Biohacking Weekly 42: Why Bryan Johnson Takes Methylene Blue

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

IN THIS EDITION

1. Bryan Johnson makes methylene blue part of his anti aging routine
2. Heart-healthy Nordic diet
3. The comeback of kefir
4. The age-defying power of strength training
5. Lifespan benefits of ocean proximity

1. 🔵 Bryan Johnson Takes Methylene Blue in His Quest for Longevity

Bryan Johnson, biohacker and tech entrepreneur behind the “Project Blueprint,” recently posted on X that his “urine is now blue,” following the start of methylene blue supplementation.

Methylene blue was first made in the 1800s as a dye and later used as a medicine for a rare blood condition. Today, scientists have found that it can act like a “helper” in our cells’ power plants (mitochondria), making them produce more energy and less waste. In one lab study, it helped protect brain support cells from damage caused by lack of oxygen and sugar, helping them recover faster. (Choudhury G et al., PLoS ONE, 2015)

Research in brain cells also shows that methylene blue can lower harmful molecules called free radicals and protect nerve cells from toxins. (Poteet E et al., PLoS ONE, 2012) A scientific review also suggests that at low doses, it may improve memory and protect brain function by keeping mitochondria healthy. (Rojas JC et al., Prog Neurobiol., 2012)

Read the full post on X

2. 🐟 Nordic Diet Shows Strong Heart and Metabolic Benefits

In a recent New York Times article, Danish Cancer Institute epidemiologist Dr. Cecilie Kyro highlighted how the Nordic diet supports cardiovascular and metabolic health. Common in Scandinavian countries, it centers on whole grains like oats, rye, and barley, root vegetables, berries, fatty fish, and rapeseed oil.

Her research links the diet’s fiber-rich foods to lower LDL cholesterol and reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer. Omega-3 fats from fish and canola oil, combined with low saturated fat, may help prevent heart attack and stroke. In a Swedish trial, six weeks on the diet led to more weight loss and sharper drops in blood pressure and cholesterol than a Western diet. A 2023 review also found it may reduce cardiovascular mortality while providing nutrient-dense, minimally processed meals low in sugar and sodium.

Read the full article on The New York Times

3. 🥛 Kefir Returns to the Spotlight — And It’s Packed With Probiotic Power

For over thousands of years, people have been sipping kefir — not just for its refreshing tang, but for its unmatched probiotic power. Unlike its close cousin yogurt, kefir contains more diverse strains of microbes, including probiotics like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. This diversity is linked to added benefits such as weight management, heart health, and better digestion.

A Stanford University study found that high intake of fermented foods like kefir was associated with lower inflammation markers. Packed with proteins, B-vitamins, calcium, magnesium, and bioactive peptides, kefir supports gut health, immunity, and healthy blood pressure — all in a naturally tangy, fizzy drink.

A 2022 National Library of Medicine review found kefir can antagonise harmful pathogens, reduce inflammatory cytokines, fight tumour cells, and improve blood sugar and lipid levels.

Read the full article on The Independent

4. 🏋 How Weightlifting Can Be the Key to Ageing Well

The Guardian recently profiled women in their 70s, 80s, and even 90s who are defying stereotypes by lifting heavy and thriving. From Joan MacDonald, who started at 70, to Ernestine Shepherd, an 89-year-old competitive bodybuilder, their stories prove it’s never too late to build strength and vitality.

Experts say women who skip strength training are missing out on life-changing benefits — many of which are especially powerful for ageing bodies. Lifting builds muscle at any age while also protecting bone density, a crucial defense against osteopenia and osteoporosis, which disproportionately affect women.

Weight training has also been linked to improved cognitive function, helping to keep the mind sharp alongside the body. For older people, these benefits aren’t just about fitness — they’re about extending independence, healthspan, and quality of life well into the later decades.

Read the full article on The Guardian

5. 🌊 Coastal Living Could Give You an Extra Year

People who live within roughly 48 kilometers (30 miles) of the ocean or gulf may enjoy at least one extra year of life, according to research from Ohio State University. The analysis covered over 66,000 census tracts and found that coastal living’s longevity boost may come from milder temperatures, cleaner air, higher average income, and more opportunities for recreation and physical activity.

By contrast, urban residents near inland rivers or large lakes (over 10 km²) may have slightly shorter lifespans, linked to pollution, flood risks, and fewer activity options.

The findings show that not all “blue spaces” are equally beneficial — oceans offer unique advantages that inland waterways often lack, highlighting how geography can directly influence health and longevity.

Read the full article on Neuroscience News