Metformin vs Berberine

If you follow longevity news, you’ve likely heard the hullaballoo around the prescription drug Metformin.  Some people, such as researchers David Sinclair and Nir Barzilai, believe that Metformin may have the ability to increase health span or even lifespan.  Metformin: A Longevity Marvel? ⁉️ A medication traditionally used to manage Type 2 Diabetes, Metformin has […]

Taurine: Elixer of Life or Just Hype?  

At HOP, we spend a lot of our time looking at nutritional ingredients to see which ones deserve to jump into future HOP Boxes (see what we did there?)  🐰 And, like you, we’ve been seeing tons of buzz lately about the amino acid taurine.   At HOP, we spend a lot of our time looking […]

Stop blue light from aging your skin

Did you know that too much exposure to artificial blue light from devices and screens may be aging your skin faster?   💡 Blue Light and Skin Aging: Unveiling the Connection 💡  Blue light, a high-energy visible light, is emitted by electronic devices, LED lights, and the sun. Emerging evidence suggests that prolonged and excessive exposure […]

Intermittent fasting: Is it just a crazy fad?

Intermittent fasting (IF) has gotten a lot of press lately.  But Does not eating really improve health? And, if so, what’s the best way to incorporate fasting into your lifestyle?  Intermittent fasting is not a diet but rather an eating pattern that you can adopt to cycle between periods of fasting and eating.  There are […]

Hormesis for longevity?

You’ve heard the expression, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” but is that true?  Sometimes it is!  Today, we’ll explore the fascinating concept of hormesis and how embracing small stressors can promote longevity.  What is Hormesis? Hormesis, pronounced “hor-MEE-sis,” refers to the beneficial response of your body to low-intensity stressors.  Exposure to manageable challenges (exercise, […]

Shorty T and Your Aging Telomeres

Did you know that parts of you are becoming shorter every day?   And that shortening is associated with faster aging?  Today, we delve into telomere shortening, a critical component of the aging process.  Introducing one of HOP’s Downfalls of Aging, Shorty T.   👟 The Tale of Shorty T’s Sneakers 👟 Meet Shorty T, the embodiment […]

The Gut-Brain Connection

You’ve heard of the gut-brain connection, but how exactly are these two (very different!) systems connected?  🧠 It’s time to get to the “gut” of the matter! The gut and brain constantly communicate through a complex network of nerves, chemicals, and messages. Here are three examples of how your gut influences your brain: 1️⃣ Mood […]

Zone 2 vs HIIT exercise

Making aerobic exercise training a part of your longevity lifestyle is vital for cardiovascular health.  Gotta get the blood flowing (M is for Move, after all!), For maximum impact, you want to incorporate BOTH longer periods of low-intensity training (aka “Zone 2 training”) as well as shorter periods of high-intensity training (ex: High Intensity Interval […]

Heart rate zone – Tune in to your body

You’ve probably heard people in the fitness industry talk about the different exercise zones. Some gyms, such as the franchise “Orange Theory,” have even incorporated these zones into workout classes. But what are these zones, how can you calculate them, and what can you do if you don’t have fancy heart rate (HR) tracking technology?    […]

Collagen for skin?

You want glowing, fabulous skin, but is oral collagen worth the investment? Let’s separate the hype from the truth.  Collagen provides support and structure for your skin (think the 2x4s in the framing of your house).  As you age, collagen production naturally declines. At the same time, collagen degradation speeds up because that scaffolding is […]