How To Find Out Your Biological Age and Age Slower

Learn how to find out your biological age and also what you can do to age slower and live a healthy life.

In today’s rapidly advancing world, understanding the distinction between chronological age and biological age is becoming increasingly relevant, especially for those interested in prolonging their health and vitality. Your chronological age is simply the number of years you’ve lived, but your biological age provides a deeper insight into how your cells are ageing compared to the average person your age.

The information on this article is based on a conversation that happened at the Mind Pump Podcast between the host of the podcast and Dr. Stephen Cabral.

The Mind Pump Podcast is an online radio show that talks all fitness-related and, usually, is provocative. Its hosts are Sal Di Stefano, Adam Schafer, Justin Andrews, and Doug Egge. They also have a YouTube channel with more than 700k subscribers.

Dr. Stephen Cabral is a renowned functional medicine practitioner with extensive expertise in both naturopathy and Ayurveda. He has dedicated his career to understanding and treating the underlying causes of illness through a holistic approach that incorporates a variety of therapeutic practices. Dr. Cabral is highly regarded for his development of integrative treatment protocols aimed at rejuvenating the body and balancing the mind, and he is an avid proponent of using advanced biomarker testing to determine biological age to guide his personalized wellness plans.

This article delves into the fascinating science behind how to find out your biological age and offers doable strategies to help you slow down the ageing process.

Understanding Biological Age vs. Chronological Age

Biological age is determined by assessing various biomarkers linked to age-related diseases and general cellular health. This measurement can reveal a lot about your potential health risks and overall ageing process. Unlike chronological age, which ticks forward uniformly, biological age can vary significantly based on lifestyle, genetics, and environmental factors.

The concept of biological ageing is linked to DNA methylation patterns—a process that affects gene expression without altering the DNA sequence itself. These patterns change as we age and are influenced by our environment and lifestyle choices. By examining specific DNA sites, scientists can correlate certain methylation patterns with risks for diseases like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.

How To Find Out Your Biological Age and Age Slower

The importance of accurately determining one’s biological age cannot be overstated, especially when considering its implications for personal health, disease prevention, and overall longevity. Testing for biological age involves a sophisticated analysis of biomarkers that are indicative of how quickly one’s body is ageing, regardless of chronological age. These biomarkers provide insights into cellular health and are closely associated with various age-related diseases.

Read More: 9 Simple Tips to Live Longer

Understanding Biological Markers

The primary method for assessing biological age is through the measurement of DNA methylation levels. DNA methylation is a biological process that modifies the DNA molecule without changing the sequence but has a profound impact on gene activity and cellular function. As we age, the pattern of methylation across our genome shifts in response to our lifestyle, environment, and genetic predispositions.

In the conversation, Dr. Steven Cabral discusses how these biomarkers are not just random; they are connected to serious health risks, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. He explains how advancements in this field have enabled the development of tests that pinpoint specific DNA sites linked to these conditions, offering predictions about an individual’s health trajectory.

How Testing Works

Biological age testing typically involves collecting a sample of DNA from a blood draw or cheek swab. This sample is then analyzed in a lab where scientists look for methylation at hundreds of thousands of points across the genome. The patterns found are compared against large datasets to predict the individual’s biological age.

Dr. Cabral notes the evolution of this testing from its rudimentary beginnings to its current state where the accuracy is significantly enhanced. Early methods, like telomere length testing, were far less precise, providing a broad age range with a high margin of error. Modern tests, however, can narrow down the age prediction to a much smaller window, offering insights with potentially just a few months of variance.

The Accuracy and Reliability of Testing

One of the key aspects highlighted is the ongoing improvement in testing methodologies. These improvements are anticipated to continue, increasing both the accuracy and the utility of these tests in everyday health management. Dr. Cabral is optimistic about the future, suggesting that within a few years, these tests might offer near real-time monitoring of how our lifestyles are affecting our biological ageing processes.

Implications of Testing

The results of such testing can be eye-opening, providing individuals with a clear picture of how their lifestyle choices—such as diet, exercise, and stress management—are impacting their ageing process. It enables proactive interventions that can significantly alter one’s health trajectory, emphasizing prevention over treatment.

The role of testing in determining biological age is pivotal. It not only offers an insightful glimpse into one’s health and longevity but also empowers individuals to make informed decisions about lifestyle adjustments. As these tests become more accessible and accurate, they promise to become a fundamental tool in personalized health strategies, potentially extending both lifespan and health span.

Strategies to Slow Down Aging

Once you understand your biological age, the next step is to implement strategies to slow the aging process. Here are several evidence-based approaches:

1. Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity, especially strength training and cardiovascular exercises, can significantly impact your biological age by improving heart health, increasing muscle mass, and reducing inflammation.
2. Balanced Diet: Adopting a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like olive oil, has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including slowing biological aging.
3. Adequate Sleep: Quality sleep is crucial for cellular repair and overall health. Ensuring you get enough restorative sleep each night can help maintain a younger biological age.
4. Stress Management: Chronic stress can accelerate cellular aging. Techniques such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, and regular relaxation can help manage stress effectively.
5. Avoiding Toxins: Minimizing exposure to environmental toxins such as pollution, cigarette smoke, and harmful chemicals can protect your cells from premature aging.
6. Supplements: Certain dietary supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and specific vitamins, can support cellular health and potentially slow the aging process.

Related: Best Exercises to Live Longer and Healthier

Understanding and monitoring your biological age can offer profound insights into your overall health and longevity. By adopting a lifestyle that supports cellular health, you can effectively slow down the aging process and increase your chances of living a longer, healthier life. Remember, it’s not just about adding years to your life but adding life to your years. By making informed choices about your health today, you can ensure a vibrant and active tomorrow.

For more information and a deeper understanding of how to find out your biological age and age slower, you can also watch the entire conversation with Dr. Stephen Cabral in the video below.

Read More: How To Take the Fitness Age Challenge and Find Out How Old You Really Are