Anti-Aging

Who is the longevity guru Brian Johnson? What anti-aging methods does he use to reduce his biological age?

26 June 2024
Jacob Müller

From millionaire to longevity guru, Brian Johnson's name is increasingly popping up in discussions about aging and health, and for good reason. He has transformed himself into a living experiment in his quest for the secrets to a long and healthy life. What can we learn from this visionary who is redefining the boundaries of human lifespan?

As a pioneer in the field of longevity, he studies and tests various methods to slow down and even reverse the aging process. He spends a staggering 2 million dollars a year on this! Through innovative approaches to anti-aging, he aims to maintain a youthful appearance, extend lifespan, and create a future where people can live longer and healthier lives by lowering their biological age.

How it began

Brian Johnson began his journey toward life extension after achieving enormous financial success in the technology industry. As the founder and CEO of Braintree, a payment company that PayPal acquired for 800 million dollars in 2013, Johnson amassed significant wealth. Despite his business success, he led a lifestyle that severely undermined his health.

In the early years of his career, Johnson lived unhealthily. He worked long hours, dealt with intense stress, and often neglected his physical well-being. His diet consisted mainly of fast food and sugary snacks, and he had little time for exercise. These unhealthy habits began to take a toll on his physical and mental health.

The realization that his lifestyle was unsustainable prompted Johnson to make a drastic change. He decided to turn his life around and invest in his health with the same dedication and passion he had for his business ventures. Johnson started studying the latest scientific research on aging and health and developed a strict anti-aging program for himself, known as Blueprint.

What Anti-Aging methods does he use?

Brian Johnson’s Blueprint is a detailed anti-aging program designed to optimize every biological and physiological parameter. The program includes a wide range of methods, from nutrition and exercise to advanced biomedical interventions and continuous health monitoring. Here is an overview of the top 10 techniques and strategies he employs:

1. Plasma exchange therapy

One of the most remarkable methods Johnson uses is plasma exchange therapy. This involves replacing old plasma with younger plasma - from his own son - which can help rejuvenate tissues and improve overall health. Although this technique is still under research, Johnson believes in its potential benefits.

2. Stem cell therapy

Johnson's regimen includes periodic stem cell therapies - including stem cell injections directly into his joints! - aimed at promoting the growth of new bone cells, enhancing bone density, and strengthening the skeleton. This not only helps counteract the natural decline in bone health associated with aging but also prevents conditions such as osteoporosis, which can significantly impair quality of life. By leveraging stem cell therapy, Bryan Johnson is at the forefront of a new era in anti-aging treatments, showcasing how innovative medical techniques can potentially reverse age-related deterioration and contribute to a healthier, more robust life.

3. Red light therapy

Johnson regularly uses red light therapy. This non-invasive treatment utilizes red and near-infrared light to increase cellular energy production and improve skin health. It helps reduce inflammation, promote wound healing, and improve skin texture and elasticity.

4. Strict diet

Johnson follows a plant-based and whole-food diet rich in antioxidants and nutrients. He avoids processed foods and sugars, which helps maintain optimal health and reduce the risks of age-related diseases.

5. Regular exercise

Regular physical activity is an integral part of Johnson's lifestyle. He combines cardiovascular exercises with strength training to maintain and improve both his heart health and muscle mass.

6. Meditation and mindfulness

Daily meditation and mindfulness practices are essential for Johnson's mental well-being. These practices help him manage stress, maintain mental clarity, and sustain a balanced lifestyle.

7. Sleep optimization

Good sleep is crucial for Johnson's health. He follows strict sleep habits and employs techniques such as sleep monitoring, creating a dark and quiet sleep environment, and avoiding electronic devices before bedtime to improve his sleep quality.

8. Cold and heat therapy

Johnson also applies cold and heat therapy, such as cryotherapy and infrared saunas, to reduce inflammation, improve blood circulation, and promote body recovery.

9. Periodic fasting

Periodic fasting is another strategy Johnson uses to lower his biological age. By incorporating fasting periods, he stimulates autophagy, a process where damaged cells are recycled and repaired, contributing to better health and longevity.

10. Use of supplements

And last but not least, Brian Johnson utilizes a vast array of supplements in his comprehensive anti-aging program. These supplements are carefully selected to address various aspects of health and aging, including cell health, inflammation reduction, energy production, and overall vitality. Here is a selection from the list of supplements that Johnson has incorporated into his regimen:

- Antioxidants and Anti-Aging agents

Resveratrol: A powerful antioxidant found in grape skins, known for its anti-aging properties and ability to reduce cell damage caused by free radicals.

Quercetin: A flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that helps combat free radicals and reduce inflammation.

Curcumin: The active ingredient in turmeric, known for its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Spermidine: Helps keep cells healthy by clearing out and recycling damaged parts, which slows down aging and can extend lifespan.

- Energy and metabolism boosters

Nicotinamide Riboside (NR): A form of vitamin B3 that increases NAD+ levels in cells, essential for energy production and DNA repair.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): An antioxidant that plays a crucial role in energy production in mitochondria and helps improve heart health and endurance.

L-Carnitine: An amino acid that aids in fatty acid metabolism and energy production in cells.

- Anti-inflammatory agents and healthy fatty acid supplements

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Known for their anti-inflammatory properties and benefits for heart and brain health, usually derived from fish oil or algae oil.

Boswellia Serrata: An herb with anti-inflammatory properties that helps reduce joint pain and inflammation.

- Support for immune system and skin health

Vitamin D: Essential for the health of the immune system, bones, and skin. It also helps regulate mood and energy levels.

Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that supports immune function and helps in the synthesis of collagen for healthy skin and connective tissue.

Zinc: A mineral crucial for strong immune function and helps with wound healing and fighting infections.

- Cognitive support and mental health

Ashwagandha: An adaptogenic herb that helps reduce stress and anxiety and supports cognitive function.

Rhodiola Rosea: Another adaptogen that increases mental clarity and endurance while helping manage stress.

- Digestive health and detoxification

Probiotics: Supplements containing beneficial bacteria to support gut health and strengthen the immune system.

Milk Thistle: An herb known for its detoxifying effects on the liver and helps promote liver health.

- Hormonal balance and sexual health

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone): A precursor hormone that helps in the production of other hormones like testosterone and estrogen and supports overall hormonal balance.

Tongkat Ali: An herb used to increase testosterone production and improve sexual health.

- Bone and joint health

Calcium: Essential for strong bones and teeth and helps with muscle function and nerve transmission.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin: Supplements often used to support joint health and reduce pain and stiffness.

The results

Johnson uses the latest technologies to continuously monitor his health. This includes tracking his sleep, heart rate variability, blood values, and other biomarkers to gain insight into his physical condition and to continually adjust his health strategies.

Brian Johnson has achieved significant improvements in his biological markers with his program, effectively lowering his biological age. The most important results are:

1. Telomere lengthening

Telomeres, the protective ends of chromosomes that shorten as we age, serve as an important marker for biological aging. Through his rigorous health regimen, Johnson has extended the telomere length of his cells, indicating a slowing of the aging process. Previously, his telomere length was comparable to that of someone in their fifties, but now he has telomeres similar to those of someone in their mid-thirties.

2. Increase in NAD+ levels

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme crucial for cellular energy production and DNA repair. Johnson has increased his NAD+ levels by 30% through the use of supplements such as nicotinamide riboside. This increase helps slow cell aging and promotes overall health.

3. Improved heart health

His cardiovascular markers have significantly improved. Through a combination of diet, exercise, and supplements, Johnson has lowered his blood pressure from 130/85 mmHg to a healthy 115/75 mmHg. His LDL cholesterol level has dropped from 120 mg/dL to 80 mg/dL, while his HDL cholesterol level has risen from 50 mg/dL to 70 mg/dL. These improvements greatly reduce his risk of cardiovascular diseases.

4. Better sleep quality

Johnson has improved his sleep quality through advanced sleep monitoring and optimization techniques. His average REM sleep has increased from 15% to 25% of his total sleep time, and his deep sleep has increased from 10% to 20%. This enhances the body's recovery and regeneration, which is crucial for anti-aging.

5. Lower inflammation markers

Chronic inflammation is a key factor in aging and age-related diseases. Johnson has reduced his C-reactive protein (CRP) level, an important inflammation marker, from 3.0 mg/L to 0.5 mg/L. This indicates a significant reduction in systemic inflammation.

6. Improved insulin sensitivity

His insulin sensitivity has also significantly improved. His fasting insulin level has dropped from 15 µU/mL to 5 µU/mL, and his HbA1c, a measure of average blood sugar levels, has decreased from 5.6% to 4.9%. This reduces his risk of diabetes and improves his overall metabolic health.

7. Healthier skin

Through the use of red light therapy and an antioxidant-rich diet, Johnson has seen a reduction in wrinkles and improved skin elasticity. His skin biomarkers show a 20% increase in collagen density and a 15% decrease in skin pigmentation spots.

8. Biological age

The most impressive achievement of Johnson's Blueprint is the reduction of his biological age. When he started, his biological age was roughly equal to his chronological age of 45 years. Now, after several years of his strict regimen, his biological age has dropped to 37 years, a reduction of 8 years. This reduction has been measured through various biometric tests and analyses of his overall health.

Conclusion

Brian Johnson's dedication to his anti-aging program has led to measurable improvements in various biological markers, demonstrating that it is possible to lower biological age through a holistic and scientifically backed approach. His results serve as inspiration and proof that integrating modern health strategies and technologies can have a significant impact on the aging process.

While it is certainly impossible for most people to adopt everything that anti-aging guru Brian Johnson does, his approach can serve as an inspiration. His commitment to health and rejuvenation provides valuable insights that you can apply to your own life. Health & Science Magazine closely follows Brian Johnson's efforts and will delve deeper into various aspects of his program in the coming months. Stay tuned for more..