Future Wellness: Dave Asprey Foretells

Dave Asprey: you’ve heard the name before. He of Blue Zones and Bulletproof coffee fame, the man who sang from sunny California rooftops the praises of “biohacking” and a thought-leader on numerous other wellness innovations – Asprey was recently interviewed by The Chalkboard Magazine, discussing the notion of the “Human Upgrade”. If you’re wondering what on Earth that means and envisaging something semi-bionic from films like I, Robot, you’re probably not too far off – as far as technology’s influence goes.

From cryogenics, to ozone therapy, and PEMF (pulsing electromagnetic fields) – Asprey seems to be clairvoyant when it comes to future trends in health and wellbeing. With his latest venture, Upgrade Labs, moving that one step closer to “hacking longevity”, Asprey seriously admits a “plan to live to 180”. Follower of a lowcarb, high-fat diet, who together with his wife undergoes stem cell therapy to rid themselves of old injuries – the man who opened our eyes to the diets of centenarians around the world advises a critical initial undertaking is to block EMFs (electromagnetic fields), as these are subversively “messing with” our biology and speeding up the ageing process… So far, so LA.

Given Asprey is also a fan of taking muscle-building and fat-burning compounds for increasing his growth hormone and testosterone levels, as well as NFB (neurofeedback) for brain function and overall psychological health, is it any wonder he advises we should all switch off the news and listen to his Human Upgrade podcast instead for “actionable takeaways that will help you perform like a superhuman” instead of feeding mass fear over the state of the world? That said, the Aspreys also have a working pig farm and grow a lot of their own vegetables… The twenty-first century example of a self-sufficient family? Perhaps.

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Magnesium, the Miracle Mineral

Known as the ‘spark of life’, magnesium is an important nutrient for over 300 bodily processes that contribute to our health. Magnesium is involved in energy production, muscle relaxation, nerve function, blood pressure regulation, brain function and more. It is a mineral which is necessary throughout life, with separate special considerations for men and women.

Women and Magnesium

During a woman’s lifetime, there may be several health events where an optimal magnesium intake is important. Some conditions associated with menstruation can be as a result of hormone disruption or blood glucose disruption, such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Magnesium may offer relief, because it contributes to normal hormone production and also assists insulin in removing blood glucose and delivering it to the cells.

During menopause, the hormones progesterone and oestrogen decline. Magnesium alongside vitamin B6 and a healthy fats intake are vital for supporting female hormone status. Magnesium can also be useful for support against menopausal symptoms that affect mood, stress management, blood pressure and – when balanced with calcium – bone mineral density.

Insomnia may be a result of an inadequate intake of magnesium. Magnesium helps our muscles relax and can benefit preparing for sleep and normalising disturbed sleep. A useful tip is to optimise magnesium intake to see if sleep improves.

Toxins can disrupt several body processes such as hormones, brain function, and digestion, and magnesium plays a role in eliminating these from the body, also.

Men and Magnesium

Like women, adulthood for men can involve optimising fertility and raising a family while managing career related stresses. Although hormone production does not cease in men, testosterone starts to decline from the age of 40 by approximately 1% annually, such that effects may be noticeable by a man’s 50s. Lowered testosterone levels are associated with increased atherosclerosis, a risk marker for cardiovascular problems. Magnesium is known to support testosterone production and offset these risks.

Intriguingly, research on magnesium taurate shows benefits for heart health, with indications that the combination of magnesium with the antioxidant amino acid taurine is responsible for the effect.

Research also shows that migraine sufferers have a lower magnesium status than non-sufferers. Studies suggest magnesium may prevent the brain signalling waves that can lead to migraine aura, alongside a decrease in pain transmitting signals.

Jenny Carson

Senior Nutritionist Viridian Nutrition

Magnesium Sources

To support this wide range of roles, Public Health England recommend that adults should aim to consume 300mg of magnesium daily.

Luckily, magnesium is widespread in food, although in small amounts. But making your meals magnesium-rich is easier than you might think. Try adding a large handful of leafy green vegetables at mealtimes or incorporate them into a smoothie: spinach, kale, mustard greens, and collard greens can provide 150mg per double handful. Try also to generally include wholefoods in your diet, such as oats and barley, leafy greens and oily fish (e.g. salmon and mackerel). Other good sources include pumpkin seeds and dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa solids).

However, if you are finding this to be a challenge, it might be beneficial to consider food supplements to fill nutritional gaps. Ideally, choose a supplement which provides a minimum of 300mg of magnesium per serving. Magnesium supplements are available in both capsules and powder format, which exclude binders and non-nutritive additives. To achieve a therapeutic intake of the mineral, opt for supplements which provide magnesium alone or which partner it with one or two other nutrients.

For more information or about your individual needs or for advice on lifestyle changes, please visit your local health store at: www.findahealthstore.com

Viridian Nutrition has selected Magnesium as its Ingredient of the Year.

Author: Jenny Carson, MRes, BSc (Hons), MBANT, senior nutritionist at ethical vitamin company Viridian Nutrition. She holds a BSc (Honours) in Nutritional Science and is a Master of Research (MRes) in Public Health. For more information visit www.viridian-nutrition.com.