his life.

GLP-1 agonist medications have been a popular topic of discussion recently. While this weight loss drug was designed for obesity, GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic have made their way into Hollywood. This has people questioning their safety and possible health risks, especially in the long run. Are GLP-1 agonists a quick fix for weight loss or a lifetime prescription? Who should be prescribed this medication, and what are the possible side effects? This Longevity by Design episode features an interview with Dr. Spencer Nadolsky—An obesity and lipid specialist physician. Dr. Nadolsky explains how GLP-1 medications cause weight loss, answers questions about safety concerns, and discusses interesting patient stories about how people react to this medication. Dr. Nadolsky has a lot of patient experience with GLP-1 agonist drugs and is very knowledgeable about their current use and future potential. Timestamps:Introduction: (0:00–2:00)Why Dr. Nadolsky became a physician: (2:00–4:13) What is cardiometabolic medicine?: (4:13–5:17)What is a “healthy” metabolism?: (5:17–7:37)How does diet impact glucose regulation: (7:37–10:20)Why has insulin resistance increased in the past decade?: (10:20–11:45)Ethnicity impacts BMI cutoffs: (11:45–12:57)Is obesity a choice?: (12:57–17:40) How socioeconomic status impacts obesity: (17:40–21:30)What's better: A BMI score or a DEXA scan?: (21:30–25:33)How strength training improves healthspan: (25:33–32:32) What a fasting insulin blood test tells you: (32:32–36:58)Health risks of insulin resistance: (35:15–38:08)How insulin resistance can increase ApoB: (38:08–39:25)How does ApoB predict heart disease risk?: (39:25–42:50)Why isn't ApoB included in typical lipid panels?: (42:50–44:25)Behavioral science and clinical practice: (44:25–50:06)How do GLP-1 agonists cause weight loss? (50:06–56:03)Negative side effects of GLP-1 medications: (56:03–57:36)Price of GLP-1s: (57:36–58:53)GLP-1: A short term quick fix or a lifetime prescription?: (58:53–1:02:19)Biggest health myths on social media: (1:02:19–1:08:45)Top tip for healthspan: (1:08:45–end) Longevity By Design is produced by InsideTracker. InsideTracker provides a personalized health analysis and data-driven wellness guide to help you add years to your life—and life to your years. Choose a plan that best fits your needs to get your comprehensive biomarker analysis, customized action plan, and customer-exclusive healthspan resources. Listen to all episodes of Longevity By Design at https://info.insidetracker.com/longevitybydesign