Why I Disagree with Bryan Johnson

Imagine spending millions of dollars trying to slow your aging… but in the process, you start looking less like a resilient human and more like a fragile vampire who wouldn’t last a day in the wild without modern society’s luxuries.?

Enter Bryan Johnson, a tech entrepreneur and biohacker best known for his ambitious Project Blueprint, where he invests millions annually to slow down the aging process and optimize his health.

He’s the founder of Kernel, a company developing advanced neurotechnology to study the human brain, and he previously founded Braintree, a payment platform acquired by PayPal for $800 million. He’s devoted his life (and wallet) to anti-aging, with the specific goal of maintaining the biological age of his organs at their peak.

But his approach leaves me scratching my head.?

Johnson’s efforts to push the boundaries of human longevity are commendable. I’m all for using data and science to improve health outcomes. He has achieved impressive control over some biomarkers, like inflammation levels and glucose stability, which are undeniably linked to better health outcomes.?

But his approach — which involves a plant-based diet, avoiding natural sunlight, and taking a laundry list of supplements — sounds more like a science experiment than a sustainable lifestyle.?

Let’s break this down.

Outsmarting Nature? History Says Otherwise

Humans thrive when they work with nature, not against it.?

Sunlight, for example, is vital for Vitamin D production and circadian rhythm regulation. While Johnson may avoid it to reduce skin aging, I’d rather embrace the full benefits of sunlight — from improved mood to a stronger immune system — while supporting my skin health with a proper diet, good sleep hygiene, and topical supplements like OneSkin. This way, I enjoy the best of both worlds without compromising my overall health.

And then there’s the diet.?

Humans evolved to eat animals. Protein from animal sources is complete, bioavailable, and packed with nutrients like B12, iron, and zinc that plants can’t compete with. Johnson’s reliance on lentils, peas, hemp, and other plant-based foods — which are laden with antinutrients and phytoestrogens — is far from ideal.?

Studies show that excessive consumption of plant estrogens can impact hormonal balance, and in Johnson’s case, it seems these dietary choices might be contributing to the feminization of his physique. (I’ll leave the wilderness survival test as a thought experiment.)

Specific Examples: Where Johnson’s Approach Falls Short

1. Avoiding Natural Sunlight: While his skin may appear younger, avoiding sunlight entirely can lead to Vitamin D deficiencies, which are linked to weakened bones, poor immunity, and even mental health issues. Supplements can’t fully replicate the synergistic benefits of natural sunlight.?
2. Plant-Based Diet: While plants have their place, relying on them exclusively is a gamble. For example, soy-based foods contain anti-nutrients like phytates, which can inhibit the absorption of key minerals. Animal-based diets, on the other hand, provide these nutrients in forms our bodies evolved to utilize efficiently.
3. Over-Reliance on Supplements: Johnson’s supplement stack may include dozens of pills and powders to plug potential gaps in his diet. But here’s the thing: supplements are just that — a supplement, not a replacement for real, nutrient-dense food. They often lack the cofactors and complexity of whole foods that make nutrients bioavailable.

Biomarkers: Johnson’s vs. Mine

Let’s compare some of his key biomarkers to my own to see how our differing approaches stack up:

• DunedinPACE Score. This measure of biological aging speed is an interesting indicator of overall health and longevity. Johnson’s score is reportedly 0.76 — a great result indicating his aging process is slower than average. My own score is 0.87, which is still well below the average of 1.0. While his number is slightly better, I achieve mine without the extreme measures he employs.
• C-Reactive Protein (CRP). A marker of inflammation where lower numbers are better. Both Johsnon and I have a CRP of 0.2, reflecting very low levels of systemic inflammation. Once again, I maintain this result through a natural, sustainable lifestyle that doesn’t require avoiding sunlight or relying on a plant-based diet. (Or spending millions of dollars.)
• Fasting Insulin. This is critical for metabolic health and insulin sensitivity. Johnson’s fasting insulin is reportedly 2.6, which is a good number. My fasting insulin, however, is even lower at 1.8, showing excellent metabolic efficiency. This result is achieved through a nutrient-dense animal-based diet and regular physical activity.

While Johnson’s biomarkers are certainly impressive, my results highlight that it’s possible to achieve similar (if not better) health outcomes with a nature-aligned lifestyle. You don’t need an extreme regimen to thrive. Plus, let’s not forget that we don’t know for certain how individual biomarkers affect health and longevity.

Nature’s blueprint for health has been refined over millions of years. Modern interventions are… less proven.

The One Thing We Agree On: Sleep

Good sleep is the foundation for longevity, recovery and mental clarity. He prioritizes a consistent bedtime and uses cutting-edge tech to track his sleep patterns.?

While I applaud this focus, and also enjoy sleep tracking and the use of gadgets like bed cooling systems, I try to stick predominantly to nature’s playbook.?

I.e., no fancy gadgets or over-the-top routines — just consistent sleep hygiene, minimal blue light exposure in the evenings, and embracing the natural rhythms of day and night.

Why Nature Wins

Johnson’s story is a fascinating one, but it’s also a cautionary tale. Humans thrived for millennia without supplements, tofu or biohacking gadgets. Our ancestors relied on nutrient-dense foods, sunlight, movement, and sleep — the same pillars I prioritize in my own life.

Instead of trying to outsmart nature, why not work with it? That’s been my strategy, and it’s one I’ll continue to follow for as long as possible. Real food, natural movement, and exposure to the elements may not be as glamorous as a million-dollar regimen, but they’ve stood the test of time.

What do you think? Can modern science beat nature’s blueprint, or are we just fooling ourselves? I’d love to hear your thoughts — reply to this email and let’s chat.

Stay healthy, Michael

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