A recent Harvard University study suggests that humans may have already reached the end of their lifespans, but that won’t stop us from trying to extend our lives.
A recent poll found that 81% of respondents are “somewhat or very willing” to spend money to live longer, but many say they don’t know where to start. .
Dr. Sajjad Zarzala, co-founder and chief medical officer of AgelessRx in Detroit, Michigan, is committed to helping people not only live longer, but also live their healthiest lives.
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As a physician with a background in functional medicine, Zarzala works to find and treat the root causes of symptoms and diseases, which led him to the field of longevity.
In 2019, he launched AgelessRx to “solve the mysteries of aging.”
Dr. Sajjad Zarzala, co-founder and chief medical officer of AgelessRx in Detroit, Michigan, shares his secrets to living a longer, healthier life. (Dr. Sajjad Zarzala/AgelessRX)
Zarzala spoke to Fox News Digital’s cameras about the characteristics of aging and what he believes are the most important factors in living a longer, healthier life.
Characteristics of aging
While the aging process can look different for everyone, researchers have identified some “common denominators” in cellular and molecular aging, which Zarzala shared with Fox News Digital.
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1. Genomic instability: Doctors say this occurs when DNA damage causes diseases such as cancer and weakens the body’s ability to heal.
2. Telomere attrition: Shortening of telomeres (DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes) causes visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles and slowed cell reproduction.
3. Epigenetic changes: This is when environmental factors change gene function, accelerating skin aging and metabolic problems, Zarzala said.
4. Loss of proteostasis: “Misfolded proteins contribute to age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease,” the doctor said.
5. Mitochondrial dysfunction: According to Zarzala, reduced energy production leads to fatigue and muscle weakness.
6. Disorders of nutrient sensing: “Dysfunctions in the regulation of metabolism and control of energy production are the reason we age,” said the doctor.
7. Cellular senescence: This phenomenon causes cells to stop dividing, causing signs of aging such as thinning of the skin and age spots.
8. Stem cell depletion: “Depletion of stem cells causes gray hair and slows tissue repair,” Zarzala points out.
9. Changes in cell-to-cell communication: According to doctors, decreased cell-to-cell communication weakens tissue health and immune response.
10. Disabling macroautophagy: According to ScienceDirect, this is the slowing down of the process that provides metabolites and energy to cells.
11. Chronic Inflammation: As people age, experts agree that increased inflammation is directly linked to the development of many diseases and the effects of aging.
12. Dysbiosis: According to the Cleveland Clinic, this condition causes an imbalance of microorganisms in the body, which can negatively impact your health.
According to the doctor, many of the characteristics of aging can be managed by changing behavior. (St. Petersburg)
Zarzala says many of these traits can be addressed by changing behavior.
“Many things can benefit from lifestyle,” he said. “For example, eating highly processed foods, not exercising, and living a sedentary lifestyle can promote inflammation and accelerate the aging process.”
5 foundations of health
The doctor shared some of the habits in each of the five “buckets” of healthy living.
1. Eat right
Zarzala follows a “Paleo-like” diet consisting primarily of whole foods such as vegetables, low-glycemic fruits, and lean proteins.
“I avoid overly processed foods, overly sweet foods, and foods that are too high in starches and simple sugars,” he said.
“Eating a highly processed diet, not exercising, and living a sedentary lifestyle promotes inflammation and accelerates the aging process.”
Zarzala points out that there’s a lot of debate about whether grains are good for your health. He tends to avoid them.
“From a pure health standpoint, I don’t think it’s very nutritious,” he says.
When it comes to fruit, not all are created equal, Zarzala said.
Zarzala follows a “Paleo-like” diet consisting primarily of whole foods such as vegetables, low-glycemic fruits, and lean proteins. (St. Petersburg)
“Banana and grapes are high-glycemic foods. Try to eat low-glycemic fruits such as berries and cherries.”
Doctors also refrain from drinking alcohol.
“Alcohol is not very good for longevity, so it’s best to limit it,” he says. “Further research appears to indicate that there is actually no appropriate level of alcohol consumption.”
2. Stay active
Although Zarzala admits that she’s “not really an exerciser,” she recognizes the importance of physical activity in slowing aging.
He uses a walking desk in his office for several hours each day and takes martial arts classes with his teenage son.
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Physicians also spend 20 to 30 minutes per day doing a variety of exercise combinations, such as riding a stationary bike, using a rowing machine, and lifting free weights.
“I try to do a little bit of cardio and a little bit of strength training every day,” Zarzala said.
3. Choosing the right drug
Zarzala said she is “very comfortable” with drugs, but they should be prescribed carefully based on each individual’s health goals.
One of the medications he takes regularly is metformin, which is used to treat type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes.
Although the aging process can look different for everyone, researchers have identified some “common denominators” of cellular and molecular aging. (St. Petersburg)
Some studies have shown that metformin may help improve longevity and health, doctors said.
“I started taking it mainly for preventive purposes because I always struggled with my weight,” Zarzala said.
The doctor also recently started taking rapamycin, an immunosuppressant that has received attention for its potential longevity benefits.
“Having some way to measure and monitor sleep is very important.”
Zarzala may also take acarbose, an antidiabetic drug that helps regulate blood sugar levels.
“When I eat starch or carbohydrates, I try to take acarbose to reduce the blood sugar spikes that can occur. It also helps improve the microbiome,” he said.
Zarzala said she is “very comfortable” with drugs, but they should be prescribed carefully based on each individual’s health goals. (St. Petersburg)
Most recently, Zarzala started taking atorvastatin (Lipitor) to keep her cholesterol at healthy levels.
“I have a family history of heart disease, and diet and exercise have not been able to lower my LDL cholesterol,” he said.
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Doctors sometimes take NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a coenzyme that helps regulate metabolism.
“Aging and certain diseases can deplete NAD+ in the body, so we take it here and there when we are feeling depleted and need an energy boost,” he said.
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“There’s growing data showing that maintaining youthful energy levels helps with everything, so I’m including it as a necessity for mitochondrial support and general longevity.”
4. Supplements for health
Zarzala has always been an advocate of supplements to promote a healthier life.
“Over the years, I’ve tried different supplements. I always try something on my own to see how I feel and how it moves my markers. I like it.”
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Vitamin D is one of the most important supplements, he said.
Research shows that vitamin D supplements can help improve bone health, brain health, immune function, and more.
Research shows that vitamin D supplements can help improve bone health, brain health, and immune function. (St. Petersburg)
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, is also one of his favorites. Some studies have shown that DHEA can help reduce abdominal fat, improve insulin resistance, and reduce artery inflammation.
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Doctors also take coenzyme Q10, an antioxidant supplement, to counter the potential downsides of heart medications.
“If you don’t get enough sleep, there’s almost no problem, because your metabolism and hormones are all going to be thrown out of whack,” he told Fox News Digital. (St. Petersburg)
“Unless you have a serious illness, I think most supplements are not harmful and can be beneficial if taken wisely,” he says.
Doctors stressed the importance of consulting your doctor before starting any new medications, supplements or exercise programs.
5. Improve sleep hygiene
According to Zarzala, one of the most important yet overlooked aspects of health is sleep.
“It almost doesn’t matter because if you don’t get proper sleep, your metabolism and all your hormones go crazy,” he told FOX News Digital.
For more health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.
“That’s why it’s so important to have some way to measure and monitor sleep.”
It is essential for people suffering from sleep apnea or other sleep disorders to talk to their doctor about ways to improve their sleep, doctors advised.
