Younger You Unlock the Hidden Power of Your Brain to Look and Feel 15 Years Younger (Eric R. Braverman)

BOOK LINK:

Conventional American medicine treats each body part separately without considering how everything is interconnected. This can lead to health issues being missed.
People are often surprised when serious disease arises because their doctor said they were “fine” after only examining one body part.
The book aims to teach the reader the biological age of different body systems so they can address aging issues before disease sets in.
A case example is provided of a 64-year-old man who was told he was in “tip-top” shape by his doctor but ignored warnings about excessive testosterone use, which then nearly caused him to die from a blood clot.
The introduction argues that by understanding biological aging processes, readers can take steps to reverse aging and live a younger, healthier life. Conventional medicine is seen as holding people back from longer and better quality lives.

The passage discusses how everyone ages differently, but aging occurs throughout the entire body from birth until death. Certain genes and organs may age faster than others, pulling a person towards old age even if they feel younger chronologically. Precise medical tests can determine the biological age of each organ and system in the body. Following protocols to target the oldest organs, like hormones, nutrients, and lifestyle changes, can reverse aging at the cellular level and make one biologically younger. Examples are given of patients who were able to reverse the aging of their organs by 10-20 years through such treatments, allowing them to feel younger than their actual age. The concept of an “aging code” is introduced, which can be broken by understanding how different parts of the body age at different rates and treating the oldest parts first to slow overall aging. The goal is to help people live to 100 but feel 60 or younger through reversing biological aging.

Barry L. overcame an oxycontin addiction with GABA-boosting medications and supplements.
Susie H. suffered from depression for 20 years and tried many antidepressants to no avail. Following an assessment of her brain and personality by the author, she was started on a stimulant and dopamine program along with diet changes. Within months she was happy.
Mary T. had heart disease and congestive heart failure and was not expected to live more than 6 months. She has now been alive and well for 3 years on a treatment program including heart medications, hormone replacement therapy, nutrients, and chelation therapy.
Stuart M. had chronic lymphocytic leukemia with a white blood cell count of 1 million. Megadoses of vitamin C halted his disease progression and gave him many more years to live.
Jane C., age 59, saw improvements to her skin through a rejuvenating program including Retin-A, nutrients, hormone replacement therapy, and an intensive diet and hydration program. She looked 10 years younger after 6 months.

The author helps patients take small, structured steps to improve health over time rather than attempting massive changes. An example is provided of a 52-year-old woman, Gabrielle, who was started on bioidentical hormones, lost 30 pounds, and improved other symptoms by addressing the root causes rather than just treating individual symptoms. By restoring her health, the author added as much as 15 years to her life.

The book introduces the concept of an “AgePrint” - identifying which part of your body is oldest/most aged based on a quiz. Keeping this part young will help the whole body.
Each body system experiences an age-related “pause” with declining hormones/function. Figuring out the oldest paused system is key to treatment.
Understanding one’s DNA provides some insight but is limited - the brain controls health more than genes.
Keeping the brain young allows it to send proper signals to maintain a younger body. Brain-body medicine shows many diseases originate in the brain.
By changing the brain through lifestyle/therapies, one can change the body and reverse aging of all systems in a coordinated program based on their specific AgePrint results. This allows looking and feeling much younger than one’s chronological age.
The brain coordinates four main functions in the body: voltage (power/intensity), speed, rhythm, and synchrony. These are controlled by the neurotransmitters dopamine, acetylcholine, GABA, and serotonin respectively.
Imbalances or deficiencies in these neurotransmitters can accelerate the aging process and lead to health issues. For example, low dopamine is linked to obesity, low acetylcholine to dementia.
Hormone production naturally declines with age starting around age 30. This contributes to aging as organs lose their ability to function properly without hormone signaling. Supplementation can help reverse this.
Boosting the four neurotransmitters through supplements, diet, lifestyle can help decelerate aging by promoting weight loss, better memory, sleep, mood etc. This may also signal the body to produce more hormones.
Early testing and diagnosis before symptoms appear is key to catching health issues early when they are 80% preventable or reversible. Following a protocol can help detect aging codes in organs and keep the brain and body youthful. The earlier improvements are made, the better the results.
Diagnostic screening tests like blood tests, ultrasounds, and cognitive tests can detect diseases and aging issues early before symptoms occur. Finding aging organs early allows treatment and reversal of aging.
Most doctors don’t do enough testing, leaving patients vulnerable. A new paradigm focuses on preventative medicine using advanced diagnostics to assess aging in all body parts.
Taking a quiz can determine an “AgePrint” that assigns an age to each body part, identifying the oldest parts and potential health issues.
A multimodal approach using medication, supplements, lifestyle changes, and hormone therapy works best to address multiple issues.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is safe and can reverse aging by making the body think organs are younger. Conventional hormones from other species can be dangerous.
Supplementing key nutrients addresses specific health issues and reverse aging effects in the entire body. Nutrients like zinc benefit multiple areas.
The goal is to identify, treat, and reverse aging in the oldest body parts to set off a “domino effect” making the whole body younger.
Zinc can protect against immune diseases like esophageal cancer. People with GERD should take at least 15mg of zinc daily.
Zinc impacts growth hormone secretion in children in the first 3 years of life.
The article recommends zinc as a “super aging code buster” for various health benefits like immune function, wound healing, sight, DNA synthesis, growth, and protection against cancer and cholesterol deposits.
Fish oils (omega-3 fatty acids) also act as a “code buster” and provide benefits like heart, brain, and joint health. They can be obtained through supplements.
Nutrient levels in foods have declined over 50 years, so supplementation may be important to ensure adequate intake.
The “Rainbow Diet” emphasizes eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to obtain important vitamins and minerals. It provides guidelines like focusing on plant-based foods and avoiding white foods.

So in summary, the article promotes zinc and fish oils as beneficial supplements, and recommends the Rainbow Diet as a way to obtain key nutrients through food and support overall health and aging.

Here is a summary of the key points about the phytochemicals and healthy compounds found in various fruits and vegetables:

Yellow/orange fruits and vegetables contain carotenoids like beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin which have anticancer and antioxidant properties. Good choices include yellow tomatoes, squash, bell peppers, corn, and citrus fruits.
Green fruits and vegetables contain chlorophyll, lutein, indoles and other carotenoids that have anticancer, detoxifying and antioxidant benefits. Leafy greens like kale, spinach and broccoli are especially rich in these compounds.
Blue/purple fruits and vegetables contain high levels of antioxidant anthocyanins and phenolic compounds currently being studied for their anti-aging benefits. Choices include blueberries, blackberries, red grapes, plums and eggplant.
Fiber is important for digestive health. Good sources are vegetables, beans, lentils, quinoa, seeds and nuts. Seaweed also provides trace minerals.
Whole grains like amaranth, millet, quinoa, brown rice and buckwheat contain B vitamins, minerals, fiber and other beneficial plant compounds.
Tea, especially green tea, contains bioflavonoids that can stimulate digestion, cleanse the body and provide energy.
The chapter introduces the AgePrint Quiz, which analyzes different parts of the body to determine which areas are aging the fastest, referred to as “weak links”.
Knowing your unique AgePrint helps you prioritize your health approach by focusing first on the oldest/weakest parts of your body.
By age 40, most people experience at least one “pause” (decline in normal functioning), which sends aging codes to other parts of the body. Partial pauses even begin impacting health and well-being in one’s 30s.
Medical conditions often have 10-20 year precedents, so parts of the body that have been overworked or strained for many years are likely aging faster. The aging/weaker parts can then accelerate aging in other areas.
The quiz helps identify these weak links so the reader can target those areas first with strategies like diet, exercise, supplements to reverse aging in those places and cut off aging codes spreading further. The goal is to strengthen overall health by first addressing the oldest/weakest links.
Early detection of conditions like ovarian cancer or thyroid cancer via a regular physical exam alone is difficult. Advanced diagnostic tools like ultrasounds can detect abnormalities that might otherwise be missed.
The passage describes an example where a doctor ordered an ultrasound for a patient after noticing an unusually large neck size, despite previous doctors finding nothing wrong. The ultrasound detected early-stage thyroid cancer.
Head-to-toe ultrasounds are described as superior to physical exams alone for detecting various conditions in organs and systems throughout the body, like the heart, breasts, liver, kidneys, etc. Few other diagnostic tools provide such a comprehensive examination.
The passage introduces the concept of an “AgePrint,” which is described as a quiz that assigns an approximate “age” to each organ and system based on responses. Taking the quiz helps identify “organ pauses” or aging codes that may be impacting one’s health.
Details are then provided about taking the AgePrint quiz itself, with instructions on scoring and interpreting the results to gain insights into one’s overall health and which areas may need to be prioritized for treatment or lifestyle changes.

Here is a summary of the work quiz:

The quiz is divided into 6 groups that assess different aging systems in the body:

Brain function - assesses dopamine, acetylcholine, GABA, serotonin levels
Cardiovascular system - assesses heart and vascular system aging
Modulating systems - assesses thyroid, immune system aging
Sexuality - assesses menopause and andropause
Musculoskeletal system - assesses bone, muscle, calcium regulation aging
Skin - assesses skin aging

For each section, the participant answers 10 true/false questions related to symptoms. The number of true responses is totaled and an “age code” is generated by adding 0 to that number.

A personal “AgePrint” chart is provided to record all the age codes. Tracking changes in codes over 6 months can indicate improvement or progression in the aging systems assessed. The quiz provides a baseline for monitoring the effects of following the anti-aging advice in the book.

Here is a summary of the key points from the provided section:

Dopamine is important for brainpower and keeping our minds alert and energized. Low dopamine leads to fatigue, low energy levels, decreased libido, weight gain, and difficulty performing tasks.
Fatigue is a major age accelerator. When we feel tired, we unconsciously crave sugary or high-carb foods for an energy boost, which can lead to weight gain and food addiction over time. Obesity is the number one age accelerator.
Restoring dopamine levels through diet and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce fatigue. One example was given of a man who lost weight and saw his fatigue diminish.
Doctors often negatively judge and blame overweight patients without considering underlying biological causes like low dopamine. Obesity is linked to loss of brain voltage and dopamine-related genes.
Being overweight sends biological signals to the body to age faster. It can trigger health issues like cancer, heart disease, anxiety, depression, or insomnia by whatever our weakest link is.
Childhood obesity has reached epidemic levels and more kids are being prescribed diabetes medications at younger ages.
Low dopamine impacts overall brainpower, mood, motivation, and many other mental and physical functions that accelerate aging.
A lack of dopamine can cause major health problems throughout the body by triggering various “pauses” like cardiopause (heart issues), immunopause (weakened immune system), menopause/andropause (early onset of menopause/andropause), osteopause (bone problems), dermatopause (skin issues).
Low dopamine is linked to weight gain, which strains the heart and raises blood pressure/cholesterol, causing further heart and vascular issues. Excess weight also weakens the immune system and promotes inflammation.
Early menopause triggered by low dopamine introduces more health risks. Excess weight makes cancer detection harder and accelerates cancer risk. It strains bones and causes earlier arthritis as well.
Aging itself can lead to low dopamine and weight gain through changes in hormones, immunity, metabolism etc. Low dopamine then causes cravings for unhealthy foods in a vicious cycle. Maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle is important for brain and overall health.
The dopamine program outlines nutrients and “Rainbow foods” to enhance a doctor-specified weight loss program and manage dopamine levels. More drastic measures like surgery are only for those who don’t respond to other therapies.
The author treated a patient Phyllis with nutrients, bioidentical hormones, and medications. Over 6 weeks she lost 20 pounds easily and a total of 90 pounds in a year. Her dopamine levels, energy, memory, and relationship improved greatly.
Managing dopamine levels through nutrients, hormones, and medications can help with weight loss. The author outlines his multimodal approach and examples of patients who lost significant weight by addressing their dopamine.
Various blood tests and metabolic testing can help identify issues like diabetes, hormone levels, and metabolic rate to inform a personalized weight loss plan.
Prescription medications, bioidentical hormones, and ensuring proper levels of hormones like insulin, cortisol, DHEA, growth hormone, and leptin can all help boost dopamine and address issues behind obesity like metabolism, appetite and food addiction. Breaking the underlying “dopamine code” is key to sustained weight loss.

Here is a summary of the key points about hormones and supplements that can help with weight loss and other health issues:

Estradiol (0.5-1.5 mg) can help with skin, hair, teeth, circulation issues.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA, 25-200 mg) can help with fatigue.
Thyroid (1/4 grain-3 grains) can help with mood and weight loss.
Human growth hormone (HGH, 15-30 mg) repairs the body and helps with loss of bone/muscle mass.
Erythropoietin (50-100 u/kg, 3 times/week) increases oxygenation and reduces anemia from kidney failure.
Calcitonin (200 IU) helps with bone loss.
Insulin and incretin help regulate blood sugar and can result in weight loss.
Somatostatin is being studied for weight loss in adults and children (0.04-0.08 mg/kg).
Cholecystokinin stimulates digestive tract (0.1 mL/kg experimentally).
Acetylcholine is the primary neurotransmitter that creates a younger, faster brain and improves cognitive function.
Mona, an 82-year-old woman with severe dementia, showed remarkable improvement after two months on a program to increase acetylcholine levels, including hormones, nutrients, and medication. Her condition improved from essentially end-stage dementia to being able to communicate with her family.
Losing acetylcholine leads to cognitive decline, memory loss, and a slowing of brain speed. This can result in symptoms like forgetfulness, difficulty understanding language, trouble finding words, disorientation, impulsivity, withdrawal, apathy, depression, anxiety and personality changes.
Maintaining adequate acetylcholine levels is key to preventing mental and physical decline as we age. When levels are low, the brain and body begin to slow down physically and emotionally.
The behaviors, changes in daily life, and symptoms listed could indicate cognitive decline or dementia. Seeing a doctor for evaluation is recommended if experiencing these.
Loss of acetylcholine is a major cause of cognitive decline and can accelerate the aging process. Worldwide studies show 15-25% of older adults experience serious mental disorders related to cognitive decline.
As cognition declines, overall health tends to decline as well via conditions like osteoporosis, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, etc. Improving cognition can help stop this aging pattern.
Lifestyle factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, depression, etc. can negatively impact acetylcholine levels and increase risk of cognitive issues.
There are 7 stages of cognitive decline preceding dementia - from slowed brain speed to personality changes. Memory lapses and attention issues are also mentioned as stages.
Testing brain speed and memory are important to evaluate cognitive functioning over time. Faster decline may indicate need for intervention.

So in summary, it outlines common signs of cognitive issues, links them to acetylcholine levels, and discusses the multi-stage process of decline if not addressed. Emphasis is placed on the importance of evaluation and lifestyle factors.

Early stages of dementia, referred to as stage 5, can include personality and behavior changes like becoming less smart than one used to be. This is probably caused by lowered levels of acetylcholine in the brain.
Catching personality and cognitive imbalances early allows them to potentially be corrected. Early diagnosis is important.
Acetylcholine is a key neurotransmitter for brain function and intelligence. Lowered acetylcholine levels can result in cognitive decline and dementia.
Mild cognitive impairment (Stage 6) involves minor memory issues but intact reasoning ability and ability to perform daily tasks. This is an early transition stage between normal aging and more serious problems like Alzheimer’s disease.
Stage 7 is full dementia, where memory loss and cognitive decline impair social and daily functioning. Dementia involves impaired memory, thinking, judgment and personality changes.
Early detection of cognitive changes is critical so treatment can be started as early as possible to potentially slow or reverse decline. Testing options like brain scans and cognitive assessments can identify issues.
Maintaining acetylcholine levels through a multidimensional approach of supplements, medications, lifestyle changes and diet is an effective way to boost brain function and potentially break the code of cognitive decline and dementia. Catching issues early improves outcomes.

The passage discusses various treatments and strategies for improving brain function and preventing memory loss. It is divided into several sections:

Medications - Several FDA-approved drugs are mentioned that can help reverse brain cognition problems by boosting acetylcholine levels. Examples include donepezil, rivastigmine, statins.
Hormone supplementation - Hormones like HGH, DHEA, calcitonin may help protect against dementia.
Nutritional supplements - Various vitamins, minerals, herbs and plant extracts are discussed that can increase acetylcholine levels like choline, huperzine A, ginkgo biloba.
Diet - Eating foods high in omega-3s like fish, limiting saturated fat intake, and consuming brain-healthy spices like turmeric and lemon balm is recommended. Sample meal plans are provided.
Exercise - Physical activity and mental stimulation through hobbies, games and socializing can help prevent memory loss. Activities that use both sides of the brain are best.
Lifestyle factors - Being mentally and physically active through tasks like learning a new skill are emphasized as important for brain health.

So in summary, it discusses a multi-pronged approach combining medications, hormones, nutrition, diet, exercise and lifestyle to improve brain function and protect against memory loss.

GABA is a biochemical that controls the brain’s rhythm and keeps other neurotransmitters in check. Low GABA leads to anxiety, mood swings, and pain.
When GABA levels fluctuate too much from highs to lows, it disrupts the brain and body’s rhythms. This is known as the “anxiety/pain pendulum.”
Low GABA results in excessive cortisol release, which accelerates aging and breaks down muscle, bone, and other tissues. It also disrupts other hormone levels.
Chronic anxiety puts the body in a stressed “fight or flight” state which can literally wear it down over time and manifest as symptoms like heart disease, memory issues, obesity, etc.
Nutritional support like progesterone, pregnenolone and DHEA can help regulate mood and GABA levels to reduce anxiety without pharmaceuticals. Diet, exercise and relaxation also help control cortisol.
Anxiety not only causes emotional issues but can create real physical pains as the tense body holds stress in the muscles. It also increases metabolism, preventing weight gain in some cases. Managing anxiety is key to both mental and physical well-being.
Tom gained 40 pounds in six months after being prescribed Neurontin (anticonvulsant/GABA agent) and Pamelor (antidepressant that increases serotonin).
It is claimed that his brain chemical issues with anxiety and depression could not be helped with psychotherapy alone, because he had a “brain chemical sprain.”
Constant fluctuations in GABA levels in the brain can take both a mental and physical toll, leading to increased psychological issues like bipolar disorder or exhaustion.
Mood swings are also common in those with chronic pain or disease, as pain levels increase irritability.
Treating underlying illnesses with calmness and relaxation can significantly improve conditions like arthritis. Calming down the brain often helps resolve symptoms faster.
Head trauma, infections, endocrine problems etc. can destabilize brain chemical messages and deplete GABA, causing mood swings. Restoring health can shift personality back to relaxation.
Lifestyle factors like poor sleep, cell phone use, noise, obesity, diet etc. can unconsciously drain brain GABA levels over time.
Both short-term and long-term stress deplete GABA. Long-term stress without an outlet is linked to increased drug and alcohol abuse.
Narcotic pain medications like OxyContin are dangerous and addictive. While they may provide short term pain relief, long term use leads to tolerance and dependence on higher doses. They also have many side effects like drowsiness, memory problems, immune system suppression, low energy, reduced brain function and skin sensitivity.
Rather than taking highly addictive narcotics, alternative options for pain relief include anxiety medications, antidepressants, antihistamines, and beta blockers. Some examples of specific medications mentioned are Klonopin, Ativan, Elavil, Inderal and Tenormin. Natural supplements like tryptophan, kava, magnesium and St. John’s Wort are also suggested.
The combination of gabapentin and caffeine was found to effectively relieve many types of pain with few side effects in a study of over 100 patients. Antidepressants in particular seemed effective at treating both aching and shooting pains.
Two case studies are described of patients who found relief from headaches and numerous health issues through treatments targeting anxiety and stress, including supplements, diet changes and low doses of anxiety medications. Overall the passage cautions against narcotic pain medications and promotes alternative therapies targeting the pain-anxiety relationship in the brain.
Shirley was experiencing anxiety and high body fat levels. She underwent an “AgePrint” assessment which found her GABA levels were deficient, indicating high brain stress/anxiety.
She was prescribed a regimen of GABA supplements and nutrients like fish oils and niacin to improve her mental stability and lower cholesterol. She also took supplements like glucosamine for joint health.
Following a “GABA Rainbow Diet” and supplementation program for one year, Shirley lost a significant amount of weight and dropped to 18% body fat. She felt mentally and physically healthier.
GABA helps balance brain chemicals and can be supported through foods like almonds, bananas, broccoli, brown rice and supplementation if deficiency is found.
Cranial electrical stimulation (CES) is discussed as a way to treat anxiety, depression and insomnia through gentle brain wave stimulation. An example is given of how CES helped reduce a woman’s migraines and lower her “brain age”.
Alternative therapies like exercise, yoga, meditation, massage and social support are recommended for treating stress, anxiety and chronic pain before using medications. Keeping active is important to prevent worsening pain issues.

Here is a summary of the key points about serotonin, happiness and rest from the passage:

Serotonin is important for happiness and mood regulation. It helps create feelings of calmness, stability and serenity. Low serotonin can lead to depression, irrational fears/phobias, and sleep problems.
Happiness depends on having a positive outlook and finding meaning and fulfillment in one’s daily life and activities. Some personality types are prone to never feeling happy.
Serotonin keeps the right and left sides of the brain in balance. Low serotonin can cause an imbalance and disconnect between the rational and creative sides of the brain.
Low serotonin is linked to depression, which can further accelerate other aging processes in the body like osteoporosis, loss of sex drive, weakened immunity, skin aging, obesity, and heart/vascular issues.
Certain types of depression like dysthymia involve low levels of both serotonin and dopamine. Irrational fears and phobias also stem from low serotonin levels.
Low serotonin prevents relaxation and restful sleep, accelerating the aging process. Being constantly fearful has many negative impacts on health and accelerates aging.
OCD involves repetitive behaviors and routines that the person feels compelled to perform, such as checking for bugs before sleeping. It severely impacts daily life and self-care ability. The behaviors and routines gradually increase over time.
Common OCD themes include fears of germs/dirt, harming oneself or others, and doing something embarrassing. It can also involve hoarding or collecting behaviors.
OCD is not caused by aging but accelerates aging. Most cases occur before age 35. Sufferers often hide their symptoms and avoid treatment for several years.
The story of Meg V. is provided as an example. Her OCD routines like repeatedly checking the stove prevented her from doing daily tasks like brushing her teeth, leading to dental problems. A nutrition protocol was able to help control her OCD without medication.
Serotonin regulates sleep cycles and allows regeneration during deep sleep. Poor serotonin levels result in abnormal brain waves and poor quality sleep, exacerbating fears and mental health issues.
Getting 7+ hours of high-quality, restorative sleep each night is important to boost serotonin levels and mental well-being. Tips for improving sleep quality are provided.

Here is a summary of the key points from the passage:

Boosting serotonin levels through medications, hormones, supplements, and diet can help treat depression and improve mood.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed antidepressants that work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
Bioidentical hormones like progesterone, growth hormone, and pregnenolone can also help increase serotonin levels.
Supplements like melatonin, tryptophan, B vitamins, fish oils, and magnesium may boost serotonin naturally.
Eating a diet high in tryptophan-rich foods like turkey, fish, eggs, dairy, and whole grains supports serotonin production.
Certain herbs and spices like basil, black pepper, cayenne, and turmeric may also help relax the mind and boost mood.
Catching serotonin deficiencies early through blood tests and screening can help reverse depression and improve brain aging patterns. Medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination approach may be needed depending on severity.
Cardiopause refers to age-related slowing and decline of the heart. It is one side of cardiovascular disease, along with vasculopause which refers to changes in the blood vessels.
Heart disease is often reversible and preventable by taking care of the brain and body. The author has seen improvements and near reversals in heart failure patients through lifestyle changes and supplements in addition to medications.
Signs of cardiopause include coronary artery blockages, valve damage, enlarged heart chambers, and decreased pumping action of the heart measured by ejection fraction (EF). The EF number indicates how much blood is pumped out with each beat, with 55-75% considered normal. Lower numbers indicate more advanced heart damage.
The author provides an example of a patient named Juan who was told he had 5 years to live due to heart failure but improved drastically over 10 years using the author’s program, avoiding surgery and needing fewer medications. His EF and cardiopause score improved significantly.
N (nitrates) and heart disease both increase in likelihood with age. Nitrates help treat and prevent angina (chest pain) by dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the heart.
The major risk factors for heart disease are family history, smoking, hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, and high cholesterol/dyslipidemia.
Heart disease occurs when the coronary arteries that supply the heart with blood become narrowed or blocked, preventing enough blood from flowing to the heart. This can be due to inflammation, plaque buildup of cholesterol and other substances.
Age, lifestyle factors, and hormonal changes all impact heart health and risk of heart disease through various mechanisms like increasing blood pressure, weight gain, blood vessel constriction, weakened heart muscle, calcium deposits in arteries etc. Depression has also been linked to increased heart disease risk. Maintaining cardiovascular health requires attention to diet, exercise, weight, stress levels, and overall wellness.
The passage discusses the connection between heart disease and depression, noting that studies have shown depression is more common among those with heart disease than without. It explains how depression can negatively impact the cardiovascular system through increased stress levels, blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, etc.
It discusses differences in how women and men develop heart disease, noting that inflammation plays a larger role for women and can be measured by a C-reactive protein test. Inflammation is linked to higher risk of heart attacks and strokes for women.
The importance of early testing and prevention for heart disease is emphasized. A full battery of tests is recommended rather than relying on just one or two tests. Specific tests mentioned include CT scans, calcium scoring, lipid tests, echocardiograms, Holter monitors, etc.
The passage is critical of bypass surgery and notes the author has never recommended it, preferring lifestyle changes and supplements to treat and reverse heart disease in many cases.
Early detection through accurate testing is presented as key to catching heart disease before it causes death or serious problems. Relying on just stress tests is deemed insufficient.

Here is a summary of the key points about osclerosis and reversing cardiopause:

Oscerosis or hardening of the arteries is caused by high levels of LDL cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart disease.
Nutritional deficiencies of nutrients like taurine, methionine, arginine, and carnitine are also associated with increased heart disease risk.
High levels of toxins like homocysteine, lead, cadmium, aluminum, and mercury are linked to greater risk of blood clots and heart issues.
Medications like ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, diuretics, and blood thinners can help prevent heart attacks and treat existing heart conditions.
Bioidentical hormones like testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and DHEA may strengthen the heart muscle and protect against heart disease when used along with lifestyle changes.
Supplements containing CoQ10, fish oil, garlic, B vitamins, and other natural ingredients can help reverse cardiac aging and lower heart disease risk.
Following a diet rich in fruits/vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat proteins like the “Rainbow Diet” while limiting unhealthy fats and sodium can aid in weight loss and heart health.
Lifestyle habits like drinking tea, using herbs/spices, and managing stress levels through techniques like meditation are also important for cardiac health and reversing cardiopause.
Vasculopause refers to age-related changes in the blood vessels that occur around age 50, including narrowing of arteries and stiffening of arterial walls. This makes the heart work harder to circulate blood throughout the body.
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a major symptom and risk factor of vasculopause. It arises from increased stress on arterial walls and affects many middle-aged and elderly people. Left uncontrolled, it can lead to heart attacks, strokes and other serious health issues.
Lifestyle factors like obesity, stress, drug and alcohol use can contribute to hypertension. Medications are not always effective at treating it. The case of Deborah highlights how changing diet and supplements can successfully lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.
High blood pressure is linked to cognitive decline later in life, as it reduces blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Treatments that balance hormones and restore vascular health can help prevent issues like dementia.
GABA deficiencies may also play a role in hypertension, as low GABA leads to increased pain, anxiety and stress on the body. Maintaining GABA levels can thus help lower blood pressure.

The passage discusses the importance of taking care of your vasculopause (age-related decline in blood vessel health) through bioidentical hormones, controlling cholesterol, and other lifestyle factors. Otherwise, you are at high risk for strokes and mini-strokes.

Regular tests like ultrasound exams of the arteries in the brain, neck, legs can detect issues early. Blood tests can check for deficiencies linked to blood clots. Nutrients like fish oil, garlic, and vitamins C and E can help support blood vessel health. Herbs like ginger, garlic, cinnamon and turmeric can also increase circulation.

Chelation therapy helps remove heavy metals like lead from the body, which can lower blood pressure. Diabetes is another major contributor to vasculopause, as it accelerates atherosclerosis. Obesity and sedentary lifestyle are closely linked to type 2 diabetes. The key is preventing and managing diabetes through diet, exercise and lifestyle changes.

Here is a summary of key points about weight gain from the passage:

Thyropause, or a decline in thyroid function, is a common cause of metabolic disorders and can lead to weight gain. The thyroid gland regulates metabolism by producing hormones that control how the body burns fuel.
Symptoms of low thyroid (hypothyroidism) include weight gain, fatigue, cold intolerance, constipation, and changes in menstrual periods in women. High thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause weight loss, fatigue, rapid heartbeat, and sweating.
Having an underactive thyroid is often the underlying cause of many health issues like obesity, fatigue, memory problems, and depression that patients assume they just have to live with. Treating the thyroid can improve these related conditions.
Weight gain specifically can result from thyropause reducing metabolism and the rate at which the body burns calories. Supplements like carnitine, tyrosine, and phenylalanine that support thyroid function can help with weight loss.

So in summary, the passage discusses how thyropause or a decline in thyroid function is a common driver of weight gain due to its effects on slowing metabolism and calorie burning. Treating the underlying thyroid issue can help address unwanted weight accumulation.

The immune system naturally begins to decline starting in puberty, making it easier to get sick. Conditions like infections, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases increase as the immune system weakens with age. A variety of infections can affect different parts of the body like the heart, skin, bones, muscles and brain. Inflammation is a hallmark of aging and can be measured through blood tests. Interleukins are proteins that stimulate the immune system, but as we age levels may increase inflammation and frailty. The immune system can turn against the body, causing issues like allergies and possibly even cancer. Maintaining a strong immune system through lifestyle factors is important for overall health and prevention of disease.

Environmental toxins like air pollution, chemicals, heavy metals, and pollution have been linked to increased cancer rates and impairment of the brain’s ability to regulate the immune system. Living in heavily polluted cities exposes people to more cancer-causing toxins.
Lack of sleep and melatonin deficiency from night shift work has also been linked to higher cancer rates, as melatonin provides protection against cancer.
Early detection through medical screening like blood tests, imaging scans, and organ-specific tests is important for detecting cancers early before they progress and become harder to treat. Periodic screening is recommended for those at high risk.
Maintaining a healthy immune system through lifestyle factors, supplements, hormones, and medications if needed can help reverse immunopause and strengthen defenses against cancer and other diseases. Growth hormone is particularly important as aging is linked to growth hormone deficiency which impacts the immune system.
Social connections and relationships are also beneficial, as studies have linked having more friends to reduced cancer risk. Regular screening tests can help detect cancers in early stages.
Women experience a hormonal pause called menopause as they age, characterized by declining estrogen and progesterone levels.
Like other age-related pauses, menopause affects overall health by impacting other body systems in addition to the sex organs. However, the symptoms can be reversed by boosting estrogen and progesterone levels early on.
For both men and women, sexual hormone production and sexuality are governed by the brain. The four phases of sex (desire, arousal, orgasm, resolution) correlate to four key brain chemicals - dopamine, acetylcholine, serotonin, and oxytocin respectively.
When levels of these chemicals are low due to aging, energy, interest, focus, moisture, and enjoyment of sex decline. But maintaining optimal brain chemistry can help sustain a vibrant sexuality throughout life.
In summary, menopause and related symptoms can be modulated by addressing declining hormone levels and optimizing brain biochemistry involved in the sexual response cycle. This supports a “younger” sexuality even with age.
GABA helps with relaxation and orgasm. Depletion of GABA makes it difficult to relax and have an orgasm.
Serotonin is related to resolution/timing. Depletion can cause issues with timing of orgasm, coming too early or late.
Cholesterol is a precursor for sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. As we age, cholesterol rises and sex hormone production slows, leading to lower libido and sexual motivation.
Having frequent sex can help maintain youthful hormone levels and overall health. Orgasm “reboots” the brain by turning it on and off at the same time.
Birth control pills accelerate aging by providing additional synthetic hormones at a younger age than needed. They increase health risks.
Menopause begins in the 30s and can take 10-15 years to complete. It is marked by declining progesterone and estrogen. Symptoms include mood swings, hot flashes, weight gain and more.
As menopause progresses, it exacerbates other age-related changes like increased risks for heart, bones, brain and more by deregulating hormone balance further. Maintaining youthful hormone levels is important for health, libido and aging.
The passage describes various “pauses” (such as osteopause, immunopause, etc.) that are associated with aging processes in the body related to declining hormone levels and other changes.
It advocates for addressing these pauses by balancing hormone levels through natural/bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT), particularly progesterone, estrogen and testosterone.
Progesterone is highlighted as having wide-ranging benefits and balancing effects on other hormones like cortisol.
Testosterone is also noted as important for women’s health in areas like bone density, cognition and cancer prevention.
Case studies are presented showing the benefits some women experienced by switching to natural/bioidentical HRT after experiencing side effects from synthetic HRT options. Overall the passage strongly promotes the use of natural/bioidentical hormones to counter aging effects in the body.
Andropause, or male menopause, refers to the natural decline in testosterone levels that men experience starting in their 40s. It affects mood, cognition, sexuality and overall health and well-being.
Levels of testosterone and other sex hormones decline with age, impacting sexual function, energy levels, bone density, metabolism and risk of diseases. This decline accelerate health problems if not addressed.
Treatments like bioidentical testosterone replacement can reverse many of the symptoms of andropause by restoring youthful hormone levels. Case examples are provided of men regaining sexual function and benefits to overall health.
Low testosterone impacts the brain and signals the body to age faster through a biological cascade. It can lead to issues like fatigue, loss of muscle and height, sexual dysfunction, metabolic problems and increased disease risk.
Maintaining healthy testosterone is important for continued well-being, sexual function and preventing accelerated aging throughout the body.

Here is a summary of the key points about disease, triggering cardiopause:

Decline in cognition, increase in sexual dissatisfaction, and increasing unhappiness are symptoms of andropause or male menopause.
As testosterone and dopamine levels decline with age, men often turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate and find reward or pleasure. This can lead to addiction issues.
Restoring hormone balance through treatments like testosterone replacement therapy can help reverse symptoms of andropause like low libido and erectile dysfunction. It can also help treat accompanying issues like addiction, anxiety, and depression.
Lifestyle changes involving diet, exercise, and supplements can also help address andropause if deficiencies are not too severe. More advanced cases may require prescription treatments like testosterone in combination with lifestyle changes.
Balancing brain chemistry through improved nutrition is important for symptoms like sexual performance issues. Prescription drugs should only be considered as a last resort. Natural options work to restore overall hormone balance and health.
As we age, we naturally experience loss of height, joint pain, and compression fractures in the bones due to osteoporosis. Bones become brittle and no longer able to support the body adequately.
Osteoporosis disproportionately affects women after menopause, when estrogen levels decrease, but about 1/3 of men will experience symptoms by age 75 as well.
The disease progresses slowly and is often symptomless until fractures occur, eroding quality of life. Simple tasks become difficult.
One patient, Maria, experienced low bone density unexpectedly despite a healthy lifestyle. She was counseled on treatment options but initially chose to limit activity, resulting in weight gain and loneliness. After testing showed her condition remained the same, she agreed to parathyroid hormone treatment, which improved her bone density and quality of life.
Osteoporosis, or “osteopause”, refers to bone weakening over time. Many genetic and lifestyle factors determine how fast this occurs. Bone density tests can reveal the “bone age” of individuals, often showing more advanced osteoporosis than expected. Both lifestyle and genetic factors contribute to bone health decline.
Arthritis is another low-acetylcholine condition related to joint dehydration that causes cartilage breakdown and bone-on-bone rubbing, leading to pain and stiffness, especially in older adults. Supplements and anti-inflammatory foods can help relieve arthritis symptoms.
The woman was put on a program of hormone replacement therapy including natural estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, vitamin D, fish oils, and serotonin-boosting nutrients and medications. This helped her move again with ease and relieved her arthritic pain.
Some people find relief from arthritic pain with estrogen replacement only, while others require a more comprehensive osteoporosis reversal program.
Getting certain blood tests can help decode one’s bone health status, such as levels of calcitonin, parathyroid hormone, urine telopeptides, vitamin D, boron, strontium, vitamin K, osteocalcin, ionized calcium, T-helper/T-suppressor cells, and markers for celiac disease.
Cognitive decline and osteoporosis are both related to low acetylcholine. Loss of brain and body moisture contributes to cognitive deterioration and bone loss. Improving potassium intake through diet may help cognitive function.
Reversing somatopause and age-related muscle loss is important for overall health and mobility. Getting enough protein, vitamins D and K2, magnesium, and exercise can help prevent and treat somatopause. Hormone therapies may also be useful.
Somatopause refers to age-related loss of muscle mass and strength between the ages of 20-90. 20-40% of muscle mass can be lost without exercise.
Symptoms include loss of strength, energy, well-being, sleep issues, mood changes, social withdrawal, increased body fat, decreased muscle mass, thin skin, etc.
Growth hormone plays a key role in maintaining muscle mass. It stimulates muscle and nerve connections. Supplementing with growth hormone can help prevent muscle loss.
Exercise is important for preventing muscle loss with age. Amino acids and dopamine also support muscle growth.
Loss of muscle mass can increase risks of falls and fractures in older adults. Growth hormone helps patients recover mobility after hip fractures.
Dermatopause refers to age-related changes in skin such as thinning, wrinkles, decreased function. Healthy skin depends on overall body health and hormone levels.
Boosting brain chemicals and hormone levels through lifestyle changes can help reverse skin aging from the inside out, in addition to external treatments. Maintaining muscle mass is also important for healthy skin.
Taking care of your internal health and systems (thyroid, sleep, hydration, etc.) is crucial for having youthful, beautiful skin on the outside. External creams and treatments alone cannot turn back the clock.
Over time, the skin loses collagen and elasticity, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and loss of firmness (called “dermatopause”). This process typically begins around age 30.
Lifestyle factors like sun exposure, smoking, drinking can accelerate skin aging. Retin-A cream starting at age 20 may help slow collagen loss.
Various supplements and treatments like Retin-A, fish oils, vitamins A, C, K can help restore youthful skin by addressing inflammation and hydration from the inside out.
The health of the brain and other internal systems is closely linked to skin aging. Addressing issues like stress, sleep, circulation, hormones can result in younger looking skin.
The goal is to maintain all the internal “pauses” or systems to achieve total age reversal and turn back the clock on skin aging, making you look 10-15 years younger.
Collagen gives skin its structure and flexibility. As we age and osteoporosis sets in, the skin loses flexibility along with the bones.
Melanoma is the most serious and often fatal form of skin cancer. Early detection through regular skin checks is important, especially for fair-skinned individuals. PET scans can identify internal melanoma before it surfaces.
Anemia, a blood disorder resulting from low red blood cell count, can cause pale and ghostlike skin appearance.
Various blood tests can check vitamin, mineral, nutrient and hormone levels to identify deficiencies contributing to skin issues.
Topical prescription treatments like Retin-A, Tri-Luma and Metrogel can help treat skin disorders.
Natural hormones like estrogen, DHEA and HGH can help reverse skin aging effects of menopause and slow collagen loss.
Supplementing with vitamins C, D, zinc and antioxidants can promote skin healing, collagen production and fight damage. Nutritional therapies along with topical treatments and lifestyle changes can significantly improve aging skin appearance.
Leora told the author that she secretly regretted her face-lift, as she now realizes her skin could have repaired itself through proper nutrition.
Certain nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, omega-3/6 fatty acids, alpha lipoic acid, beta-carotene, and zinc can have minimal beneficial effects on skin elasticity, though natural hormones are most effective.
Too much DHEA can cause acne, so it’s important to have DHEA levels checked by a doctor when using supplements.
Eating a diet rich in foods high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties like salmon, broccoli, olive oil, and almonds can help promote youthful, beautiful skin.
Herbs and spices like basil, chamomile, rosemary and turmeric can also be beneficial when added to the diet.
Following a skincare routine with gentle cleansing, exfoliation, toning and moisturizing can help restore a glowing, radiant complexion.
Releasing tension through acupressure techniques can further benefit the skin.

bioidentical hormones and, 15

The passage promotes an anti-aging program called the “Younger You Plan” which focuses on testing, identifying health issues, and devising treatments to reverse the aging process.
It describes an “AgePrint quiz” to assess a person’s biological age in different areas and identifies potential problem areas. Taking the quiz every 6 months allows one to catch health issues early.
It recommends discussing the quiz results and anti-aging goals with one’s doctor to develop a personalized plan using treatments like hormone therapy, supplements, medications, etc. to try to reverse aging and feel 15 years younger.
It emphasizes the importance of preventative testing to detect health problems early before symptoms appear. Regular scans and blood tests are suggested.
Adopting healthy behaviors around nutrition, exercise, stress management, and lifestyle are presented as ways to slow aging and break one’s “aging codes”. The brain is described as the “ultimate code breaker” and balancing activities is important for brain health.
The passage promotes an aggressive approach to anti-aging through various medical interventions, treatments and tests to try to turn back the clock and achieve a “younger you”. Regular monitoring of biological age is presented as key to catching and addressing aging issues early.
Cholecystokinin (CCK) regulates appetite and diets. Higher CCK levels lead to feeling fuller after eating.
Cholesterol levels can be measured via blood tests. The rainbow diet, green tea, eggs, and nuts can impact cholesterol levels.
Friendships and sleep can impact cholesterol levels. Stress, toxins, and synthetic hormones can raise cholesterol.
Types of cholesterol include HDL (good) and LDL (bad). Menopause, obesity, and thyroid problems can affect cholesterol levels.
Bioidentical hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are important for heart health, cognition, mood, and sexuality. Hormone replacement therapy uses bioidentical hormones.
The rainbow diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, herbs/spices, yogurt, grains and is good for heart health, weight loss, immunity, brain function and more. It can help with menopause, thyroid issues, and overall aging.

Here are the key points from the passages about insulin resistance, 181, 182, 206:

Insulin resistance refers to when cells in the muscles, fat, and liver tissues don’t respond well to insulin and can’t easily absorb glucose from the bloodstream. This makes it harder to control blood sugar levels.
Insulin resistance is addressed in the Younger You Plan on pages 15-16 as part of managing blood sugar and reducing disease risk. Following the plan can help reduce insulin resistance.
Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) levels decline with age, but higher levels are associated with better health outcomes. IGF levels are influenced by diet and lifestyle.
Hyperglycemia refers to high blood sugar levels. Managing insulin resistance can help prevent hyperglycemia.
Lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight are important for reducing insulin resistance and managing blood sugar levels. The Rainbow Diet principles support this.
Nutrients like cinnamon, chromium, milk thistle, alpha-lipoic acid, and berberine can help boost insulin sensitivity and fight insulin resistance when obtained through diet or supplements.

Here is a summary of the requested sections:

30–31, 73, 75, 170–71 - Triglycerides are associated with heart health. They are included in the Rainbow Diet and can be reduced by eating honey.

153, 154, 163, 168 - Sections related to testing triglyceride levels.

75 - Turmeric can help reduce triglycerides and PMS. It is included in the Rainbow Diet.

170–71 - High triglycerides are a risk factor for heart disease. Medical tests are discussed.

208 - Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and is good for immune function.

271 - Turmeric can help reduce inflammation and is included in the Rainbow Diet.

275 - Turmeric can help soothe skin and reduce inflammation when applied topically.

That covers a summary of the key details from the requested sections regarding triglycerides and turmeric. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions.

#book-summary