High Cholesterol Might Mean You Live Longer

I'm captivated by the study of longevity. I'm not suggesting I want to live forever, but as I recently turned 46 (yes, it was my birthday a few days ago), I'm contemplating the possibility that I might only be halfway through life. This realization underscores my responsibility to maintain my body in optimal condition for another four decades or so if I want to lead a healthy, active, and fulfilling life until the end. None of us can predict exactly how many years we have left. However, unless there are genetic or environmental factors that shorten our lifespans, most of us have the potential to reach the age of 100 and beyond. To put it differently, if we can glean insights from studies like this, they might help us age without succumbing to common ailments such as diabetes, dementia, kidney dysfunction, or heart disease. This is why the research conducted in Sweden is so intriguing. The study involved 44,000 individuals born between 1893 and 1920. Researchers began tracking them from their 65th birthday, examining blood markers related to inflammation, metabolism, liver and kidney function, as well as indicators for malnutrition and anemia. Specific markers they measured were:

• Uric acid measured inflammation.
• Total cholesterol (TC) and glucose indicated metabolic status/function.
• Alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), albumin, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LD) gauged liver function.
• Creatinine assessed kidney functioning.
• Iron and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) indicated anemia.
• Albumin was used for nutrition.

Of these individuals, 1224 (84.6% female) reached their 100th birthday. Among them, only 2.6% had heart disease, compared to 8.7% of non-centenarians. Merely 0.02% suffered from dementia, compared to 1.1% of non-centenarians, and 0.5% had diabetes, as opposed to 3.2% of their counterparts. These individuals, at least on paper, weren't burdened with lifestyle-related diseases like others.  What did their blood markers show? Cholesterol, as you might know from my previous blogs, plays a crucial role in the body as a fundamental building block for hormones and various bodily processes. Interestingly, those who lived the longest didn't have low cholesterol; they actually had high total cholesterol levels after the age of 65. While this might be specific to the Swedish population, it's essential to note that this study represents the most extensive examination of longevity and associated biomarkers to date. Consequently, it demands our attention. Could this challenge our current understanding of cholesterol? In the researchers' words, "We found that a higher total cholesterol level was associated with a higher chance of becoming a centenarian, which contradicts clinical guidelines regarding cholesterol levels but aligns with previous studies showing that high cholesterol is generally favorable for mortality in very old age." Another significant finding was that individuals who lived the longest had remarkably low serum glucose levels. In essence, those with higher glucose levels in their blood did not live as long. The researchers summarized their findings in the discussion, stating, "Higher levels of total cholesterol and iron and lower levels of glucose, creatinine, uric acid, ASAT, GGT, ALP, TIBC, and LD were associated with a greater likelihood of becoming a centenarian." What the study doesn’t show is what type of lifestyle these people led.  The good news is that we already know that paying attention to and optimizing the 6 aspects of lifestyle medicine will help all these markers. Nutrition Physical Activity Sleep and Recovery Managing Stress Avoiding toxic substances Maintaining strong community If you have had a recent blood test and noticed something isn’t right, if you want to learn how to optimize your lifestyle to add a health span to your lifespan, hit me up. I help people via goal-orientated lifestyle optimization coaching that can help them live a long, purpose-filled life. Sources: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11357-023-00936-w 

Health Alert: The Side of Coffee You Can’t Ignore

You might know I don't drink coffee if you have followed me for a while.  I have my reasons (see here), but I always find it interesting to read in the popular press about coffee's supposed health benefits but rarely about the negative health effects. My friend, Dr. Terry Wahls, a health crusader, recently wrote an article about some of the negative effects of coffee, and I’ve copied it below for you to read as well. You will find it enlightening - pay attention to the part about bone loss and hormones! In the end, she also recommends an alternative. Over to you, Terry…. Bet you didn't know that there are benefits to letting that cup of joe go in exchange for something else—Something that will be more beneficial to your overall health. We all know that feel-good boost that comes from a cup of coffee, but that coffee rush can cause Increased heart rate, panic attacks, dehydration, and high blood pressure. Even small amounts of caffeine will cause these things for those more sensitive to caffeine.  Consider these health benefits of quitting coffee:

1. Lower anxiety & lower blood pressure

We all know that caffeine comes with its signature burst of energy. However, that energy also stimulates our “fight or flight” hormones (1). This may cause an increase in anxiety (2), nervousness, heart palpitations, and even panic attacks, especially for those already prone to these conditions, as caffeine can further exasperate these symptoms. Additionally, higher caffeine intake has been linked to increased chances of depression in adolescents (3). Quitting coffee may also help lower your blood pressure, as caffeine has been shown to raise blood pressure levels due to its stimulatory effect on the nervous system (4).

2. Better Sleep 

Your caffeine habit could be affecting your sleep. Studies show daily coffee intake can alter your sleep cycle, causing restless sleep and daytime drowsiness(5). This can be especially true if you consume caffeine less than six hours before heading to bed (6). Besides a more blissful and undisturbed night’s rest, those who are caffeine-free may find it takes much less time to fall asleep in the first place (7). This adds up to waking up better rested and ultimately having more energy throughout the day.

3. It’ll help with vitamin and mineral absorption.

Quitting coffee may help your body better absorb some nutrients. Research shows that the tannins in caffeine can cause depletion of essential nutrients, like vitamin B6, and interfere with nutrient absorption of essential minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, and B vitamins, by partially inhibiting their absorption by the body. It can also inhibit the amount of calcium absorbed through the intestinal tract and deplete the amount retained by the bones (8). This can be especially true for those with a very high caffeine intake, an already imbalanced diet, or the elderly, who are most at risk for bone loss. No caffeine consumption can help you get all the nutrients from your diet (9).

4. It may help balance your hormones.

Women may particularly benefit from going caffeine-free. Caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, and soda can alter estrogen levels (10). Changing estrogen levels can be particularly concerning for people with conditions like endometriosis, which can be affected by hormone imbalances related to estrogen. Caffeine has also been shown to worsen certain menopause symptoms, making giving up coffee an excellent preventative measure for minimizing these uncomfortable symptoms as much as possible(11).

5. Sip Herbals is an excellent coffee alternative with fantastic health benefits!

Quitting coffee can seem difficult and like giving up something you love. But Sip Herbals coffee substitute is a fantastic alternative to your daily cup of joe that is equally as satisfying without the side effects. Sip Herbals contains pure roasted herbs in their whole form. Herbs like dandelion, carob, and chicory. When brewed as a hot beverage, dandelion root has some resemblance to coffee in appearance and taste and is, therefore, often considered a coffee substitute. In fact, using the dandelion plant as a beverage dates back thousands of years! Dandelion root may lower blood pressure due to its diuretic effect and potassium content (12). This is compared to coffee, which often raises blood pressure due to its caffeine content. Dandelion is also high in inulin—making it a good source of prebiotic fiber, which can improve gut health and aid digestion (13). Carob is often used as a cocoa substitute. It is high in polyphenol antioxidants that may reduce the risk of heart disease and several other essential vitamins and minerals. Like dandelion, carob is also high in fiber, making it beneficial for gut health and digestion (14). Like dandelion and carob, chicory root is high in inulin fiber, which can improve the health of your gut’s microbiome. It may also improve bowel function and reduce constipation—making it a perfect alternative to drink while transitioning away from coffee. Made from roasted chicory root instead of coffee beans, chicory coffee is often considered a New Orleans staple(15). _______________________________________________________ Personally, I like some of the mushroom teas on the market, but to be honest, I’m so impatient that I don’t have the patience to wait for the water to boil and then wait for it to cool down again, so I tend just to drink water. Ultimately, a glass of room temperature water is absorbed far faster into our body than anything that contains plant extracts and, if taken at the right time, has an almost medicinal effect on the human body. For me, it’s water for the win! Ed References Coffee substitute recommended by Terry Wahls

1. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1471-4159.2007.05196.x 
2. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/advances-in-psychiatric-treatment/article/neuropsychiatric-effects-of-caffeine/7C884B2106D772F02DA114C1B75D4EBF 
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4826990/ 
4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0163725808002003?via%3Dihub 
5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1087079207000937
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3805807/
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4997392/
8. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Tsedeke-Wolde/publication/279923885_Effects_of_caffeine_on_health_and_nutrition_A_Review/links/559e5bd808ae04e365097a28/Effects-of-caffeine-on-health-and-nutrition-A-Review.pdf
9. https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/74/5/569/4737374
10. https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/95/2/488/4576834
11. https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/Abstract/2015/02000/Caffeine_and_menopausal_symptoms___what_is_the.7.aspx
12. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19678785/
13. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21453412/
14. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20094802/
15. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0268005X19303686

The Power of Muscular Strength in Slowing Aging

Aging is an inevitable part of life, but the way we age is, to some extent, within our control. Muscular weakness has long been associated with a decline in overall health as we age. However, a recent study of 1275 older adults has shed new light on the relationship between muscular strength and aging (1). The intriguing findings suggest that maintaining strong muscles may be vital to slowing down the biological aging process. The Link Between Muscular Weakness and Aging The authors state, “There is a large body of evidence linking muscular weakness, as determined by low grip strength, to a host of negative aging-related health outcomes. Given these links, grip strength has been labeled a 'biomarker of aging.” But they wanted to see if there was a link between low grip strength and a higher biological age, as tested with an epigenetic clock. Epigenetic clocks give you an idea of your body’s biological age instead of your chronological age. To put that another way, if you had identical twins who were both 40 years old, but one was overweight, never exercised, drank excessively, and had a history of high stress. By contrast, the other ate well, managed stress, and had a regular exercise regime; a biological clock should be able to say that the ‘hard living’ twin had a body that had aged faster than the other. This would be, although they are the same chronological age. In my podcast, “Your Lifestyle Is Your Medicine,” I interview Dr. Morgan Levine. She is a professor at Yale who has helped develop biological and epigenetic clocks and goes into detail about their pros and cons - link below. [embed]https://edpaget.com/episode-6-the-science-of-aging-with-dr-morgan-levine/[/embed] Muscular weakness has been linked to various adverse outcomes associated with aging, like diabetes, cognitive decline (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease), and early all-cause mortality. The groundbreaking aspect of this study lies in its discovery that increasing muscular strength contributes to a slower pace of biological aging. So what does this mean? To me, it really underscores the importance of regular physical activity, including strength training, in our lives. This is important because nearly all my clients over 50 have no regular weight training routine.  If they lift weights, they are usually 2-5 lbs, which is not enough. Here are a few key takeaways:

1. **Exercise for Longevity:** Incorporating strength training exercises into your fitness routine can be a powerful tool in promoting a longer, healthier life.  If you don’t know how to do that, there are many resources for personal trainers on the internet as well as in person.
2. **Quality Over Quantity:** The focus should not just be on adding years to your life but on adding life to your years. Strong muscles may contribute to a more active and independent lifestyle as you age. Do we stop playing because we get old, or do we get old because we stop playing? 
3. **Preventative Medicine:** By taking steps to maintain and improve your muscular strength now, you can stave off age-related health issues in the future. Add to the bank now to help protect yourself in the future.
4. **Lifestyle Medicine Approach:** Don't forget that a balanced diet, mental stimulation, and social engagement are also important factors in healthy aging. A lifestyle approach to well-being is vital if you want help with lifestyle medicine. I coach people all over the world while doing deep dives into the 6 Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine:

• • Nutrition
  • Physical Activity
  • Sleep and Recovery
  • Stress Management
  • Avoiding Toxic Substances
  • Community.

If you want to add healthspan to your lifespan, email me to see how I can help: ed@edpaget.com Source: 1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36353822/

Exploring the Connection Between Scoliosis and Osteoporosis

Scoliosis and osteoporosis are two distinct medical conditions that affect the body. While they may seem unrelated at first glance, there is a significant link between them that can have important implications for those who suffer from both conditions. In this article, I will delve into the connection between scoliosis and osteoporosis, shedding light on how these conditions can influence one another and the potential impact on your overall health. Scoliosis Scoliosis is characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine. While it can develop at any age, it most commonly presents during adolescence when the spine is still growing. In some cases, scoliosis can be congenital, meaning it is present at birth, but it can also develop due to other factors, such as neuromuscular diseases or injury. The curvature can be either "C" or "S" shaped and can vary in severity. The reason it develops during adolescence is still a topic of debate in medical circles.  Osteoporosis Osteoporosis, conversely, is a thinning or weakening of the bones that become fragile and prone to fractures. Osteoporosis often develops as a person ages, and it is more common in women, particularly after menopause, due to hormonal changes that affect bone health.  The Link between Scoliosis and Osteoporosis The connection between scoliosis and osteoporosis lies in the potential consequences of these conditions on the spine and overall bone health. Here's how they can be related: 1. Scoliosis can lead to a spine deformity, causing it to curve abnormally. This curvature puts uneven pressure on the vertebrae, which affects the distribution of body weight, potentially increasing the risk of fractures in people with osteoporosis. 2. Individuals with scoliosis may experience reduced bone density in the regions affected by the curvature. This reduction in bone density can exacerbate the risk of osteoporosis as the bone becomes weaker and more susceptible to fractures. 3. Severe scoliosis can limit a person's ability to move freely, leading to a more sedentary lifestyle. Lack of physical activity can contribute to bone loss and the development of osteoporosis. Managing the Connection Managing scoliosis and osteoporosis simultaneously can be challenging but is essential for maintaining overall health. Here are some ideas for individuals dealing with both conditions: Nutrition and Exercise: A well-balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D and weight-bearing exercises that use all the major joints can help support bone health. Stressing the bones with exercises makes the body lay down more bone minerals and stops it from absorbing them.  Discuss strategies with a professional before you start exercises for osteoporosis. Specific scoliosis exercises will also be beneficial in managing scoliosis-related issues, slowing down, stopping, and in some cases, even reversing the curves. Medications: Most doctors turn to medicine when managing osteoporosis, which is done primarily to minimize the risk of fractures. These should be discussed with a healthcare provider as there can be side effects. The link between scoliosis and osteoporosis underscores the importance of a whole-body approach when managing these conditions. A healthy spine and body is possible even with scoliosis, especially if you follow the advice above. If you or someone you know is affected by scoliosis and osteoporosis, you can contact us, and we can create a plan for you to stop the progression of these two conditions.