Meds and Supplements that Boost AMPK
by Nils Osmar. Updated Jan. 7, 2023 Medical Disclaimer
AMPK is a catabolic enzymatic process, often referred to as the longevity pathway. It’s associated with autophagy (a process which cleans debris out of our cells), and apoptosis (a deep form of autophagy which clears senescent cells out of our bodies). When AMPK is activated in lab animals, they tend to live longer, and many markers of aging improve.
Fasting
According to this study, AMPK can be activated by fasting:
Skeletal muscle AMPK is activated by fasting, resulting in phosphorylation and inhibition of acetyl-CoA carboxylase 2 (ACC2), causing a reduction in malonyl-CoA and an increase in fatty acid oxidation (Steinberg and Jørgensen, 2007). (See study: AMPK Activation of Muscle Autophagy Prevents Fasting-Induced Hypoglycemia and Myopathy during Aging
Meds and supplements
It can also be activated by the bioactive compounds found in both medications and nutritional supplements. Some of the ones I’ve taken in the past include:
- Metformin – 500 mg – medical prescription (Note: Metformin depletes vitamin B12. For this reason, when taking metformin, I’ve usually taken B12 along with it.) Metformin has been hailed as a “true anti-aging drug” though it’s most often prescribed for diabetes. It is effective at lowering blood glucose but can have some side effects, including gas and bloating, indigestion, and (more seriously) preventing the absorption of B12. I take it sporadically, but in light o
- Berberine – DoNotAge – 500 mg (David Sinclair once called berberine “the poor man’s metformin” because their effects in the body are so similar.)
- Ceylon cinnamon (I’ll sometimes sprinkle this form of cinnamon on some berries to prevent the berries from raising my blood glucose).
- Benfotiamine (an activated form of the B-vitamin thiamine) – Life Extension – 1 gram
- Allulose – a natural sweetener many people take to lower blood sugar. I sprinkle it on desserts such as fruit salads or yogurt
- One I’m planning to start taking in 2023 (assuming that I’m approved for a trial being conducted by AgelessRX) is low-dose rapamycin.
Many people have high blood glucose, which predisposes them toward early aging and some other problems. Fortunately there are many nutritional supplements that lower blood glucose. Most supplements that lower blood glucose also also activate AMPK and lower mTOR.
Not medical advice
- This article is not intended as, and should not be taken as, medical advice. I’m not advising that people eat any particular diet or take any particular supplements, just reporting on what I’m doing. All supplements can have side effects; I would encourage people to research both possible benefits and side effects before starting on any supplementation regimen.
- Medical Disclaimer
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Other resources
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Which cinnamon do you use? I’m having a hard time finding a Ceylon Cinnamon I can trust as being truly Ceylon.