"Don’t Die": The Journey of Bryan Johnson and the Future of Longevity

Don’t Die: The Journey of Bryan Johnson and the Future of Longevity"

The human body is remarkably adaptable: it can be optimized for peak performance or quickly damaged by our daily choices. Don’t Die illustrates how even small changes can lead to significant improvements in physical and mental health, though not without sacrifices. Bryan Johnson demonstrates that living a meticulously designed life can yield extraordinary results. However, the documentary doesn’t shy away from addressing the emotional and social costs of such an approach. This balance between personal enhancement and the risk of alienation is one of the film’s most compelling aspects.

Why Should You Watch It?

Bryan Johnson’s lifestyle is unique and thought-provoking. He lives alone, follows a strict routine, goes to bed at 8:00 p.m., and wakes up at 4:30 a.m., resembling the discipline of a monk. In this regard, I agree with him and personally practice what I call "sacred rest"—sleeping starting from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., then continuing rest until 5:30 a.m. His commitment to a #plantbased diet for its proven anti-inflammatory benefits is admirable, but his approach seems overly rigid and joyless. A more balanced and enjoyable diet could help alleviate stress and restore the pleasure of eating. Additionally, his exercise routine appears excessive. In my clinical practice, I design highly individualized plans for diet, physical activity, and sleep—a framework I call Longevity Usual Suspects. These account for less than 50% of the overall work required for a sustainable longevity approach.

Supplements

The science surrounding supplements is often biased. It’s essential to educate yourself, as I did by learning from experts like Muneeza Ahmed, who emphasizes nature’s active ingredients. I list the best products available without any affiliations or financial incentives. My Longevity Special 4 are for the moment from Vimergy*:

1. High-quality B12 with adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin
2. High-quality Vitamin C. Some of the best food sources of vitamin C are rosehips, kiwi, oranges, tangerines, and tomatoes.
3. High-quality Lemon Balm as an alcohol-free tincture or as herbal tea
4. High-quality Zinc, Liquid zinc sulfate.

Additionally, I use knowledge from informative medicine to manage placebo effects and avoid nocebo responses.

Plasma, Genic Therapies, and Drugs

I disagree for the moment these treatments and experimental drugs like rapamycin (an immunosuppressant) are still in animal testing phases. I strongly advise against their use. Similarly, the hundreds of pills Bryan takes daily are counterproductive, as the interactions between so many substances can be unpredictable, and the quality of some products is questionable.

Infrared and Rebounding

I fully support simple activities like infrared therapy and using a rebounder. These are accessible and effective practices.

Mindset and Spirituality

While the documentary showcases mental exercises like light and audio stimulation and emphasizes occasional nature exposure, it lacks a deeper focus on spirituality. Bryan has distanced himself from his religion, which I see as a significant weakness in his approach. Studies of centenarians worldwide reveal that 9 out of 10 have a spiritual belief, and all demonstrate excellent emotional well-being and a positive perception of the world. Spirituality and a sense of meaning in life are fundamental for determining when to eat, exercise, or sleep. This aspect constitutes half the effort in achieving longevity.

Final Advice

Stay curious in your longevity journey and aim to enjoy the process. Positive emotions bring anti-inflammatory benefits, while high perceptions of life help reduce stress—both essential for preserving the joy of being alive.

* Supplement brands I trust: Vimergy, Pure encapsulation, Gaia herbs, Hawai farm, Nature's answer, eie adama.