Performance

Longevity

Muscle Your Way to Optimal Health

We all know that increasing muscle mass boosts our metabolism and improves body composition. New research published in Endocrine Reviews has found that skeletal muscles play a pivotal role in optimizing numerous areas of your health. Skeletal muscles maintain your posture, facilitate voluntary movement, protect your joints and are essential for breathing and body temperature regulation. What’s more, emerging evidence shows that skeletal muscles can secrete hormone-like proteins, like an endocrine organ, which can communicate with cells, tissues and organs throughout the body. This muscle-based, molecular messaging system can help keep your body and brain in top condition and can improve liver and blood vessel health and even have an anti-aging effect on the skin. Here’s a look at how muscles can positively impact your health.

Move to release myokines

‍For the first time ever, researchers are beginning to understand the biochemical mechanisms that make exercise so beneficial. While there is still much to learn in this area, it’s clear that movement triggers skeletal muscles to release myokines. They are a group of hormone-like proteins that may have autocrine (talks to different parts of the same cell), paracrine (signals adjacent cells), and endocrine effects. The latter makes it possible to “talk” long-distance to tissues and organs throughout the body, including the brain, adipose tissue, bone, liver, gut, pancreas, vascular bed and skin. The result is relaying messages to take a specific health-protective action. For example, after a workout, your skeletal muscles secrete a myokine called IL-10, which sends a message to the immune cells in your liver to lower inflammation.

Muscle boosts brain function‍

Regular exercise and building muscle mass reduce anxiety and depression, bring more blood flow to the brain, and can even improve and preserve cognitive function.
In fact, researchers at McGill University found that low muscle mass is associated with faster cognitive decline.
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Movement encourages skeletal muscles to release two myokines, irisin and CTSB, that communicate with, and increase, levels of the molecule brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brain. BDNF promotes cell survival and regulates plastic changes related to learning and memory.

The muscle-immunity connection‍

Contracting muscles boost your immune system. They secrete several myokines, including IL-6 and IL-1RA, that help to regulate the function of immune cells such as macrophages and monocytes. IL-6 and IL-15 also regulate the maturation and distribution of natural killer (NK) cells that take action on tumors.
That’s not all: Active muscle produces an amino acid called glutamine, which is consumed by immune cells such as lymphocytes and macrophages to enhance their energy and performance.

Muscle benefits bone health‍

From a mechanical standpoint, moving your muscles regularly helps to maintain bone density, reduce your risk of fractures and improve bone healing. Additionally, exercise releases myokines Irisin, IL7 or IL15 from your muscles. These are associated with overall bone health, including formation, mineralization and recovery from fractures.

Your exercise prescription‍

It’s clearer than ever that fitness should be a priority in your lifespan and healthspan plan. How should you pump up? Research suggests that overall myokine levels are lower in moderate physical activity and abundant after workouts that are longer or high-intensity. Speak with your Fountain Life Health Coordinator for assistance in creating a fitness regimen that will bring out the best in your body, so you can live a long and healthy life.

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SOURCES
https://muhc.ca/news-and-patient-stories/news/ri-muhc-study-shows-association-low-muscle-mass-cognitive-decline#:~:text=Muscles%20also%20secrete%20molecules%20that,greater%20risk%20of%20cognitive%20decline.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2018.00698/full

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7288608/
https://www.nature.com/articles/nrrheum.2014.193

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21787-skeletal-muscle
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2020.582258/full
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fncel.2019.00363/full

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Muscle Your Way to Optimal Health

Move to release myokines

Muscle boosts brain function‍

The muscle-immunity connection‍

Muscle benefits bone health‍

Your exercise prescription‍

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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7288608/
https://www.nature.com/articles/nrrheum.2014.193

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21787-skeletal-muscle
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2020.582258/full
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fncel.2019.00363/full

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Empower yourself through strength training techniques aimed at promoting long-term physical fitness and overall health optimization.

5 Reasons You Should Start Exercising

Physical activity is more than just a solution to keep weight in check. It acts as a universal remedy, offering a myriad of benefits to our mental and physical health, thereby improving our overall wellbeing. Regular exercise can not only prolong your life but also mitigate depressive symptoms, improve sleep quality, and slow down mental deterioration. Here are 5 reasons you should start exercising right now:

1. Exercise helps you live longer

Consistent physical exercise contributes significantly to longevity by strengthening the body's vital functions and warding off chronic diseases. Several studies have revealed a correlation between regular exercise and an extension in lifespan, largely due to exercise's role in maintaining a healthy weight, boosting the immune system, and reducing risks of diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. A 30-year study on the role of moderate to heavy exercise in decreasing mortality revealed a strong connection between longer periods of exercise and longevity. The research showed that 150 – 300 minutes of vigorous exercise per week decreased all-cause mortality by 35% to 42%. Double the amount of moderate physical activity has a similar impact on mortality.

2. Exercise helps you sleep better

Regular exercise can significantly improve the quality of sleep by helping you fall asleep faster and deepening your sleep. Physical activity increases the amount of time spent in deep sleep, the most physically restorative sleep phase, where the body repairs and regrows tissues, builds bone and muscle, and strengthens the immune system. Additionally, the rise in body temperature during exercise may contribute to improved sleep by helping it drop during sleep, inducing a state of drowsiness.

3. Exercise staves off cognitive decline

Exercise also plays a vital role in combating cognitive decline, which is often associated with aging. Engaging in regular physical activity boosts the blood flow to the brain, nourishing the cells with vital oxygen and nutrients. Studies have shown that consistent exercise can lead to increased brain size and volume. A 2011 study revealed that moderate exercise training increased the size of the hippocampus (the part of the brain responsible for memory) by 2%, and even reversed age-related declines in brain size. Exercise also stimulates the production of hormones that can promote the growth of brain cells, enhance learning, and improve memory capabilities. In this way, regular physical activity can effectively slow down cognitive decline and even protect against dementia and Alzheimer's disease in older age. Another study found an inversely proportional relationship between the amount of exercise and subjects' self-reported experience of cognitive decline. These benefits also extend to subjects with Alzheimer's Disease and dementia.

4. Exercise slows the physiological effects of aging

Not only does exercise hamper cognitive decline, but it also slows and reverses the physiological signs of aging. As we age, our skeletal muscles undergo a process known as sarcopenia, characterized by a gradual loss of muscle mass and strength. This typically begins around the age of 30 and accelerates after 60. Factors contributing to sarcopenia include reductions in nerve cells responsible for sending signals from the brain to the muscles to start movement, a decrease in the ability to turn protein into energy, not getting enough calories or protein each day to sustain muscle mass, and a lack of physical activity. Not surprisingly, some form of exercise reduces the effects of age-related decline in muscle tissue, as well as overall physical performance such as strength, balance, endurance and flexibility.

5. Exercise treats depression and anxiety

Exercise can significantly contribute to the management of depression. Primarily, it stimulates the release of endorphins, often referred to as "feel-good" hormones, which induce a sense of well-being and euphoria. Physical activity also enhances the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood, sleep, and appetite, which is typically low in individuals suffering from depression. In addition, engaging in regular exercise can provide a sense of accomplishment, divert attention from stressful thoughts, and improve self-esteem. In fact, researchers have found that exercise is 150% more effective than antidepressants or cognitive behavior therapy at reducing moderate depression, anxiety and psychological distress. Moreover, the same study revealed that exercise programs of shorter duration have the greatest benefit in reducing psychological symptoms.

Regular exercise has the power to transform not only our physical health but also our mental and cognitive wellbeing. It can extend our lifespan, enhance sleep quality, slow cognitive decline, counteract the effects of aging, and even serve as an effective remedy for depression. These compelling reasons make incorporating regular physical activity into our daily routine a necessary part of any wellness plan.

Explore five compelling reasons to kickstart your fitness journey today and enjoy a healthier, longer life filled with energy.

5 Things You Can Do Right Now to Live Longer

With advances in medical science and an increased focus on healthy living, we have more control over our lifespan and healthspan than ever before. But the key to longevity isn't just about staying alive, it's about thriving in our golden years. Here, we provide simple, yet effective evidence-based strategies that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine to not only add more years to your life but also enhance your vitality and well-being as you age.

Exercise

Physical activity serves as a near-universal remedy for contemporary health issues. It enhances muscular strength, optimizes cardiovascular functioning, and diminishes the risk of injuries. Exercise has demonstrated multiple pathways through which it can effectively prolong one's lifespan.

A 2022 study illustrated the life-extending benefits of frequent exercise. Researchers analyzed the exercise and activity patterns of over 416,420 adults across a 30 year period. Applying a Cox regression analysis to the self-reported activity data, researchers found that moderate aerobic exercise (defined as 150–299 minutes per week) resulted in a 19% to 25% lower risk of all-cause, cardiovascular disease, and non-cardiovascular disease mortality. Vigorous exercise was less effective at reducing mortality, but still had an impact (2% to 4%).

Most notably, the gains in longevity were more pronounced for those who hadn’t exercised previously, indicating that those new to fitness stand to improve their health at a greater degree than people who’ve always exercised regularly. This is good news if you’ve just begun your physical fitness journey.

Adding muscle strengthening exercise to one’s fitness and activity routine also impacts longevity. Another study looked at activity and mortality data from 1997 to 2014, with researchers performing the same regression analysis to correlate exercise level with all-cause mortality. The study found that one hour per week of muscle strengthening exercise provided a reduction in all-cause mortality, with gains up to 3 hours, at which point the benefits begin to decline.

According to these two studies, an optimal exercise program would include five hours of aerobic activity, plus up to three hours of muscle strengthening exercise per week. Even if you do one of these activities, you will still be lowering your risk of mortality across several areas.

If you are considering starting or adding to your current workout routine, consider adding functional fitness. The purpose of functional fitness is to mimic everyday movements so that your body is strong enough to function without injury. Good exercises to try are squats and lunges for legs, and pushups and dips for upper body and core. Using large muscle groups with these exercises not only provides strength- and muscle-building benefits, but it also raise your heartrate to give aerobic and cardiovascular benefits.

You might have seen articles on the practice called “rucking”, which is essentially walking over hills with a weighted backpack. This activity provides aerobic benefits and strengthens the lower body in two different ways. First, climbing hills works the calves, hamstrings, quadriceps and gluteus muscles. Going downhill engages the knees and hip flexors, which are very important in stopping forward motion, such as when you trip or fall. Lack of strength and flexibility in these muscles causes falls in older people, which are a leading cause of injury and illness.

Change your diet

Food is our fuel for living. It makes perfect sense that when we put better fuel into our bodies, we reap the rewards in improved health and vitality. But the food we eat often determines how well, and how long, we’ll live.The link between diet and longevity was illustrated in a research study that correlated various healthy eating patterns, with human mortality. This study compared the mortality of a cohort of over 100,000 to their eating patterns, as defined in the chart below:

The analysis found that the less likely a person was to eat in any one of these dietary patterns, the greater their likelihood of death from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and respiratory disease. In addition, the Alternate Mediterranean Diet and Alternative Healthy Eating diet were inversely associated with mortality from neurodegenerative disease.Even if you don’t follow one of the eating plans mentioned above, you can still realize longevity gains by making other changes in your diet consistent with these food regimes.

Reduce saturated fats/increase healthy fats: Replacing all your added fats with extra-virgin olive oil is a good way to increase your monounsaturated fatty acids, which are responsible for the “good” cholesterol in your blood.
Increase fiber: Research findings indicate that individuals who have a higher intake of dietary fiber demonstrate a notable reduction, ranging from 15% to 30%, in mortality rates related to all causes and cardiovascular incidents. Moreover, these individuals exhibit a lower prevalence of coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and colorectal cancer when compared to those with a lower fiber intake in their diet. The range for high fiber in this study was between 25 grams and 29 grams of fiber per day.

The best way to increase dietary fiber, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, is to increase the amount of plant-based foods in your diet. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and nuts are excellent sources of fiber.

Get better sleep

In the hustle and bustle of our modern lives, it's easy to overlook the importance of a good night's sleep. We often sacrifice those precious hours of rest for work, socializing, or binge-watching our favorite shows. But sleep is not a luxury: it is a fundamental pillar of a longer, healthier life.

While most sleep studies have investigated sleep duration as a factor in health, several studies have looked at the quality of sleep as a determining factor in longevity and mortality. One such study investigated the correlation between sleep quality and cardiovascular disease mortality.

Researchers combined chronotype (one’s propensity to be a “morning person” or an “evening person”), duration, insomnia complaints, snoring, and daytime sleepiness to devise an index for measuring sleep quality.This index was applied to over 140,000 health records, and the results showed a reduction of about two years of CVD-free life for poor sleepers when compared to those with average-quality sleep. Moreover, women and men with sleep disorders (eg, insomnia) lost 1.4 and 3.8 years free of cardiovascular disease.

Similar results were reported in another study using a multi-factorial approach to sleep quality, though looked at mortality across several conditions. In the second study, researchers created their sleep quality index using the following factors:

Ideal sleep duration of seven to eight hours per night
Difficulty falling asleep no more than two times per week
Trouble staying asleep no more than two times per week
Not using any sleep medication
Feeling well rested after waking up at least five days per week

The results of this study revealed that subjects who had all five of the characteristics above (high quality) were 30% less likely to die from any cause than those with zero or one characteristic. These individuals with high sleep quality were 21% less likely to die from cardiovascular disease, 19% less likely to die from cancer, and 40% less likely to die of causes other than heart disease or cancer.Longevity expert and Fountain Life founder Dr. Peter Diamandis counts sleep as one of his longevity pillars and uses several techniques to ensure he gets eight hours of high-quality sleep.

Unplug: turn off electronic devices and the television 30 minutes before bed. Diamandis’ wind down includes donning blue-light-blocking glasses, which help the body produce enough melatonin to get and stay asleep, and dimming the lights.
Establish a sleep routine: go to bed/sleep at the same time each day. You can also create other bedtime practices that signal to your body that it’s time to sleep.
Stop snoring: Snoring can be a symptom of sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing stops and starts during the night. Using devices that keep your airway open, like a CPAP machine or mandibular alignment device, can help you get a better night’s sleep.

The National Sleep Foundation also maintains guidelines for good sleep which center around tools to assess and manage sleep satisfaction, sleep quality, and sleep duration. You can use these tools and suggestions to better manage the effectiveness of your sleep.

Get your mind right

Mental health is a crucial component of overall wellness, profoundly impacting lifespan. Research has indicated that mental health conditions, especially depression and anxiety, can shorten life expectancy due to the heightened risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes. Moreover, sound mental health fosters healthier lifestyle choices and habits, including regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep, all contributing to an extended lifespan. It is also observed that a positive mental state bolsters the immune system, enhancing the body's resistance to various diseases. Hence, investing in mental health isn't solely about enriching the quality of life, but it's also a step towards longevity.

One life factor that affects your mental health is happiness. Happiness researchers have illustrated the connection between living a happy life and longevity. One study followed a group of elderly people for either 10 or 30 years to track their health and well-being. Over the course of that time, they were given a survey each year to measure their level of happiness and optimism. The results revealed that the subjects who lived the longest reported the highest levels of positive emotion.

An estimated 5% of adults experience depression, and almost 17% of adults will experience depression at some point in their lifetime. Depression has a direct result on physiological function, as it is often accompanied by various physical symptoms such as sleep disturbances, changes in appetite and weight, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Scientists have investigated the connection between depression. In a study published in the Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, the respondents’ performance on strength and functional tests was plotted against the respondents’ level of depression. The results showed that those who suffered from depression performed statistically significantly worse on functional tests than those without.Another aspect of mental health is overall cognitive function, which declines with age as well as with the onset of various types of dementia. While there are treatments that can improve cognitive decline once it starts, the best defense is prevention. Harvard-affiliated, Massachusetts General Hospital neuroscientist Rudolph Tanzi has developed an acronym – SHIELD – as a mnemonic for remembering how to protect your brain from deterioration:

Sleep
Handle stress
Interact with friends
Exercise daily
Learn new things
Daily exercise

Practice preventive healthcare

As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Preventive healthcare plays a fundamental role in extending longevity by allowing early detection and management of potential health issues. Regular check-ups and screenings can effectively identify problems in their initial stages when they are usually easier and less expensive to treat. Preventive healthcare also promotes healthier lifestyles, encouraging individuals to adopt habits like a balanced diet, regular exercise, and good sleep hygiene. These habits help to mitigate the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes, which are leading causes of premature death.

Longevity medicine is an important part of preventive care. It is an emerging branch of medical science focusing on the promotion of healthy aging via the prevention of the maladies that come with getting sick and getting older. Its primary aim is not just to prolong human life but to extend the years of health, productivity, and quality of life.

Longevity medicine targets the biological process of aging itself, comprising strategies and therapies that slow the rate of aging and decrease the risk of age-associated diseases. This field of medicine takes a comprehensive approach to health, considering the whole body and its intricate systems, and uses the latest advancements in genomics, biotechnology, and molecular biology to decipher the underlying causes of aging and related diseases. The goal of longevity medicine is not just to increase our lifespan, but to allow us to live healthier for a longer time.

Fountain Life employs preventive and longevity medicine through advanced diagnostics that help detect pre-symptomatic disease so that you can live a healthier, longer life. Fountain Life’s diagnostics are centered around the diseases and conditions that are the most salient causes of premature death, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. Preventive diagnostics are proven to have an impact on catching and curing these conditions.

The impact of preventative diagnostics in assessing the risk for cardiovascular disease has been illustrated in the scientific community. In the “Framingham experiment”, a well-known, multigenerational study of a specific population in Massachusetts, revealed the genetic component involved in cardiovascular disease risk, proving that CVD is tied to inheritable traits. Fountain Life’s test for heart disease risk factors can now use a blood test to determine whether certain genes are present in your body. Cancer screening using genetic biomarkers is also a part of Fountain Life’s preventive diagnostics and is available with all Fountain Life programs. Our testing uses blood serum and advanced machine learning to detect and analyze a person’s risk for developing certain cancers.

To learn more about Fountain Life's programs, connect today!

Implement these five actionable strategies now to enhance your longevity and improve your quality of life significantly.

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Time Anxiety Could Be Ruining Your Productivity

Do deadlines make you particularly anxious? Do you constantly worry that you’ll be late for appointments? If so, you have been experiencing a condition called time anxiety, and it can rob your productivity. Time anxiety is a general sense of stress or unease related to time. It involves feeling pressured, overwhelmed, or anxious about time-related factors like dates, appointments, and being late. While time anxiety presents itself in many ways, there are also solutions and treatments for this often-debilitating condition.

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‍Identifying Time Anxiety

‍Most people experience anxiety when they are late, or if they have missed an important meeting. However, when you live with time anxiety, your feelings about time-related concepts often exist without concrete reasons or triggers. Time anxiety is accompanied by various features that manifest in an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the following ways:

Constant Worry: People with time anxiety often experience continued worry about the passage of time. They often feel pressure when faced with deadlines, often worrying that they won't have enough time to complete tasks. This worry can extend to worries about lateness and about missing appointments, or manifest as an overall unease about the day getting later.

Fear of the Future: There is often an underlying fear of the future associated with time anxiety. People may worry about potential negative outcomes of planned or unknown activities. Those with this feature of time anxiety may worry about specific events in the future or may deal with existential dread, a generalized worry about the passage of time and the unknowable future.

Sense of Urgency: The average person feels motivated to complete time-limited or urgent projects. However, people with time anxiety may feel a heightened sense of urgency in their actions. always rushing to complete tasks or meet deadlines, even when the situation might not require immediate attention.

Procrastination: Though they are obsessed with lateness and deadlines, some people with time anxiety may also engage in procrastination. The fear of not having enough time can be overwhelming, and that fear can lead to avoiding tasks until the last minute. Unsurprisingly, procrastination feeds on existing anxiety and causes further worry.

Feeling uneasy when you don’t get around to everything you had planned to: ?When Alex Lickerman, MD, described this factor of time anxiety, he used a vacation as a metaphor. When you go away, you make plans and create timelines. Before a trip, you may look at upcoming plans with pleasant anticipation. However, if you don’t complete all your plans, you may become more preoccupied with the sites and attractions you missed than with those you could see. This dwelling on the negative can turn into obsession with what was missed, and a self-renewing cycle of anxiety and regret.

Impaired Time Management: Paradoxically, even with their intense focus on time and time-related concepts, people with time anxiety may struggle with effective time management. The anxiety may interfere with their ability to plan and prioritize tasks efficiently. Procrastination falls under this umbrella, as do misjudging the time it takes to complete a task or misunderstanding the tools needed to keep an effective schedule.

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Treatment is Available for Time Anxiety

The good news is that time anxiety can be treated with intervention by mental health professionals and others who treat mental and emotional maladies. Treatments for time anxiety are like those for other types of anxiety. They range from the clinical to the recreational. The Cleveland Clinic notes that these four treatments are effective for people with time anxiety:

Talk therapy - A licensed therapist will help you uncover the source of your condition and provide a safe space to explore the lifestyle components of your time anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – CBT deals with identifying the thoughts that trigger compulsive activities, and then “retraining” the brain to choose healthier responses to anxiety.

Hypnotherapy – A licensed hypnotherapist uses focus and breathing to bring you into a calm, dream-like state. In that position, you can feel safe to explore experiences and trauma that may have led to time anxiety. A hypnotherapist can also give you a post-hypnotic suggestion, which will replace anxious thoughts and behaviors once you wake up.

Meditation – Many people use meditation to treat various forms of anxiety, and it can be used to treat time anxiety. Meditation trains you on how to breathe and focus your mind in a particular way that calms your mind and reduces your stress response. In a calmer state, your anxiety will lessen.

Time-related mental conditions like time anxiety can be very debilitating. Fortunately, once it is identified properly, you can receive treatments to make it less of a disruption to your life.

Understand the implications of time anxiety on productivity and learn time management strategies that cultivate efficiency and balance.

Unmasking the Hidden Threat

New studies link endocrine disrupting chemicals with reproductive health

The human endocrine system comprises a network of glands that produce and secrete hormones, which are chemical substances responsible for controlling a range of bodily functions. The major glands that make up the endocrine system include the pineal gland, pituitary gland, pancreas, ovaries, testes, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, hypothalamus, and adrenal glands. These glands regulate various body functions such as metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, and mood, among others. The system operates via feedback mechanisms that maintain a stable internal environment, or homeostasis, within the body.

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) are a class of environmental toxins that can interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system. These chemicals can mimic, block, or alter the hormones in the body, leading to a disruption in the body's normal hormone balance. New research have connected EDC exposure to disrupt metabolic and reproductive health in men and women.

New Studies Link Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals with Reproductive Health

We are exposed to EDCs every day

Commonly encountered Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals include Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and certain pesticides. BPA is frequently found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, often used in food and beverage packaging and toys. Phthalates are commonly used in PVC plastics, cosmetics, and medical devices. PCBs were once widely used in coolants, flame retardants, and insulators, and despite being banned in the 1970s, residues persist in the environment. Certain pesticides, such as DDT, used to control pests in agriculture, can also act as endocrine disruptors. These chemicals often enter our bodies through the consumption of contaminated food and water, inhalation of polluted air, or physical contact with contaminated products. EDCs also include parabens, commonly used as food preservatives; and triclosan,?an antimicrobial compound used in personal care products.

EDCs have effects on women’s reproductive and metabolic systems

In this year’s studies, researchers identified impacts of EDCs on women’s reproductive health, including:

Early menopause
Endometriosis
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Delayed menarche
Uterine fibroids

Several of these conditions are not only disruptive to reproduction, but they also increase the risk of breast and uterine cancers. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals were also found to cause metabolic syndrome, a disease that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and stroke – three of the most life-limiting health conditions.

Men’s reproductive health also takes a turn when exposed to EDCs

In a separate research review of endocrine disruptors on men, the team found that the chemicals caused several reproductive issues, including:

Irregular testosterone levels
Infertility
Reduced sperm production, quality, and motility
Testicular abnormalities and cancer

These conditions not only impact fertility but can be life-threatening Low testosterone is associated with loss of bone density and muscle mass; high testosterone is associated with prostate cancer.

How to reduce exposure to endocrine disruptive chemicals

Choose household and personal care products formulated without EDCs
Look for plastic bottles that are BPA free, and better yet, drink from reusable bottles
Limit plastic usage in your home, and replace it with wood, glass, or metal
Eat organic foods that have not been exposed to pesticides

Fountain Life can help

As part of our APEX membership, Fountain Life delivers diagnostics that test for the effects of these dangerous chemicals in your body. Fountain Life offers a comprehensive suite of tests that help to identify damage caused by environmental chemicals such as EDC's. With our APEX Membership, Fountain Life can help you identify diseases before you have symptoms, and provide a suite of diagnostics and therapeutics to keep you performing and living at your best.

Identify concealed health threats hidden in routine checkups and gain insights into comprehensive prevention strategies for optimal wellness.

Understanding Hard Plaque vs. Soft Plaque

Your heart is the engine that keeps your body running, and taking care of it should be a top priority. Heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, and one of its primary culprits is the buildup of arterial plaque. While many people are familiar with the concept of plaque in the arteries, it's crucial to understand the difference between hard and soft plaque and how getting preventative heart scans, such as Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA), can help prevent heart attacks, aneurysms, and other life-threatening conditions.

The plaque predicament

Arterial plaque is a substance that builds up inside your arteries over time. This plaque is composed of various substances, including cholesterol, fat, calcium, and cellular waste. However, not all plaque is created equal. Plaque can be categorized into two primary types: hard and soft plaque.

Hard plaque vs. soft plaque

Hard Plaque: Hard plaque, also known as calcified plaque, is the more stable and older form of arterial buildup. It is characterized by the presence of calcium deposits within the plaque itself. This calcium makes the plaque hard and inflexible, like a rigid shell. Over time, hard plaque can narrow the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle. It may eventually lead to a condition called coronary artery disease (CAD) or atherosclerosis.

Soft Plaque: Soft plaque, on the other hand, is the more dangerous and volatile form of arterial buildup. Unlike hard plaque, soft plaque is composed of fatty deposits and inflammatory cells, making it soft and unstable. This type of plaque can rupture suddenly, leading to blood clots that can block blood flow to the heart or other vital organs. When a blood clot obstructs an artery supplying the heart, it can result in a heart attack. Soft plaque is also associated with an increased risk of aneurysms, which are potentially life-threatening bulges in blood vessel walls.

Preventative heart scans: The role of CCTA

Now that we understand the difference between hard and soft plaque, it's clear why preventative measures are so crucial. One of the most effective tools in early detection and prevention is the Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) scan. CCTA is a non-invasive imaging test that uses advanced CT technology to create detailed, 3D images of the coronary arteries. Here's how CCTA can help:

Early Detection: CCTA can identify both hard and soft plaque in the coronary arteries, allowing for early intervention and treatment.

Risk Assessment: By assessing the type and extent of plaque present, CCTA can help determine your risk of heart disease, heart attack, and aneurysms.
Treatment Planning: Based on the findings from a CCTA scan, healthcare providers can develop personalized treatment plans, which may include lifestyle changes, medications, or even procedures to remove or bypass blockages.
Assessment of Anomalies: CCTA can also identify other cardiac anomalies, such as congenital heart defects or abnormalities in the structure of the coronary arteries.
Peace of Mind: Regular CCTA scans can provide peace of mind for individuals at higher risk of heart disease, allowing them to monitor changes in plaque buildup over time and make necessary adjustments to their health regimen.

Comprehend the key differences between hard and soft plaque and their significance in managing cardiovascular health effectively.

The Secret to Living a Longer and Healthier Life

Precision Diagnostics is the most critical thing you can do to reduce chronic illness risk.

You may be doing all you can to lead an active, healthy lifestyle through diet, exercise and annual physicals, yet heart disease, cancer and stroke still account for 77 percent of all deaths in people over the age of 65. The grim statistics are mostly due to the fact that regular medicine still relies on 200-year-old diagnostics tools to forecast your health. Fortunately, Fountain Life’s cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and new data collection technologies allow us to see inside the body in a way that was never before possible. That means masses or abnormalities that would previously have gone unnoticed can now be caught in their earliest phases when non-invasive intervention is still highly effective. With this incredible technology at your fingertips, we truly believe that 100 is the new 60!

By focusing on prevention and early detection, the superior science behind Precision Diagnostics can significantly delay or even prevent diseases such as: cancer, neurodegenerative, and cardiovascular conditions. It can also stave off illnesses caused by insulin resistance, autoimmunity, and inflammation. Precision Diagnostics testing has proved to be a life-saving tool for our clients.

Your ticket to longevity begins with taking advantage of Fountain Life’s Precision Diagnostics package, which includes a full body and brain MRI with Artificial Intelligence, AI Coronary Artery Scan, Early Cancer Detection Test, Executive Blood Panel, Biological Age, Whole Genome Sequencing, Gut Microbiome Analysis, DEXA Bone Density Scan and a detailed return of results with a Fountain Life physician.

Here’s a brief summary of each part of our essential health package:
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Full Body and Brain MRI

Our non-invasive MRI provides a snapshot of the entire body and brain, then links it with AI to scan for any abnormalities. Custom MRI protocols have a high accuracy in cancer detection, while specific organs can be imaged in detail for advanced protocols. The leading AI technology can also analyze brain patterns to detect neurodegenerative diseases in their infancy.

AI Coronary Artery Scan

If there’s a heart attack looming in your future three, five or 10 years down the road, this new AI-guided approach to Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA) allows us to detect the warning signs so you can take actions to prevent it. We do this by accurately assessing your present-day heart disease risk by identifying newer, soft plaque that is prone to rupture. By using a non-invasive injection of an iodinated contrast media, the AI Coronary Artery Scan can examine the arteries that supply blood to your heart and determine whether they have narrowed. This visual snapshot allows us to implement changes and treatments where necessary so we can prevent heart attack, heart failure, stroke and even dementia.

Executive Blood Panel

Receive a comprehensive blood work panel to assess your kidney and liver function; vitamin, mineral and hormone levels; lipid panel; and glucose markers. This test will flag potential health risks and enable our team to make suggestions to optimize your health and performance – including nutritional and lifestyle changes.

Early Cancer Detection

Detect cancer in its early stages with our multi-cancer early detection blood test. This simple test screens for over 50 types of cancer—over 45 of which lack regular screening tests today. This multi-cancer early detection test is effective in finding cancers at stages 0 to 1, enabling doctors to treat before cancer spreads or causes harm.

DEXA Bone Density Scan

Our DEXA bone density scan measures the mineral content of your bones and, ultimately, your bone strength. This provides helpful details on your risk for osteoporosis (bone loss) and fractures (bone breaks). The DEXA scan can track bone health changes over time and monitor treatment to determine its efficacy. DEXA also measures body composition, such as body fat and muscle mass.

Gut Microbiome Analysis

Keeping the balance between good and bad bacteria is essential for optimal immunity, digestion, and overall health. Assessing GI can be especially helpful for those who have vague symptoms that they have been unable to previously diagnose, as well as conditions including inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Determine Your Biological Age

This epigenetic test looks at methylation markers on your DNA to predict your biological age in comparison to your chronological age, and further determine how these changes will affect your body and overall health. The test looks at over 900,000 locations on the DNA, then uses a machine learning algorithm to find correlations linked to health outcomes. Your biological age determined by this test is potentially more accurate at predicting health span (how healthy you are) and lifespan (how long you will live) than any previous molecular biomarker.

Whole Genome Sequencing

Sequence your DNA with whole-exome sequencing for the broadest insight possible into your DNA. This genomic testing is the first to integrate DNA sequencing data with lab values and other properties to enable us to better understand how your DNA affects your health. Using sophisticated computer algorithms, we can link the gene variations you have to peer-reviewed published papers to determine the impact of even very rare mutations. The database contains more than 350,000 associations between genomic mutations and health-related findings, making it the world’s most powerful DNA test.

Unlock proven strategies and insights that contribute to living a longer, healthier life filled with joy and fulfillment.

Live at your Pinnacle

It’s not enough to just live longer, at Fountain Life we make it possible for you to live better so that you can live at the top of your health summit. Cutting-edge science and artificial intelligence (AI) tests offer insights into finding illness earlier than ever before. As a valued APEX member, our promise to you is to be the trusted fiduciary for all your health needs. From medical, nutritional and lifestyle recommendations, our primary goal is to extend lifespan while optimizing your health span.

Preventative, predictive and personalized care

Welcome to preventative, predictive and personalized health care that puts you at the center of your lifelong wellness journey. Fountain Life’s APEX membership offers early detection technology, advanced treatment plans and concierge medical service. The primary goal of this membership is to find illnesses in their infancy before they can cause harm, and then provide the necessary treatments and resources to turn the table on cancer, heart disease, dementia and a host of other ailments.

Your annual APEX Membership includes:

Full Body and Brain MRI with AI

A snapshot of the entire body and brain, which will identify any masses or abnormalities before they become symptomatic.

AI Coronary Artery Scan

Our AI Coronary Artery Scan, also known as Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA), allows us to accurately assess present-day heart disease risk, providing the opportunity to implement changes to prevent heart attack, heart failure, stroke and even dementia.

DEXA Bone Density Scan

Osteoporosis risk and fractures are detected as well as measuring the mineral content of bones and bone strength. Body fat and muscle mass are also determined.

4 Executive Blood Panels

Comprehensive blood work assesses kidney and liver function; vitamin, mineral and hormone levels; lipid panel and glucose makers. Four times a year this blood analysis will be conducted, and customized nutritional and lifestyle suggestions will help optimize your health and performance on an ongoing basis.

4 Review of Results

After each blood panel test, your personalized health coach will meet with you and adjust your programming and supplement recommendations according to the results obtained.

Early Cancer Detection Test

An annual screening of 50 types of cancer, more than 45 types of cancer that aren’t screened in regular testing. This multi-cancer early detection test is able to identify cancers at stage 0 to 1, permitting the luxury of proactive treatment in its infancy long before any harmful spread occurs.

Determine Your Biological Age

This epigenetic test looks at methylation markers on your DNA to predict your biological age in comparison to your chronological age, and further determine how these changes will affect your body and overall health. The test looks at over 900,000 locations on the DNA, then uses a machine learning algorithm to find correlations linked to health outcomes. Your biological age determined by this test is potentially more accurate at predicting healthspan (how healthy you are) and lifespan (how long you will live) than any previous molecular biomarker.

Whole Genome Sequencing

Heart Monitoring Analysis

If any flags occur as a result from the CCTA testing, your heart will be monitored throughout the year by our medical team ensuring effective treatments will reduce any risk of heart disease

Gut Microbiome Analysis

Concierge Physician

Access to a Fountain Life Concierge Physician to answer any medical and proactive health questions you have throughout your journey.

Health Coordinator

Contact your dedicated Fountain Life Health Coordinator for all scheduling inquiries, updates, questions and more.

Emotional Support

We recognize that preventative diagnostics can be an emotional journey for our members. That’s why, if and when disease is detected, our experienced medical team will chart out a therapeutic treatment plan and ensure that you feel safe and empowered throughout the entire process.

Superior healthcare is also about providing exceptional service, which means we’ll proactively take care of all scheduling. As an APEX member, your Fountain Life Healthcare Coordinator and Concierge Physician will proactively reach out to you to thoroughly review results and ensure all medications and supplements are up-to-date based on your latest test results. Anytime you need support on your health journey, our team is available via phone, text or teleconference; we make your healthcare needs are our highest priority.

Living at the top of your health summit means having a team of longevity scientists, physicians and health experts you can count on. We’re continually reviewing the latest advances in medical research so that we can identify compelling treatments for our patients. With Fountain Life Centers soon to be located around the world, our full suite of services and medical care will be available to members no matter where their travels take them.

Are you ready to reach your personal health apex?
Schedule a call today to learn more.

Live your best life by implementing core holistic principles that promote sustainability and resilience for long-term health.

Make Time Wait For You

Your journey to optimal health is in your hands, and we're here to support you every step of the way. Begin your new journey today.

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Muscle Your Way to Optimal Health

Move to release myokines

Muscle boosts brain function‍

The muscle-immunity connection‍

Muscle benefits bone health‍

Your exercise prescription‍

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Muscle Your Way to Optimal Health

Move to release myokines

Muscle boosts brain function‍

The muscle-immunity connection‍

Muscle benefits bone health‍

Your exercise prescription‍

5 Reasons You Should Start Exercising

1. Exercise helps you live longer

2. Exercise helps you sleep better

3. Exercise staves off cognitive decline

4. Exercise slows the physiological effects of aging

5. Exercise treats depression and anxiety

5 Things You Can Do Right Now to Live Longer

Exercise

Change your diet

Get better sleep

Get your mind right

Practice preventive healthcare

To learn more about Fountain Life's programs, connect today!

Exploring MRI with AI as a Preventative Diagnostics Tool

Annual MRI with AI Testing for Fountain Life Members

Time Anxiety Could Be Ruining Your Productivity

‍Identifying Time Anxiety

Treatment is Available for Time Anxiety

Unmasking the Hidden Threat

New studies link endocrine disrupting chemicals with reproductive health

We are exposed to EDCs every day

EDCs have effects on women’s reproductive and metabolic systems

Men’s reproductive health also takes a turn when exposed to EDCs

How to reduce exposure to endocrine disruptive chemicals

Fountain Life can help

Understanding Hard Plaque vs. Soft Plaque

The plaque predicament

Hard plaque vs. soft plaque

Preventative heart scans: The role of CCTA

The Secret to Living a Longer and Healthier Life

Precision Diagnostics is the most critical thing you can do to reduce chronic illness risk.

Here’s a brief summary of each part of our essential health package:‍

Full Body and Brain MRI

AI Coronary Artery Scan

Executive Blood Panel

Early Cancer Detection

DEXA Bone Density Scan

Gut Microbiome Analysis

Determine Your Biological Age

Whole Genome Sequencing

Live at your Pinnacle

Preventative, predictive and personalized care

Your annual APEX Membership includes:

Full Body and Brain MRI with AI

AI Coronary Artery Scan

DEXA Bone Density Scan

4 Executive Blood Panels

4 Review of Results

Early Cancer Detection Test

Determine Your Biological Age

Whole Genome Sequencing

Heart Monitoring Analysis

Gut Microbiome Analysis

Concierge Physician

Health Coordinator

Emotional Support

Are you ready to reach your personal health apex? Schedule a call today to learn more.

Make Time Wait For You

See the evolution

Here’s a brief summary of each part of our essential health package:
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Are you ready to reach your personal health apex?
Schedule a call today to learn more.