As a result, patients tend to plateau in weight loss before reaching their final goal, as diet and exercise programs that initially showed promise prove ineffective after this early phase. One possible strategy to avoid such a premature plateau is to adjust diet and activity plans based on changes in whole-body energy expenditure over time. A new study sought to investigate whether using energy expenditure biofeedback to inform and adjust weight loss strategies would improve loss of body weight and fat mass compared to standard diet and activity counseling alone.

In this randomized trial, 52 participants with obesity were counseled by dietitians and instructed to maintain a standard caloric restriction (30% or 500 kcal/day below daily energy requirements, whichever was greater) and at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week during the 24-week study. For half of these participants (INT group), dietitians modified recommendations throughout the study based on energy expenditure information derived from wearable indirect calorimetry devices, while dietitians did not modify recommendations for control participants. At the end of the study, participants in the INT group had lost more weight overall than the control group (-2.3 kg; 95% CI: -3.1 to -1.5; P<0.001) and had a greater reduction in body fat percentage (-1.5%; 95% CI: -2.31 to -0.72; P<0.001).

In addition, a significantly higher proportion of participants in the INT group achieved a weight loss of at least 5% from baseline than participants in the control group (42% of the INT group versus 8% of the control group; P=0.007). These results suggest that integrating continuous feedback on metabolic changes to personalize and adjust diet and exercise plans may improve the likelihood of avoiding weight plateaus before reaching weight loss goals.

Biofeedback is a relevant aspect of BIOCOACHING that provides accurate information about the status quo and the change in health status through interventions recommended by the BIOCOACH based on the relevant health and lifestyle data.

The post Simplified weight loss for obesity through biofeedback appeared first on NOMIX.

The anticipated demographic shift to an exponentially growing elderly population with increased morbidity poses the greatest challenge to society in history. This challenge raises a key scientific research question: Can we enhance human health span with the ever-increasing life expectancy resulting from advances in healthcare to prevent premature mortality? Aging is now the dominant risk factor for many degenerative disorders, for which mechanisms and dietary or environmental modulators remain poorly studied. The progressive increase in healthcare costs for non-communicable conditions and the rise in morbidity and mortality with advanced age is promoted by the cumulative bioenergetic burden upon the target population by the Western diet rich in sugar, fat, and salt. An imbalance between NO and SOR has been demonstrated in metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. Antioxidant protection can determine health. Nutrition is decisive in determining health and healthcare costs. Precision nutrition, specific food, and biomatrix supplementation have been proposed to improve health by supplying sufficient macro and micronutrients. Adaptation and aging can be the opposite outcomes of dynamic developmental plasticity. The discovery and development of effective supplements containing amino acids and antioxidants that can restore and improve health even at an advanced age is a rapidly developing field of applied biosciences. Aging can be seen as a process of internal desynchronization induced by stress and aberrant-signaling-induced senescence and the concurrent loss of bioenergetic potential with a depletion of resources to prevent degenerative changes. Supplementation can maintain or even improve human health.

1. Adaptation and Aging

Lifetime exposure to high glucose and free fatty acid levels induces cumulative toxicity that limits adaptational and developmental plasticity. Premature aging and disease can result from nutrition rich in calories but poor in nutrients and natural agents. Supplementation rich in certain amino acids switches the metabolism to enhanced activity, efficacy, and oxidative phosphorylation capacity that improves mitochondrial redox regulation, inducing antioxidant adaptation by retrograde trophic pro-survival signaling. Since caloric restriction is often associated with malnutrition in humans, only bioenergetic agents such as the mitogenic and mitotrophic amino acids glutamine, proline, and arginine, which are abundantly present in proteins and peptides from pulses, grains, or collagen, can significantly improve the metabolism of mitochondria and stimulate their signaling. These amino acids are a real option to extend the human health span substantially. L-arginine and L-arginine-rich proteins or peptides can supply the necessary nutrients to reduce glycemic load, insulin resistance, and lipotoxicity by facilitating and enhancing fat oxidation and reducing glucose accumulation. Bioenergetic agents such as L-arginine and related amino acids have positive health effects, as demonstrated in the target population. These supplements induce bioenergetic stimulation, antioxidant protection, and ubiquitous regeneration that improve, restore, and maintain gut, skin, and joint health. The synergistic effects of this unique L-arginine-rich blend with antioxidant agents of high bioenergetic potency are discussed in the context of easy-to-handle approaches in supplementation aimed at improving, regaining, or maintaining health by improving the diet of the target population.

2. Nutrition and Health

Food and supplementation can be a decisive factor in maintaining health during aging and stress or enhanced demand for protective nutrients. Recent research indicates that a high intake of soy, pea, and pumpkin, rich in arginine, proline, and glutamine, can limit carbohydrate and fat toxicity associated with the Western diet and its predominant arginine-poor animal protein content. The use of amino acids like L-arginine together with the synergistically acting B vitamins, folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, in preparations of premium quality and natural origin, opens up new perspectives in establishing a molecular, metabolic medicine that enables prevention, therapy, and rehabilitation for improving, maintaining, and restoring the health of older adults. Antioxidant protection and health-span extension seem to be possible through such an innovative approach as using amino acids and vitamins to enhance trophic retrograde NO signaling and thus life- and health-span. This review reveals how a holistic strategy employing amino acids like arginine combined with other nutrients can reverse chronic degenerative changes and trigger adaptive reactions and repair processes that restore regeneration via redox regulation and antioxidant protection. Novel, innovative approaches using highly sophisticated supplementation protocols have revealed the molecular mechanisms and physiological mediators of viability and survival that enable the organism to cope with internal and external stressors. All molecular mediators that induce such adaptive plasticity act as mitochondrial metabolism modifiers to increase trophic support through the enhanced supply and more efficient use of bioenergetic resources. The aim and goal of these approaches are to promote human fitness and health. The universal bioenergetic decline as a hallmark of stress and senescence can be corrected through supplementation-dependent mitochondrial support that restores metabolic control mechanisms essential to regeneration and repair.

3. Say NO to Aging

Aging is often associated with increased adiposity and altered reduced muscle mass or sarcopenia, including increased ectopic fat stores such as visceral, hepatic, and intermuscular fat, The age-dependent increase in asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels and the upregulation of L-arginine depletion through enhanced arginase activity are the primary factors contributing to the alteration of the L-arginine/nitric oxide (NO) pathway associated with insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction. These findings help explain the profound effects of precision supplementation, which involves an enhanced supply of L-arginine and other bioenergetic agents, in restoring metabolic control and reducing insulin resistance and lipotoxicity associated with enhanced superoxide anion radical and peroxynitrite formation in older adults. Currently, numerous clinical studies are being conducted to ensure that L-arginine supplementation and L-arginine-rich food can restore redox regulation in the elderly target population. Aging leads to decreased arginine: ADMA ratio and the nitric oxide: superoxide ratio, resulting in oxidative stress, inflammation, and degenerative changes that harm development and health. Supplementation with amino acids such as L-arginine and L-arginine-rich food through certain peptides and proteins can restore a healthy arginine: ADMA ratio.

Recent research confirms the crucial roles of metabolic pathways in regulating and determining human health. The ultimate goal is to explore new avenues that enable active living and healthy aging by preserving fitness throughout life. Upregulating nitric oxide bioavailability can prevent premature aging and neurodegeneration. Boosting the nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide pathway improves gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, metabolic, and cognitive performance. Vegetables rich in nitrate, like spinach and beetroot, are a good source of nitric oxide, with beneficial effects on cardiovascular health and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

L-arginine has potent health-protecting effects, and its beneficial cardiovascular effects are well-established. The age-dependent decline of tryptophan in the brain is associated with toxic kynurenine formation, which impairs nitric oxide formation and leads to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.

Supplementation with L-arginine and B vitamins can stop the vicious cycle of oxidative stress and damage. Selectively increasing tryptophan levels through L-arginine or L-arginine-rich food can boost nitric oxide bioactivity and bioavailability. This approach can target elevated blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. Nitric oxide (NO) can be cytotoxic at high concentrations, but its antioxidant effects typically prevail. Moderate consumption of vegan L-arginine-rich proteins may be beneficial for individuals with kidney problems. Older adults and those with cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases have an enhanced need for L-arginine and L-arginine-rich proteins to restore and sustain a healthy NO supply.

L-arginine plays a decisive role in preserving brain health, preventing cognitive impairment, and maintaining high NO levels for healthy aging. Aging and age-related cardiovascular diseases lead to arginine and tryptophan depletion, impairing neurovascular coupling. L-arginine and L-tryptophan determine disease development and progression. Supplementation with L-arginine and L-arginine-rich food assures sufficient NO synthesis, neutralizing the age-dependent accumulation of ADMA and the enhanced formation of superoxide anion radicals.

The post Say NO to Aging – Nitric Oxide as a Determinant of Longevity appeared first on NOMIX.

The epigenetic clock, a promising biomarker of biological age, can investigate the direct relations between nutritional factors and aging, identifying potential intervention targets to improve healthy aging.

While people are living longer, morbidity rates are expected to rise further as aging is a primary risk factor for common diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease. This will have major healthcare, economic, and social implications, emphasizing the importance of healthy aging. However, not everyone ages at the same rate in terms of their health status and susceptibility to disease and death. Biological age, which considers the degree of physiological deterioration over time, represents aging more accurately and is a better predictor of morbidity and mortality.

Research suggests that a complex interplay between lifestyle and genetics influences aging, with genetics accounting for a variable but significant percentage of lifespan variation in the population. Alongside genome-wide analyses that have identified measurable genetic effects on the aging rate, lifestyle factors have been proposed to play a more significant role in determining the pace of aging. In particular, nutritional factors like dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, along with a physically active lifestyle, have been reported to mitigate age-related disease risk and may have the potential to improve healthy aging.

To determine factors associated with accelerated or decelerated aging rates, researchers have been studying clinical biomarkers that can accurately reflect biological age. The epigenetic clock, which estimates biological age based on the cumulative assessment of DNA methylation at age-related CpG-sites, stands out as the currently most accurate measure of biological age and a strong predictor of both mortality and morbidity. With epigenetic clocks, epigenetic age acceleration can be calculated, which is associated with multiple age-related conditions, whereas epigenetic age deceleration is associated with lifestyle factors like a healthy diet and physical activity.

This study aims to discover the interactive network between nutrients and epigenetic age acceleration by using Copula Graphical Models (CGM), a network analysis method that can cope with multiple types of data as well as complex inter-nutrient relationships without subjective selection of confounders.

The study used a data-driven approach to identify nutrients that relate to decelerated biological aging. Several direct relationships were revealed, including:

• Negative associations between PhenoAge acceleration and dietary intakes of coumestrol, beta-carotene, and arachidic acid.
• Positive associations between PhenoAge acceleration and dietary intakes of added sugar, gondoic acid, arachidonic acid, behenic acid, and vitamin A.
• Associations between PhenoAge acceleration and lifestyle factors, such as smoking, BMI, WHR, and blood pressure.

The study highlights the importance of considering individual nutrients and their sources, rather than broad categories when studying their effects on aging.

The post Direct links between nutrients and epigenetic aging appeared first on NOMIX.

You can find high levels of spermidine in foods like fresh peppers, wheat germ, broccoli, cauliflower, and cheese. Soy products like natto, shiitake, and durian also have high amounts of spermidine.

Spermidine has been shown to have many benefits in animal studies. It can help protect the heart and brain and even fight cancer. It’s also been linked to a reduced risk of cancer and heart disease in human studies.

Spermidine works by maintaining the health of our mitochondria, reducing inflammation, and helping stem cells stay healthy. It also helps by mimicking the effects of calorie restriction, which is when you eat fewer calories but still get all the nutrients your body needs.

In animal studies, giving spermidine has been shown to increase the survival rate, improve memory, and even help with motor skills. In human studies, taking spermidine supplements is safe and effective in improving memory and reducing blood pressure.

Here are some of the key details about spermidine and its benefits:

1. Anti-aging effects: Spermidine has been shown to slow down the aging process by promoting autophagy, a process where cells clean up and recycle damaged components. This helps maintain cellular health and prevent age-related diseases.
2. Cardioprotective effects: Spermidine has been found to protect the heart by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and blood pressure. It may also help prevent cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis and heart failure.
3. Neuroprotective effects: Spermidine has been shown to improve memory, learning, and cognitive function in both animal and human studies. It may also help protect the brain from neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
4. Anti-cancer effects: Spermidine has been found to inhibit cancer cell growth and promote cancer cell death. It may also help prevent cancer by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
5. Mitochondrial health: Spermidine helps maintain the health of mitochondria, the energy-producing structures within cells. This is important for overall cellular health and may help prevent diseases like diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders.
6. Caloric restriction mimic: Spermidine has been found to mimic the effects of caloric restriction, which is when you eat fewer calories but still get all the nutrients your body needs. This has been shown to have many health benefits, including increased lifespan.
7. Safety and efficacy: Spermidine has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated in human studies, with no significant side effects. It has also been found to be effective in improving various health markers, such as blood pressure, memory, and cognitive function.

In terms of dietary sources, spermidine is found in a variety of foods, including:

• Fresh peppers
• Wheat germ
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Cheese
• Soy products like natto, shiitake, and durian

It’s also available as a dietary supplement, which can be a convenient way to increase your spermidine intake if you’re having trouble getting enough from your diet alone.

Overall, spermidine is a promising nutrient that has been shown to have many health benefits. Further research is needed to fully understand its effects, but current evidence suggests that it may be a valuable addition to a healthy Longevity Lifestyle.

The post Spermidine May Increase Human Healthspan appeared first on NOMIX.

1. Anti-inflammatory properties: Curcumin has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, which is a major contributor to chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
2. Anti-cancer properties: Curcumin has been found to have anti-cancer properties, and has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in laboratory studies.
3. Antioxidant properties: Curcumin is a potent antioxidant, meaning it helps protect the body from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to cell damage and disease.
4. Neuroprotective properties: Curcumin has been shown to improve memory and brain function in animal studies, and may even help prevent or slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
5. Anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties: Curcumin has been found to have anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, making it a potential treatment for infections.

Now, let’s talk about the structure of curcumin. Curcumin comes in two forms: ketone and enol. At neutral and acidic pH levels, the ketone form dominates, while the enol form is more stable at basic pH levels. This is because the enol form forms intramolecular hydrogen bonds, which help stabilize it.

As for the research on curcumin, there are thousands of scientific studies on the compound, with about 50 new publications per week. However, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest research due to the sheer volume of publications. Recently, a review article suggested that curcumin may affect the intestinal microbiome, which is the collection of microorganisms that live in our gut. This is important because the microbiome is associated with a variety of chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

The review also discussed the basic medicinal chemistry of curcumin and demonstrated that curcumin is an unstable, reactive, poorly bioavailable compound, which means it’s not a good candidate for a drug. However, the researchers didn’t rule out the possibility that crude curcumin extracts may be beneficial to human health.

The new study suggests that curcumin may affect the intestinal microflora, which is associated with a variety of chronic diseases. This hypothesis has not been fully tested, but may eventually provide a focal point for research into the therapeutic effects of curcumin.

In summary, while more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of curcumin, it’s clear that this compound is an interesting area of study. Its anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant properties make it a promising candidate for a variety of treatments and preventative measures. Additionally, the fact that it’s a natural compound and safe to eat makes it an appealing option for those looking for alternative treatments or supplements; i.e. the Longevity Lifestyle.

The post Curcumin as Anti-Aging Factor appeared first on NOMIX.

Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of astaxanthin. In double-blind, randomized controlled trials, it reduced oxidative stress and improved biomarkers of inflammation and immunity. It also decreased triglycerides, increased HDL cholesterol, and improved blood flow in microcirculation models. In a small clinical trial, astaxanthin improved cognition and neural stem cell differentiation and proliferation. It has also been shown to improve vision and eye adaptation in several studies.

Astaxanthin has been shown to have a positive impact on fertility and sperm function. In a clinical trial, men receiving 16 mg of astaxanthin daily for three months had increased sperm linear velocity and decreased sperm oxygen-free radical production, resulting in a significantly higher pregnancy rate compared to the placebo group.

In another trial, astaxanthin was evaluated for its effect on functional dyspepsia. While it did not significantly reduce overall symptoms, the higher dose of 40 mg/day did reduce acid reflux-related symptoms and improve well-being in quality of life questionnaires.

Astaxanthin is mainly obtained through the diet, with seafood being the primary source. It is also used as a feed additive for farmed seafood to enhance its color. Natural astaxanthin is mainly derived from the algae Haematococcus pluvialis, while synthetic astaxanthin is also available. Natural and synthetic astaxanthin differ in chemical composition, bioavailability, purity, and sensory quality.

Clinical studies have shown that natural astaxanthin has a good safety profile, with no serious adverse effects observed even at high doses. In one study, subjects experienced red-colored stools and increased bowel frequency at a dose of 30 mg, but no significant changes were observed in liver parameters at doses of 8 to 12 mg daily.

In Closing

Astaxanthin has been shown to have various benefits for human longevity due to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps protect cells from oxidative stress, reduces inflammation, and improves immune function. Additionally, astaxanthin has been linked to improved cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and sperm quality, which are all important factors for overall longevity.

The post Astaxanthin as an Anti-Aging Agent appeared first on NOMIX.