Quick answer: Longevity is about adding life to your years, not just years to your life. My approach looks for the root causes of chronic health issues, such as inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, hormone imbalance and toxic load, and supports the biological processes that drive aging through four pillars: nutrition, sleep and circadian rhythm, lifestyle practices, and targeted support when needed.
Key takeaways
Longevity is about adding life to your years, not only years to your life.
The approach looks for root drivers such as inflammation, mitochondrial strain and hormone imbalance that can speed up aging.
Four pillars guide the plan: nutrition, sleep and circadian rhythm, lifestyle practices and targeted support when needed.
Root causes I look for
The root causes I look for include chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and immune imbalance and autoimmunity. I also look at hormone imbalances (thyroid, adrenal, sex hormones and insulin), detoxification challenges and toxic load, and cardiometabolic risk.
The biology of aging I target
The biology of aging I target includes genomic instability and epigenetic changes, loss of protein quality control and disabled autophagy, and deregulated nutrient sensing. It also includes cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion and altered communication between cells.
The pillars of practicing longevity
- Nutrition: nutrient-dense, protein-forward eating (see foundational nutrition)
- Sleep and circadian rhythm: light, timing and recovery (see sleep optimization)
- Lifestyle practices: strength training, movement, cold and heat, and fewer toxins (see strength training and cold and heat therapies)
- Targeted support: botanicals, breathwork and, when helpful, testing (see functional labs)
Functional labs are optional. They can be helpful in more complex cases, and in my practice they are available only to patients working 1-on-1 with me.
When to see a naturopathic doctor
It may be time to see a naturopathic doctor if you want a proactive, root-cause plan for healthy aging, or if you have chronic symptoms that have not been explained. The same is true if you want to coordinate supplements, nutrition and lifestyle, or if you want to understand your personal risk factors.
Ready to thrive, not just survive?
A free 15-minute consultation with Dr. Kneessi. No cost, no obligation. In-office in Odenton, MD or by telehealth.
Questions to bring to your clinician
These questions can help you get the most out of your next visit.
Which of the four longevity pillars should I focus on first given my current health?
Which labs or assessments would help us understand healthy aging in my case?
Which daily habits are most likely to make a difference for healthy aging for me?
How long would it be reasonable to try these steps for healthy aging before we review them together?
Frequently asked questions
What is longevity medicine?
An approach focused on extending healthspan, the years you live in good health, by addressing the drivers of aging.
Do I need functional labs to start?
No. Most people start with nutrition, sleep and movement. Labs are optional and can help in complex cases.
What is the most important longevity habit?
Regular exercise, especially strength training, along with sleep, has some of the strongest evidence.
Do you offer telehealth?
Yes. I see patients in Odenton, MD and by telehealth.
Sources
- López-Otín C, et al. Hallmarks of aging: An expanding universe. Cell 2023. PMID: 36599349. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36599349/
- Ferrucci L, Fabbri E. Inflammageing: chronic inflammation in ageing, cardiovascular disease, and frailty. Nat Rev Cardiol 2018. PMID: 30065258. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6146930/
- Sun N, Youle RJ, Finkel T. The Mitochondrial Basis of Aging. Mol Cell 2016. PMID: 26942670. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4779179/
- Rubinsztein DC, Mariño G, Kroemer G. Autophagy and aging. Cell 2011. PMID: 21884931. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21884931/
- Kirkland JL, Tchkonia T. Cellular Senescence: A Translational Perspective. EBioMedicine 2017. PMID: 28416161. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5514381/
- National Institute on Aging: What Do We Know About Healthy Aging?
- MedlinePlus: Healthy Aging
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not replace an individual evaluation. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting supplements or changing medications, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or managing a health condition.
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