Episode 46: The Top Longevity Biomarkers Everyone Should Know, How Zest’s Biological Age Test Makes It Easy to Track Your Health, and Prolong Your Healthspan with Julia Cooney
Episode Highlights
Jenny Jones interviews Dr. Julia Cooney, Cambridge-educated medical doctor, biotechnology expert, and founder of Zest Science. They discuss the cutting-edge longevity panel, the importance of biomarkers, and practical ways to enhance health span and quality of life. This episode dives deep into actionable insights, scientific research, and the future of longevity testing.
Key Takeaways
Longevity and Healthspan
The Problem: 92% of individuals over 65 have at least one degenerative disease, and 77% have two or more.
Zest’s Mission: Closing the gap between health span and lifespan with proactive, preventative healthcare solutions.
Key Insight: Early interventions can add over 10 years to life expectancy compared to traditional treatments like cancer drugs, which only extend lifespan by about three years.
Zest Longevity Panel: What It Measures
Dr. Cooney explains the 10 blood biomarkers most correlated with healthspan and lifespan, chosen after reviewing 100+ clinical trials. Highlights include:
HbA1c: A 3-month measure of glucose stability, crucial for preventing pre-diabetes and managing metabolic health.
ApoB: A more accurate marker of cardiovascular risk than traditional LDL measurements.
CRP: C-reactive protein for inflammation, linked to cognitive decline, kidney disease, and all-cause mortality.
Albumin: A liver-produced protein, correlated with cardiovascular health and longevity.
Brain Aging and Cognitive Health
Zest’s Unique Approach: Incorporates brain aging into longevity testing, partnering with Cambridge University for precision memory tests to detect cognitive decline in the 40s and 50s.
Why It Matters: Brain aging impacts all other systems. Optimizing cognitive health can extend quality years of life significantly.
Lifestyle Interventions for Longevity
Dr. Cooney emphasizes lifestyle as the foundation of longevity:
Sleep: Consistency, 7–8 hours per night, and minimizing screen time.
Exercise: Aerobic activity boosts BDNF, critical for brain health and delaying dementia onset.
Diet: Recommends the evidence-based Mediterranean diet while acknowledging individual variability.
Morning Sunlight: Enhances circadian rhythm, mood, and even hormone levels.
Functional Age Testing with Zest
Combines blood biomarkers, wearable data (e.g., VO2 max, heart rate variability), and functional tests (e.g., grip strength).
Retest every three months to track progress and refine interventions.
Julia’s Top 3 Biohacks for Longevity
Sleep Optimization: Maintain a consistent bedtime and get morning sunlight for circadian rhythm alignment.
Aerobic Exercise: Boosts brain health through BDNF production, providing cognitive reserve.
Magnesium Baths: Combines magnesium absorption with the cooling effect post-heat exposure for better sleep.
References and Recommendations
Dr. Julia Cooney shares valuable insights and resources:
Functional Age Test: Available at zest.science.
Key Biomarkers: HbA1c, ApoB, Albumin, CRP, and more.
Brain Health: Incorporates new Cambridge University research into cognitive decline detection.
Lifestyle Interventions: Prioritize sleep, aerobic exercise, and the Mediterranean diet.
Where to Find Dr. Julia Cooney
Website: zest.science
Instagram: @zest.science
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Disclaimer:
This episode is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional before starting any new treatments or protocols.
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