Aging Breakthrough Could Extend Lifespan by Decades

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted October 11, 2024

We all want to live longer, don’t we?

We want to see our grandchildren grow up, travel to all those places on our bucket list, and make the most of every precious moment we have on this earth. Outsmarting aging is a universal desire that’s as old as humanity itself.

Well, brace yourself. It turns out scientists might have stumbled upon a breakthrough that could extend our lifespans by up to 25 percent. That means a quarter more life to live, love, and laugh.

Now, before you start planning your 120th birthday party, let me fill you in on the details of this exciting new aging research.

Scientists from the Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School made a fascinating discovery about a protein called interleukin 11 (IL-11). This little molecule might be a key culprit in the aging process.

In a groundbreaking study, researchers found that simply blocking the effects of IL-11 could extend the lifespan of mice up to 25 percent. For humans, that means adding around 20 years to our personal timeline.

But it’s not just about living longer—it’s about living better. The mice in the study didn’t just survive longer; they thrived. They had fewer cancers, less muscle wasting, and improved muscle strength.

In other words, they were healthier and more vibrant in their old age.

How does this aging breakthrough work? Well, IL-11 builds up in our bodies as we age, and it’s linked to increasing inflammation, scar tissue, and overall frailty. By blocking it, the researchers were able to reduce potentially dangerous inflammation and help organs heal faster after injury.

Now, remember this research is still in its early stages, and clinical trials in humans will be needed to confirm whether these findings apply to us.

But here’s the exciting part. Researchers have ALREADY seen similar effects in studies of human cells and tissues. So, while we can’t say for sure yet, there’s every reason to be optimistic that this could also lead to breakthroughs in human aging and longevity.

Of course, we’re not quite there yet. But that doesn’t mean we can’t take steps today to extend our stay on Earth. While we wait for more research on IL-11, here are three supplements that research confirms can support living a longer, healthier life:

• Nicotinamide Riboside (NR): This form of vitamin B3 boosts NAD+, a molecule crucial for cellular energy production and DNA repair. Some studies suggest NR could help combat age-related decline.
• Resveratrol: Found in red wine and grapes, this antioxidant is linked to increased lifespan in some studies. It’s thought to mimic the effects of calorie restriction, a well-known strategy for extending life in various species.
• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): This antioxidant plays a vital role in energy production in our cells. As we age, our natural CoQ10 levels decline. Supplementation may help support heart health and overall energy levels as we get older.

Remember, supplements are a great way to support healthier aging. But they’ll never replace the tried-and-true cornerstones of a long and healthy life, which include eating a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, and good sleep.

As we look to the future, studies like this one on IL-11 give us hope that we might one day crack the aging code. Until then, let’s focus on making the most of every day we have while staying as healthy as possible for as long as possible.

And another thing…

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Source:

Widjaja, A. A., Lim, W., Viswanathan, S., Chothani, S., Corden, B., Dasan, C. M., Goh, J. W., Lim, R., Singh, B. K., Tan, J., Pua, C. J., Lim, S. Y., Adami, E., Schafer, S., George, B. L., Sweeney, M., Xie, C., Tripathi, M., Sims, N. A., . . . Cook, S. A. (2024). Inhibition of IL-11 signalling extends mammalian healthspan and lifespan. Nature, 632(8023), 157-165.

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More By Dr. Scott Olson, ND