“It has attracted interest for its potential to activate mitophagy, the process cells use to clear out damaged mitochondria. In this Aliquot, I explain why mitochondrial cleanup matters for aging, why urolithin A production varies, and what early human studies suggest about its potential benefits.”
“Poor sleep reduces the body's insulin sensitivity and changes a person's appetite, increasing the preference for high carbohydrate foods like pizza, pasta, and sweets. Lack of sleep also alters the gut microbiota and impairs immunity, putting us at risk for developing acute illnesses like colds and flu.”
“Liberalizing the diet by altering protein, fat, and fiber intake may make the diet more tolerable. For those who have difficulty reaching and sustaining ketosis, ketone supplementation may be beneficial, but their use might interfere with weight loss.”
“The immune system has strategies for filtering these autoimmune cells out of circulation; however, this filter can malfunction due to age, genetic predisposition, disruption of the gut barrier and gut microbiota, or other environmental exposures.”
“Dietary fiber is a broad term that refers to the non-digestible components of fruits and vegetables. Gut microbes break down certain types of fiber, releasing micronutrients trapped in the fiber matrix and producing beneficial metabolic byproducts, such as short-chain fatty acids.”
“Naturally occurring forms of vitamin K include phylloquinone, known as vitamin K1, and a family of molecules called menaquinones, known as vitamin K2. In this Aliquot, Dr. Bruce Ames and I discuss the differences between (and dietary sources of) vitamins K1 and K2 and their effects on human health.”
“Building muscle mass in one's early years is essential for staving off the age-related loss of muscle mass and may promote longevity. In this Aliquot, Dr. Stuart Phillips discusses the importance of building muscle through resistance training and why starting early is important.”
“Having sufficient muscle mass markedly reduces a person's risk of dying prematurely. Although some studies suggest that eating less protein promotes longevity, those studies might not take into account the periods of disuse and disability that often occur in real life.”
“Consuming sufficient protein is essential for muscle growth and maintenance. Emphasis on specific amino acids within protein, particularly the branched-chain amino acids, probably isn't necessary unless you're an elite athlete or an older adult.”
“Protein is essential for building and maintaining muscles. Aiming for about 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight (about 0.5 to 0.7 grams per pound) is optimal for maintenance on the lower end and building muscle on the higher end.”