In the heart of the Himalayas, trekking the Poon Hill track, part of the Annapurna circuit, I couldn’t take my eyes off certain people. Surrounded by the majestic beauty of nature, I noticed many older trekkers, likely in their 60s, embracing the challenge with vigor and vitality. This observation led me to ponder why such lifestyles aren't as common among Indians and sparked a desire within me to maintain vitality well into my later years.
This quest for longevity and vitality found resonance in David Sinclair's "Life Span." Sinclair, an award-winning academic in the field of aging, challenges conventional views of aging, advocating for its reclassification as a disease. His Information Theory of Aging, which posits that the loss of analog information in the epigenome is the universal cause of aging, was a paradigm shift in my understanding.
Reading about the longevity genes, such as sirtuins, NAD, and TOR, and their role in cellular health and aging, I began to see aging through a new lens. These genes, activated in response to biological stress, held the key to delaying aging, an insight that transformed my approach to daily habits.
One of the most impactful lifestyle changes I adopted was Intermittent Fasting (IF). Sinclair's book detailed how periodic calorie restriction, like IF, could activate our survival network of longevity genes. Inspired, I embarked on a regimen of fasting for 16 hours with an 8-hour eating window, starting my meals at 2 PM and concluding by 10 PM. This routine aimed to trigger autophagy, the body's way of cleaning out damaged cells to regenerate newer, healthier cells.
The results were remarkable. Contrary to my initial concerns about energy levels and muscle mass, I found myself more energetic than ever. This new routine did not reduce my muscle mass; instead, it seemed to enhance my overall physical and mental wellbeing. The book's emphasis on other practices like lower protein, vegetable-rich diets, and exercise further supported my journey towards a healthier lifestyle.
"Life Span" by David Sinclair was not just a book for me; it was a catalyst for change. It provided a scientific foundation for my quest to live a longer life with the vitality of a much younger person. As I reflect on my journey, I am immensely grateful to David Sinclair for his groundbreaking work. His insights have not only influenced my personal health choices but also aligned beautifully with the Wellbeing Protocol's emphasis on informed lifestyle choices for enhanced physiological health.
Source - Dr. David Sinclair - Life Span!