TL;DR

The main causes of premature aging—excess sugar, environmental toxins, and chronic stress—fuel inflammation, cellular damage, and hormonal imbalances. These “Three Horsemen” accelerate biological aging. Combat them with a low-sugar diet, reduced toxic exposure, stress management, and supplements like berberine (Releaf) and krill oil (Superba™) to extend your healthspan.

Introduction
What Triggers Premature Aging?
Why a Healthy Lifestyle Matters
Sugar and Its Impact on Aging
Understanding Toxins and How to Detox
The Biology of Stress
Conclusion
FAQ
Glossary
About the Author
Medically Reviewed By
Last Updated

What causes premature aging? How can we slow it down?

The key drivers of early aging—excess sugar, environmental toxins, and chronic stress—undermine your healthspan. Treating illness without building health is like filling a sandbag with a hole in the bottom. By addressing these root causes, known as the “Three Horsemen of the Health-pocalypse” (Younger for Longer, page 12), you can slow aging and thrive. This article explores how to combat these factors with lifestyle changes and supplements.

Science Snapshot

A 2022 meta-analysis in Frontiers in Pharmacology found berberine to be as effective as metformin in lowering blood sugar in type 2 diabetes patients.
Supplements like berberine and krill oil improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and support cardiovascular health.
Lifestyle changes such as stress management, exercise, and clean eating complement these interventions.

What Triggers Premature Aging?

“The Three Horsemen of the Health-pocalypse: sugar, toxins, and stress—dark riders that conspire to undermine us.”
— Dr. Duncan Carmichael, Younger for Longer, page 12

These three forces increase oxidative stress, metabolic dysfunction, and hormonal imbalance—hallmarks of accelerated aging.

Why a Healthy Lifestyle Matters

Most people only seek medical help when symptoms appear. But prevention is far more powerful.

Consider this:

Excess sugar is a major contributor to diabetes and heart disease
Whole-food diets stabilise blood sugar and lower inflammation
Managing stress improves hormone balance and longevity

“Prevention is better than cure.” — Desiderius Erasmus

Sugar and Its Impact on Aging

What Is Sugar Doing to the Body?

Sugar Type	Source	Insulin Response	Health Risk
Glucose	Carbs, starches	High	Fat storage, insulin resistance
Fructose	Fruits, HFCS	None	Glycation, fatty liver, cataracts
Alcohol	Ethanol beverages	Low	Liver damage, inflammation, oxidative stress

How Does Sugar Cause Insulin Resistance?

Glucose spikes insulin, leading to resistance. This promotes fat storage, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.

Why Does Sugar Promote Inflammation?

Sugar fuels chronic inflammation via cytokine pathways, leading to tissue breakdown and biological wear.

How Does Fructose Contribute to Fatty Liver?

Fructose is metabolised in the liver. Excess intake converts to fat, raising risks for metabolic dysfunction and cataracts.

“All sugars are harmful in excess.” — Dr. D. Carmichael, page 93

How Can You Reduce Blood Sugar Naturally?

High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
Low-carb, whole-food diet
Supplements like Releaf (contains berberine) can also act similar to GLP1 agonists

A 2022 meta-analysis found berberine rivalled metformin for managing blood sugar in diabetics.

Berberine vs. Other Blood Sugar Regulators

Supplement	Pros	Cons	Food Source
Berberine	Effective as metformin, improves cholesterol	May cause GI discomfort	Barberry, goldenseal
Cinnamon	Mild insulin support, natural spice	Weaker effect than berberine	Cinnamon bark
Metformin	Doctor-approved, widely studied	Prescription only, side effects	N/A

Understanding Toxins and How to Detox

What Are Toxins?

Toxins damage cells and burden the liver—your primary detox organ.

Types of Toxins

Toxin Type	Common Source	Health Risk
Heavy Metals	Petrol, fish, cigarettes	Brain damage, cancer
Pesticides/Herbicides	Non-organic produce	Hormone disruption, carcinogenic
Endocrine Disruptors	Plastics, cosmetics	Hormonal imbalance
Electronic Radiation	Phones, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth	Oxidative stress (debated)

How Can You Reduce Toxic Exposure?

Detox with Releaf (berberine) and Preservage (antioxidants)
Choose organic produce
Use paraben-free personal care products
Turn off Wi-Fi at night, reduce phone exposure

The Biology of Stress

What Happens Biologically When We’re Stressed?

Hormone	Speed	Function	Long-Term Risk
Adrenaline	Fast	Boosts energy, focus	Burnout, anxiety
Cortisol	Slower	Regulates inflammation, blood sugar	Fat storage, immune suppression

How to Combat Stress-Induced Aging

Practice mindfulness or meditation
Supplement with Superba™ Krill Oil
A 2018 study in Clinical Interventions in Aging showed krill oil significantly reduced oxidative stress and improved lipid markers.
Spend time offline, exercise regularly, and improve sleep hygiene

Conclusion

Aging is inevitable. Premature aging is not. The Three Horsemen—sugar, toxins, and stress—can be slowed through:

Cutting sugar
Reducing toxic load
Managing stress
Using clinically supported supplements

Lifestyle & Supplement Checklist

Goal	Lifestyle Habit	Supplement Support
Stabilise blood sugar	Low-carb diet, HIIT	Releaf (berberine)
Reduce toxic load	Organic diet, avoid parabens	Preservage, Releaf
Lower inflammation	Mindfulness, restful sleep	Superba™ Krill Oil
Support liver detox	Hydration, reduce alcohol intake	Releaf, antioxidant blends
Manage chronic stress	Regular exercise, unplug daily	Omega-3s, Krill oil

FAQ

Q: What causes premature ageing?
A: Sugar, toxins, and stress disrupt cellular health and accelerate aging—collectively called the “Three Horsemen.”

Q: What’s the fastest way to get started?
A: Cut processed sugar, switch to paraben-free products, and add daily movement.

Q: Can supplements really help?
A: Yes—berberine (Releaf) and krill oil (Superba™) improve metabolic and heart health, and reduce inflammation.

Q: Can I reverse some of the damage?
A: Some damage is permanent, but many systems rebound with improved lifestyle and nutritional support.

Q: What are signs of sugar damage?
A: Insulin resistance, weight gain, fatigue, and skin aging can all be signs of excess sugar impact.

Glossary

NAD+: Molecule essential for energy and repair
Berberine: A plant compound that lowers blood sugar
Endocrine disruptors: Chemicals that mimic hormones
Insulin resistance: A precursor to diabetes and obesity
Fatty liver: Liver damage caused by excess sugar or alcohol

About the Author

Ed Van Harmelen is the founder of Youth & Earth and a passionate advocate for longevity since 2017. He has been featured in numerous podcasts and wellness publications for his insights on healthy ageing, biohacking, and the science behind supplements.

Medically Reviewed By

Mina Stanisavljevic, M.Sc. — Molecular Biology and Physiology, University of Belgrade
Science Advisor at Youth & Earth and OptimallyMe. Expert in cellular metabolism and evidence-based anti-ageing strategies.

Last Updated

July 13, 2025

The content of this article is for informational purposes only. It’s not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or health provider before starting a new health regime or program. Do not ignore medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you’ve read on this site or any Youth & Earth product.