Did you know that 100-year-olds have consistently had lower levels of glucose, creatinine, and uric acid since their 60s? A study published in Geroscience involving data from 44,636 participants in Sweden found that very few centenarians had lifetime glucose levels above 6.5 mmol/L or creatinine levels above 125 μmol/L.1
Understanding these biomarkers can provide important insights into what contributes to a longer and healthier life. These biomarker differences appear long before death, indicating that genetics and lifestyle play a significant role in promoting longevity.
As the world’s population ages, uncovering the biological underpinnings of such unique lifespans is attracting the attention of researchers. This study not only highlights the unique health profiles of centenarians, but also provides practical knowledge on how to optimize your own health for a better and longer life.
Centurion Health Insights
A GeroScience study explored the biomarker profiles of 100-year-old individuals, looking for key differences in blood markers that contribute to the likelihood of reaching centenarian age.2
The study focused on a diverse population of Swedes between the ages of 64 and 99, all members of the Amoris group. Over a 35-year period, these individuals assessed health assessments that measure blood-based biomarkers related to various bodily functions, including inflammation, metabolism, liver and kidney function, as well as signs of malnutrition and anemia.3
Of this group, 1,224 individuals, or approximately 2.7%, reached the age of 100, the majority (84.6%) being women.4
As mentioned, centenarians have consistently shown lower levels of glucose, creatinine, and uric acid since the 60s. Glucose, commonly known as blood sugar, is essential for energy, but high levels can cause health problems such as diabetes. Creatinine is a waste product from muscle metabolism, and high levels indicate kidney failure. Elevated uric acid is another waste product that contributes to such conditions. gout.5
The overall nature of this study provides strong evidence to support the idea that certain biomarkers are closely associated with specific longevity. A large sample size and a long follow-up period increase the reliability of the findings, which makes it important in the field of aging research.6 In addition, focusing on different biomarkers related to different aspects of health provides an overview of the factors that contribute to living beyond a century.
Understanding longevity through biomarkers
Biomarkers are like your body’s report card, providing insights into your metabolic health and longevity. When you do glucose, creatinine, and uric acid tests, you’re getting a snapshot of how well your body is managing its internal processes.
These tests are important because they indicate not only your current health status, but also genetic and lifestyle factors that may affect the aging process. However, conventional methods often miss the complexities of aging, which is why ongoing research is focused on refining these tests for better accuracy.
The study found that maintaining low glucose and creatinine levels from the 60s was associated with an increased risk of developing the disease. Up to 100 yearsUnderstanding how these factors lead to longevity involves looking at how they interact over time.
For example, low glucose levels reduce the stress on your body’s insulin control systems, reducing your risk of developing diabetes and related complications.7 Efficient glucose handling ensures that cells get the energy they need without the harmful effects of high blood sugar.
Similarly, lower creatinine levels indicate better kidney function, which is important for filtering waste from the blood. Healthy kidneys efficiently remove toxins and regulate fluid balance, preventing conditions such as kidney disease that can seriously affect overall health and lifespan.8
While uric acid is important in small amounts, it can cause problems when the level is too high. Elevated uric acid causes crystals to form in the joints, causing painful conditions such as gout, and contributes to kidney stones and kidney disease.9 By controlling uric acid levels, centenarians can reduce these painful and debilitating conditions and support a healthier and more active lifestyle into old age.
Blood biomarkers reveal the secrets of longevity
In addition to reaching low levels of glucose, creatinine and uric acid, centennial researchers have shown that low levels of aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LD) – enzymes are associated. to liver function and total metabolism – and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC).10
TBC reflects your body’s iron transport capacity. Lower TBC levels, along with total iron, suggest a more regulated iron metabolism that prevents excessive iron accumulation known to cause oxidative damage and inflammation.11 This regulation helps prevent chronic diseases and maintain cellular health over time.
Interestingly, the study’s centenarians had little change in biomarker values between the first and second measurements, compared to the non-centenarians. This stability at the biomarker level indicates a more consistent physiological state.12
Additionally, the high proportion of women in the centenarian age group suggests that gender plays a role in longevity. In general, women live longer than men, and this study shows that the majority of centenarians are women.13
In general, the study of geroscience provides invaluable insights into the biological factors that support longevity. By identifying and understanding the role of specific biomarkers, such as glucose, creatinine, and uric acid, researchers can better understand ways to live a longer, healthier life.14 These findings not only advance our knowledge of aging, but also pave the way for developing strategies aimed at promoting longevity and improving quality of life for future generations.15
That being said, assessing longevity with biomarkers is difficult. Often, the challenge is that these indicators change due to seasonal conditions or lifestyle changes. For example, a high glucose reading may indicate a short-term dietary choice rather than a long-term problem. This variability can lead to misinterpretations if not considered in a broader health assessment.
Moreover, the limitations of current diagnostic methods mean that some sensitivities are lost. Many tests are based on clinical guidelines that do not always apply to older people, leading to misdiagnosis. As a result, there is a growing need for personalized approaches that take into account individual health histories and genetic backgrounds. This helps to provide a more accurate picture of one’s chances Exceptional longevity.
Tips to increase your longevity
If you want to increase your longevity, the main starting point is to reduce your food intake. Linoleic acid (LA), an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid found in seed oils and many processed foods.
When LA is consumed, it undergoes various metabolic processes, leading to the formation of bioactive metabolites such as oxidized linoleic acid metabolites (OXLAMs) and arachidonic acid (AA). These metabolites interfere with insulin signaling, which is part of keeping your blood glucose levels in check.
Overeating also affects uric acid levels. Indeed, a mother’s consumption of high amounts of vegetable oil and other LA-rich foods during pregnancy can increase blood uric acid levels in boys.16 The main reason Too much LA is bad for your health.But that’s because it disrupts your cellular powerhouses – the mitochondria.
Your mitochondria produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), an essential fuel that keeps your cells functioning and repairing themselves. Without energy, your cells cannot repair and renew themselves. So, the main underlying issue for most chronic diseases is that your cells are not producing enough energy.
This topic is covered in detail in my new book, “Your Guide to Cellular Health: Unlocking the Science of Longevity and Happiness.” Mitochondrial health is key to overall health, as your mitochondria are responsible for producing the energy necessary for all body functions, including the energy needed to ward off age-related diseases and maintain exceptional longevity.
In addition to reducing LA, make sure you have enough carbohydrates to meet your energy needs. Prioritize whole, minimally processed carbohydrate sources, such as whole fruit, and introduce fruit juices with pulp to support gut health.
For individuals with severe gut health, drink slowly over time, use dextrose water or pulp-free juice – avoid high-fiber foods to prevent damage to the gut microbiome and increased endotoxin levels.
As your cellular energy and gut health improves, you can gradually include starches and complex carbohydrates to stabilize blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity. Also, make sure at least one-third of your protein intake includes collagen to support metabolic health.
In addition to diet, incorporate regular exercise and daily activity into your daily routine to support metabolic function and reduce chronic disease risks. Practice stress management techniques such as meditation or yoga, ensure adequate sleep and reduce exposure to environmental toxins, including avoiding seed oils and other substances harmful to cellular health.
In addition to LA, artificial exposure Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), estrogen, and EMFs also affect your cells’ ability to generate energy efficiently. Also, consider using pharmaceutical grade Methylene blue As prescribed by a health care professional to support cellular energy production. By addressing these areas, you maintain optimal biomarker levels, avoid premature aging, and promote longevity naturally.