Biohacking Weekly 33: The Brain Cost of Poor Blood Sugar Control

This is Biohacking Weekly- A curated news roundup designed to help you increase your longevity, improve healthspan and access OptimOZ promotions.

IN THIS EDITION

1. Inside King Charles III’s longevity lifestyle
2. Broccoli's secret weapon for brain health
3. New therapy restores endurance in hours
4. Diabetes’ hidden damage
5. Four main players in promoting healthy lifespan

1. 👑 Royal Resilience: King Charles III and the Modern Path to Longevity

In the spirit of the King’s Birthday holiday, it’s a fitting time to highlight how King Charles III is quietly redefining healthy aging — combining medical transparency with a disciplined, plant-forward lifestyle.

After publicly sharing his cancer diagnosis in early 2024 — a “conscious choice” to support others — King Charles has continued his royal duties while undergoing treatment, embracing a science-backed, proactive approach to health.

His long-standing habits reflect the principles of modern health optimization:

• Plant-Rich Diet: The King reportedly avoids meat two days a week and skips dairy one day a week. His meals focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and seeds — nutrient-dense choices known to support metabolic health and reduce inflammation.
• No Lunch: The King routinely skips lunch, calling it a “luxury that gets in the way of his work,” opting instead for a late, hearty breakfast — often fruit and savory foods rather than sweets.
• Functional Fitness: Charles practices the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 5BX routine — an 11-minute daily exercise plan combining stretching, core work, and push-ups.
• Miles of Movement: In addition to 5BX, he’s known for taking long countryside walks — simple, consistent activity proven to benefit cardiovascular and metabolic health.

Read the full article on Business Insider

2. 🥦 Sulforaphane Shows Promise as Brain Protector

Recent research reveals that sulforaphane exerts neuroprotective effects through the activation of the Nrf2 pathway and the modulation of neuroinflammation, essentially acting like a cellular bouncer that kicks out harmful toxins while reducing brain inflammation.

Studies show that just seven days of sulforaphane supplementation can increase glutathione levels in the blood — your brain's most important antioxidant — suggesting this cruciferous compound could be a game-changer for cognitive health.

The implications extend far beyond just general brain wellness. Pre-clinical evidence consistently suggests that sulforaphane has a multi-faceted neuroprotective effect on Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology and prevents disease progression, while other studies demonstrate its ability to improve cognitive function following traumatic brain injury.

Read the full research articles on MDPI, PubMed and ScienceDirect

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If you’re like many Australians seeking cleaner, smarter ways to optimise your health, you’ve probably noticed sulforaphane popping up in conversations about healthspan.

With its roots in broccoli sprouts and seeds, sulforaphane is fast becoming the supplement of choice for those looking to support their body’s natural detox pathways, reduce everyday inflammation, maintain sharper focus, and boost sustained energy — all in one simple plant extract.

Learn why more Australians are making the switch

3. 🚶 Aging Adults Walk Farther After Mitochondrial Boost

A groundbreaking study published in Cell Reports Medicine reveals that a single dose of Elamipretide, a mitochondria-targeting peptide, significantly improved both cellular energy output and walking endurance in adults aged 60 and older. In just a few hours, participants showed better mitochondrial function and walked farther in endurance tests, hinting at a powerful new avenue to counteract age-related physical decline.

Why is this important? As we age, our mitochondria — the tiny power plants inside our cells — lose efficiency. This decline contributes to fatigue, reduced mobility, and metabolic issues. Elamipretide, by restoring mitochondrial function, may offer a new way to boost vitality, muscle function, and even extend healthspan. It’s still early, but this fast-acting treatment could pave the way for future therapies aimed at reversing aspects of biological aging.

Read the full research on PubMed

4. 🧠 Brain Thinning Could Be the Next Major Diabetes Complication

A recent study has revealed that type 2 diabetesdoesn’t just affect blood sugar — it may also age the brain faster. Researchers found that people with type 2 diabetes experienced significant thinning in key brain regions responsible for memory and decision-making. These changes resemble patterns seen in early Alzheimer’s, raising new concerns about the long-term cognitive effects of diabetes.

This discovery suggests that poor blood sugar control could quietly damage brain tissue over time. Experts are now urging early intervention — through diet, exercise, andglucose-lowering strategie — to not only prevent diabetes complications but also safeguard long-term brain health.

Read the full article on Diabetes.co.uk

5. ⏳ How a Longevity Researcher Supplements His Way to Better Aging

Dr. Eric Verdin, CEO and president of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging near San Francisco, has shared the four supplements he takes daily for healthy aging. The longevity researcher relies on vitamin D, vitamin B12, creatine, and omega-3 fatty acids as part of his personal health strategy.

As someone who dedicates his career to understanding how we age, Verdin's choices reflect current scientific understanding about nutrients that may support healthy aging processes.

These supplements target key areas of aging health:

• Creatine - helps maintain and build muscle mass while potentially improving cognitive performance.
• Vitamin D - promotes muscle and bone strength. Recent research suggests vitamin D may help slow down damage to our cells as we age, possibly protecting against age-related diseases.
• Vitamin B12 -  essential for forming red blood cells and DNA, supporting brain and nerve function. Deficiency — especially common with age — can lead to fatigue, memory loss, and nerve damage.
• Omega 3 - support cardiovascular and cognitive function. These healthy fats help lower blood pressure and improve heart and vessel function.

While supplements can't replace a healthy lifestyle, Verdin's science-backed approach offers insight into how aging researchers think about maintaining health as we grow older.

Read the full article on Business Insider