How to Reverse Aging

Dr. Eric Berg DC

698,297 views • 11 months ago

Video Summary

This discussion delves into the causes and prevention of premature aging, focusing on the internal factors that contribute to an aged appearance, particularly the loss of collagen and connective tissue. Key triggers for this degradation include excessive sugar intake, particularly refined starches like maltodextrin, and UV radiation. Conversely, the body can stimulate collagen production through exercise, especially planks and eccentric movements, and by consuming essential nutrients. Notably, vitamin D is highlighted for protecting collagen, while vitamin C, vitamin K2, magnesium, zinc, and copper are vital co-factors for its synthesis. The transcript also touches on the importance of quality protein sources, autophagy via intermittent fasting, adequate sleep, and the potent anti-stress hormone oxytocin, which can be boosted through specific dairy cultures. An interesting fact is that by age 40, individuals may have already lost 25% of their collagen

Short Highlights

Premature aging and wrinkles are linked to collagen and connective tissue degradation, with 25% collagen loss possible by age 40.
Refined starches (maltodextrin, modified food starch) are detrimental, acting as hidden sugars that clog protein.
Exercise, especially planks and eccentric movements, stimulates collagen production, and gradual sprinting can strengthen tissues.
Essential nutrients for collagen synthesis include Vitamin C (found abundantly in raw sauerkraut), Vitamin K2 (from liver, egg yolks), magnesium (dark chocolate, almonds), zinc (oysters, red meat), and copper (oysters, red meat).
Stress, lack of sleep, and low-quality protein can accelerate aging, while intermittent fasting (autophagy) and boosting oxytocin levels can have rejuvenating effec

Key Details

The Internal Battle Against Aging [00:00]

Aging appearance on the outside reflects internal degradation of collagen and connective tissue, leading to stiff fascia and slumped posture.
By age 40, individuals can lose up to 25% of their collagen.
An enzyme breaks down collagen, triggered by certain antibiotics and excessive UV radiation exposure.

"what people need to realize is the Aging appearance in the outside of the body is actually happening on the inside as well"

Sugar's Hidden Impact on Collagen [01:15]

Excessive sugar intake locks up protein and clogs the system, accelerating the aging process.
Carbohydrates, particularly refined starches like maltodextrin and modified food starch, are essentially chains of sugar molecules and can be worse than sugar itself.
Even products labeled "no sugar" can contain hidden sugars in the form of these processed starches.

"starch is a bunch of sugar molecules connected together so starch is sugar"

Vitamin D and Exercise: Collagen's Allies [02:09]

Vitamin D helps protect against collagen loss and is recommended at 10,000 IU daily for this purpose.
Exercise is the most potent stimulus for collagen production, moving the body rather than being sedentary.
Plank exercises strengthen collagen by holding tension without joint movement.
Eccentric exercises, involving lengthening muscles (e.g., slowly lowering during a push-up or pull-up), create significant collagen stimulus.
Gradual sprinting can strengthen collagen throughout the body, including around the heart and valves.

"the most potent stimulus of collagen is exercise adding Motion in your body versus being sedentary"

Essential Nutrients for Collagen Synthesis [03:51]

Vitamin C is crucial for collagen formation and is blocked by sugar and smoking; raw sauerkraut is an excellent source.
Vitamin K2 keeps cartilage, ligaments, tendons, fascia, and skin supple, found in liver, egg yolks, and butter.
Magnesium facilitates collagen production and helps Vitamin D work, found in dark chocolate, almonds, and spinach.
Zinc promotes youthful skin and speeds wound healing, abundant in oysters, red meat, and liver.
Copper aids in collagen formation and is found in oysters, red meat, shellfish, liver, and dark chocolate.

"our bodies need Vitamin C to help form collagen"

Protein Quality, Autophagy, and Stress Reduction [05:30]

Low-quality, processed, and very low-fat protein sources can accelerate aging.
Grass-fed beef is recommended over plant-based isolates and lean meats that have a higher omega-6 to omega-3 ratio.
Autophagy, or "self-eating" of damaged proteins, can be achieved through intermittent fasting, promoting healing and an anti-aging effect.
Lack of sleep and high cortisol levels lead to rapid aging.
Oxytocin, a powerful anti-stress hormone, can be boosted by consuming a cultivated dairy product with a specific microbe that stimulates its release via the vagus nerve, leading to reduced stress, improved sleep, and rejuvenation.

"if you yourself or you know people who haven't slept for a period of time they age quickly because of the stress and the cortisol that occurs too"