Longevity News Blog

Testing psilocybin across 249 biomarkers revealed surprising early results.

Learn how improving your posture can restore blood flow, boost energy, and clear brain fog.

Jet lag is worse than you probably think. We can’t always avoid it, but we can minimize it.

One of the highest value health therapies I’ve ever done.

If you only do one thing for your health: sleep.

A few months ago my science team and I stumbled across something very interesting: magic mushrooms may be beneficial for health.

Freshwater hydras are effectively ageless. For the first time, humans might be too.

Sauna is one of the most efficacious longevity protocols I’ve ever done.

We might be the first generation that doesn't die.

Matcha supports focus, stress resilience, and longevity—but quality matters, especially when it comes to heavy metal exposure.

Your body can tell you how old you really are.

Originally published in WIRED on July 21, 2025

My sperm count is over 4× the average. At age 48.

   

I’m 48, but my vascular age measures 30. Sauna is supposed to improve it—so I’m tracking the data to see if it works.

I have the world’s slowest speed of aging.

Hi Friends, Dry sauna is likely superior to wet sauna  Dry (Finnish) sauna delivers low-humidity heat, so your skin hits 40 °C in minutes while core creeps up only ~1 °C. That gradient shunts up to 70 % more cardiac output to the skin, mimicking moderate-intensity cardio without moving a muscle. 1. Enhanced Blood Flow: The heart pumps up to 70% more blood, similar to intense aerobic exercise (zone 3), with 50-70% of this increased flow re-directed to the skin, promoting vasodilation and improved skin circulation. 2. Increased sweating and detoxification: To maintain a stable core temperature, the skin produces 0.6-1 kg of sweat per hour, facilitating significant detoxification. 3. Improved heat tolerance: The body becomes better at handling heat, leading to a lower core body temperature (offering metabolic advantages) and an increased capacity for efficient sweating in hotter climates.   4. Activation of heat-shock proteins: The skin experiences substantial heat shock protein activation, while a modest 1°C increase in core temperature is sufficient to activate these proteins without the risk of hyperthermia. 5. Longer exposure at higher temperatures: dry saunas are more tolerable for longer durations and at higher temperatures, allowing users to maximize the benefits at minimal risk. Keep calm and sauna on,  Bryan

Hi Friend, Today is World Health Day.I want to share something simple, but powerful: the 3 Power Laws of health. If you do these three things, you will:  Have more energy. Think more clearly.Sleep better. Let’s begin. Power Law 1: Sleep Reframe your identity.You are no longer someone who tries to get better sleep.You are a professional sleeper. That means you don’t sleep when it’s convenient. You don’t sleep after your show ends, or after finishing up some late-night emails, or after one more scroll through social media. Treat sleep as a craft, something you continually improve. It’s the foundation of every other part of your life. If you get your sleep right, everything else becomes easier. Here are 5 things to do immediately: 1. Eat earlier. Eat lighter.If your bedtime is 10 p.m., have your last meal by 8 p.m. Then push it to 7. Then try 6. Then 5. Find what works for you.You will quickly learn: the earlier and lighter you eat, the better you'll sleep. 2. Build a wind-down routine.Your body can’t go from hyper-focused work or buzzing social energy straight into sleep mode. It needs a transitional wind down phase. One hour before bed, shift your state. Screens off. No scrolling.Turn to breathwork, meditation, reading, stretching, or a walk. You’re sending your nervous system a signal: it’s time to slow down. 3. Adjust your lighting. Bright white lights signal alertness.If you want to fall asleep fast, switch to red light in the evening.I’ve replaced lamps in my house with red bulbs. They’re incredibly effective. The mood calms. Everyone winds down. 4. Stick to your bedtime.Routine is everything.If your bedtime is 10 p.m., aim to go to bed within 30 minutes of that every night. Deviate, and your body gets confused. Sleep quality suffers.Even with the same number of hours, inconsistent timing reduces sleep efficiency and recovery. 5. Avoid stimulants.This one is obvious but easy to overlook.If you're going to bed at 10 p.m., be mindful of your caffeine intake. Caffeine has a half-life of ~6 hours. A cup of coffee at 4 pm means that half a cup of coffee is in your system at 10 pm. Don’t let a badly timed coffee ruin your night. Power Law 2: Exercise When you sleep well, you feel well.When you feel well, you move well. And when you move, you feel even better. That’s the loop we’re building. Start here: Move your body for 30 minutes a day. This could be walking, running, swimming, strength training, biking. Anything that gets your heart rate up. Break up your day with movement. Every 20 - 30 minutes, get up. I do this constantly: stretch, take a few steps, reset. Moving your body throughout the day is just as important as your structured workouts. From here, you can go deeper. There’s an infinite rabbit hole of protocols, programs, and progressions.But the basics are the basics: Be active every day. Move every hour or so. Your body craves movement. Give it what it needs. Power Law 3: Diet Now, this one’s complicated. Because food is emotional.We use it to self-soothe.We use it to celebrate.We use it when we feel stuck. I know this firsthand. I was trapped. If you're struggling here, I see you. That’s why diet is Power Law #3, not #1. When you're well-rested and moving, you naturally want to eat better.If you're sleep-deprived and sedentary, your cravings take over. So here’s the truth: 1. Never rely on willpower. If there’s a time of day you always cave, for example, 7 p.m. that may include cookies or other late-night snacks, you can use a system for strength instead of willpower. Don’t wait until you're in the danger zone to decide. Decide ahead of time.You’re someone who doesn’t eat cookies at 7 p.m. Period. Make it a rule. Not a debate.2. Fire your worst self.For me, it was Evening Bryan.From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., he was guaranteed to overeat. Every single day.So I fired him.I made a rule: no food after 5 p.m.It wasn’t about self-control. It was about self-preservation.You might not need that exact rule. But you probably know which version of you needs to be fired.3. Eat the Don’t Die Food Guide..Healthy fats. Quality proteins. Lots of plants. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being directionally correct, consistently. Follow the Don’t Die Food Guide here.4. Avoid the obvious traps.Too much sugar. Too much alcohol. Smoking. You know what they are.You don’t need me to tell you. But you do need to decide where your standards are. And stick to them. We live in a world where personal health is insanely hard. I know; I’ve felt hopeless and helpless too. But now, I have systems. If you’re reading this right now, eating junk food, feeling off track, that’s okay.You’re here. You’re trying. That’s what matters. We’re building a community for a new societal norm of health.Where being healthy is normal.Where we support each other in the micro-moments. So when you’re about to give in, don’t just think about yourself. Do it for everyone else. Because when you make the right choice, others will too. And when you cave, we all feel it. Final word:You don’t need to be perfect. You need to be committed. These 3 Power Laws are your foundation.Master them, and you’ll become the happiest, healthiest version of yourself. Then we can start playing with all the cool stuff on top. But first:Don’t do it. I’m telling you. Don’t cave. Not tonight. Be well,Bryan

Hi Friend,Sleep is the most common thing I get asked about.People want good sleep and try to get good sleep, but are frustrated by the difficulty. Sleep is the most powerful drug available – for performance, mental health, and well-being. After years of experiencing the same challenges, I figured out how to reliably get high-quality rest. I achieved the best sleep score in the world. Eight months of perfect sleep. Here is how you do it. 1. Build your life around sleep.Right now, sleep is an afterthought in culture. When you're done watching your movie. When you're finished with work. When you feel like it. You need to treat sleep with the same level of seriousness and devotion as you do your work. It demands your best performance. 2. Consume your final meal at least two hours before bed.If your bedtime is 10 PM, finish eating by 8 PM. Then day by day, move it back by 30 minutes. By the end of the first week, you're having your final meal of the day at around 5 PM. Do this to lower your resting heart rate. You're giving your body time to digest food and prepare for sleep. The lower your resting heart rate, the better your sleep. 3. Avoid blue light before bed.An hour or two before bed, try to avoid blue light. That means turn off screens, or eliminate blue light from your screens (there are apps and settings to do this on computers and mobile devices).Instead, turn on red and amber lights. Light can significantly affect your readiness to fall asleep. 4. Create a wind-down routine.You can't just finish work and put your head on the pillow and expect great sleep. You need to calm your body and mind down. You need separation from work. Read a book, go for a walk, do a breathing exercise, take a bath, meditate, or journal. 5. Consistency.The body loves routine and will reward you with powerful sleep performance. Go to bed within +/- 30 minutes of your chosen bedtime every single day. Create the habit and stay with the habit. I have a routine where I maintain an internal dialogue, breaking myself into various characters: "Ambitious Bryan," "Anxious Bryan," etc., and I allow them to tell me about all the pressing things on their minds. I write them down and tell them that I hear them and will address them tomorrow after we get a great night's sleep. It's helpful for me to separate myself into different parts and empathize with their concerns and objectives. 6. Be mindful of stimulants.Caffeine has a six-hour half-life, so if you consume coffee at 4 PM, you have half a coffee in your system when you go to bed at 10 PM. People metabolize caffeine differently, so what's right for you will be unique. Err on the side of caution. Consume stimulants earlier in the day to avoid sleep disruption. Closing thoughts:Sleep is hard work.Success will take time, as with all things.Invest in the habits, and your body will perform. Be well,Bryan  

Hi Friend, Until I was 40, I kind of destroyed my skin.Sunburns, poor diet, no skincare routine.Now I'm paying the price. Here's what I'm doing now and what I wish I'd known earlier in life. When I started Blueprint, my skin was in the 98th percentile for damage on some markers, with an average skin age of 64. Now, my skin age has improved to between 37 and 42. Here are a few basics to maintain healthy skin: Exercise. Prioritize your sleep. Eat a healthy, Blueprint-like diet. Consider getting sun earlier in the day and later in the evenings when the UV index is lower. Avoid junk, fried, or highly processed foods, cigarettes, and vaping. The sun is good for you but not too much and not too little. Just the right amount will do. If you’re getting direct sun exposure when the UV index is high (10 am - 4 pm), you can protect your skin with options such as clothing, a UV umbrella, a hat, and mineral sunscreen.   My daily protocol: Face wash morning and night. Sunscreen (mineral). Moisturize (body and face). Targeted Treatments: Use products containing the following active ingredients:  + Niacinamide (morning and night) found in serums or moisturizers. + Vitamin C (morning) typically in a serum.+ Hyaluronic acid (as desired) – usually in a serum or moisturizer.+ Tretinoin (prescription, at night). Spot endocrine disruptors in skin care products:Endocrine disruptors are natural or man-made chemicals that may mimic or interfere with the body’s hormones, known as the endocrine system. These chemicals are linked with many health problems in both wildlife and humans. Next, here are some supplements to support skin health: Collagen (20-30g daily): Pair with Vitamin C to boost collagen synthesisNiacinamide (15 mg in Blueprint Essential Capsules). Hyaluronic acid (120 mg in Blueprint Longevity Mix). Here are some pro tips: UV-tinted windows to block 99% of damaging UV rays. A UV umbrella during high UV index times. Microdosing Accutane (40 mg weekly) for blemish-free skin. Alternatives include over-the-counter retinols. Red light therapy 3x per week. Note: If you don’t have easy access to red light therapy, don’t worry. The basics are a great place to start. To track my progress, we routinely measure the biological age of my skin using multispectral imaging (in the U.S., Visia is a popular choice). It provides detailed views of skin health, including: UV damage. Pore size. Dark spots. And many other indicators. Some wellness clinics offer this service. You can search locally to find one. There a few advanced therapies I've been experimenting with to target collagen production, skin firmness, and overall skin health: Tixel for improved collagen and elastin. Sofwave for improved collagen and elastin. Sculptra to boost natural collagen production (injected in the face). Finally, at Blueprint we are working on some exciting new products to cover all of your skincare requirements. We are developing a cleanser, serum, moisturizer, and SPF that will launch later this year. I’m excited to be on this journey with you. Be well, Bryan

Hi Friend, Here’s a list of the recipes I’ve been eating lately. One of life’s greatest joys for me. 1. Vegetable Stir Fry with Cauliflower Rice 1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced (approximately 75 g)   1/4 wedge of red cabbage, shredded (approximately 150 g)   1/4 wedge of white cabbage, shredded (approximately 150 g)  200 g mung bean sprouts (approximately 2 cups)   200 g chopped broccoli (approximately 2 cups)   225 g shiitake mushrooms, sliced (approximately 8 oz)   150 g sugar snap peas (approximately 1 cup)   15 g ginger powder (approximately 1 tablespoon)   15 g garlic powder (approximately 1 tablespoon)   30 ml gluten-free low-sodium tamari (approximately 2 tablespoons)   600 g cauliflower rice (approximately 20 oz)  15 ml olive oil (approximately 1 tablespoon)   Optional: 7 g hemp seeds (approximately 1/2 tablespoon) for garnish 2. Lemon Red Lentil Soup 15-30 ml olive oil (approx. 1-2 tablespoons)   3 large carrots, peeled and sliced (approximately 360 g)   2 stalks celery, chopped (approximately 180 g)   1 medium yellow onion, diced (approximately 150 g)   4 cloves garlic, minced   1.5 liters vegetable stock   225 g red lentils (about 1.5 cups)   2 bay leaves   2.5 g turmeric (approx. ½ teaspoon)   5 g cumin (approx. 1 teaspoon)   Juice of 1 lemon   Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for added flavor)  3. Chickpea Vegetable Frittata 240 g chickpea flour   360 ml water   1/2 medium onion, finely chopped   2 red peppers, diced   1 medium zucchini, diced   1 bunch parsley, chopped   1 bunch chives, chopped   2 garlic cloves, minced   15 g garlic powder (approx. 1 tablespoon)   15 g ground cumin (approx. 1 tablespoon)   1 Roma tomato, diced   225 g sliced mushrooms   15 ml olive oil (approx. 1 tablespoon) 4. Chickpea Stew 5 cloves garlic chopped 1 tbsp (6-8g) cumin 2 tbsp (30mL) extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp (30g) tomato paste 1 tbsp (6-8g) paprika 1 tsp (3g) red pepper flakes 3 cups (500g) cooked chickpeas 2-3 tsp (5-7g) za'atar  2-3 bay leaves 1 roasted bell pepper 5. Cauliflower Lentil Loaf Loaf: 200g cooked lentils 300g riced cauliflower  150g chopped onion 8 oz mushrooms  30g nutritional yeast 5g minced garlic  5g Dijon mustard  2.5g smoked paprika  2.5g cumin  1.5g black pepper  1.5g chipotle powder  Glaze: 80ml unsweetened ketchup 5ml liquid smoke 6. Mushroom and Walnut Bolognese with Spaghetti Squash 225 g chopped cremini mushrooms 40 g chopped onion (1/4 cup) 40 g chopped carrots (1/4 cup) 40 g chopped celery (1/4 cup) 2 cloves garlic, chopped 60 g chopped walnuts (1/2 cup) 15 g garlic powder (1 tbsp) 15 g Italian seasoning (1 tbsp) 15 g tomato paste (1 tbsp) 340 g tomato sauce (12 oz) 30 ml gluten-free tamari ( 2 tbsp) 30 ml balsamic vinegar (2 tbsp) 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 1/2 squash after roasting) 5 ml olive oil (for greasing, approximately 1 tsp) 7. Herb Seasoned Cauliflower “Turkey with Sweet Potato Mash and Blanched Green Beans “Turkey”: 1 large head of cauliflower  30 ml olive oil 10 g garlic powder 10 g onion powder 10 g smoked paprika 5 g dried thyme 5 g dried rosemary 15 g nutritional yeast  100 ml vegetable broth (for basting) Sweet Potato Mash: 800 g sweet potatoes 30-60 ml almond milk (or any plant-based milk) 5 g garlic powder  5 g ground cinnamon  Blanched Green Beans: 400 grams green beans, trimmed Ice water (for blanching) 8. Black Lentil and Olive Salad with Spiced Roasted Carrots and Sundried Tomato Hummus Spice Roasted Carrots: 3 large carrots, sliced into thick coins 1 shallot, thinly sliced 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tbsp maple syrup 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp ground cumin ½ tsp salt Salad: 1 cup black lentils, rinsed 2 cups water or vegetable broth 1 tbsp red wine vinegar 1 tsp dijon mustard ¼ cup black currants ½ cup castelvetrano olives, pitted and chopped ⅓ cup roasted almonds, chopped ¼ cup flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped To Serve: ½ cup sun-dried tomato hummus 9. Sweet Potato and Cabbage Curry with Cauliflower Rice Curry: 2 cups shredded fresh cabbage 1 medium/small sweet potato, diced into 1-inch pieces 1 medium onion, finely chopped 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp cumin seeds 1 dry red chili, broken into pieces ½ tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp coriander powder ½ tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste) ½ tsp salt (or to taste) Garnish & Serving: ¼ cup chopped cilantro 1 tbsp lime juice 2 cups cauliflower rice 10. Grain Free Porridge with Butterfly Pea Flower 250ml (1 cup) macadamia nut milk 30g (1/4 cup) almond flour 15g (1 tbsp) hemp seeds 10g (1 tbsp) chia seeds 10g (1 tbsp) ground flax 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp butterfly pea flower powder 1/4 tsp cardamom Handful of fresh berries for topping   Instructions: Add all the ingredients into a blender Blend until smooth Top with the fresh berries Serve and enjoy   11. Mushroom Walnut Stuffed Acorn Squash Squash: 2 medium acorn squash, halved and seeds removed 1 tablespoon olive oil Filling: 1 tablespoon olive oil 16oz crimini mushroom 4tbs chopped walnuts 4tbs unsweetened dried cranberries 1tbs honey 1/2tbs cinnamon 12. Butternut Squash Soup with Roasted Apples and Carrots (Serves 4-6) 1 medium onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed (about 4 cups) 2 Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and diced 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped 1 teaspoon garam masala ½ teaspoon ginger powder 4 cups vegetable broth 1 cup coconut milk 2 tablespoons olive oil 13. Black Bean and Mushroom Bowl with Chickpea Rice (Serves 2-3) 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved ½ medium onion, diced 1 cup oyster mushrooms, chopped 1 teaspoon umami seasoning ½ teaspoon cumin ½ teaspoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon olive oil ¼ cup pickled red onions 1 cup fresh spinach ½ cup shredded carrots ½ cup sliced radish ¼ cup chopped cilantro 1 ½ cups cooked chickpea rice 14. Superfood Smoothie (Serves 1-2) ½ cup strawberries ½ cup blueberries ¼ cup pomegranate arils ½ cup dark cherries, pitted 1 cup almond milk 1 tablespoon flax seeds 5-6 macadamia nuts 1 teaspoon chia seeds 1 teaspoon blueprint cacao   Instructions Add all the ingredients into a blender Blend until smooth Serve and enjoy   Enjoy, Bryan

Hi Friend, On September 28th, I decided to stop rapamycin, ending almost 5 years of experimentation with this molecule for its longevity potential. I have tested various rapamycin protocols including weekly (5, 6, and 10 mg dose schedules), biweekly (13 mg), and alternating weekly (6/13 mg) to optimize rejuvenation and limit side effects. Despite the immense potential from pre-clinical trials, my team and I came to the conclusion that the benefits of lifelong dosing of Rapamycin do not justify the hefty side-effects (intermittent skin/soft tissue infections, lipid abnormalities, glucose elevations, and increased resting heart rate). With no other underlying causes identified, we suspected Rapamycin, and since dosage adjustments had no effect, we decided to discontinue it entirely. Preclinical and clinical research has indicated that prolonged rapamycin use can disrupt lipid metabolism and profiles [1], as well as induce insulin and glucose intolerance [2] and pancreatic beta-cell toxicity [3].  Despite anecdotal evidence of rapamycin slowing down tumor growth, its effect in inhibiting natural killer cells [4] raises concerns for anti-cancer immune surveillance and cancer risk in the longer run. Additionally, on October 25th, a new pre-print [5] indicated that Rapamycin was one of a handful of supposed longevity interventions to cause an increase/acceleration of aging in humans across 16 epigenetic aging clocks. This type of evaluation is the first of its kind, as most longevity interventions up to date have been tested against one or two aging clocks, leading to invisible biases and potential intended “cherry picking” of favorable clocks for the tested interventions. Longevity research around these experimental compounds is constantly evolving, necessitating ongoing, close observation of the research and my biomarkers, which my team and I do constantly. Be well, Bryan   Sources https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12177161/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3384435/#:~:text=(D)%20Chronic%20treatment%20with%20high,rapamycin%20induces%20Klotho%20%5B64%5D https://diabetesjournals.org/diabetes/article/62/8/2674/34093/Evidence-for-Rapamycin-Toxicity-in-Pancreatic https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4084728/#:~:text=In%20contrast%2C%20rapamycin%20significantly%20inhibited,cells%20in%20rapamycin%2Dtreated%20recipients https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39484592/

Hi Friend,I have the best biomarkers in the world. I am the healthiest person on the planet.I am fitter than most teenagers. My skin is smoother than that of women in their 20s who obsess over theirs. I have more stamina in bed than men in their 20s. I have better health markers than any hater, health influencer and anti-aging doctor and scientist.My mind is sharper than it's ever been. My mental health is at its peak. My protocol - which is loyal to data and science - is better than any big-money influenced government guideline or pseudoscience social media fad. Blueprint is the new standardHere’s the data.The coolest question in existence right now is exploring if we are the first generation to not die.“Do this, don’t die” is the oldest and most played game in human history. Every religion is “do this and don’t die”. Professional, military and political achievements are fueled by remembrance of contribution, “do this and don’t die”. Having kids is the same. It’s the universal game played by humans. We don’t want to die.The difference is that now after hundreds of thousands of years of warming up to games of “do this, don’t die” the real “don’t die” game is here.We are giving birth to superintelligence. We no longer know how long and how well we can live. We have no idea how expansive and rich existence could be. The depths of our ignorance and unknowing about the future may be similar to H. erectus one million years ago. Imagine asking them what they think the future would bring? They’d simply talk about things they already knew. Hunting, foraging and killing. They wouldn’t be able to speak about the microscopic world of atoms and molecules. Of the invisible electromagnetic spectrum, or antibiotics, or of smartphones.We may be the same as H. erectus. We may have no models that can help us say anything intelligent about the future except for that in this moment, we don’t want to die and want to be around to see what unfolds.We are on the eve of what may become the most spectacular intelligent existence to ever occur in the galaxy and yet we’re still foolishly primitive. Killing ourselves. Killing each other. Killing the planet. We are drunk on debauchery, greed and violence.Technology is evolving faster than anyone can comprehend. We are evolving into something new as a species. This may be the end or the very beginning.We would be wise to see this moment for what it is: the most radical evolutionary moment in our history.No existing idea of human thought or societal organization is robust enough to meet this moment. Not democracy, not capitalism, not any religion or ideology. We need a new ideology that can guide us through this moment.New ideologies have formed throughout history. They emerge in tandem with new technological, political and economic realities. Of course a new ideology would rise in this moment.Don’t die is the universal game every human plays every second of every day. It’s the single thing that every human on this planet agrees with and actively practices constantly. Don’t die individually. Don’t kill each other. Don’t destroy the planet. Align AI with Don’t die. Don’t die is a new economic, political, social, ethical and moral system. It’s what intelligence does when it becomes super.I don’t expect you to understand Don’t die based upon what I’ve written. I’ve found that it takes about two hours of intense conversation to just begin to understand it. It challenges everything you know. Everything you’ve ever learned. And all your intuitions. Until you understand it, you’ll try to come up with countless arguments to try and make it go away. I’ve had this conversation over a thousand times and the patterns are identical every single time. The emotions, the responses, rebuttals, and reasoning.Until we get the chance to have this conversation. Join me in embracing this moment for what it is: the coolest time to ever be alive. The greatest opportunity for any human. We need to band together and rebuild our societal systems that acknowledge that existence is the highest virtue.We can start with ourselves.Go to bed on time. Exercise daily.Eat well. Drop the bad habits. Help others do the same.Be well,Bryan

I eat Super Veggie every day. I love it. Here’s how to make it at home: Super Veggie Ingredients Black lentils, 45 grams dry, ~150 grams cooked Broccoli (head+stalk), 250 grams (Can also use Broccoli sprouts) Cauliflower. 150 grams Shiitake or Maitake Mushrooms, 50 grams Garlic, 1 clove (a piece) Ginger Root, 3 grams Lime, 1 Cumin, 1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar, 1 Tbsp Hemp Seeds, 1 Tbsp After prep, drizzle 1 Tbsp of Extra Virgin Olive Oil  Super Veggie Instructions Weigh vegetables. Place broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms (maitake or shiitake), ginger and garlic in boiling water*. Boil until tender (7-9 min). Steaming is also acceptable. Lentils: bring the water to boil in a medium saucepan. Add lentils. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 18-20 or minutes until "al dente". Place in a colander to drain and rinse under cold water. You can choose to blend or keep whole. Blend in a high-speed blender place 1 Tbsp of dried cumin, 1 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar, 1 fresh Lime, cooked black lentils, the strained cooked vegetables, and blend until it becomes thick soup. Can also serve as the picture above. If needed add some of the vegetable water (or steaming water) to thin out the texture. Top with hemp seeds. I season it with NuSalt (potassium chloride). *Cooked via low temperature, high humidity, high acidity, high antioxidant cooking methods to minimize formation of Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs) and Advanced Lipid Peroxidation End-products (ALEs). A note on Super Veggie taste. The food I eat is delicious to me; one of the most exciting moments of my day. When starting, sometimes there is a period of adaptation and some want to play with the recipe and texture. Blueprint breaks all kinds of social norms which predictably triggers human responses that draw those lines. 

Want to learn your biological age? And do so using free tests? We’ve got you. Here are 7 free Bioage Fitness tests designed by the Blueprint clinical team that you can do at home. How to complete the Bioage Fitness tests:1: Download the Don’t Die App2: On your profile, go to ‘Measurements’3: Click on the + next to ‘Capabilities’4: Select the fitness assessment you will complete5: You can view the instructions for the fitness assessment in the app. These instructions are also included in this article.6: Enter your results in the Don’t Die App to receive your biological age Bioage Fitness Test Instructions: 1. Continuous Push-UpsObjective: Measure upper body strength and endurance.Goal: Perform as many push-ups as you can without res Instructions: Lie face down on the floor with hands placed slightly wider t\an shoulder-width apart, elbows fully extended. Lower your body until your chest touches the floor, keeping your body in a straight line from head to heels. Note - don’t round your back! Push back up to the starting position. This counts as one push-up. Perform as many push-ups as you can without rest (considered to be holding at the top 3 seconds), maintaining proper form. Record the number of push-ups completed. 2. Mobility Test: Sit Rise Test Objective: Assess flexibility, strength, and balance.Goal: Sit and rise without using your hands, knees, forearms, or side of the legs for support. Instructions: From a standing position, sit down on the floor with legs crossed, without using your hands, knees, forearms, or side of the legs for support. Rise back to a standing position without using any support (this is the goal). If support is needed, the scoring is as follows: Deduct 1 point for each hand, knee, or forearm used going down and up The maximum score is 10. A score of 8 or more is considered ideal. 3. Waist-to-Height Ratio Objective: Assess body fat distribution, metabolic health and risk.Goal: The smaller the ratio between your waist and height, the better. Instructions: Measure your height in centimeters (cm). Measure your waist circumference at the narrowest point between the ribs and the hips in centimeters. Calculate the ratio: Waist Circumference (cm) / Height (cm).  4. Grip StrengthObjective: Assess hand and forearm strength. Correlates with cardiovascular disease risk.Goal: The larger the number, the better Instructions: Use a grip strength dynamometer. Stand upright and hold the dynamometer at your side. Squeeze the dynamometer as hard as you can. Record the highest reading in lb after 3 attempts in each hand 5. Sit and Reach (YMCA)  Objective: Measure flexibility of the lower back and hamstrings.Goal: The further you reach, the better Instructions: Video Sit on the floor with your legs extended straight out in front of you, with approximately 10-12 inches of distance between your feet Place a second tape measure at the 15” mark between the ~5-6 inch mark of the first tape measure (think like you’re making a “T” or a “+” with both tape measures), the zero should be closest to you. Heels should be resting on the first tape measure.   Place one hand on top of the other, palms facing down, and reach forward as far as possible along the measuring line. Hold the stretch for 1-2 seconds. Measure the distance reached by the fingertips. Repeat twice and record the best distance. 6. One-Leg Stand / Balance TestObjective: Measure balance and lower body strength.Goal: The longer you can balance, the better Instructions: Stand with their eyes shut and on one leg with the other leg bent at the knee and lifted off the ground and free floating. Hold this position as long as possible without touching the raised leg to the ground, using external support, or touching their other leg. Record the time you can hold the position in seconds. Perform the test on both legs and record the times.  7. Reaction Time Test Objective: Measure quickness of response to a stimulus.Goal: The smaller the reaction time, the better Instructions: Download the App “Reaction Time & Reflex Test.’ Click on the Game “Lights Out” Start a new test. Place your thumb or finger on the screen to start the countdown. All 5 lights will illuminate. As soon as the lights turn out pull your finger or thumb off the screen. Repeat 5 times and take the best score of the 5 tests. This will be the lowest number.   If you want more comprehensive baseline testing, we got you covered. Blueprint Labs empowers you with data to take control of your health. Blood PanelsTest either 60 or 115 biomarkers with a comprehensive suite of blood and urine tests designed for deep analysis and insights (basic, advanced). MicroplasticsThe world’s first at-home microplastics blood test, enabling you to screen for most common commercial plastics with just a finger-prick (link). Speed of AgingFind out how old you really are, and learn the biological age and health of 11 critical organ systems and how fast or slow your aging (link).

Hi Friend,As part of MAHA, Robert Kennedy Jr wants to eliminate fluoride from U.S. drinking water. Fluoride has been in US drinking water since the 1960s, mainly to prevent tooth decay.Is this a good or bad idea? Let's look at the science. (Click to see video)Fluoride to prevent tooth decayWater fluoridation began in the U.S. in 1945 and expanded widely in the 1960s to help prevent tooth decay, especially in children.The CDC considered water fluoridation among top 10 achievements in the 20th century. Ref (1)Standards, measurement and risksThe current US standard for fluoride in drinking water is 0.7mg/L Ref (1).Earlier WHO report stated that 0.2% of US population is exposed to >2mg/L of fluoride in drinking water Ref (3)Recent report from the National Toxicology Program associated fluoride levels as low as 1.5 mg/L to lower IQ in children Ref (2)According to Robert Kennedy Jr, exposure to fluoride can lead to: Dramatic IQ Loss in children/ exp. unborn fetuses Bone cancer (Osteosarcoma) Arthritis, deterioration of bones Thyroid injury Calcification of the Pineal gland in the brain Here's a critical analysis of the clinical evidence regarding these claims made about water fluoridation.1: IQ Loss in children especially with exposure in the wombBoys might be losing a couple IQ points in the womb; across the countryA Canadian birth-cohort study showed boys born to mothers in areas with fluorinated water had lower average IQ at 3-4 years of age.Average 4.49 IQ decrease (only for boys) associated with each 1mg/L increase in MUF (Maternal Urinary Fluoride) in pregnancy. Ref (5) (observational)Context: average fluoride intake for fluorinated areas was 0.93 mg/daily. Equivalent to fluoride in 1.33 L of standard US tap water, making this effect universal to all US mothers consuming unfiltered tap water. Ref (5)A meta-analysis of 33 studies concluded that water fluoride beyond 1 mg/L (43% above US standard) correlated to 5 point IQ decrease, while water at the US recommended level 0.7mg/L correlated with a smaller 2.15 IQ decrease, on average. Ref (6)In India, school-age children exposed to >1.5 mg/L water (double the US recommendation) showed lower average IQ. Ref (7)2: Osteosarcoma: rare bone cancer, common in childhood and adolescencePre-clinical evidence from rats and mice suggests a link between fluoride in water and osteosarcoma. Ref (8)ClinicallyWe found only one study from India suggesting that tap water fluoridation associated with higher osteosarcoma incidence (Age 10-24 years) Ref (9)However various other studies refuted this claim;A US study analyzing CDC data on osteosacroma patients (age 15-19) found no correlation to fluoride in water. Ref (10)A British study also concluded no significant association between fluoride in water and osteosarcoma in people 0-49 diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Ref (11)ConclusionThis claim should be considered refuted, given that multiple human studies have shown no significant increase in Osteosarcoma risk at common water fluorination levels.3: Arthritis, deterioration of bonesAn Indian study on 80 arthritis patients showed significant correlation between serum fluoride and knee-arthritis. Ref (12)A Chinese study (186 osteoarthritic patients and 186 healthy cohorts) showed each 1mg/L increase in urinary fluoride correlated to 27% increased risk of developing osteoarthritis. Ref (13)4: Thyroid injuryA Chinese study concluded that low-to-moderate fluoride exposure was associated with weaker thyroid function and lower IQ in children (age: 7-13)Each 1mg/L increase in urinary fluoride correlated with 0.09ng/dL decrease in serum thyroid hormone and 0.11ng/dL increase in TSH (also indicating thyroid dysfunction). Ref (14)The study hints at a potential link between the effect of fluoride on IQ, and Thyroid function in children. (14)A meta-analysis of 27 studies found a correlation between higher levels of fluoride in water (2.5mg/L: over 3x US standard) and thyroid disruption in children. Ref (15)A UK observational study reported higher hypothyroidism incidence in areas with fluorinated water Ref. (16)5: Calcification of the Pineal gland in the brainA post-mortem analysis of pineal glands from deceased aging humans showed high levels of fluoride deposition, with correlation between fluoride and calcium (calcification). Ref (17)A US cross-sectional study on NHANES data (2015-2016) suggested a link between fluoride-associated pineal gland calcification and sleep disturbances among adolescents. Higher fluoride (75th vs 25th percentile) correlated with 2x increase in sleep apnea, 24 min and 26 min average delay in bed and waking-up time, respectively. Ref (18)Note: the pineal gland produces melatonin, which regulates circadian rhythm and sleepIn Summary4 out of the 5 risks cited as basis to end water fluoridation have evidence from humans to support them, fluoride association with Osteosarcoma being the one exception that is largely refuted.1. Public water fluoridation is an outdated measure from the past.2. While it might partially prevent tooth decay, fluoridation exposes the population, especially children to unnecessary health and cognitive hazards.3. Fluoridation harms the people it is supposed to be protecting the most; children in less affluent households are more likely to consume unfiltered tap water, and not have enough supervision regarding fluoride in toothpaste and mouthwash.4. Water fluoridation should be replaced with more targeted community efforts to improve children's nutrition, health, and dental hygiene.Examples:- Eliminating sugar from school lunch/snacks.- Awareness about dental hygiene (toothbrushing morning/night, correct ways to brush teeth, flossing, avoiding excessive use of mouthwash)Dental health beyond fluoridationWhile it might be time to part ways with fluoride in tap water, never misinterpret this as accepting a compromise on dental health. Dental and oral health and hygiene are keys to sustained health and longevity. Due to chronic inflammation and bacterial spread through the bloodstream. Tooth decay and poor oral health have strong links to cardiovascular disease (CVD), dementia, and other systemic conditions. Gum disease (often due to untreated tooth decay) increases the risk of heart disease by 20%. Similarly, poor oral health increases the risk of dementia by approximately 22-30%. Maintaining oral health, therefore, goes beyond preventing cavities; it is essential in reducing risks for chronic and age-related diseases associated with systemic inflammation and infectionExamples of community and school initiatives that improve dental health in children, as part of a holistic approach in raising a healthy generation well-positioned to benefit from the incoming health and longevity revolution.- Eliminating sugar from school lunch/snacks. (added sugar is No.1 cause of caries)- Awareness about dental hygiene (toothbrushing morning/night, correct ways to brush teeth, flossing, avoiding excessive use of mouthwash)- Fluoride and other products can still be used, but with care to avoid over-exposure.Be well,BryanSources1.https://cdc.gov/fluoridation/about/index.html#:~:text=The%20recommended%20fluoride%20concentration%20in,in%20a%2055%2Dgallon%20barrel.2. https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/whatwestudy/assessments/noncancer/completed/fluoride3.https://who.int/docs/default-source/wash-documents/wash-chemicals/fluoride-background-document.pdf4.https://nature.com/articles/s41415-019-0036-x#:~:text=This%20is%20a%20problem%20because,overall%20benefit%20of%20using%20toothpaste.5. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/27486346. https://sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S00139351230003127. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3409983/8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12637966/9. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3876610/10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22189446/11. https://academic.oup.com/ije/article/43/1/224/73602812. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7751991/13. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34581970/14. https://sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016041201930137015. https://sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S001393512302563X16. https://jech.bmj.com/content/69/7/61917.https://karger.com/cre/article-abstract/35/2/125/84621/Fluoride-Deposition-in-the-Aged-Human-Pineal-Gland?redirectedFrom=fulltext18. https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12940-019-0546-7

Hi Friend,Deep sleep is one of the most powerful things you can do for health and wellness. Missing it is very bad. Most deep sleep happens early in your sleep cycle.If you miss your deep sleep window, it's gone (mostly). See in my data that all of my deep sleep happened in the first 3rd of the night. Sometimes I'll get a bit more deep sleep in the early parts of the morning too but it's always heavily weighted towards the beginning of the night.Deep sleep is a super power. It is essential for physical restoration, muscle repair, immune function, and detoxifying the brain. It improves memory, supports learning, regulates hormones, and promotes emotional resilience.Here's how you can get Deep Sleep.How to get deep sleep: 1. Consume your final meal of the day at least 2 hours before bed. Work your way back to 8 hours before bed, even if for experimentation purposes only. Test out different eating windows and find the optimal time for you.2. Have a 30-60 minute wind down routine before bed. Go for a walk, read a book, meditate or do breath work. Calm yourself from the day's activities. Turn off screens. Prepare your body and mind for sleep. It's worth it. I promise.3. Decide on your bedtime and then be in bed +/- 30 minutes every day. Your bedtime is your most important appointment of the day. Respect yourself and be on time.4. Turn off screens. Lower house lights. Avoid blues. use amber and red light.5. Try to avoid caffeine and other stimulants at least 12 hours before bed. Experiment with not consuming caffeine to evaluate if caffeine is negatively affecting your sleep. Avoid alcohol all together.6. Aim to get 1-2 hours of deep sleep every night. It will change your life and make everything better.Be well,Bryan

Documentary out now!  Tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson’s controversial search for eternal life through science involves plasma transfusions, fat transfers — and more than 50 pills a day. In this exclusive sneak peek of the trailer for the Netflix documentary, for Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever, Johnson, 48, shows off the extreme measures he’s taken in his pursuit of extending his natural life and explains the motivation behind his search for the proverbial Fountain of Youth. “I’m trying to be on the outermost edge of possibility for the science,” explains Johnson in a voiceover as he gets his first-ever gene therapy, one of the treatments he says he’s spent “millions of dollars” on as part of his “anti-aging protocol.” And the reason behind his search, Johnson says, is family: “I really want to have multiple lifetimes with my son,” he says of Talmage. “One hundred years is not enough.” Johnson and Talmage, along with Johnson’s father, took part in the first “multi-generational” plasma exchange, which is shown in the documentary. In the exchange, Talmage donated his plasma to his father, who in turn donated his own plasma to his aging father. “We may walk into a future where all of us live healthier and longer. I want to live with everything that I am,” says Johnson, who is uses himself as his research subject and publishes everything online. "I think his rectum went viral," one person comments in the trailer, while a colleague says, "I'm worried for him. We just don't know how his body's going to react" to all the experimental treatment. Bryan Johnson PHOTO: COURTESY OF NETFLIX “As a species, we accept our inevitable decay, decline, and death,” Johnson says. "I want to argue that the opposite is true.” Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever, premieres on Netflix on Jan. 1. Originally published Dec. 19, 2024 on People by Cara Lynn Shultz

Hi Friend,A new study is out: things that make you age faster, and slower, according to 16 epigenetic age clocks.These interventions demonstrated a significant decrease or slow-down of Biological Aging1. Pharmacological Interventions: Anti-TNF therapy (anti-inflammatory), Metformin (Anti-diabetes, AMPK activation), Ketamine (antidepressant psychedelic, dissociative). 2. Supplements: AC11 supplement (natural DNA repair booster), TruLacta (a human-milk based supplement).3. Lifestyle Adjustments & Surgeries: Gastric Bypass (weight reduction), smoking cessation, kidney transplant, hyperbaric oxygen therapy HBOT (large average effect, but no statistical significance)4. Diets: Vegan Diet, Green Mediterranean Diet, Mediterranean Diet, low fat and low carb diets.These interventions demonstrated a significant increase or acceleration of Biological Aging1. Pharmacological Interventions: Rapamycin (mTORC1 inhibitor, immunosuppressant), senolytics.2. Supplements: Buckwheat Extract 3. Gene Therapies: Follistatin (myostatin inhibition, muscle growth)4. Lifestyle Adjustments, procedures & Surgeries: Kidney DialysisThe findings are very reassuring regarding my health program and the Blueprint stack and some of the latest changes we introduced.Many of the reported findings echo my protocol and system, which is fascinating as it indicates that continuous measurement and optimization for actual biomarkers and performance indicators automatically consolidates the interventions that best slow down epigenetic biological age.Here are some examples:RapamycinIn September I stopped Rapamycin, based on concerns around its metabolic side-effects observed in my lab results (including increased cholesterol, blood sugar and RHR); the data here showed Rapamycin increased biological aging according to two clocks, while ineffective according to the others. Details here.MetforminI continue to take Metformin, despite concerns based on its ineffectiveness in ITP mouse studies (2), and claims about it blunting muscle growth (3) (I am top 0.1% of my age-group for muscle volume) evidence from this study and from aging clocks in non-human primates (4), as well as lowering cancer incidence in retrospective population studies (5), all indicate metformin as a promising longevity intervention.DietA green mediterranean diet fared best at reducing/slowing down aging as measured by 10 out of 16 aging clocks, this diet is the closest to my Blueprint diet. Also, I stick to a grain-free diet. The slight but significant acceleration in aging clocks observed with buckwheat extract further validates the choice of avoiding grains.Follistatin gene therapyThe study reported a significant increase in biological age with Follistatin gene therapy, primarily driven by its effect on the PACE aging clock. I have received this therapy, which successfully boosted my circulating Follistatin levels. Upon getting the gene therapy my PACE score dropped from 0.70 to 0.64. While this effect is associative, and is not necessarily caused or driven by the increase in my Follistatin, it is still reassuring that - at least in my case- Follistatin gene therapy had no undesired effect on my biological age. We remain very curious about the reported effect, and are investigating the potential underlying causes, and whether the analyzed Follistatin gene therapy was a healthy or a disease-specific cohort, which has a huge impact in interpreting this result.Minicircle, the company that provided my Follistatin gene therapy, had shared their data in a pre-print in which their Follistatin gene therapy did not associate with a change in PACE, however still showed that it mildly reduced Extrinsic Epigenetic Age, with a strong correlation to T and B immune cells.(6)Tracking my epigenetic biological ageI continuously trace my epigenetic biological age using the PACE (DunedinPACE) clock, as discussed this clock is superior in both reliability and sensitivity, especially in detecting shifts in biological age in healthy cohorts, all desirable features for a biological age clock.It's worth noting: as far as I know, I am the most epigenetic-measured person in the world. We saw its potential early on as an important way to measure biological age and inform our decision making. We remain bullish.Results validate some longevity interventions, but mostly indicate a wide gap in the systemic understanding of other interventions and the reliability of "single aging clock approaches" and animal data in assessing longevity outcomes in humans.Metformin has long been of interest as a longevity drug, and while some mouse studies including ITP failed to demonstrate conclusive lifespan extension with metformin, the picture here looks much brighter, with 5 out of the 16 clocks indicating significant reduction/deceleration in biological age, with no clock indicating the contrary. A recent study on monkeys also used multiple aging clocks to demonstrate the anti-aging effects of metformin (4), particularly in the brain, here's my post on this study.Anti-TNF therapies also reduced biological age across most clocks, indicating the significance of "inflammaging" in driving the aging process.On the other hand, Rapamycin, which is consistently the strongest drug intervention at extending lifespan in mice (solo and in combination with other interventions) according to several gold-standard ITP studies, surprisingly drives an increase in biological age according to 2 of the clocks, while having no effect on the remaining ones. This further puts to question the validity of rodent data in predicting longevity interventions in humans.As for the vitamin-B rich Buckwheat extract, B vitamins drive the methylation cycle, which drives up wide genome methylation as seen in this large elderly cohort study (7), potentially accelerating the aging-associated epigenetic changes. Furthermore, long-term B9 supplementation increased cancer incidence and all cause mortality, with the effect specifically correlated to the folate concentration in the blood (8).Evaluation of Aging Clocks' Reliability and Sensitivity Shows the Potential of the DunedinPACE ClockBeyond validating interventions, the authors also assessed the reliability and sensitivity of the 16 tested aging clocks by comparing them to one another and gauging how often a clock's result agreed/disagreed with the majority of the remaining clock, as well as how often a clock was unique in detecting a different for a particular intervention.DunedinPACE clock (a next generation clock measuring the speed of aging) stands out here by being always either in agreement with a majority of the remaining clocks, or uniquely detecting a change in biological age, where no other clock did.Sensitivity of Aging Clocks in Health and Disease InterventionsFor the longevity field, aging clocks that can detect changes in biological age in healthy people are of particular value. Improvements from treating a disease are usually greater in magnitude and easier to detect than incremental improvements from longevity interventions in healthy people.True longevity interventions should drive biological age reduction in healthy cohorts too, as they address the underlying aging process as opposed to particular diseases.Three clocks showed significant effect detection in studies on healthy cohorts, including DunedinPACE, while also being significant in disease studies. The GrimAge clock, geared for predicting mortality, also showed efficiency in both contexts.7 Organ-System Clocks, and Proxy Epigenetic Markets of Metabolites and Proteins are Reliable in Predicting Intervention Effects, including Diets.The latest generation of epigenetic aging clocks is called Gen X (for generation explainable), they aim to make biological age assessments more understandable by focusing on specific epigenetic signature that can link the effects on systemic biological aging to specific organs (called Organ system Clocks) and/or biomarkers (Called DNAm Proxies), in a manner similar to how conventional studies seek to elicit the mechanism of a drug or intervention.The example below demonstrates how these epigenetic clocks can predict the effects of various diets on organs, systems, and biomarkers, in other words the epigenetic data reliably recapitulates what we know about the effects of these diets on organs and biomarkers (e.g. vegan and mediterranean diets reducing inflammation, low carb diet reducing HB1ac)Closing thoughtsAging clocks are mostly a proxy (surrogate endpoint) for the actual endpoint of interest, which is lifespan itself (mortality data). Relying solely on mortality data would delay the field by several decades.Since aging clocks were not specifically designed to independently predict the effects of of various therapies or interventions on aging, their accuracy in determining the effect of a particular therapy on epigenetic age is yet to be fully established as they sometimes isolate particular negative effects, while neglecting positive effects that can still be beneficial to extending life-and health-spans.This lack of reliability and accuracy motivated the development of several generations of aging clocks algorithms, and the resulting lack of consistency in implementing the various aging clocks is what motivated this study to create a roadmap for the optimal use of aging clocks to evaluate anti-aging therapies and interventions.Be well,BryanSources1. https://biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.22.619522v1.full.pdf2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27312235/3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6826125/4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39270656/5. https://bmj.com/content/330/7503/1304.long6. https://minicircle.io/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/fstpreprint.pdf 7. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/184898

Hi Friend,My heart recovers faster than 75% of elite athletes and 99% of the general population.This biomarker, known as Heart Rate Recovery (HRR), is a key indicator of cardiovascular fitness.Here is what you can do to measure, compare, and improve yours.What is Heart Rate Recovery? HRR is a marker that indicates how quickly your heart rate drops back to resting heart rate after exercise, indicating cardiovascular fitness and health. My HRR is 37 bpm which is higher than 75% of elite athletes and 99% of the general population. How to Measure your (HRR)1. Exercise vigorously2. Record peak heart rate3. Rest 1 minute4. Record heart rate again5. Subtract second reading from peakThe result is your 1-minute HRR in bpm.Compare Yourself to Elite Athletes and the General Population with These Graphs:a. Two cohorts of young and adult elite athlete males.b. A general population cohort of regular active adult malesSadly, reliable numbers are lacking for fit females per age group.The unavailability of such HRR numbers per age group for healthy and fit women is a sign that disparities in representation in clinical literature–if declining–still exist.We will soon take action with the Blueprint community (Don't Die App) to address such disparities for novel fitness markers, by collecting and sharing anonymized and balanced data for females and males of all age groups. Here’s how you can improve your HRR:1. ExerciseAim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week. 2. Diet Focus on foods for cardiac health, including healthy fats: omega3 from nuts, fish and supplements, in addition to extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Polyphenols from EVOO, berries and dark chocolate support recovery due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Diet of vegetables, fruits and lean proteins. 3. Sleep Get enough (7-8 hours) of high-quality night sleep to allow for full recovery in support of your exercise goals. Keep a regular sleep schedule. Have an effective wind-down routine for maximal recovery. Follow my full sleep routine here. 4. Additional considerations:+ Hydration+ Exogenous ketones can help boost your performance+ Limit processed foods+ Limit caffeineWhat does poor HRR indicate?Increased all-cause mortality and heart attack risk. Low HRR can be associated to one or more of the following:❌Coronary Artery Disease❌Heart Failure❌Hypertension❌Metabolic Syndrome❌Diabetes❌Sleep ApneaIn a landmark NEJM study with over 2000 mid-aged participants with an initial heart condition, poor HRR following activity was a strong predictor of all-cause mortality, with a 400% increase in mortality risk within the 6 year follow-up period.Science Summary:Heart Rate Recovery is an indicator of the autonomous functioning of the heart, and it results in the withdrawal of the so-called sympathetic activity and the reactivation of the parasympathetic nervous activity. The latter is responsible for the ability to relax.Evidence using specific blockers indicates that the reactivation of parasympathetic activity is the main driver of immediate Heart Rate Recovery, while the withdrawal of sympathetic activity comes later in play to affect the longer term HRR.Focus on the power laws of sleep, nutrition and exercise and you’ll be off to a great start.Be well,BryanSourceshttps://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/heart-rate-recoveryhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5524096/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26147945/https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199910283411804

Daily exercise is one of the most powerful things you can do for health and longevity. Exercise is a power-law of health. A few important tips + Avoid injury. Injuries can create serious limitations, create body imbalances and cause long term complications. It’s worth being cautious even if it means not doing certain things. + Create an exercise habit. Do it everyday, no matter what (unless you’re injured, have a limiting medical condition, or under doctor's orders). You don’t even think about it. It just happens out of habit. Do not give yourself the option to decide. + Work on strength training, cardio, balance and flexibility. + Move throughout the day - after each meal, be active for 5-10 minutes. Every 30 minutes, get up from your desk and move around a bit.+ Don’t get caught up and paralyzed in all the nuances and rabbit holes of exercise. Being active, in whatever ways you can - it pays big for your health. Day 1 (strength training + cardiovascular health and endurance) Activity: full-body resistance trainingDuration: 45-60 minutesSpecifics: General warmup (5 min) (e.g., cycling, walking, etc) Dynamic warmup (5 min) (arm circles, leg swings, high knees, lateral lunges)Strength Training (20 minutes): Squats (weights held at either side or near chest for goblet stance) 3x10-15 Push-ups (standard if possible or on knees/wall) 3x8-12 Single arm dumbbell rows 3x10-12 Functional movement: kettlebell swings and/or farmer’s walks 3x30 seconds Planks 3x20-30 seconds Stability Work (5-10 min): (e.g., single-leg balance, bird dog, single-leg RDL, single leg toe touch, plank with shoulder tap, dead bug)Moderate intensity (25 min): Brisk walking or slow jogging Cycling Swimming Elliptical Intensity: If you’re performing these exercises for the first time, focus on form first, then proceed to add more resistance once familiar (progressive overload)Purpose: Strength training is critical for maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and metabolic health, all of which decline with age but are crucial for longevity (link). Day 2 (high intensity interval training + cardiovascular health and endurance) Activity: High-intensity interval training combined with moderate intensity continuous aerobic exercise (also called steady state, Zone 2 training)Duration: 45-60 minutes Beginner high intensity interval training Work Interval: 20 seconds at all out exertion Rest Interval: 20 seconds (very low intensity or rest), or try 40 seconds if user has little to no background of exercise Series: 8 rounds Modality: Cycle ergometer, track, treadmill, body weight, or resistance exercises Total Time: 4 minutes Moderate intensity Specifics (remainder of time after completing high intensity interval training): Brisk walking or slow jogging Cycling Swimming Elliptical Moderate intensity: Aim to keep HR between 60-70% of max, where you can maintain a conversation but still feel you’re exerting yourselfPurpose: Extremely high intensity to improve anaerobic capacity and aerobic fitness in a short time. Aerobic exercise improves vascular function and myocardial perfusion, reducing the risk of cardiovascular events (link) Day 3 (strength training + flexibility, balance, mobility) Activity: Strength training first followed by low intensity exercise with a focus in flexibility and mobilityDuration: 60 minutesSpecifics: 10 minutes of dynamic stretching (include hip and shoulder mobility exercises: arm circles, wall slides, thread the needle, hip CARs) 30 minutes of strength training. Focus on compound movements targeting areas that are not sore from Day 1 15 minutes of beginner yoga poses focusing on balance and flexibility (cat-cow stretch, cobbler’s pose, tree pose, cobra pose) 5 minutes of static stretching (think cool down) Purpose: Flexibility and mobility help preserve functional movement patterns and reduce the risk of falls and injuries as we age (link). Day 4 (high-intensity interval training): Activity: interval-based cardiovascular workoutDuration: 25-30 minutes, including warm-up and cool-downSpecifics: 5-10 minutes of stability work and dynamic warm-up Perform 8-10 rounds of: 60 seconds of high-intensity effort (over 90% max HR), examples: jumping jacks, high knees, burpees, sprinting, mountain climbers 60 seconds of active recovery (walking or light jogging) Purpose: HIIT has been shown to improve VO2 max, mitochondrial density, and metabolic health, all of which are linked to increased longevity (link to other doc we worked on). Day 5 (strength training) Activity: full-body resistance trainingDuration: 45-60 minutesSpecifics: General warmup (5 min) (e.g., cycling, walking, etc)Dynamic warmup (5 min) (arm circles, leg swings, high knees, lateral lunges)Strength Training Lunges (dumbbells held if you can or bodyweight) 3x10-12 Overhead press (standard if possible or on knees/wall) 3x10-12 Dumbbell chest press 3x10-12 Side plank hold 20-30 seconds each side Functional movement: step-ups 3x10 each leg Stability Work (5-10 min) (e.g., single-leg balance, bird dog, single-leg toe touch) Purpose: To target different muscle groups and continue improving muscle strength and function. Day 6 (high-intensity interval training, Norwegian Protocol) Activity: interval-based cardiovascular workoutDuration: 30-40 minutes, including warm-up and cool-downSpecifics: 5-10 minutes of stability work and dynamic warm-up Perform 4 rounds (can do less rounds or less intensity if little to no background in exercise) on treadmill or indoor bike of: 4 minutes at 85-95% max HR 3 minutes at 60-70% max HR Purpose: This method specifically has produced a drastic increase in VO2 max (22%) in individuals recovering from CVD. For comparison, the group that did aerobic training saw a 17% increase. Day 7 (active recovery) Activity: Light movement and relaxationDuration: 35-50 minutesSpecifics: 20-30 minutes of gentle yoga or stretching (include additional mobility work) 15-20 minutes of mindfulness meditation Purpose: Recovery is essential for muscle repair, mental relaxation, and avoiding overtraining. Proper rest supports longevity and health. Important notes: Progressive overload is key in all types of exercise. Aim to gradually increase the difficulty over time, especially for strength training Rotate different types of HIIT workouts to prevent boredom and target different muscle groups Consider adding a third strength training session if time allows, possibly replacing one of the cardio days or incorporating it into a lower-intensity day. Listen to your body and adjust the intensity or duration as needed. Exercises based on your fitness level BeginnerCardiovascular endurance (steady state): walking, stationary cycling, swimmingStrength training: 2-4 days a week emphasizing compound movements.Exercises: squats (bodyweight, dumbbell, goblet), push-ups, single arm dumbbell row, lunges, leg press, assisted pull-ups, russian twistsHigh-intensity interval training: Exercises: jumping jacks, marching in place, bodyweight squats, modified push-ups, plank holds, standing toe tapsRatio: 1 to 1 or 1 to 2 (e.g., 30 seconds work, 30-60 seconds rest) Balance and flexibility/mobility: B exercises: tandem stance, single-leg stance (holding onto chair), marching in place, heel liftsF/M exercises: neck rotations, shoulder rolls, standing side bends, seated hamstring stretch, ankle circles IntermediateCardiovascular endurance (steady state): jogging, rowing machine, elliptical trainerStrength training: 3-5 days a week with more volume per session, targeting specific muscle groups.Exercises (including beginner): barbell bench press, incline dumbbell press, dumbbell shoulder press, barbell squat, romanian deadlift, pull-ups, lat pulldown, seated cable row, bent over row, hanging leg raises, deadlifts, Turkish Get Ups, Hang CleanHigh-intensity interval training: Exercises: mountain climbers, burpees (no push-up), high knees, jump squats, plank jacks, battle ropes, lunges,Ratio: 2 to 1 Balance and flexibility/mobility: B exercises: single-leg stance unassisted, tree pose, heel-to-toe walking, single-leg reachF/M exercises: standing quad reach, lunges with torso rotation, cat-cow stretch, downward dog, standing figure-four stretch Advanced Cardiovascular endurance (steady state): outdoor running, stair climbing, jacob's ladderStrength training: 5-6 days a week with high volume with specific muscle splits.Exercises (including intermediate and beginner): weighted dips, cable flyers, skull crushers, cable tricep exercises, weighted pull-ups, EZ bar bicep curl, diff. Variations of curls on cable, weighted walking lunges, ham curl, leg extension, calf raises, military press, rear delt flyes, inverted candlestick, bulgarian split squats, Snatch, Single leg squat, Lateral Squat.High-intensity interval training: Exercises: burpees with push-up, box jumps, jumping lunges, squat-press, Push pressRatio: 2 to 1 or tabata style (20 seconds work, 10 seconds rest) Balance and flexibility/mobility: B exercises: single-leg romanian deadlift, stability ball plank, standing elbow-to-knee, pistol squat, overhead squatF/M exercises: pigeon pose, standing split, crow pose, handstand, deep squat hold and arm reach

Hi Friend,Men - if you're not having robust boners at night, you're 70% more likely to die prematurely.If you're grinding at the expense of your health, you're flaccid. Women - the same is true for you too. You have similar arousal cycles as men each night (your clitoris engorges). It’s how our sex organs remain in good health. Sadly there isn’t as much data on female nocturnal arousal cycles and so in this email the focus is on male sexual health. That said, the insights and recommendations are equally applicable. How long are you erect during your sleep?Healthy men in their 20s can experience 3+ hours of nighttime erections in 3-5 erection episodes. This drops to under 50 minutes for those 75+ [1]Why does this matter?❌ Men with erection problems are 70% more likely to die early compared to those without, even when other factors are considered.❌ Problems with erections often show up 3-5 years before heart disease does [2]How do nighttime erections affect penis health?It's a classic case of "use it or lose it." Think of nighttime erections as how your penis works out. Erections keep the tissue healthy by bringing in oxygen-rich blood - the more they last, the better. Without these regular exercises, the penis can develop scar tissue over time, making it harder to get erections. How to improve your nighttime erectionsFor these nighttime erections to happen, you need:✅ Healthy nerves✅ Good blood flow✅ High sleep quality✅ Balanced hormones (especially testosterone)If any of these are off, it can affect erections.How I measure my penis health Semen Analysis - regular testing to track changes in sperm count, motility, and morphology. Measurement of Nighttime Erections - as health indicators of physiological cardiovascular and sexual vascular health. Blood Flow Testing - using ultrasound to measure penile blood flow. Urine Flow Tests - assess max urination speed to ensure urinary health. Questionnaires - scoring sexual function. Prostate Health - regularly measure prostate size. Core Health Practices - prioritize quality sleep, balanced diet, and regular exercise. You can measure your nighttime erections and get your AndroAge (erection health age) score using the Adam Health sensor. My AndroAge is below 20 My nighttime erections are the length of Titanic, 3 hours and 14 minutes For a more detailed guide on improving your nighttime erections, watch my full video here.Stand tall. Be upright. Stay firm.BryanSources:[1], [2] Horita H, Kumamoto Y. [Study on nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) in healthy males study on age-related changes of NPT]. Nihon Hinyokika Gakkai Zasshi. 1994 Oct;85(10):1502-10. Japanese. doi: 10.5980/jpnjurol1989.85.1502. PMID: 7990298

Hi Friend,People often ask me, “Have any of your therapies gone wrong?” In starting Project Blueprint, I had one question: are we the first generation who won’t die? To begin, my team and I evaluated all the scientific literature on longevity and aging, stack ranking the best performing health therapies with the most compelling evidence. Caloric restriction was among the early selections. My daily calorie consumption dropped from 2,500 to 1,950. As a result, I got really lean and lost a lot of fat—especially in my face. My biomarkers were improving, but I looked gaunt. People thought I was on the brink of death.As Blueprint grew into a global movement, the scrutiny increased. Facial fat, we discovered, is pretty important for how people perceive youth. It didn’t matter how good my biomarkers were if I didn’t have face fat. Before Blueprint | Pre-Project Baby Face | After Project Baby FaceSo, we started "Project Baby Face," to explore whether we can restore lost volume.We selected a first therapy: injecting a fat-derived extracellular matrix to restore volume by stimulating my body’s natural fat growth. It’s possible to use one's own body fat for this but the problem was I didn’t have enough fat on my body to extract, so I used a donor. Immediately following the injections, my face began to blow up. And then it got worse, and worse, and worse until I couldn’t even see. It was a severe allergic reaction. Thirty minutes after the treatment, I was scheduled to meet with Ashlee Vance of Bloomberg to talk about Blueprint. I called him and said, “Hey, so that you’re not alarmed, you may not recognize me today. I think I’m ok. I hope I’m ok. If I’m not ok, are you by chance trained to perform any life-saving actions?” Seven days later my face was back to normal and we were back in the trenches reformulating plans for our next attempt. Building a product is one thing; being the product is a whole different thing. And I’ve never had more fun. The full story of Project Baby Face: Remember to go to bed on time.Be well,Bryan

Hi Friend,I frequently get asked if I cold-plunge. Aside from the one time I tried it with my friend Steve Aoki, cold plunging is not a part of my normal routine. Below I explain why, but before I do, if you cold plunge and enjoy it, then keep doing it! This is not a critique or even an assessment of cold plunging, it’s an explanation of what I’m doing and why. Since starting Blueprint, my body temp has cooled 5°F in 3 yrs, now at 93.4°F. This technically qualifies as minor hypothermia. Following Blueprint has me metabolically cold plunging 24/7.To put this into context, it takes swimming more than a mile in ice to achieve an equivalent temperature reduction as mine. A regular cold plunge at 55°F for 60 min only decreases temp by 0.83°F Calorie restriction, Metabolic Rate and Body TemperatureCaloric restriction and reduced metabolic rates are strongly tied to the body’s lowest resting temperature, which research in both animals and humans indicate may support increased longevity. [1]What I'm doing to create the internal conditions of a metabolic cold plunge: + 10% calorie restriction, 2250 + 1 hour of exercise + Low-inflammation, high fiber diet of vegetables, legumes, extra virgin olive oil, berries, nuts and seeds + Optimal supplementation via Blueprint Stack + 6 hour eating window+ 18 hour fast + 8 hours of sleep + temperature controlled mattress (70°F)What I don't do/consume: + alcohol + stimulants + vape + fast/junk food + white/brown sugar+ high fructose corn syrupNote this is what I do. There are many paths to optimal health. You do you. Just be sure to make decisions based off of your biomarkers and not cultural norms, storytelling, or influencers.Here is my free daily protocol that I keep updated with the latest learnings.Be well,Bryan

When I started doing Blueprint in 2021, measuring food and supplements for accuracy of label claims and toxins was a top priority. We needed to know for accuracy purposes, was I consuming what we thought? As you may guess, what we found was a sad reality of today’s food and supplement systems.  Very few label claims are correct and our food system is toxic. It’s even worse than you think. Some companies are oblivious to these things because they don’t test. Others know and knowingly misrepresent. We learned to never believe anything companies say and to only trust lab reports.  If you want to see what I’m talking about, we reviewed 10 top chocolate brands for heavy metals. Watch the video. You can’t unsee it. And neither can we. After learning how dirty, toxic and misrepresented food and supplements are, we started sourcing our own ingredients and testing them ourselves. After all, I was trying to become the healthiest person on the planet and how could that happen unless we can get the exact amount of something and control the toxin load.  We got really good at this process. After Blueprint went viral, the most common comment we got was “I want to do this! But it’s too complicated. Make it easy.” I thought about this for a long time because I’d never imagined building a food and supplement company and I was busy building the world’s first mass market brain interface.  But, as I had learned in optimizing my personal health, no one in the world had built an entire family of healthy and clean foods; enough to satisfy an entire day's calories and nutrition. This is what I wanted someone else to have done, but of course, you usually have to build what you want to exist in the world.  Over the past year, I think we’ve built the cleanest and healthiest family of foods and supplements in the world. To make this more concrete, last month alone we spent over $50,000 testing foods for toxins and purity. That has to be unprecedented.  I previously ate Blueprint because it was the most evidence based health protocol in the world. Now I eat Blueprint also because I’m terrified of the food system, don’t really trust anyone else, and know from seeing the reports that Blueprint is verifiably clean. Our third-party labs conduct comprehensive analyses of ingredients and products to ensure potency and purity. These tests cover a wide range of components, including macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and standardized botanicals. The labs also screen for potential contaminants such as GMOs, heavy metals, microorganisms, pathogens, pesticides, phthalates, and aflatoxins. Additionally, they check for the presence of allergens and perform other product-specific tests as needed. This thorough examination process helps maintain the quality and safety of our food and supplement products. Finding the right suppliers and getting these systems in place has not been easy. For example, sometimes it took us over a year to find a supplier that would meet our standards. Sometimes vendors wouldn’t even consider working with us because of our required testing. Vendors' reluctance to embrace clean label initiatives often stems from the extra costs associated with testing for contaminants and sourcing healthier ingredients, which can impact profit margins. We select vendors who embrace these initiatives because transparency and health-conscious products benefit everyone involved. It’s been a whoooooole thing. But we’ve been incredibly successful. Again, I think it is the best in the world.  One thing we’ve wanted to test but haven’t been able to is microplastics. We called over 50 labs and only found one that has a very limited microplastics testing ability. Far short of what we actually need. So we’re kind of flying blind, like all 8 billion of us on earth, when it comes to microplastics. The world just hasn’t set up infrastructure to test microplastics at scale. We are speaking with a few labs to see if we can stand up the infrastructure to make this happen.  The challenge is that microplastics are everywhere. At the bottom of the ocean. On top of Mount Everest. In the rain. In our drinking water, clothes, mouthguards, skin care products and in our brains.  Without having data, we don’t know where best to focus our personal efforts to reduce microplastic exposure. For example, does 50% of the microplastics in our body come from drinking water? Or plastic water bottles?  Or take out food?  Or are microplastics in clothing the worst offender? We are at the very beginning of understanding.  We are transitioning to non-plastic packaging. In this process, we face challenges due to plastic's prevalence at every level of the global supply chain and a lack of clear alternatives. While sustainable options often mean shorter shelf-life and higher costs, we're committed to finding innovative packaging solutions that balance personal exposure, environmental concerns and are economically viable. The good news is the industry is moving in this direction and several companies are working on new approaches. Know we’re just as eager to get rid of plastic as you are. In the meantime, I do feel comforted eating all of my Blueprint supplements and food that it’s already among the cleanest in the world.  To take matters into our own hands, we are excited to announce the world’s first mass market microplastics test. It’s a finger prick test and tells you the kinds of microplastics circulating in your bloodstream and how you compare to others. Science begins with counting.  With this data, we will work together as a community to see if we can make headway in learning together how we can reduce our microplastic load. We may find that drinking water is the worst offender and would help us concentrate our efforts. We may find certain therapies, such as donating plasma, are great in lowering concentrations. Science begins with counting and when we have the data, we can make systematic progress. We’re trying to do three things for you: 1. Every calorie 2. Every test 3. Every friend  If you say yes to health, we want to provide you with everything you need for optimal nutrition. We want you to have the confidence that you’re getting the best in the world. We want you to have data on the health status of your body via blood work, microplastics, your speed of aging and your organ ages. We want you to have routine cancer screening via MRI and get biomarkers on your brain health plus other vital organs. We want you to get the same value as some of the most expensive executive longevity programs in the world ($50,000-$150,000) at a fraction of the cost. That’s what we’ve built for you.  Note that we’ve only been at this for a year. What we’ve accomplished in this time is staggering. The Blueprint team and I consume everything you do. We are with you on this journey. One step at a time we will get ourselves ever closer to Don’t Die. Wishing you the best. Bryan  Disclaimer: this blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.  

Blueprint Protein is the best in the world. Every science-backed ingredient actively supports digestion, gut bacteria, energy balance, and performance. It delivers a complete and balanced meal with the right ratios between protein, carbohydrates and fats. It’s extensively tested and third party lab results are shared publicly. No fillers, preservatives and gluten-free. No one else does this.  It's the best in the world. Here’s why: Science-backed Ingredients Pure pea and hemp protein. Compared to whey protein, pea protein is equivalent at inducing muscle growth (1) (2), but has lower amounts of allergen and harmful lipids (3). Hemp protein has an excellent amino acid profile that is anti-oxidizing. It also promotes parasympathetic (pro relaxation) activity and can lower blood pressure, as shown in preclinical research (4). MCT Oil Powder activates fat oxidation and provides a natural source of exogenous ketones. Flaxseed is a great source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Pink Himalayan Salt: natural unprocessed salt providing potassium, calcium in addition to essential trace minerals. Allulose is a healthy, zero calorie, metabolically neutral sweetener. May aid weight loss and reduce body fat. Possesses antioxidant properties, supporting overall cellular health. Monk fruit: healthy, zero calorie metabolically neutral sweetener. Isomaltulose is a slow-release carbohydrate with a low glycemic index of 32 that is found in honey. Isomaltulose stabilizes blood glucose, supports fat-burning, improves endurance and supports heat tolerance while exercising. Resistant Maltodextrin is a fiber that improves digestive health, enhances the gut microbiome by promoting growth of beneficial bacteria, maintains blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity, increases satiety, and boosts immune function by decreasing inflammation and increasing anti-inflammatory compounds. A Complete and Balanced Meal Blueprint Protein has the right ratios between protein, carbohydrates, and fats that work synergistically. Proteins function as the building blocks that support muscle repair, maintenance and growth in response to physical activity. Fats help activate the body’s internal fat burning as well as providing essential beneficial types of fat. Carbohydrates provide energy to activate metabolism, supporting exercise and activity. Blueprint Protein delivers the following A complete amino acid profile. A stable supply of energy while avoiding unhealthy sugar and insulin peaks. Fibers to support digestion and the gut bacteria. Ketogenic and omega-3 fatty acids to support beta oxidation and boost the omega-3 index essential for immunity and metabolic health. Extensively Tested Blueprint Protein is extensively tested by third party labs and the results are shared publicly. Heavy metals such as Arsenic, Cadmium, Lead, Mercury Over 69 types of pesticides including DDT, Aldrin, Dieldrin, Chlordane, Chlorpyrifos, Lindane, Malathion, Permethrin, and Heptachlor. Bad bacterias such as E. coli, Salmonella species, Staphylococcus aureus, and Mold. Potential allergens such as gluten But wait … you might say … Sugar is bad for me. This has ingredients I can’t pronounce! Protein is all I need. Our cultural programming needs some updating. Sugars can be good for you. Slower sugars with a low-glycemic index score, such as isomaltulose, can provide a slow and steady supply of energy without spiking blood sugar and insulin while also stabilizing blood glucose, supporting fat-burning, improving endurance and supporting heat tolerance while exercising. Not all proteins are created equal. A large study with 0.5 million participants concluded that plant protein reduced all cause and cardiovascular mortality within 16-year follow up time in both men and women (5). Moreover, replacing 3% of calorie intake from animal protein with plant protein reduced all-cause mortality by 11% and 12% in men and women, respectively. Single ingredient - you want food that creates the perfect metabolic environment for your body. You want a low blood glucose response, microbiome support, insulin response, fat oxidation, immune system support and more. Blueprint protein is designed for these objectives. Scientific names - If you saw “dihydrogen monoxide” on a nutrition label, you may be skeptical. If you researched it, you’d discover that it’s the scientific name for water. Judge ingredients not by their name but their scientific evidence. “Isomaltulose and Resistant Maltodextrin” are two such ingredients in Blueprint protein that may trigger initial skepticism but are actually health actives and supported by scientific evidence. Blueprint Protein is an all-in-one health and longevity meal. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32784847/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30621129/ https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/pea-protein-vs-whey#comparison https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221345302200235X https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7358979/ Disclaimer: this blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.

  MRI saved my life. It may save yours too.    Context: My brain was silently dying and I wouldn’t have known had it not been for a routine MRI.  A few years ago, a routine MRI showed that I have internal jugular vein stenosis (IJVS). This means I have genetically narrow jugular veins which restricted blood flow from my brain to my body which is very bad for the brain. My bad posture was making it ever worse. After the MRI found this - that I’ve had my entire life but never diagnosed any other way - I was able to do physical therapy and improve my posture and muscle that corrected for better blood flow. I also corrected for my sleep position and posture when I look at my phone or work on a computer. These things dramatically improved the health of my brain via the reduction of white matter hyper-intensities.    MRIs see things that physical appearance hides, blood work struggles to pick up, and for which no symptoms exist. Sometimes saving our lives.    And while MRI scans are great, most protocols only measure a handful of things.    I’ve learned this first hand. Over the past few years, I’ve become the most biologically measured person in history and MRI is among the most valuable measurements I routinely do. I may have now spent more time in an MRI than any living person. This has taught me a lot about why MRI is valuable.   If you want to be proactive about your health you can do this annually. Longitudinal monitoring is the best way to detect changes early.   + Detect potential cancer in the early stages to help ensure the best outcome + Identify life-threatening problems such as tumors, aneurysms, and more + Screens for 500 conditions & health of 13 organs+ Decode the biological age of your brain + Provide a comprehensive measurement profile of your joints and spine, informing lifestyle and therapies + Create your digital twin so that you now have a baseline to follow what is or is not working for your improved health.  Here are my latest MRI results:✔ No detectable cancer✔ Brain age: 42 (I’m 48)✔ Hippocampi are in the 72nd percentile ✔ Brain volume top 73rd percentile✔ Brain inflammation: less than 80% of my age group✔ Brain gray matter: top 84th percentile✔ Brain white matter: top 80th percentile lesion free✔ Muscle mass: 100th percentile ✔ Fat in Muscles: 100th percentile ✔ Visceral fat: 100th percentile ✔ Subcutaneous fat: 100th percentile ✔ LV/Brain ratio is 1% (better than 64% of my peers). Lateral Ventricles become enlarged with age as the brain tissue shrinks. This is a general marker of aging and of dementia and AD. MRI is widely used and well-known to be safe. You can also add a low-dose chest CT to screen for potential lung cancer, emphysema, lung bullaes, cysts and more The dream for the future is that all of us will have routine MRI scans to find problems at their earliest stages and help us proactively manage our health. Bryan Disclaimer: this blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.

We've partnered with TrueMed to allow you to use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) on the Blueprint Store.  If qualified, you can buy our products with pre-tax dollars, resulting in net savings of 30-40%. How It Works Here’s a step-by-step guide to walk you through one-time and subscription orders. For one-time orders:  Go to the Blueprint store  Add your favorite Blueprint products to your cart (choosing “one-time purchase”)  At checkout, under Payment, choose “TrueMed - Pay with HSA/FSA” Enter your HSA/FSA card details Take the 1-minute survey to determine your eligibility Once eligibility is confirmed, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your Blueprint product details For subscription orders:  Go to the Blueprint store  Add your favorite Blueprint products to your cart (choose  “Subscribe & Save”)  At checkout, pay with your normal credit or debit card After you complete your purchase, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a survey inside Take the 1-minute survey to determine your eligibility In a few business days, the TrueMed Concierge will contact you about eligibility Once you’re approved, TrueMed will reimburse you via your HSA/FSA providerPlease note, you must check out as a guest to use TrueMed. If you are logged into a payment method, such as ShopPay, you might not see the TrueMed optionYou can find these steps on our HSA / FSA information page.

  Can my joints age backwards? I received a cutting-edge therapy aimed at achieving age 18 joints, at a clinic owned by Tiger Woods & Justin Timberlake. I had 300 million young Swedish bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells injected into my shoulders, hips, and joints. The aim: joints to match my total bone mineral density, which is in the top 99.8% for 30-year-olds Wait, what’s going on? Our joints, such as knees and hips, break down with age, resulting in pain, stiffness, and movement restriction. While I do not have any major joint problems, I do experience small aches and pains. We are exploring if we can repair normal age-related damage, restore vitality, and preventatively lessen future deterioration.   The therapy I had 300 million bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) injected into six joints over two days: knees, shoulders, and hips. This therapy was part of a Cellcolabs Clinical trial in the Bahamas, with the MSCs manufactured by Cellcolabs and the injections performed by Dr. Steven Sampson of Physical Longevity .   MeasurementPrior to the therapy, we completed a comprehensive baseline analysis of each joint using MRI and musculoskeletal ultrasound. The findings were: Bilateral shoulder labral degenerative tears with paralabral cysts. Tendinosis in bilateral supraspinatus rotator cuffs with subacromial bursitis. Bilateral knee chondromalacia patella with left knee mild to moderate effusion/bursitis. Bilateral hip gluteus medius tendinosis and bilateral hip Cam impingement syndrome.   These findings sound bad but they are normal wear and tear you'd find in an active 46-year-old.   Therapy planWe aim to improve function, mobility, and athletic performance, eliminate aches and pains, and potentially regenerate tissue to prevent future degeneration. What we did: Intra-articular injections in bilateral shoulders, hips, and knees. Bilateral supraspinatus rotator cuff and bursa injections. Right shoulder anterior labrum injection. Bilateral hip gluteus medius tendon injections.   The cells were prepared and shipped from Sweden, cryopreserved with liquid nitrogen, checked for viability at the point of care, and injected under ultrasound guidance by Dr. Steven Sampson for proper deployment under strict protocol. My blood was sent to Sweden to analyze inflammation, hormone, immune, and DNA longevity biomarkers for post-treatment analysis.   How did it go?  I was pretty sore for three days after the injections. It was hard to walk and use my joints. By day 4, I started loosening up and by day 10 I was back to my normal routine.    Follow up measurement The trial involves follow-up visits at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Aside from the study protocol, we will measure my joints again with MRI in six months to assess whether the therapy works. The twelve-month time point will also be informative.   My dad The big idea here: what if every twelve months we did a series of therapies (ourselves, parents and children), that repaired the damage (and injuries) that occurred that year. Time passes, but our bodies remain the same age.  Wouldn’t that be cool. Bryan Disclaimer: this blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.

  My six-month longevity gene therapy results are in…  In September 2023, I traveled to Roatan, an island off the coast of Honduras, to receive follistatin gene therapy. Humans currently have a maximum lifespan of roughly 120 years. However, gene therapies have the potential to help break through that barrier. Follistatin gene therapy ranks 7th among lifespan studies, extending mouse lifespan by over 30%. My 71-year-old father also received the gene therapy. His life expectancy is 68 based on how he’s lived life. He’s awaiting his six-month results. His ferocious want for life is energizing.   This gene therapy is not FDA approved, so I traveled to Roatán, where there is a special economic zone for these kinds of treatments.    Me as a kid: A kid born with the effects of this gene therapy: My results:  My speed of aging has dropped to 0.64 (a personal best). I now celebrate my birthday every 19 months.   My muscle mass is up by 7% (already in the 99th percentile)   My follistatin levels increased by 160% (2 weeks post-injection)   Don’t Die is humanity's only objective. Gene therapies might bring us a step closer.    Sleep, diet, and exercise remain foundational. These next-generation therapies further bolster our chances of being the first generation that has the choice of saying yes to continuous tomorrows.    Bryan Disclaimer: this blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.

  Dark chocolate has many health benefits. However, it can be high in heavy metals. Heavy metals can cause cancer, high blood pressure, kidney disease and low sperm count - things you don't want. The problem is companies don't tell you how much heavy metals are in their products.     I tested 10 supermarket chocolates to determine how good or bad they are for you. I gave each chocolate a score based on total flavanols divided by total heavy metals, and ranked them from worst to best.     \ When I learned how dirty the mainstream food supply was, I started sourcing my own food, including cocoa. Blueprint Cocoa has 537mg flavanols and 2.9 µg heavy metals. The final score for Blueprint Cocoa is 180, over double the number one position of the supermarket brands. You can see the CoA for our Cocoa here.   It's critically important to know what you're eating and to have data on the cleanliness and the positive benefits of your food. As always, I don't care if you buy from me. I share all my research so you have the resources to go out and buy your own products. I want you to be healthy and happy. If Blueprint can be part of that, great. If not, do your thing.    A last note on the companies that we tested; this is not a takedown, this is not to shame them. We live in a vast food ecosystem and it’s very challenging for providers to achieve clean food. Transparency in our food supply chain is a good thing for everybody.   Nobody wins when our food supply is dirty. Nobody wins when we're unhealthy.   It's time we change the world from a Die Economy to a Don't Die Economy.    Be well,   Bryan   Disclaimer: this blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.

Genetically, I should be bald.  I started to lose my hair and go gray in my late 20s. Now, at 46, I’ve got a full head of hair and ~50% of my gray is gone. Here’s how I did it: Start early and be proactive - I made the mistake of addressing my hair loss and graying after noticing it. By age 20, about 20% of men already have some visible hair loss. Many people lose up to 50% of their hair before they start to notice thinning. By age 50, up to 40% of women will have noticeable hair loss. Consider starting a hair health protocol before you can visibly detect loss. Nutrition - proper nutrition is important for hair health. You’ll want to make sure you’re getting adequate protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Iron, Zinc and Biotin. The Blueprint stack has all of these. Topical hair formulation - I use a topical solution, 1 mL applied to my scalp each morning (before bed is ok too). I then massage my scalp with a silicon scrubber for 1-2 minutes to stimulate blood flow. The formulation I use (listed below) is based upon a genetic test I completed (Blueprint 30% off) that predicted my response to various ingredients. The company then provides you with your custom Rx formulation. Note I experimented with applying the topical 2x a day (morning and night) and my recent blood results showed my DHT levels too low at 5.8 ng/dL which can create side effects. I’m back at 1x daily and will retest my blood in 90 days. If you’re on a budget or just want a basic solution, you can try out Minoxidil 5%. Note that some people experience side effects with a topical such as itchy skin, headaches etc. so monitor for those. The ingredients in my formulation: Minoxidil (7%), Cetirizine HCl (1%), Latanoprost (0.004%), Dutasteride (0.25%), Melatonin (0.1%), Caffeine (0.2%), Tretinoin (0.0125%), Vitamin D3 (1,000IU/ML), Vitamin E (10 IU/ML).  Red light cap - six minutes a day and you can be doing your morning routine as you wear it. Here’s one option for you (Blueprint for 20% off).  Oral Minoxidil - I take 3.75 mg a day. I started with 2.5 mg and evaluated for side effects. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial involving 90 men with androgenetic alopecia AGA, oral minoxidil (5 mg daily) was found to have similar efficacy to topical minoxidil (5% solution applied twice daily) after 24 weeks. Oral minoxidil is generally considered safe at low doses, but it can have side effects. Common side effects include hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth) and headaches. If you want to start oral Minoxidil, you can get the Rx from our friend Dr. Marjon Vatanchi, Irvine Dermatology. 949-800-8551, Concierge@irvinedermatology.com.  Blueprint hair health shampoo is possibly coming soon. We’ve been trialing this formulation and think it’s the best out there. We need to complete our assessment and if it passes, we’ll make it available to you later this year.  Blueprint hair treatment is also in the works - I was doing PRP and PRF, where you draw blood and then separate out the plasma and then reinject the plasma back into your scalp. After diligently doing it for 12 months, we saw nearly no benefit. That stinks because it’s painful, expensive and time consuming. Seems PRP works for some but not all. So we turned our attention to another method that we’re excited about. We are completing our final assessment on this too and if it passes, will also be released later this year.  This protocol has worked remarkably well for me. That said, I know many people take oral finasteride and have good results. Luckily I’ve been able to avoid it and the risk of its side effects.  As with any new therapy, you’ll want to monitor for side effects. I’m doing multiple things simultaneously but that doesn’t mean you need to. Topical minoxidil 5% may be the only thing you need for good results. My objective is to openly share what I’m experimenting with so that you can decide what’s right for you. We’re still in the early days of anti-aging and likely know far less than we think we know. It’s helpful to remain humble.  A final note that I’m in touch with several companies that are building novel hair regrowth therapies. They are promising and exciting. They’re still years out but it’s cool to think that hair loss may no longer be a thing we have to think about. Just one reason why the future is going to be amazing. #dontdie Good luck to you friends. Wishing you each the best in maintaining a full head of vibrant hair.  Bryan Disclaimer: this blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.

Your skin could be aging you - here's how.

My teeth have caused me a lot of anxiety. When I first started Blueprint I was not in a good place. My gums were receding, my teeth were eroding, and my diet was full of sugar.  I felt helpless and it was hard to look at my teeth in the mirror. If you feel similarly: you are not alone. Caring for your teeth is manageable and reversing damage is possible.  After three years on Blueprint:  My dentist reports “you have the gums of a healthy teenager” My plaque index is 24.4% which is ideal I solved the destructive bruxism I dealt with for 20 years   My gingival and calculus index was 0, the lowest possible and equal to an 18 year old And I’ve reduced my attachment loss by 41% This is important because keeping your mouth healthy is key to overall health. Optimal oral care can prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and even lower your risk of heart disease.  Here is how you can achieve similar results: Ask your dentist: With anything with Blueprint, it’s important to understand your baseline. Ask your dentist to evaluate:  Attachment loss: the loss of supportive tissue around teeth. Poor attachment can lead to tooth loss if severe. Pocket depth: measures from the top of the gum line to the bottom of the pocket where the gum attaches to the tooth. Healthy gums have a pocket depth of 1-3 mm. Three years ago I had several pockets that were 5 mm deep. Plaque index: measures the thickness of dental plaque on the tooth’s surface.  My dentist stained my mouth with a solution that reveals the plaque. She then assigned numbers to the various levels of plaque and on what parts of the teeth. My plaque levels were ideal.  Gums bleed: you want gums that don’t bleed easily. A good sign was that my dentist continually poked my gums trying to get them to bleed but was unsuccessful. She mentioned that my gum health is better than many of the teenagers she sees, setting aside those with bad oral health habits. Oral care protocol: Nine steps you can follow to get your oral health in order: Waterpik: The first thing I do in my protocol is use a water pick. It uses a high-pressure stream of water to remove food, plaque, and bacteria from hard-to-reach places. Morning & night. - Amazon Floss: After using the Waterpik to loosen particles, I use floss for plaque and debris removal. I use Dr. Tongue's because it's thicker and showed a 25%+ increase in plaque removal in studies we reviewed. Morning & night. - Amazon  Brush: I use an electric brush, but you may prefer a manual. I enjoy soft bristles as it cleans effectively without unneeded harshness on the tooth or gums. Morning & night. - Amazon  Toothpaste: I am currently using two types of toothpastes, neither of which have fluoride. Morning & night. - Amazon Tongue Scraper: This is a game changer. If it’s not part of your oral routine, I encourage you to try. It can significantly improve oral hygiene. Morning & night. - Amazon  Mouthwash: If you plan on smooching that special someone, you can freshen up with a Xylitol mouthwash. Give your partner the very best. Morning & night. - Amazon  Tea Tree Oil: I previously used tea tree oil, 2-3 drops with 2 oz of water. Recently I discontinued using it. Years ago it helped improve my oral health. Now that my baseline is back to ideal I have not needed it in my protocol. - Amazon Bruxism Device: For 20 years I was grinding my teeth at night. If you have Bruxism, I strongly encourage you to address it. A dentist on Blueprint recommended the SomnoDent Bruxism Device, and for the first time in my life, my Bruxism has stopped. Wear while sleeping. - Link Cleanings: Make sure you visit your dentist at least 2 times a year. It is important to identify problems early and remove hardened plaque. Even with diligent brushing and flossing at home, it's difficult to remove all plaque from your teeth.   Oral Hygiene Tips: Reduce sugar: Try sugar alternatives like Trehalose, Monk Fruit, Xylitol, and Allulose.  Acidic Liquid: Avoid extended exposure to acidic fluids, such as coffee and lemon water. Avoid dry mouth: Staying hydrated. Saliva protects your teeth by washing away food debris, neutralizing acid, carrying essential ions like calcium, which help remineralize your enamel, making it stronger. Wait to brush: I avoid brushing my teeth 30 minutes after eating as tooth enamel is temporarily softened.  Travel Toothbrush: If I spend the day on-the-go, I’ll take a travel toothbrush with me. Throughout the day you can sneak away to a bathroom and give your teeth a clean.    Follow these steps and you’ll be off to a great start.   Bryan Disclaimer: this blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.

High-quality sleep changed my life. It took me years to build the habits and systems that led to eight months of 100% perfect sleep. As far as I know, this is the best in the world. I’m going to teach you the habits for excellent sleep. We all know the energizing feeling of a great night’s sleep. It rejuvenates the body, boosts brain function, powers the immune system immunity, and regulates hormones. It’s the foundation for well-being and longevity. On the other hand, sleep deprivation impairs. Being constantly awake for 18 or 24 hours is equivalent to having a blood alcohol content of 0.05% or 0.1%, respectively. In the U.S. 0.08% is considered legally intoxicated. Also, get six hours or sleep or less on average and you’re 4.2x times more likely to develop the common cold.  And if you need any more motivation, one night with 4 hours of sleep showed a 70% reduction in the activity of natural killer cells in 18 out of 23 participants. One night of subsequent normal sleep was enough to restore NK activity to its baseline. Natural killer cells are what’s killing cancer cells among other functions. Preclinical studies have established a causal link between the lack of sleep inhibition of immune surveillance and increased tumor growth in animal models. Sleep deprivation diminishes cognitive functions, slows reflexes, and gives rise to poor decision-making. It’s linked to heart disease, diabetes, obesity, anxiety, depression and weakened immunity.  If you only do one thing for your health: sleep.  Learn 10 habits.     Reframe Your Identity: You are a professional sleeper Make sleep your #1 priority. Nothing influences your conscious existence more. Plan your day around sleep. It’s the most important appointment in your calendar.  Get buy-in and support from others by explaining your priorities. Ignore those who say sleep is for the weak. They’re drunk from sleep deprivation.  Sleep will make you a top performer. Create a 30-60 minute Wind-Down Routine: Set a specific time each evening to start wind down, for example: Engage in relaxing activities like reading or taking a warm bath. An online randomized clinical trial on 991 subjects concluded that reading a book in bed improved sleep quality in a majority of participants, as self-reported by the participants using SQS scoring. Practice mindfulness or deep breathing exercises. In a wide meta analysis, mindfulness meditation outperformed controls and proved equivalent to medications in treating sleep disturbances. Listen to soothing music: Soft, calming music can help signal that it's time to sleep. In a study on 94 students, soothing classical music outperformed a negative control and an audiobook at improving sleep quality and reducing depression. In older adults too, a meta analysis of 9 studies with 489 participants showed significant improvements with sleep latency, duration, and efficiency with various music interventions in multiple settings and countries. Get Morning Light:  Get outside within the first 15-30 minutes of waking to set your circadian rhythm and boost mood. Use a light therapy device if natural sunlight isn’t available. Regulate Evening Light:  Dim the lights one to two hours before bedtime to create a relaxed atmosphere. Use warm lighting in the evening. Even better, use a red light. Plus it’s a cool vibe. Install blue light filters on your devices (i.e. f.lux) and consider blue light-blocking glasses. Limit screen time at least an hour before bed and blackout your bedroom. Regulate Your Bedroom Temperature:  Keep your bedroom temperature between 60-67°F (15-19°C). Choose breathable bedding and light sleepwear. Use fans or cooling devices and consider taking a warm bath before bed.  Ventilate your room and or use a temperature-controlled mattress if possible. Track your sleep patterns with a journal or sleep tracker. Keep a Consistent Bedtime:  Choose a bedtime that allows for 7-9 hours in bed each night. Avoid scheduling late nights and be consistent even on weekends. Set an alarm for winding down. Track your sleep patterns with a journal or sleep tracker. Curate Your Sleep Environment: Ensure your bedroom is quiet, dark, and cool. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows. Remove distractions and keep your bedroom clean and clutter-free. Consider using a noise machine to offset environmental sounds or earplugs if necessary. Eat your Final Meal of the Day Hours Before Bed:  For years I tested my eating times on sleep quality and landed at 11 am being the best for high quality sleep. By the time I go to bed at 8:30 pm, primary digestion is done and my resting heart rate is around 47-49 bpm. If I eat later in the day, my resting heart rate will be between 55-58 bpm because my body is still digesting food and it will lessen my sleep quality by ~30%. But you don’t need to do what I do. Try to have your last meal of the day at least two hours before bed and avoid large meals close to bedtime. You can experiment extending to eating your final meal of the day 4 and 6 hours before bed and assess whether it improves your sleep quality. Eating close to bed creates large metabolic demands on your body, causes blood glucose fluctuations, reduces melatonin production, and disrupts your body’s natural process of lowering core body temperature. Like me, you may find that certain foods such as pasta and breads reduce the quality of sleep.  I was very surprised to see how much food positively and negatively affected my sleep.  Avoid Stimulants Before Bed:  Try to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and other stimulants at least 10 hours before sleep. I don’t consume caffeine or alcohol. They each disrupt my mood and negatively affect my sleep. But that’s me. You can find what’s right for you. Caffeine has a half life of 6 hours in the blood. That means that consuming a cup of coffee 6 hours before bedtime is equivalent to drinking half a cup immediately before going to bed! Caffeine manipulates brain cells by blocking their sensing of declining energy levels (blocking adenosine receptors). And this sense of declining energy levels is essential for your brain to switch to sleep mode. Caffeine in your system close to bedtime can also interfere with your sleep phases and quality later in the night. You might think that alcohol, as a depressant, helps you sleep faster. That may be true, but alcohol also has a negative effect on your sleep quality. Alcohol reduces REM sleep, increases sleep fragmentation (frequent awakenings), and can exacerbate existing medical conditions Opt for herbal teas or other relaxing drinks in the evening. Gather Data:  Track your sleep habits and patterns with a journal or sleep tracker. Use the data to make informed decisions and adjustments to your routine. Continuously monitor and tweak your habits to optimize your sleep quality.   Print out the attached checklist to track your progress or download here.   Improving sleep is a journey. Take it one step at a time and start by focusing on reshaping your relationship with sleep.  You've got this.  Sleep well, Bryan Disclaimer: this blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.