“Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity” by Peter Attia, an expert on healthy and extended lifespans, is a comprehensive study advocating for the focus of modern medical practices on preventing diseases before they occur. While Attia offers suggestions for treating diseases in his book, he argues that the real importance lies in preventing diseases before they manifest. In other words, Attia adopts a predictive and proactive approach to diseases, focusing on forecasting and preventing them. According to Attia, identifying disease risks in advance and taking measures against these risks can positively impact people’s lifespan. The book, which presents strategies aimed at preventing major health issues from heart disease to cancer, contains detailed information in the later parts of the article.
Medical Classification According to Attia: Medicine 2.0 & Medicine 3.0
Peter Attia, a graduate of Stanford University School of Medicine, categorizes medical procedures into two classes in his book: Medicine 2.0 and Medicine 3.0. He describes Medicine 2.0 as traditional medical practices that intervene after diseases have manifested, noting that this approach can negatively affect patients’ quality and duration of life. According to Attia, although today’s medical practices in this category help control the symptoms of various health issues, they do not promise a complete cure to patients.
The system referred to as Medicine 3.0 in the book encompasses practices aimed at preventing diseases before they occur and regularly monitoring people’s health. Attia asserts that Medicine 3.0 practices can positively influence patients’ quality of life and potentially extend their lifespan. In his work “Outlive,” Attia supports, with scientific studies, that various health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, Alzheimer’s and other types of neurodegenerative diseases, as well as metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes, can have their onset delayed and individuals’ quality of life improved thanks to Medicine 3.0.
The Impact of Ketogenic Diets on Heart Health
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Drawing from his family’s medical history, which frequently includes cardiovascular disease, and his personal experiences, Dr. Attia contends that heart diseases can be prevented through proper nutrition. According to Attia, a ketogenic diet, which is low in carbohydrates and rich in monounsaturated fatty acids like olive oil, nuts, and avocados, can help prevent heart diseases. Ketogenic diets can increase the body’s fat-burning rate. Additionally, they can help lower triglyceride levels (waxy fat found in the blood) and raise HDL (good cholesterol) levels, thereby minimizing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Attia supports the contributions of the ketogenic diet and the Mediterranean diet to heart health with various studies. For example, a study involving 7,447 individuals aged between 55 and 80 in Spain found that a Mediterranean diet rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (rich in olive oil and nuts) supports heart health and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Ketogenic Diet and Brain Health
Ketogenic diets can convert fats in the liver into ketones, which are substances released when body fat acids are broken down and can provide energy to the brain. Some tissues and organs in the human body, like the brain, have the ability to use ketones instead of glucose to meet their energy needs. Based on this capability of the human body, Attia argues that properly implemented ketogenic diets can prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. In this context, his book “Outlive” discusses not only the positive effects of the ketogenic diet on weight loss and heart health but also its significant role in preventing and managing neurodegenerative diseases.
However, according to Attia, ketogenic diets, which are already quite restrictive and often limit saturated fatty acids, can be challenging to adhere to. In such cases, Attia suggests that even if people find it difficult to stick to the ketogenic diet fully, they should focus on including olive oil and nuts in their meals.
Oral Health and Sauna Use Impact on Heart Health
Oral health is a crucial component of overall health. Building on the impact of oral and dental health on general health, Attia emphasizes that paying attention to oral and dental hygiene can help not only prevent dental and gum diseases but also protect overall health, particularly heart and brain health. Bacteria accumulating in the mouth can eventually spread to other tissues and organs of the body. As an example, Attia points out that the P. gingivalis bacteria, which can cause gum diseases, is frequently found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. He advocates that individuals who regularly brush their teeth and use dental floss may have a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Besides the role of oral health in reducing the risk of heart diseases, another intriguing section in the book discusses the benefits of sauna use for heart health. According to some studies, using a sauna at high temperatures of around 82 °C (179.6 °F) for at least four days a week can help protect heart and brain health.
The Importance of Reducing Triglyceride and LDL Cholesterol Levels for Heart Health
Both triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, often referred to as bad cholesterol, are vital for the continuation of life functions when present in small amounts. However, levels of LDL and triglycerides that exceed normal values in the blood serum can lead to the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, thereby increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In his book, Attia discusses various medications for lowering high triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels. Among these medications, the most noteworthy is derived from fish oil and is rich in EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid), a type of Omega-3 fatty acid. Attia also advocates that other medications containing Omega-3 fatty acids can have positive effects on heart health.