Biohacker's Glossary
Decode the language of longevity. A curated list of essential terms you need to know.
Autophagy
The body's mechanism of cleaning out damaged cells, in order to regenerate newer, healthier cells. Triggered by fasting.
Biological Age
The age at which your body is functioning, versus your chronological age (number of birthdays). Measured via DNA methylation.
Epigenetics
Changes in gene expression that do not involve changes to the underlying DNA sequence. These changes can be influenced by age, environment, lifestyle, and disease state.
Hormesis
A biological phenomenon whereby a beneficial effect (improved health, stress tolerance, growth or longevity) results from exposure to low doses of an agent that is otherwise toxic or lethal when given at higher doses. E.g., Sauna, Cold Plunge.
mTOR
Mammalian Target of Rapamycin. A protein that regulates cell growth, cell proliferation, and cell survival. Inhibiting mTOR (via fasting or Rapamycin) is linked to longevity.
NAD+
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide. A coenzyme found in all living cells. It is required for the fundamental biological processes that make life possible.
Nootropic
Substances that may improve cognitive function, particularly executive functions, memory, creativity, or motivation, in healthy individuals.
Senolytic
A class of drugs or supplements that selectively clear senescent cells (zombie cells) that accumulate during aging.
Sirtuins
A family of proteins that signal the body to repair DNA and improve stress resistance. They depend on NAD+ to function.
Telomeres
Caps at the end of each strand of DNA that protect our chromosomes, like the plastic tips at the end of shoelaces. Shortening telomeres are a marker of aging.