Super Human: The Bulletproof Plan to Age Backwards and Maybe Even Live Forever by Dave Asprey

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Summary: Dave Asprey’s “Super Human” is a comprehensive guide to anti-aging and longevity, offering readers a deep dive into the science and practicalities of extending human life. Drawing from his personal health journey, Asprey shares the challenges he faced from a young age, such as obesity and knee problems, and how he reversed these conditions to age backward. The book is structured into three main parts: avoiding death, aging backward, and healing like a deity. Each section is packed with actionable advice, from understanding the major threats to longevity to harnessing the power of light for superhuman benefits. Asprey’s approach is holistic, emphasizing the importance of diet, sleep, and innovative anti-aging technologies. He challenges readers to view time as an ally and to invest in techniques that offer the best returns in terms of health and longevity.

Quotes:

1. “It’s my sincere hope that when you are both over a hundred years old, you’ll let me help you edit whatever you’re creating. I plan to be there for you.” [Pages: 280]
2. “Not only can you make changes that allow you to live longer than you think possible, but you must.” [Pages: 15]
3. “My goal is to share the techniques with you that have given me the greatest return on my investment of energy, time, and money.” [Pages: 16,17]
4. “The slope of innovation is steeper than ever, and change is unstoppable. Are you in or are you out? I’m all in. Join me.” [Pages: 17,19]
5. “I’m not planning on plateauing or heading downhill any time soon. The dawn is not setting on my ability to make an impact.” [Pages: 225,226]

Detailed Summary:

1. Personal Health Journey: Dave Asprey’s journey into the realm of anti-aging and longevity is deeply personal. From a young age, he faced numerous health challenges, including obesity and knee problems. These early encounters with health issues set him on a path to discover ways to reverse these conditions and age backward. His exploration led him to consult with experts in the anti-aging field, invest in cutting-edge technologies, and experiment with various interventions. This personal journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of biohacking. By understanding one’s biology and making informed choices, it’s possible to not only reverse ailments but also enhance overall health and vitality. Asprey’s story is a beacon of hope for readers, demonstrating that with determination, knowledge, and the right tools, one can overcome health challenges and lead a vibrant, long life.
2. Dietary Choices: Nutrition plays a pivotal role in the aging process. Throughout the book, Asprey emphasizes the importance of making informed dietary choices. From understanding the detrimental effects of certain foods to harnessing the benefits of specific nutrients, he provides readers with a comprehensive guide to nutrition for longevity. He delves into the science behind various diets, debunking myths and highlighting evidence-based recommendations. For instance, he discusses the benefits of intermittent fasting, the importance of consuming healthy fats, and the role of antioxidants in combating free radicals. By adopting a balanced, nutrient-rich diet, one can not only enhance longevity but also improve overall well-being.
3. Sleep Importance: Sleep is not just a passive activity; it’s an active investment in health and longevity. Asprey underscores the profound impact of sleep on the aging process. He shares insights into the science of sleep, highlighting its role in cellular repair, cognitive function, and emotional well-being. He also provides actionable advice on optimizing sleep quality, from creating a conducive sleep environment to adopting specific sleep patterns. The book emphasizes that quality sleep is not a luxury but a necessity. By understanding the intricacies of sleep and making it a priority, one can harness its benefits to age backward and lead a healthier, more vibrant life.
4. Harnessing Light: Light plays a crucial role in our health and well-being. Asprey delves into the science of light, discussing its impact on various bodily functions, from circadian rhythms to cellular health. He highlights the benefits of specific light wavelengths, such as red and infrared light, and provides recommendations on harnessing these benefits for anti-aging. The book also touches upon the detrimental effects of artificial light, especially blue light emitted by screens, and offers strategies to mitigate these effects. By understanding the power of light and making informed choices, one can leverage its benefits for longevity and health.
5. Continuous Learning: The field of anti-aging is rapidly evolving, with new research and technologies emerging regularly. Asprey emphasizes the importance of staying updated with the latest developments and being open to evolving one’s regimen based on new findings. He encourages readers to adopt a mindset of continuous learning, seeking knowledge from reputable sources, and experimenting with various interventions. By staying informed and being adaptable, one can harness the latest advancements in the field and optimize their longevity strategy.
6. Holistic Approach: Longevity is not just about one aspect of health; it requires a comprehensive approach. Asprey advocates for a holistic perspective, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various health domains. From nutrition and sleep to mental well-being and physical activity, each aspect plays a crucial role in the aging process. The book provides readers with a roadmap to longevity, offering insights and recommendations for each domain. By adopting a holistic approach and addressing health from multiple angles, one can enhance both the quality and length of life.
7. Time Perspective: Time is a precious resource, and how we perceive it can significantly impact our health and longevity. Asprey challenges readers to view time as an ally, not an enemy. He emphasizes the importance of investing in practices that offer the best returns in terms of health and longevity. By adopting a long-term perspective and making choices that prioritize health, one can lead a fulfilling, vibrant life.

The “Four Killers” mentioned in the book “Super Human: The Bulletproof Plan to Age Backwards and Maybe Even Live Forever” by Dave Asprey are:

1. Heart Disease: A leading cause of death, with about one in four deaths in the United States being connected to heart disease. This equates to roughly 610,000 people dying from heart disease each year [Pages: 20].
2. Diabetes: A prevalent condition, with more than 9 percent of the U.S. population having diabetes. This percentage increases to 25 percent for individuals over the age of sixty-five [Pages: 20].
3. Alzheimer’s: A degenerative brain disease that is on the rise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. The death rate due to Alzheimer’s disease saw an increase of 55 percent between 1999 and 2014 [Pages: 20].
4. Cancer: A significant health threat, with 1.73 million people in the U.S. being diagnosed with cancer each year. Of these, more than 600,000 individuals die from the disease [Pages: 20].

These diseases are highlighted as the primary threats to longevity and are discussed in the context of their impact on aging and overall health.

Here are some of the anti-aging techniques mentioned in the book “Super Human: The Bulletproof Plan to Age Backwards and Maybe Even Live Forever” by Dave Asprey:

1. Lifestyle Changes and Nutritional Modifications: The book outlines various strategies, from simple lifestyle changes to high-end technologies, to hack the aging process [Pages: 36,37].
2. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): This is mentioned as a potential proactive measure in the anti-aging protocol [Pages: 153].
3. Exposure to Beneficial Light: Ensuring daily exposure to red or infrared light or natural sunlight for about fifteen to twenty minutes [Pages: 96,95].
4. Antioxidant Consumption: Consuming more antioxidants to combat free radicals. Sources include berries, herbs, spices, coffee, tea, and dark chocolate [Pages: 35].
5. Short Periods of Fasting: This stimulates autophagy, which has longevity benefits [Pages: 35].
6. Zona Plus: A device that uses isometric exercise science to increase vascular flexibility and nitric oxide production in the body [Pages: 35].
7. Epitalon: An anti-aging substance that exists in a unique limbo due to its non-patentable nature [Pages: 48,47].
8. TA-65 (Cycloastragenol): Activates telomerase and is a concentrated extract of an Ayurvedic herb called astragalus [Pages: 48,47].