The Elixir

Executive Summary Sleep is not a passive state — it is a biological repair system that influences metabolism, immune function, brain health, and lifespan. Large‑scale population data now show that chronic short sleep is independently associated with shorter life expectancy, rivaling smoking and obesity as a longevity risk factor. This article integrates epidemiological data, mechanistic biology, and clinical implications into a single evidence‑based framework. Why Sleep Is a Longevity Pillar Sleep regulates: Hormonal balance (insulin, cortisol, growth hormone) Immune surveillance and inflammation Brain waste clearance (glymphatic system) Cellular repair and mitochondrial function When sleep is consistently insufficient or fragmented, these systems deteriorate in parallel — accelerating biological aging. Population‑Level Evidence: Sleep and Life Expectancy County‑Level Data Across the United States A major epidemiological analysis published in Sleep Advances  (2025) examined sleep ...

Abstract Longevity is influenced by a combination of genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors. This review synthesizes evidence on modifiable determinants of lifespan, emphasizing metabolic health, physical fitness, sleep, psychosocial factors, and behavioral interventions. Epidemiologic and interventional studies indicate that preserving muscle mass, maintaining cardiorespiratory fitness, optimizing metabolic markers, and sustaining social connectedness confer substantial reductions in all-cause mortality. Practical strategies, including resistance training, moderate-intensity aerobic activity, caloric moderation, sleep hygiene, and stress management, are highlighted as high-impact, evidence-supported interventions to extend healthspan. Keywords: longevity, insulin resistance, metabolic health, muscle mass, cardiorespiratory fitness, sleep,  stress management, healthspan 1. Introduction Human longevity is determined by complex interactions between genetics and lifestyle. Wh...

Glutathione deficiency is one of the most consistent and earliest biochemical abnormalities found in Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Long before neurons are lost, the brain’s primary intracellular antioxidant is already depleted—leaving neurons vulnerable to oxidative stress, mitochondrial failure, and inflammation. This pillar page serves as a comprehensive, evidence-based hub explaining glutathione’s role in brain health, why it declines in neurodegenerative disease, and how it fits into modern systems medicine and metabolic models of neurodegeneration. Table of Contents What Is Glutathione? Why the Brain Depends on Glutathione Oxidative Stress and Neurodegeneration Glutathione in Parkinson’s Disease Glutathione in Alzheimer’s Disease Cause or Consequence? Why Glutathione Declines With Age Glutathione, Mitochondria & Metabolic Health Can Glutathione Be Restored? Biomarker & Clinical Implications Systems Medicine Perspective Key Takeaways What Is Glutathione? Glu...

Can diet, lifestyle and anti aging supplements reverse your age? This comprehensive guide examines the latest, scientifically-backed anti-aging supplements and methods, drawing on over 1,000 references and studies. By exploring both the biological hallmarks of aging and the most promising interventions, this article aims to provide readers with practical, evidence-based insights into how to support healthy aging and potentially extend lifespan. However, search engine results for "anti-aging" are largely dominated by skin care products and beauty guides. In reality, anti-aging science goes far beyond skin deep.  Conventional medicine focuses on treating the symptoms of injury, illness or disease. This passive system of treatment can extend lifespan but does not proactively improve health, leaving millions of people with a poor quality of life in their later years and the associated economic challenges they face.A proactive...