Biohacking Supplements for Longevity and Wellness
The objective of hacking your biology, biohacking is to maximize your health and healthy aging. That means enhancing the body's capacity to withstand stress and immune challenges, while expanding upon its ability to maintain energetic function and synthesis function of hormones, proteins, neurotransmitters, and other compounds.
Key Aspects of Biohacking
· Self-Experimentation: Biohackers explore their bodies and minds through self-experimentation, often using tools like wearable devices, blood tests, and other monitoring methods to gather data.
· Nutrition Optimization: Personalized nutrition plans, specialized diets, and dietary supplements are commonly employed to achieve health and performance goals.
· Exercise Optimization: Tailoring exercise routines to individual needs, such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and strength training, is a common practice.
· Stress Management: Stress-reduction techniques, including meditation and mindfulness, are integral to biohacking for mental well-being.
· Sleep Enhancement: Devices and practices are used to optimize sleep patterns, improve sleep quality, and enhance recovery.
· Genetics and Epigenetics: Understanding genetic predispositions and epigenetic changes allows for personalized health and lifestyle recommendations.
· Longevity: Biohackers often seek to extend their health span by using strategies like caloric restriction, senolytics (cellular rejuvenation), and genetic interventions.
· Biofeedback and Wearables: Devices that provide real-time physiological data aid in achieving health and performance goals.
Biohacking offers a holistic approach to well-being, encompassing physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of health. It empowers individuals to optimize their health based on their unique genetic makeup, goals, and preferences.
Taking any quality supplement is a form of biohacking. What we consider the "basics—all can help you support your health status. Taking biohacking supplements, specifically, however, can enhance your self-improvement journey.
Here are some top supplements that are integral to any biohacking journey.
· Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
This fat-soluble molecule is present in the mitochondria of our cells; it helps transport electrons during ATP production (the process for cellular energy production), supporting power organs like your heart, kidneys and lungs. We all have CoQ10 in our bodies. however healthy levels of CoQ10 decline as we age. There's compelling research supporting CoQ10's benefits as a nutritional supplement. Ubiquinol, a reduced form of CoQ10, is up to eight times more absorbable than ubiquinone. And CoQ10 pairs well with PQQ; you could say they're the "dynamic duo" for promoting optimal cellular energy production.
· NAD+ boosting supplements
NAD+, or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is a coenzyme is essential for energy production, circadian rhythm, DNA repair, a healthy immune response and healthy aging. You can't actually take NAD+ the way you can take something like CoQ10, but you can supplement with specific nutrients that support NAD+ levels. By helping maintain healthy NAD+ levels, you are supporting different biological pathways that keep you functioning optimally.
· Melatonin
Restful sleep is one of the cornerstones of overall health. You may know melatonin as the "sleep hormone," but this nutrient's health benefits go beyond promoting restful sleep. Research suggests that melatonin may also confer immune and healthy aging benefits. Like so many things (as we've seen), melatonin production naturally declines with age, creating an imbalance in our sleeping patterns and negatively affecting our health and wellness. So, keeping healthy melatonin levels is a must for those of us who want to feel our best at any age.
· Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb that helps calm and relax the mind. This potent adaptogen has been shown to promote a healthy stress response and encourage a state of calm. In a randomized controlled trial, participants taking ashwagandha extract reported reduced stress and had lower cortisol levels than the placebo group.
· Resveratrol
Resveratrol is found in red wine, red grapes and other plants like Japanese knotweed. While enjoying a glass of red wine as part of a balanced diet may confer some health benefits, it would take hundreds of glasses for your body to get any resveratrol benefits). The best way to hack into resveratrol's health-supporting benefits is with a high-quality trans-resveratrol supplement, which reaches higher levels and circulates longer than traditional resveratrol
· Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA is the most abundant circulating hormone in the body, and it's a precursor for sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone. Unfortunately, levels decline over time—and with that decline, hormone imbalance tends to follow. If you can maintain healthy DHEA levels through supplementation, you may also promote healthy immune function, healthy blood flow and even sexual function. Take DHEA supplement in the morning since your natural production is the highest this time of day.
· Curcumin
Curcumin is found in turmeric, and studies show this yellow plant compound packs a host of whole-body health benefits, ranging from promoting a healthy inflammatory response to cardiovascular health, healthy blood pressure, and even liver health and immune function. Unfortunately, all those health benefits aren't easy to access because curcuminoids (the active compounds in curcumin) become less effective during digestion. But fear not - If you want to add this powerful nutrient to your wellness routine, look for formulations that protect curcumin from the digestive process so that you can get the maximum benefits of this golden nutrient.
· Nootropics
Nootropics, substances that encourage mental stamina, support cognitive performance and help sharpen memory and focus. Caffeine, found in coffee, tea is a nootropic. But you can (and should) seek caffeine-free nootropic supplements as well. Ayurvedic herbs like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Jyothishmati (Celastrus panniculata), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Jatamamsi (Nardostachys jatamamsi) and Mandukaparni (Gotu Kola/Centella asiatica), besides Gingko biloba and Salvia officinalis (Sage) have nootropic properties. Research also suggests lutein and zeaxanthin may confer nootropic benefits like improving memory, reasoning skills and cognitive flexibility. You can improve your cognitive function and help your brain think faster, learn better and stay focused with a high-quality product combining all these nutrients.
· B vitamins
B vitamins are the basic biohacking supplements in your wellness arsenal because they support several biological processes throughout the body. Optimal organ function, healthy metabolism, cognitive function and nerve health all depend on vitamin B. Your primary "B" sources are foods like grass-fed meats and organ meats, fatty fish, leafy greens, veggies, nuts and legumes. Adding a high-quality supplement that uses active forms of vitamin B helps your body directly access the health-supporting benefits of the vitamin B family. This is especially important for those who eat plant-based diets, since B12 is not found in plant food sources. The different B vitamins are:
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Low thiamine levels can cause altered mitochondrial activity, impaired oxidative metabolism, and reduced energy production. Cell death can occur, especially neurons, which are more vulnerable due to their high energy demand. Thiamine may perform as a free radical scavenger.
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Riboflavin active forms are essential in synthesizing niacin, folic acid, vitamin B6, and all heme-proteins. It is also needed for carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism into glucose. Its antioxidant effect is vital to cellular respiration and function in the immune system.
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Niacin is metabolized from tryptophan and works as a precursor for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate coenzymes. Both are needed for DNA repair and cholesterol synthesis. As a supplement, niacin may help lower cholesterol, ease arthritis, and boost brain function, among other benefits. However, it can also cause serious side effects if you take large doses.
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid): There is some evidence to support the clinical use of pantothenic acid in certain conditions like accelerating wound healing, lowering triglyceride levels, improving rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): This nutrient is an essential part of nearly 200 chemical reactions in your body, and it's necessary for processes like brain development and transporting oxygen through your bloodstream.
- Vitamin B7 (Biotin): Biotin helps keep your skin, hair, eyes, liver, and nervous system healthy. Biotin is also a crucial nutrient during pregnancy, as it's important for embryonic growth.
- Vitamin B9 (Folic acid): Folic acid is crucial for proper brain function and plays an important role in mental and emotional health. It aids in the production of DNA and RNA, the body's genetic material, and is especially important when cells and tissues are growing rapidly, such as in infancy, adolescence, and pregnancy.
- Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin, Cyanocobalamin, Methylcobalamin): Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep your body's blood and nerve cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all of your cells.
· Lithium
Lithium is particularly well known for supporting cognitive health, brain function, and a healthy mood—and some research suggests that low-dose lithium may prevent cognitive loss by encouraging the natural process of clearing accumulated proteins in the brain that can interfere with healthy communication between brain cells, negatively impacting memory and overall cognition. Lithium also helps support glucose metabolism in the brain, providing the energy the brain needs to function. Recent studies suggest lithium may help support healthy aging by potentially protecting telomere length, which get shorter over time, contributing to the aging process; lithium may help keep those telomeres long and healthy, supporting a robust lifespan. Currently, literature shows that low-dose lithium (≤0.5 mM) may be beneficial for cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, metabolic, and cognitive function, as well as inflammatory and antioxidant processes of the aging body. There is also some evidence of low-dose lithium exerting a similar and sometimes synergistic effect on these systems. This review summarizes these findings with a focus on low-dose lithium’s potential benefits on the aging process and age-related diseases of these systems, such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, sarcopenia, obesity and type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and the chronic low-grade inflammatory state.
· Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ)
Pyrroloquinoline quinone, a health-promoting nutrient better known as PQQ, is a potent antioxidant famous for protecting mitochondria from oxidative stress and encouraging the creation of new mitochondria. A large body of research has shown that faulty mitochondria are associated with several health concerns, including cognitive and metabolic decline. So, keeping these tiny power packs healthy is a must—and PQQ dietary supplements are an excellent tool to do just that.
· Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a nutrient your body needs for building and maintaining healthy bones. That's because your body can only absorb calcium, the primary component of bone, when vitamin D is present. Vitamin D also regulates many other cellular functions in your body. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties support immune health, muscle function and brain cell activity. Vitamin D is important for a healthy heart and blood vessels and for normal blood pressure. Some studies show that vitamin D supplements might help reduce blood cholesterol levels and high blood pressure—two of the main risk factors for heart disease.
· Vitamin A
Vitamin A is important for normal vision, the immune system, reproduction, growth and development. Vitamin A also helps your heart, lungs, and other organs work properly.
· Vitamin C
Vitamin C benefits include helping form and maintain bones, cartilage, skin, and blood vessels. As an antioxidant, it also supports the immune system. It has also been linked to many impressive health benefits, such as boosting antioxidant levels, lowering blood pressure, protecting against gout attacks, improving iron absorption, boosting immunity, and reducing heart disease and dementia risk.
· Vitamin E
Your body uses vitamin E for multiple purposes, including protecting you from oxidative stress and supporting your immune system. Vitamin E is key for strong immunity and healthy skin and eyes. In recent years, vitamin E supplements have become popular as antioxidants which plays a pivotal role in keeping your cells in good health. It repairs, restores and revives your cells, providing many health benefits. Effectively relieves leg cramps and protects muscles from damage caused by exercise. Currently available data suggest that vitamin E may be essential in preventing CVD, especially in coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis.
Your
body uses vitamin E for multiple purposes, including protecting you from
oxidative stress and supporting your immune system. Vitamin E is key for strong
immunity and healthy skin and eyes. In recent years, vitamin E supplements have
become popular as antioxidants which plays a pivotal role in keeping your cells
in good health. It repairs, restores and revives your cells, providing many
health benefits. Effectively relieves leg cramps and protects muscles from
damage caused by exercise. Currently available data suggest that vitamin E may
be essential in preventing CVD, especially in coronary heart disease and
atherosclerosis.
· VVitamin
K
Vitamin
K refers to a group of vitamins that play a role in blood clotting, bone
metabolism, and regulating blood calcium levels. Vitamin K benefits include
supporting bone, cognitive, and heart health.
·
Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin
is a red pigment that belongs to a group of chemicals called carotenoids. It
occurs in certain algae. Astaxanthin is a very potent and powerful antioxidant.
Astaxanthin is taken by mouth for treating Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's
disease, stroke, high cholesterol, age-related macular degeneration
(age-related vision loss), and preventing cancer.
·
Selenium
Selenium
is a powerful antioxidant that fights oxidative stress and helps defend your
body from chronic conditions, such as heart disease and cancer. Selenoproteins
help reduce inflammation and prevent lipid oxidation and platelet aggregation.
For these reasons, experts have hypothesized that selenium supplements could
reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease or deaths associated with
cardiovascular disease. Selenoproteins have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
activities, and serum selenium concentrations decline with age. In addition,
chronic selenium deficiencies are correlated with cognitive decline. For these
reasons, researchers have hypothesized that higher selenium intakes might
reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Selenium, may also play a role in male
fertility, possibly because they reduce oxidative stress that has been linked
to male infertility. In addition, the selenoproteins, Glutathione peroxidase
(GPx), which protects cells from damage caused by free radicals such as
reactive oxygen species, is a major constituent and structural component of
mature sperm.
·
Iodine
Iodine
helps the thyroid gland, in the neck, to make the hormone thyroxine. Thyroxine
controls many of the ways certain body cells work. Thyroxine is important for
the growth of bones and nerves, and affects how proteins, fats and
carbohydrates are used in the body (metabolism). Seafoods such as oysters,
snapper, tinned salmon and seaweed (such as kelp, nori, kombu, and wakame) contain
lots of iodine.
·
Omega-3
fatty acids
Omega-3
fatty acids are “healthy fats” that may support your heart health. Omega 3
lowers blood pressure, reduces triglycerides in the blood, helps reduce joint
inflammation in rheumatoid disease, helps nourish brain and eyes functions,
helps prevent and alleviate dementia, depression, asthma, migraine, and
diabetes, and helps reduce the risk and preventing heart disease and ischemic
stroke.
·
Probiotics
Probiotics
are live bacteria and yeasts that have beneficial effects on your body. These
species already live in your body, along with many others. Probiotic
supplements add to your existing supply of friendly microbes. They help fight
off the less friendly types and boost your immunity against infections. Research
shows taking probiotics may help improve symptoms of mental health disorders
such as depression, anxiety, stress and memory, among others. Certain probiotics
like the lactic acid-producing bacteria may help protect the heart by reducing
“bad” LDL cholesterol levels and modestly lowering blood pressure. Probiotics
may help reduce the symptoms of bowel disorders and certain probiotics may also
help you lose weight and belly fat.
·
Amino
acids
Amino
acids are molecules that combine to form proteins. Amino acids and proteins are
the building blocks of life. When proteins are digested or broken down, amino
acids are the result. The human body then uses amino acids to make proteins. Proteins
are made up of 20 amino acids. Each amino acid has an α-carboxyl group, a primary
α-amino group, and a side chain called the R group. Nutritionally, amino acids
are divided into 3 groups—essential, nonessential, and semi-essential.
Semi-essential amino acids are synthesized by the body but are designated
essential during periods of stress.
Nine
amino acids, including histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine,
phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine, are classified as essential
amino acids because they cannot be synthesized by human or other mammalian
cells. Therefore, these amino acids must be supplied from an exogenous diet.
Non-essential amino acids not primarily derived from the diet are synthesized
by the body. Semi-essential amino acids are growth-promoting amino acids.
Essential
amino acids include: phenylalanine, valine, tryptophan, threonine, isoleucine,
methionine, histidine, leucine, and lysine.
Non-essential
amino acids include: alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine,
glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline, serine, and tyrosine. Among them,
semi-essential or conditionally essential amino acids include: arginine,
cysteine, glutamine, tyrosine, glycine, proline, and serine.
Taurine
is also an a semi-essential
(or conditionally essential) amino acid that helps with bodily functions, including
those of the digestive, cardiovascular, skeletal, muscular, and nervous
systems.
Glutathione is a peptide composed of three non-essential amino
acids, viz. glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine. Supplementing with
glutathione may improve liver health and protect the organ from further damage
due to inflammation or oxidative stress. Also, glutathione can help improve the
functioning of enzymes responsible for metabolizing fat and cholesterol, and it
can also help improve bile production.
L-carnitine is a type of carnitine, which is a derivative
of amino acids. Amino acids combine to make proteins, which carry out many
essential tasks in the body. Carnitine helps the body break down fatty acids
and turn them into energy to power the cells. L-carnitine is important for
heart and brain function, muscle movement, and many other body processes.
Dimethylglycine
(DMG) and trimethylglycine
(TMG) are both derivatives of the amino acid glycine and have been posited
to reduce lactic acid, enhance oxygen use, and reduce seizure activity during
times of stress. TMG, also known as betaine, is involved in liver
functions, cellular reproduction, and helping make carnitine. It also helps the
body metabolize an amino acid called homocysteine. Studies suggest that TMG,
along with vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid, helps reduce higher levels of
homocysteine. Some studies show that high levels of homocysteine may encourage
atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Studies in rats suggest that TMG (betaine)
may help protect against harmful fatty deposits in the liver. These deposits
can be caused by alcohol abuse, obesity, diabetes, and other causes.
·
Magnesium
Magnesium
is a mineral that's crucial for the body's functions. Magnesium helps keep
blood pressure normal, bones strong, and the heart rhythm steady. It also
controls your blood sugar levels and makes protein and DNA. Adults who get less
than the recommended amount of magnesium are more likely to have high levels of
inflammation markers. Inflammation has been associated with major health
conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
·
Zinc
Zinc is
an essential trace element for humans. Zinc is required for the function of
over 300 enzymes and 1000 transcription factors, and is stored and transferred
in metallothionein. It is the second most abundant trace metal in humans after
iron and it is the only metal which appears in all enzyme classes. Zinc has
been shown to maintain optimal testosterone levels, which in turn may be
beneficial in suppressing inflammation and preserving penile endothelial
function; hence, promoting erectile function and male sexual activity. Zinc may
effectively reduce inflammation, boost immune health, reduce your risk of
age-related diseases, speed wound healing, and improve acne symptoms.
·
Silymarin
Silymarin
has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. And it may help the liver
repair itself by growing new cells. The decrease of oxidative stress markers
such as reactive oxygen species inside of heart cells caused by strong
antioxidant properties of silymarin and also its anti-inflammatory and
cytoprotective effects could be responsible for its cardioprotective effects.
·
Flavonoids
Flavonoids,
a group of natural substances with variable phenolic structures, also known as
vitamin P, are found in fruits, vegetables, grains, bark, roots, stems,
flowers, tea and wine. The flavonoids are further categorized as:
a)
Flavonols
-
Quercetin (red and yellow onions, tea, wine, apples,
cranberries, buckwheat, beans, lovage)
-
Kaempferol
(tea, strawberries,
gooseberries, cranberries, grapefruit, apples, peas, broccoli, kale, brussels
sprouts, cabbage, chives, spinach, endive, leek, tomatoes)
-
Myricetin (grapes,
red wine, berries, walnuts)
-
Fisetin
(strawberries, cucumbers)
-
Rutin (citrus fruits, oranges, lemons, limes,
grapefruit, berries, peaches, apples, pagoda tree fruits, asparagus, buckwheat,
parsley, tomatoes, apricots, rhubarb, tea)
-
Isorhamnetin
(red turnip, goldenrod, mustard leaf, ginkgo biloba, onion)
b)
Flavanones
-
Hesperidin
(citrus fruits)
-
Naringenin
(citrus fruits)
-
Silybin (milk thistle)
-
Eriodictyol
(citrus fruits)
c)
Flavones
-
Acacetin (Robinia
pseudoacacia, Turnera diffusa)
-
Apigenin (chamomile,
celery, parsley)
-
Chrysin (Passiflora caerulea, Pleurotus ostreatus,
Oroxylum indicum)
-
Diosmetin (Vicia)
-
Tangeritin
(tangerine and other citrus peels)
-
Luteolin (beets, artichokes, celery, carrots, celeriac,
rutabaga, parsley, mint, chamomile, lemongrass, chrysanthemum)
d)
Flavan-3-ols
-
Catechins (white tea, green tea, black tea, grapes,
wine, apple juice, cocoa, lentils, black-eyed peas)
-
Theaflavin
(black tea)
-
Theaflavin-3-gallate
(black tea)
-
Thearubigins
(black tea)
e)
Proanthocyanidins
-
Anthocyanidins and Anthocyanins (red wine; many red,
purple or blue fruits and vegetables)
-
Pelargonidin
(bilberry, raspberry, strawberry)
-
Peonidin (bilberry,
blueberry, cherry, cranberry, peach)
-
Cyanidin (red apple & pear, bilberry, blackberry,
blueberry, cherry, cranberry, peach, plum, hawthorn, loganberry, cocoa)
-
Delphinidin
(bilberry, blueberry, eggplant)
-
Malvidin (malve,
bilberry, blueberry)
-
Phycocyanin (spirulina)
f)
Isoflavonoids
-
Isoflavones
(phytoestrogens)
-
Daidzein
(soy, alfalfa sprouts, red clover, chickpeas, peanuts, kudzu, other legumes)
-
Genistein
(soy, alfalfa sprouts, red clover, chickpeas, peanuts, other legumes)
-
Glycitein (soy)
-
Isoflavanes
-
Isoflavandiols
-
Isoflavenes
-
Pterocarpans
or Coumestans (phytoestrogens)
-
Coumestrol
(red clover, alfalfa sprouts, soy, peas, brussels sprouts)
·
Ginseng
Ginseng
is a Chinese medicinal herb historically used in Asia and gaining popularity
elsewhere. it can boost energy, alertness and memory, as well as benefit blood
sugar, digestion, heart health and immune function.
·
Grape
seed extract
Grape
seed extract is a by-product derived from the grape seeds (Vitis vinifera) that
is extracted, dried and purified to produce a polyphenolic compound-rich
extract. Grape seed extracts are purported to have antioxidant,
cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic effects and are
promoted as being helpful for general wellness as well as for diverse metabolic,
vascular, heart, urinary tract, skin, and eye conditions.
·
Alpha
Lipoic acid
Alpha
lipoic acid is an organosulfur compound derived from caprylic acid. Several
studies suggest alpha-lipoic acid helps lower blood sugar levels. Its ability
to kill free radicals may help people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Some
studies show that ALA may have health benefits including reducing inflammation,
aiding weight loss, and lowering the risk of heart disease.
·
Lecithin
Lecithin
is a food additive that comes from several sources — one of them being soy. Its
health benefits include: Improves cholesterol levels, serves as a source of
choline, boosts immunity, helps the body deal with mental and physical stress, improves
cognitive function, prevents osteoporosis, relieves menopause symptoms, possibly
reduces the risk of cancer.
·
Soluble
fiber
Soluble
fibers mix with water and slow digestion. They are associated with a decreased
risk of heart disease, decreased cholesterol levels, and better blood sugar
control. Soluble fiber can be found in some grains, seeds, legumes, and various
vegetables. Psyllium is a form of soluble fiber made from the husks of the
Plantago ovata plant’s seeds. Psyllium is well recognized for the treatment of
constipation, irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, abdominal pain, cancer
prevention, diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease-ulcerative colitis, obesity,
diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. Besides it, contributes for satiety and
prebiotic effects.
·
Fenugreek
extract
Studies
have found positive effects of fenugreek extract in enhancing body composition,
endurance capacity, muscle strength, testosterone levels, and mass
(hypertrophy) from baseline when used with an eight-week calisthenic regimen
for males. Some studies also suggest that it may help improve sperm count in
men.
·
Aged
garlic extract
Extracts
of fresh garlic that are aged over a prolonged period to produce aged garlic
extract (AGE) contain antioxidant phytochemicals that prevent oxidant damage.
Its health benefits include: lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, slowing
the progression of coronary artery calcification and inhibiting the
accumulation of “soft” unstable plaque.
·
Pine
bark extract (Pycnogenol)
Pine
bark extract is an extract from the bark of Pinus pinaster which is used as a
dietary supplement. It is composed mostly of proanthocyanidins. Pycnogenol is a
trademarked name for a standardized preparation that contains 70% procyanidins.
Recent studies suggest that in addition to its well-known antioxidant properties,
pine bark extract may also have lowering effects on blood pressure. The blood
pressure lowering effect of pine bark extract is due to its ability to
antagonize the vasoconstriction caused by epinephrine and norepinephrine
through increased activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Pine bark
extracts have also been found to reduce blood concentrations of endothelin -
the most potent endothelial-derived vasoconstrictor.
Furthermore,
published preliminary data of pine bark extract suggest an additional
cardiovascular benefits, including improved glycemic control, reduced body
weight, improved lipid profile, improved peripheral circulation, and reduced
platelet aggregation.
Several
studies have shown that pine bark extract when combined with L-arginine, is
very effective in increasing testosterone production and improve sexual health
in men.
·
Beta-Sitosterol
β-sitosterol
(beta-sitosterol) is one of several phytosterols (plant sterols) with chemical
structures similar to that of cholesterol. Beta-sitosterol might help reduce
cholesterol levels by limiting the amount of cholesterol that is able to enter
the body. It can also help reduce swelling in the prostate and other tissues.
People most commonly use beta-sitosterol for lowering cholesterol levels and
improving symptoms of an enlarged prostate (BPH).
·
Arjuna
Extract
According
to Ayurveda, Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) helps reduce the risk of heart diseases. It strengthens and tones the
heart muscles and helps in proper functioning of the heart. Arjuna tree also
has strong anti-hypertensive property and helps reduce high blood pressure.
Modern studies have shown that various extracts of the stem bark of arjuna may
possess many pharmacological properties including inotropic, anti-ischemic,
antioxidant, blood pressure lowering, antiplatelet, hypolipidemic,
antiatherogenic, and antihypertrophic.
·
Makandi
(Coleus forskohlii)
Extract
Makandi
(Coleus forskohlii) is an Ayurvedic medicinal plant used historically to treat
high blood pressure, heart failure, eczema, digestive colic, respiratory
ailments, painful urination, insomnia, and seizures, as well as overweight and
obesity. Forskolin is an active compound found in the roots of coleus
forskohlii plant. Research shows that forskolin can activate or boost a
chemical messenger called 3′-5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), which
plays a key role in heart function by controlling both heart rate and the
strength of the heart’s contractions. According to recent scientific research,
forskolin may help lower blood pressure. Evidence suggests that it works via
vasodilation - this means that it widens blood vessels, such as veins and
arteries, by promoting the relaxation of the muscles within their walls, thus
improving blood circulation. Some preliminary clinical research suggests that
supplementation with Coleus forskohlii extract or forskolin may reduce the
number of asthma attacks in children, protect against methacholine-induced
airway restriction in healthy adults, increase testosterone levels and bone
mineral density (BMD) in men with overweight/obesity, and reduce blood pressure
and improve body composition and/or metabolic health in older adults and in
adults with overweight/obesity.
·
Spirulina
Spirulina
is a blue-green algae that grows naturally in saltwater lakes and oceans. Spirulina
is a nutrient-packed food containing a high variety of vitamins, minerals,
amino acids, coenzymes, and antioxidants. It’s a good source of protein and
provides essential amino acids. Spirulina contains high amounts of antioxidants
like beta-carotene and vitamin E and minerals like magnesium, zinc, copper,
selenium, and iron. Spirulina is also a good source of both omega-6 and omega-3
fatty acids.
·
Medicinal
mushrooms
Medicinal
mushrooms have important health benefits and exhibit a broad spectrum of
pharmacological activities, including antiallergic, antibacterial, antifungal,
anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiviral, cytotoxic, immunomodulating, anti-depressive,
antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, digestive, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective,
nephroprotective, osteoprotective, and hypotensive activities. Mushrooms are
rich in proteins, which have cytotoxic and anticancer properties. Some of them
are known for their characteristic and marked immunomodulatory effect - these
proteins are indicated as fungal immunomodulatory proteins (FIPs). Five of the
most popular medicinal mushrooms include: Chaga, Reishi, Lion's mane, Shiitake,
and Cordyceps.
·
Fermented
beets
Fermented
Beets provide a potent, bioavailable source of naturally occurring dietary
nitrates. As we age, we become less efficient in the production and conversion
of nitrates to nitric oxide and thus, our nitric oxide levels naturally
decline. Nitric oxide has been widely reported to play a critical role in
supporting a healthy cardiovascular system as well as promoting energy,
maintaining heart health, supporting blood circulation, and promoting healthy
blood pressure already within the normal range. Scientific evidence suggests
that fermented beetroot juice has potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,
anticancer, antimicrobial, antidepressant, antihypertensive, hepatoprotective,
hypocholesterolemic, immunomodulatory, and probiotic properties. The sugar
content in fermented beets is lowered during the fermentation process.
·
Natto
Natto
is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of fermented soybeans and
characterized by a slimy, sticky and stringy texture. It has many nutritional
benefits - natto is rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. The fermentation
process it undergoes reduces its antinutrients, increases its beneficial plant
compounds and helps your body to better absorb the nutrients that it contains. Studies
have shown that nattokinase, an enzyme derived from natto, dissolves blood
clots — which helps maintain good blood vessel structure, improves blood flow,
and lowers the risk of heart disease. It can also help lower your blood
pressure, reducing strain on the heart that can lead to heart attacks.
·
Policosanol
Policosanol
is a natural mixture of long-chain alcohols that comes from sugar cane wax or
beeswax. Supplementing with policosanol may reduce platelet stickiness and
improve walking capacity. Policosanol, taken in the amount of 10 mg twice a day
for at least six months, increases pain-free walking capacity by over 50% in
people with intermittent claudication according to two double-blind trials. Daily
doses of 10 mg of policosanol have also been shown to be equally effective in
lowering total or LDL (bad) cholesterol as of statins such as simvastatin or
pravastatin. Triglyceride levels are not influenced by policosanol. Policosanol
supplementation also exerts a beneficial effect on liver enzymes as well as ALT
and AST concentrations in adults.
·
Berberine
Berberine
is a bioactive compound that can be extracted from several plants, including a
group of shrubs called Berberis. The main source of berberine is an Ayurvedic shrub
known as daruharidra (berberis aristata), which has been widely used in
Ayurveda.
-
Berberine
has a variety of functions inside cells. One of the main functions is
activating an important enzyme called Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein
kinase (AMPK), which regulates metabolism.
-
Berberine
has been shown to help lower blood sugar and HbA1c. It may be as effective as
some diabetes medications.
-
Some
studies suggest that berberine can contribute to significant weight loss while
improving many other health markers.
-
Studies also
suggest that berberine reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels while
raising HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
-
Preliminary
studies suggest that berberine may have benefits against depression, cancer,
infections, fatty liver, and heart failure. It also has potent antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory effects.
·
Green
tea extract
Several
studies have shown that green tea extract can promote weight loss, blood sugar
regulation, disease prevention, and exercise recovery. It can also help keep
your skin and liver healthy, reduce blood cholesterol levels, regulate blood
pressure, and improve brain health. It can be consumed in capsule, liquid, or
powder form. The four main catechins that occur in green tea are Epicatechin
(EC), Epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG), Epigallocatechin (EGC), and Epigallocatechin-3-gallate
(EGCG). EGCG is the most studied polyphenol component in green tea and the most
active.
Also
Read:
1.
https://antiagingsupplements4men.blogspot.com/2023/07/use-of-phyto-nanotechnology-in-anti.html
2.
https://antiagingsupplements4men.blogspot.com/2023/07/role-of-molecular-hydrogen-in-aging-and.html
3.
https://antiagingsupplements4men.blogspot.com/2023/07/health-benefits-of-nad-its-precursor-nmn.html
4.
https://antiagingsupplements4men.blogspot.com/2023/07/nutrients-thst-prevent-telomere.html
5.
https://antiagingsupplements4men.blogspot.com/2023/06/anti-aging-supplements-for-ageing-male.html
Sources:
1.
https://www.insidetracker.com/a/articles/ways-to-biohack-your-healthspan-and-improve-longevity
2.
https://www.lifeextension.com/wellness/supplements/biohacking-supplements
3.
https://www.longevilab.com/en/differences-between-biohacking-longevity-and-anti-aging
Disclaimer: The above article is for information purpose
only. It does not intend to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or
condition.
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