5 Things You Think Are Extending Your Life (That Are Actually Doing Nothing)
Mark Hyman debunks five popular longevity myths, arguing that muscle, sleep, movement, and real food matter far more than supplements, fasting, or red wine.
The gist
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Hyman says muscle mass matters more than body weight as you age, so track functional metrics like stair climbing rather than the scale.
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A 20-year NIH study of 400,000 adults found multivitamin use had no link to lower mortality, so master sleep and exercise before spending on supplements.
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Hyman says staying in a permanent fasting state can cause muscle loss, so cycle between fasting periods and eating enough protein with strength training.
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Hyman says red wine is linked to several cancers and has no proven heart benefit, so get polyphenols from vegetables and berries instead.
Mark Hyman, MD recommends it
"It's important to make resistance training a regular part of your life. Your goal isn't simply to weigh less at 70, it's to be stronger at 70. Muscle is the key organ of longevity."
▶ Play at 2:3013 creators recommend it, including Andrew Huberman, Joe Rogan, and Chris Thompson.
See all on the Resistance training pageWhat they recommend · 2 picks
"It's important to make resistance training a regular part of your life. Your goal isn't simply to weigh less at 70, it's to be stronger at 70. Muscle is the key organ of longevity."
"I use many of these tools myself. I have a morning routine. I do cold plunges."
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