I took anti-aging biohack supplements to live forever

health

To Asia Grace

14 July 2023 | 4:25 PM

Hoping to find the fountain of youth at the bottom of a plastic bottle, Grandmother Teresa Scrobanek dived headlong into the sea of ​​”longevity” supplements in late 2022.

The 57-year-old wanted to live longer for her family and avoid age-related ailments such as breast cancer and heart disease that plague women over 50.

But by April 2023, she found herself taking a handful of tiny capsules containing metformin. It is commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes, which is not Scrobanek’s disease. Doctor prescribed instead Because of its obvious anti-aging effect.

She also took over-the-counter substances such as nicotinamide mononucleotide supplements, which are said to boost energy and metabolism and reduce signs of aging. (NMN supplements include Not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. )

“I’m getting a headache,” lifestyle podcaster Scrobanek, who lives in San Antonio, Texas, told The Post. “I felt so tired when I took medicine, which should have made me feel better.”

Scrobanek followed the lead of celebrities like tech billionaire Brian Johnson, 45, to “live forever.” Mr. Johnson openly takes 100 supplements a day and spends $2 million a year on crazy experiments to rejuvenate.

He and others have recently promoted the theory of extending life through “biohacking.”

In a fairly new fad, those who want to be eternally young have resorted to a series of extremes, such as cutting back on medications and adopting intermittent fasting schedules, to improve their bodies, minds, and longevity. We use our genetic material through various means.

It’s a do-it-yourself aging-reversal trend that has seen luminaries like NFL star Tom Brady, 45, actress Brooke Burke, 51, and Amazon mogul Jeff Bezos, 59. People celebrate the potential to improve their lives.

Scrobanek took at least 20 different supplements each day and believed that the specific ingredients in each pill would really add “years” to his life.

That’s what anti-aging influencers and a vocal chorus of eminent scientists promised on TikTok and YouTube.

But instead of feeling rejuvenated, Scrobanek’s daily intake of the miracle pellets simply made him sick.

“I was always worried about the potential side effects of each supplement,” she continued, pointing to a swirl of conflicting research and social media bulletins regarding the tab’s long-term and short-term effects.

Headache, drowsiness, and anxiety are all potential side effects of metformin. According to the Mayo Clinic.

Also, certain longevity products on the market include dietary supplements containing nicotinamide riboside, a form of vitamin B3 that is touted as having anti-aging properties. There was an association with brain tumors In a January 2023 study by the University of Missouri.

“How do you know that after 5 to 10 years you can take these things and not damage your kidneys or liver or cause cancer? Who really knows?” Skrobanek asked. Who should I believe?”

The most avid biohackers, like Johnson and real estate mogul Ali Rasteger, 41, have resorted to unproven procedures like blood transfusions and stem cell injections, respectively, in hopes of unwinding the hands of time. In response, we are pushing anti-aging experiments to the limit. .

And on TikTok, where the hashtag #BioHacking has nearly 573 million views, supporters of the movement like biotech CEO and Brooklyn native Joe Cohen, 36, said: We pride ourselves on following life-prolonging strategies. swallow 70 to 150 supplements daily.

But Cohen told the Post he doesn’t recommend his full-blown treatment to his supporters.

In fact, he says, it’s dangerous for anyone to comply with a pill program just at the mercy of trendsetters.

Instead, Cohen recommends that novice biohackers first undergo a series of blood tests to determine their biological needs and deficiencies, thoroughly research the benefits and side effects of supplements, and only take what feels right for them. recommend to do so.

Cohen, who claims to have studied biohacking for 20 years, said, “Unless you do your research and know what’s best for you, taking 50, 100, or even 150 supplements daily for longevity is a waste of money. It’s ridiculous,’ he said.

He is taking rapamycin to slow down his own aging process. Rapamycin is an FDA-approved drug. A 2014 study found it may support longer life.

But Cohen’s goal isn’t necessarily to live to 150, just to live as long and healthy as possible.

“By understanding your physiology, you can: [take certain supplements] This will improve your energy and mood and increase your chances of avoiding age-related diseases,” he said. “Healthy life expectancy is far more important than longevity.”

Manhattan-based nutritionist Diana Rodriguez agrees. But she suggests that people don’t look for health in chunks of pills, but rather eat for themselves for lasting health.

“Food as the first approach” [towards evading life-threatening disease] recommended,” Rodriguez of the New York City Department of Nutrition told the Post. “Eating nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, nuts and legumes that are fortified with large amounts of vitamins and minerals can be very beneficial.”

Increasing her nutritional intake through organic whole foods is what Scrobanek started in June after abandoning her supplement diet once and for all.

And it never made her feel better.

“If you live long [by taking the supplements] “It meant I had to live with those horrible side effects,” Scrobanek said, adding, “I’d rather have a shorter but better quality life by eating right and exercising.” I thought it was good.”