The Science of Autophagy
The science of autophagy is the science of cellular rejuventation. Through the advent of autophagy-enhancing therapies, we can trigger the cell's ability to recycle toxic misfolded proteins and debris to consume for energy, and revitalize a cell.
The Start of Cellular Dysfunction
Defective Cells and Their Toxic Proteins
One of the signature markers of an aged cell versus a young, healthy cell is the presence of inflammation. If you were to examine a biopsy of an older person's cells, you would see visible signs of inflammation, whereas the younger person would be smoother and less inflamed. This is because as we get older, we have a higher proportion of inflammatory senescent cells.
The most obvious example of this phenomenon is in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's where dysfunctional cells accumulate an assortment of toxic Tau proteins that cause the cell to be attacked by our immune system.
Cellular Deep Cleaning
Autophagy enhancers like Metformin, Rapamycin, and Intermittent Fasting turn on the cell's autophagy machinery to consume these toxic proteins to turn into cellular energy. This is the cell's built-in programming to preserve energy in states of nutrient deprivation, while simultaneously creating a 'deep cleaning' phenomenon.
Regenerate Newer, Healthier Cells
Inducing autophagy propels our cells into a healthier state and allows the tissues that they compose to carry out their original functions. Autophagy reduces the ratio of cellular senescent cells to healthy cells and removes toxic proteins from the cells that are attributed to neurodegerative, cardiovascular, and cancer-related diseases.
Autophagy
Autophagy is a powerful evolutionary self-preservation mechanism through which the body can remove dysfunctional cells and toxic proteins responsible for many age related chronic diseases, and recycle parts of them toward cellular repair and cleaning.
Acarbose
Acarbose is one of the most promising and clinically evaluated longevity molecules. Through its ability to block peak glucose levels, remodel gut microbiota, and increase GLP-1 levels, acarbose confers its powerful healthspan-promoting benefits.
Strength of Research Rating
Rapamycin
Rapamycin is considered to be the most promising healthspan-promoting interventions for its role in slowing down the formation of senescent cells through its inhibition of the mTOR complex 1 pathway.
Strength of Research Rating
Metformin
Metformin is one of the most promising and well-researched interventions to slow down the accumulation of senescent cells by inducing autophagy. Metformin's benefits extend beyond the induction of autophagy and include optimizing metabolic pathways and upregulating the molecules that maintain the epigenome.
Strength of Research Rating
Your Longevity Care Team
Elevate Your Healthspan with Personalized Care from Our Expert Clinical and Research Team
Healthspan offers a personalized approach to healthcare that goes beyond your normal doctor's visit. Our team of experienced researchers and clinician specializes in innovative interventions targeting cellular senescence to help you achieve optimal health and wellness.
You're in good hands
Elana Miller, MD — Chair of the Healthspan Medical Advisory Board
Board-Certified Physicians
Our US functional medicine doctors analyze your biomarkers and clinical data to prescribe personalized health recommendations to target cellular senescence and optimize longevity.
Ongoing Care and Optimization
Healthspan provides personalized strategies to optimize your health and longevity by monitoring key health indicators through regular check-ins and lab result reviews with your provider.
Your Own Research Review Team
Healthspan analyzes the latest longevity research to provide you personalized medical advice.
GETTING STARTED
How it works
1Online visitStart your online visit by completing our new patient intake and providing information about your medical history and lifestyle. The online evaluation takes about 15-20 minutes to complete.
2Doctor reviewA functional medicine physician will review the information you provide and determine the prescription that best suits your needs. Scripts are available for 1 month, 3 month, and 6 month supplies
3Free shippingIf prescribed, your treatment will be shipped directly to you, and arrive within 5-7 business days. All orders are tracked electronically, and you will have access to tracking for each shipment.
4Ongoing CareHealthspan provides personalized strategies to optimize your health and longevity by monitoring key health indicators through regular check-ins and lab result reviews with your provider.
Stand for Research
With every order Health Span will contribute $5 dollars to fund cancer research of the most promising metabolic oncology labs in the world.
Powered By 
Healthspan-affiliated physician practices are independently owned and operated by licensed physicians who provide services utilizing the Healthspan telehealth platform.
