Aging can lead to a range of health problems, many of which can result in premature death. However, a pioneering clinical trial suggests that it is possible to reduce your biological age by more than three years in just a few weeks. Aging is often contrary to good health as the risk of developing several chronic diseases increases with the passage of years. Nonetheless, research continues to indicate that individuals have a significant degree of control over their biological clock.
This understanding was recently activated through a clinical trial demonstrating that you can successfully lower your biological age by more than three years in just eight weeks by modifying your diet and lifestyle to balance DNA methylation.
DNA methylation patterns—a term used to describe the accumulation of damage and the loss of function in cells, tissues, and organs—have become a leading approach for scientists to assess and track biological aging, as this damage induces age-related diseases.
A study released on April 12 utilized a randomized controlled clinical trial conducted on 43 healthy adult males aged 50-72. The eight-week treatment program involved a strict diet, good sleep, exercise, relaxation guidance, and the consumption of supplementary probiotics and phytonutrients, leading to a statistically significant reduction in biological age.
The study was conducted independently by the Helfgott Research Institute with laboratory assistance from the Yale University Center for Genome Analysis, and the results were independently analyzed at McGill University and the National University of Natural Medicine.
The principal author of the study, Kara Fitzgerald, stated, "The combined intervention program was designed to target a specific biological mechanism known as DNA methylation, particularly the methylation patterns identified as highly predictive of biological age."
She added, "The early results seem consistent with the very few existing studies that have explored the possibility of reversing biological age. It is unique in its use of a safe, non-pharmaceutical dietary and lifestyle program. We are currently recruiting participants for a larger study that we expect will support these findings."
This study provides the first insight into the potential use of natural modifications to target epigenetic processes, improve our well-being, and possibly even extend our lifespan, according to the British newspaper Express.
Dr. Fitzgerald commented, "What is extremely exciting is that specific dietary and lifestyle practices, including certain nutrients and dietary compounds known to selectively change DNA methylation, can have such an effect on the methylation patterns that we know predict aging and lifespan."
