I was recently Interviewed for an upcoming publication about longevity and healthy aging. Here is a sneak peek of the article…

First of all, tell me a little bit about what you do and how you got into this field? 

As a certified nutritionist and personal trainer specializing in women’s health over 40, my focus is on a comprehensive approach to wellness that includes diet, exercise and lifestyle strategies that create optimal health.  

My journey into this field began when I was experiencing my own health issues that conventional medicine held no acceptable solutions for (I did not want to be on medication for a lifetime when I knew there were other ways to improve my health), so I worked with a practitioner who not only helped me go from sickness to optimal health but sparked my passion to help others. At that stage I went back to school to study Nutritional Science and undertook many specialist certifications and mentorships with doctors.

 

Is it fair to categorize some of what you do in your work as biohacking and if so, how would you define that term? 

I actually eschew the term biohacking as I think it can imply short fixes or a reliance on technology or extreme fads which I don’t believe is the long term path to optimal health and that can seem daunting or unobtainable to some. Instead, I focus on evidence-based strategies combined with my nearly 20 years of experience to help my clients achieve their health goals. 

 

What’s the difference between healthspan and life span and which do you focus on in your work?

Healthspan refers to the period of one’s life during which they are healthy and free from serious illness, whereas lifespan is simply the total number of years a person lives. My work is primarily focused on extending healthspan—ensuring that my clients enjoy a high quality of life for as long as possible. 

 

How do you integrate biohacking techniques (or techniques to slow down the aging process) into your work? How personalized is it from person to person? 

I use strategies that promote optimum health and these include using diet, supplements, exercise and lifestyle modifications. Whilst there is no-one size fits all approach there are many principles that we can all benefit from – a diet high in healthy protein, anti-inflammatory foods, anti-oxidants and polyphenol rich foods, strength training and walking, managing stress and improving the quality of our sleep. Once we have these foundational strategies in place we can then use blood, functional and genetic testing to further optimize these strategies. 

 

What are some of the most effective methods you recommend for helping slow the aging process that anyone can do? 

Honestly, it’s the basics done well that are the most effective. Quitting smoking and not drinking alcohol, reducing or eliminating sugar and refined carbohydrates and focussing on stress management and healthy sleep – these are far more effective than any biohacks or health trends.  

 

What would you recommend for someone who is baseline healthy — they eat well, they sleep well, they exercise, but they want to add in some other things to help them slow down the aging process? (Ex: Intermittent Fasting? Hot/cold exposure? Wearable technology? Limiting environmental toxins?)

For this person I would recommend that we ‘test, don’t guess’. For example let’s do a deep dive into their metabolic health, their thyroid health, essential nutrient status, detoxification ability and their chronological age vs biological age. From there we can then personalize the more advanced approaches as some of these can be beneficial for some but cause negative effects for others. For example, a 30 year old man may benefit from intermittent fasting and cold plunge, but for a woman in perimenopause these techniques may result in too low protein intake or increased stress and higher cortisol levels. I only recommend wearable technology if it creates behavior change – there is so much we can track these days but sometimes people see the tracking as the healthy part, rather than the making of the changes that the tracking highlights. 

 

What is your perspective on the use of supplements in healthy aging? Are there supplements that you recommend for anyone?

I personally recommend supplements for my clients but emphasize the fact that they will not replace a healthy diet and lifestyle. I like to recommend supplements based on a client’s health status, goals and lab tests if we have them, but typically most people can benefit from a good multivitamin, fish oil and probiotic. Then I like to add in anti-inflammatories such as curcumin, creatine for muscle health and collagen for skin and connective tissue health. Consulting with a healthcare professional can help determine the best supplements for individual needs and ensure they are used safely and effectively.

 

What advice would you give someone who is new to biohacking and holistic nutrition who wants to start optimizing their health who just wants to focus on a one or two things?

I would recommend they increase their protein intake (a general rule of thumb is 1g per lb of body weight) and start strength training. Muscle health is so important for metabolic health and longevity and is especially important for women over 40 as they approach the changes that the menopause transition can bring. 

 

How have you seen biohacking and optimizing health make a difference in the lives of your clients or in your own life?

I’ve seen significant improvements in my clients’ health and well-being through personalized nutrition and lifestyle changes. These methods can lead to better energy levels, improved mood, a better quality of life and a reduced risk of chronic diseases. Clients often report feeling more vibrant, resilient, and empowered to take control of their health. 

 

How do you see the future of nutrition and biohacking evolving?

Looking to the future, I believe the field of nutrition will see a greater emphasis on personalized approaches, for diet, supplementation, fitness and lifestyle protocols, supported by advances in blood testing, genetic testing and microbiome research. 

 

Do you think that advances in biohacking could exacerbate health disparities that already exist between different groups?

Absolutely, but it is important to remember that you do not have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on expensive supplements or gadgets to be healthy. However, in the US we have fundamental issues in access to healthy food for all, safe areas to exercise in and individuals with little access to healthcare which needs to be addressed at many levels, from government policy to ethics in food marketing. 

 

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