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Medications, Supplements & Other Treatments

In our practice, we organize longevity tactics into five domains — one of which I call ‘exogenous molecules,’ a fancy way of talking about medications, supplements, hormones, or any other formulated molecule you put into your body. Although powerful, this tactic can be challenging to discuss as it is highly individual. So instead of telling you to “take X” or “never take Y,” I find it more beneficial to approach this tactic with a 3-part framework:

(1) What is the objective? The more clearly you can define your objective, the more clearly you can assess if this is the right tool for accomplishing that objective

(2) Is there a biomarker? How do you plan to customize, track, and adjust your treatment over time? If there is no biomarker to monitor as a measure of effectiveness, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take the supplement or medication; it just means you may need to be more intentional around monitoring results in other ways.

(3) Does the risk outweigh the reward? Everyone has a different tolerance for risk. Some questions to consider when weighing risk vs. reward: What is the mechanism of action? How many patient years of use exist? What are the short-term and long-term risks of taking the medication? What are the risks of not taking the medication?

Below is a collection of past content discussing some common supplements, medications, and other treatments.

#81 – Debra Kimless, M.D. & Steve Goldner, J.D.: Cannabis – the latest science on CBD & THC

“Cannabis is a gateway more towards health than to other drugs.” —Steve Goldner

Qualy #61 – Rapamycin in cancer treatment

Today’s episode of The Qualys is from podcast #10 – Matt Kaeberlein, Ph.D.: rapamycin and dogs — man’s best friends?…

Qualy #52 – Insights about berberine

Today’s episode of The Qualys is from podcast #26 – AMA #3: supplements, women’s health, patient care, and more.

Qualy #46 – Rapamycin’s effects on cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegeneration

Today’s episode of The Qualys is from podcast #09 – David Sabatini, M.D., Ph.D.: rapamycin and the discovery of mTOR…

#75 – David Light: Zantac recall due to cancer concerns – what you need to know

“We have to come to grasp the reality that there are problems in the medication system in generics, potentially even brand, and all sorts of holes that exist in how the system is now for medications. We want to be a part of that solution and work together to ensure that every patient is getting a high quality medication.” — David Light

Metformin and exercise – déjà vu all over again?

Metformin blunts muscle hypertrophy in response to progressive resistance training

Hormone therapy and breast cancer?

There are not many topics in clinical medicine more polarizing than hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women suffering from menopausal…

#71 – Katherine Eban: Widespread fraud in the generic drug industry

“Generics are supposed to be this great leveler. It’s like the democratization of drugs that the rich and the poor alike can have access to for these great cures. To find out…that the companies cashing in on that image are really selling that short in a very devious way, is painful to realize. It’s a real great public health hope that has a very dark underbelly.” — Katherine Eban

#64 – Zol Kryger, M.D.: Navigating the sometimes shady world of plastic surgery—understanding potential complications of common procedures and how to reduce your risk by choosing the right doctor and asking the right questions

“A good surgeon knows how to take care of any complication they create.” — Zol Kryger

Metformin and exercise

If you like concrete answers and absolutes, longevity is not a fun sandbox to play in.

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