Julie Gibson Clark, a longtime advocate of biohacking, recently achieved notable recognition in the “Rejuvenation Olympics” by securing the second position worldwide in 2023. The event, which ranks competitors based on their biological aging rate, measured Clark’s pace of aging at approximately 0.66, indicating she ages around 34% slower than average. Her accomplishment outperformed even high-profile figures like tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson, according to a report in Business Insider.
Clark’s achievement was substantiated by the Dunedin PACE blood test, which analyses biomarkers linked to aging.
Clark’s interest in health optimisation began early. Her father, a former NASA astronaut from the Skylab missions in the 1970s, taught her that food serves as fuel and emphasised the importance of proper nutrition for peak performance. This approach laid a foundational philosophy, though Clark, now 56 and a professional recruiter, only began rigorously applying these principles in adulthood to target longevity and reduce stress. Her goal is to stay healthy enough to enjoy life, remain active, and spend quality time with her teenage son.
For over 25 years, Clark has incrementally refined her personal health strategy, beginning with dietary supplements and home-cooked meals in her early 30s to combat chronic acid reflux. Her efforts evolved into a more robust regimen: she quit alcohol and gradually discontinued antidepressant medication, attributing her improvements to dietary and lifestyle changes. However, Clark maintains a disciplined approach, adjusting her lifestyle only when aligned with her “why” — a long, healthy life filled with travel, learning, and family time.
“You’ve got to figure out what’s your ‘why,’ what’s your intention, and what are your resources?” Clark told Business Insider, highlighting the need for a sustainable, well-defined goal for those interested in biohacking.
Clark’s approach is one of affordability and simplicity rather than high-cost interventions. She has spoken against short-term “beach body” trends, emphasising that her practices are meant for a lifetime. Her routine is built gradually, with changes made one at a time until they become as habitual as brushing one’s teeth.
In her daily schedule, Clark incorporates a morning prayer, a workout session at 7 AM followed by a sauna and cold shower, and an afternoon meditation break. Describing her post-workout sauna and cold shower as a “mini spa” experience, she said this routine is a central part of her wellness practice.
Diet is a crucial aspect of Clark’s health strategy, focusing heavily on vegetables. Clark aims to consume a pound of vegetables each day, favouring a colourful variety from purple carrots to sweet potatoes. She complements her vegetable intake with lean proteins like chicken, eggs, and locally sourced meats.
Clark also favours spinach, particularly during summer when she keeps it on hand for quick meals. In colder months, she uses spinach to create a mid-morning “greens latte.” The nutrient-rich composition of vegetables — high in fibre, vitamins, and phytochemicals — is scientifically linked to longevity, promoting a range of health benefits that extend beyond basic nutrition.
Medical experts support her approach. Dr. Dean Sherzai, a specialist in dementia prevention, has recommended leafy greens as a dietary staple for brain health. Clark’s diet further supports cognitive and overall health by incorporating Omega-3, an essential fatty acid critical for brain function, as well as B vitamins, which aid energy production. In response to widespread magnesium deficiencies, Clark prioritises leafy greens rich in this mineral, aiming to keep her nutritional intake well-rounded.
Emerging research also suggests that hormone therapy and vitamin D supplementation may positively impact biological aging in postmenopausal women. According to some studies, the inclusion of vitamin D and calcium may be associated with reduced cancer risk in women, adding another layer of potential health benefits to Clark’s nutritional approach.
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