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  • 🦾 Organ Age Tech Could Revolutionize Wellness

🦾 Organ Age Tech Could Revolutionize Wellness

THE health and wellness newsletter

Author

James Kratch
March 26, 2024

Welcome back to Optimize Me— the health and wellness newsletter for evidence-based advice on how to 🥦 eat better, 🏋️ workout smarter, and 🧑‍💻 be more productive.

We have new research on how biological aging science may be able to predict health issues, discuss pelvic floor health in light of Brittany Mahomes’ recent social media comments, the eye-opening downsides of turning our clocks ahead… and some popular, but now recalled, nuts.

Let’s get to it.

🦾 How old are your organs?

Biological age -- when the body's physical age is older or younger than a person's chronological age -- is nothing new. Ample research exists, including studies that suggest biological age can forecast future health issues. And advocates like the Silicon Valley tycoon who strives to live forever have introduced the concept to the mainstream.

A new study by researchers at Stanford and other schools tackled organ-specific aging, digging far deeper than past works.

The highlights from a recent Wall Street Journal report: 

  • The study of over 5.5K participants found 20% of people have at least one organ aging more quickly than others after measuring organ-specific blood protein levels that change with age.

  • Accelerated organ age was associated with organ-specific disease and a 20-50% increased mortality risk. Fast-aging hearts were 2.5 times more likely to experience heart failure; older arteries and brains reflected a 10% greater risk for dementia and other cognitive issues. People with hypertension were found to have older kidneys on average.

  • Mainstream tests to determine organ age are not imminent, but they could lead to the development of preventative health methods as interest in the subject grows.

There are some outstanding questions -- and healthy skepticism -- about the findings. 

  • Testing is a clear hurdle. Most existing biological age tests measure chemical changes in DNA. The Stanford researchers involved in the study have launched a biotech company to develop blood protein testing regimens, but widespread use is likely a long-term aspiration.

  • Outside researchers caution that using blood protein measurements to determine organ age is not a settled science. There is also the question of a general panel that can examine multiple organs instead of organ-by-organ testing.

  • The general consensus is that more research is needed. Scientists involved with the Stanford study are preparing a spinoff project involving 50K people. A recent study based in Italy concluded that sex-based differences in organ aging and organ aging in the young are areas for future research.

The biggest takeaway? Even if the testing methods are confirmed and scaled, that would be half the battle. Doctors only see so much value in determining organ age without the capacity to act on it. Research suggests pre-morbidity intervention would be far more effective than treating the morbidities; doctors want to provide patients with proactive tools and information on how to react to (and potentially reverse) organ aging and prevent health issues, not just pass along potentially troubling data.

🚴‍♂️ Spotlight on pelvic floor health

Brittany Mahomes generated headlines recently by revealing she has a fractured back -- a diagnosis the mother of two and wife of star quarterback Patrick Mahomes attributed to pelvic floor weakness caused by childbirth.

Experts say while Mahomes' described injury is uncommon, her warning to other mothers to prioritize their pelvic floor strength was spot on and is advice everyone should heed. 

What you need to know:

  • The pelvic floor plays a vital role in continence, sexual function, support of the pelvic organs and core body strength. It involves fascia, ligaments and muscles.

  • Pregnancy and childbirth can cause pelvic floor troubles, as can menopause and osteoporosis. Aging, high-impact training, heavy lifting, chronic coughing and being overweight are other triggers. The impacts are the same regardless of sex -- bladder and bowel issues, loss of sexual function and aches, pains and muscle weakness.

  • While pelvic floor-related fractures are far less common than the above symptoms, they are possible. The pelvic floor is connected to the pelvis, which includes the tailbone and lower back. Weakness can lead to instability, which increases the risk of bone breaks. Back fractures during childbirth are rare -- about 1% -- and can be more common in people who have a history of tailbone breaks.

People with pelvic floor issues are encouraged to see a doctor to determine personal treatment. Here are some general notes on maintaining a strong pelvic floor:

  • Do not ignore minor back pain and pelvic problems, as your body will compensate. Do not overextend yourself and focus on healing and rest, as stress can exacerbate issues.

  • Work with a physical therapist to develop a core strengthening regimen. Kegel exercises and tailbone stretches are common exercises.

  • Meditation, hydration and fiber intake (to prevent constipation) and avoiding caffeine are other ways to avoid pelvic floor issues.

🛌 Daylight Savings Time may be downright dangerous

We all know springing our clocks forward is aggravating, and some of us are just getting back into the swing of things after adjusting. There is compelling evidence the practice is far more than a nuisance; it may be doing real harm.

Researchers have found connections between the start of DST and severe, negative health impacts, many attributed to a lack of sleep. Among them: 

Even more damning? A Vanderbilt study found none of the same trends are observed when clocks are turned back an hour in the fall -- and some research subjects see improved data.

The good news is consensus on keeping clocks the same all year is easy to find. The bad news is people are torn about how to do it.

  • Most health and sleep experts advocate for adopting permanent standard time, or how we operate from November to March. 

  • That time shift most closely approximates natural light with the sun directly overhead around noon. 

  • Researchers say morning light is essential for setting the body's natural rhythms and the shift would benefit adolescents. 

  • About half the world has adopted permanent standard time, including most of Mexico, and Alaska, Hawaii and most of Arizona already observe it.

The catch: Any decision is up to Congress. And legislators -- as well as most citizens -- would prefer to permanently institute DST. 

  • A bipartisan, bicameral bill that would supersede any proposed state legislation is active and it lands in the DST camp. 

  • The U.S. previously operated on permanent DST during World Wars I and II and the 1970s energy crisis.

  • Advocates say an extra hour of daylight is the most important consideration to encourage activity and potentially reduce crime.

There is no indication legislation will be passed anytime soon (no pun intended). But the numbers do not lie. Make sure you get enough sleep — and maybe call your House member.

❌ Don’t Eat This: Recalls

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