Johan Auwerx: Enjoying youthful vitality as we age

Eventually, we will all face the challenges that come with old age. We will have less strength and energy than we once had. But what if it were possible to rekindle the drive and physical endurance of youth as we grow older? Prof. Johan Auwerx directs the Laboratory for Integrated and Systems Physiology at École Polytechnique Fédérale (EPFL) in Lausanne, Switzerland, where he studies the mechanisms that control how metabolisms are controlled and the factors that make them more or less effective. Focussing on longevity, his team is using multiple animal species to test a specific compound, Urolithin A, which could potentially restore much-needed muscle strength and energy to people as they age. Prof. Auwerx’s peer-reviewed research, including joint studies with the Swiss life science company, Amazentis, has been published in leading scientific journals. In this LLAMA podcast interview, with Peter Bowes, Prof. Auwerx, discusses the critical need for an affordable solution to ensuring a long and healthy life; how a highly pure form of Urolithin A, known as Mitopure, could be the key to improving our cellular health and strength as we age; and the simple steps we can take to mitigate health issues later in life.This episode is produced in association with Amazentis, which is pioneering cutting edge, clinically validated cellular nutrition, under its Timeline brand.Disclosure: Prof. Auwerx is a scientific adviser to Amazentis and several other companies which make products to boost mitochondrial function. Learn more about the science behind Mitopure, a highly pure form of Urolithin A, from Timeline.Full show notes at the Live Long and Master Aging website.In this interview we cover: The downside of a more sedentary life, either enforced by COVID-19, or as a function of growing old.Why each person’s metabolism functions differently and what this means for our diet.Making the transition from treating patients to medical research.Tackling the big questions regarding metabolic diseases and complex interactions of the human body and the environment. The role of the gut microbiome and genetic makeup in long-term health. Why gaining weight has different implications for the young and old Why people Iiving in one region of the world will digest certain foods more efficiently than people living in a different area.Research with nematode worms (C. elegans) as a model for human aging and longevity.Testing worm observations in human cells, using phenotype data.   How studies on extracts from pomegranates led to a better understanding of Urolithin A.Understanding the difference between healthspan and lifespan. Promoting the benefit of physical activity based on observations in worms. It is ethical to work on lifespan? The impact of urolithin supplementation on endurance, based on evidence in mice. The daily rituals that promote healthspan. How lifestyle habits, such as exercise, environment and stress levels, can affect how efficiently your metabolism functions.The Live Long and Master Aging podcast shares ideas but does not offer medical advice.  If you have health concerns of any kind, or you are considering adopting a new diet or exercise regime, you should consult your doctor.Support the showThe Live Long and Master Aging (LLAMA) podcast, a HealthSpan Media LLC production, shares ideas but does not offer medical advice.  If you have health concerns of any kind, or you are considering adopting a new diet or exercise regime, you should consult your doctor.