“Forever Young” Hack Promotes Healthy Aging

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted February 21, 2025

We all have that one friend who is aging more gracefully than the rest of us.

Ever wonder why? Well, scientists say they may have uncovered the answer—or at least one of them.

And it’s all about unique proteins in our cells called selenoproteins.

A fascinating study from Japan reveals how these proteins are essential in keeping us healthy as we age.

And incredibly, you may be able to boost their production to help you age better…
Think of selenoproteins as your body’s cleanup crew.

Just like we need janitors to keep buildings clean and functioning, our cells need selenoproteins to clean up harmful substances called free radicals.

When these proteins don’t work properly things get messy and damage builds up.

Researchers recently made a critical discovery when examining blood stem cells (“parent” cells that create all our blood cells). When selenoproteins weren’t doing their job, the stem cells started showing signs of premature aging.

It particularly affected the production of immune cells called B cells, which help fight off infections.

However, the Japanese scientists also found that ordinary vitamin E could help fix some of the age-linked damage.

So, those “forever young” folks likely either have superior selenoproteins—or they’re loading up on vitamin E in their diet.

This was a preliminary study, so more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between vitamin E and selenoproteins. However, we already know that selenoproteins and vitamin E can work together to protect cells from oxidative damage.

Following are some practical ways to support your body’s selenoprotein production as well as offset signs of premature aging:

1. Load up on selenium-rich foods (selenoproteins need selenium to function):

• Brazil nuts (just one to two nuts daily is all you need!)
• Wild-caught seafood, especially tuna and halibut
• Pastured eggs
• Mushrooms
• Sunflower seeds

2. Include more vitamin E-rich foods in your diet:

• Almonds and other nuts
• Avocados
• Spinach and other leafy greens
• Olive oil
• Sweet potatoes

3. Boost your overall antioxidant intake:

• Colorful fruits and vegetables
• Green tea
• Dark chocolate
• Herbs and spices, especially turmeric and oregano

While this research is still in its early stages, it’s already given us valuable clues about supporting healthy aging through our diet choices.

Remember, it’s not about making dramatic changes overnight. Small, consistent additions to your diet—like tossing sunflower seeds into your morning yogurt or adding avocado to your dinner salad—support your body’s natural antioxidant systems.

As we learn more about how selenoproteins work, we may discover even more ways to support healthy aging. However, for now, focusing on a varied, antioxidant-rich diet is a smart strategy for giving your body the tools it needs to age well.

And another thing…
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P.S. Preserve your mobility with “Agile Aging” exercises.

Source:

Aoyama, Yumi, et al. “Selenoprotein-Mediated Redox Regulation Shapes the Cell Fate of HSCs and Mature Lineages.” Blood Journal (2025): blood-2024025402.