#378: Zombie Cells: The SECRET to Slowing Aging Revealed | Peptides, Senolytics, & Longevity Hacks (Halloween Edition!) With Nat Niddam
Today, I’m diving solo into a topic that’s both fascinating and a little bit spooky—senescent cells, also known as “zombie cells.” Understanding zombie cells is a crucial piece of the puzzle if you want to feel younger, stronger, and more resilient as you age.
In this episode, I unpack what senescent cells are, why they’re not just harmless bystanders, and how their buildup can accelerate the aging process and drive chronic inflammation—one of the hallmarks of aging. I break down the lifestyle habits that might be quietly increasing your zombie cell load, the early warning signs your body could be giving you, and most importantly, the evidence-backed interventions you can start using right now—from exercise and diet, to cutting-edge supplements, peptides, and more.
If you’re curious about practical ways to keep your cellular environment youthful, lower your risk of age-related disease, and find that sweet spot between eliminating harmful cells without disrupting natural repair, this episode is packed with approachable science and actionable strategies.
What I Discuss:
What are Senescent (“Zombie”) Cells and Why They Matter ... 00:00:36
Key Causes and Lifestyle Factors Driving Senescence ... 00:02:40
Dietary Strategies: Mediterranean Diet, Protein, and Polyphenols ... 00:08:57
How Zombie Cells Disrupt Tissue and Drive Chronic Disease ... 00:13:37
Symptoms Linked to Excess Senescent Cells ... 00:20:58
Challenges in Measuring Senescent Cells ... 00:23:31
Senescent Cells: Helpful in Healing, Harmful in Excess ... 00:30:39
Senolytics and Senostatics: Drugs and Natural Compounds ... 00:36:14
Lifestyle and Supplement Strategies to Reduce Zombie Cells ... 00:39:14
Peptides for Advanced Senescence Management ... 00:48:09
Our Amazing Sponsor:
Probiotic Breakthrough by Bioptimizers: uses a stress-tested Lactobacillus plantarum strain that showed over 30× greater survival in bile and intestinal fluid vs. generic strains. Save 15% at bioptimizers.com/bionat and use code BIONAT for 15% off any order.
More from Nat: