In this episode of Longevity Roadmap, host Buck Joffrey interviews scientist and self-tracking biohacker Dr. Michael Lustgarten. Known for his data-driven approach to ageing and health, Lustgarten unpacks his research on the gut-muscle axis—how gut bacteria may influence muscle mass, strength, and endurance, particularly in older adults. He also offers practical insights into longevity optimization using diet, metabolomics, and relentless self-monitoring.

Key Points:

Dr. Michael Lustgarten explains how gut bacteria might shape muscle health and longevity through metabolites. His meticulous self-tracking approach offers a roadmap for testing and optimizing personal ageing biomarkers.

• The Gut-Muscle Connection: Lustgarten discovered that metabolites produced by gut bacteria significantly influence muscle mass and strength, especially in older adults—giving rise to the “gut-muscle axis.”
• From Bodybuilding to Biochemistry: Originally inspired by bodybuilding, he pivoted to ageing research after reading about calorie restriction’s effects on biomarkers. He now combines lab work with personal experiments on diet and longevity.
• Tracking Everything: Data Over Hype: Lustgarten rejects vague biohacking trends in favour of rigorous data analysis. He tracks everything from diet and sleep to hundreds of blood biomarkers to optimize for youth and function.
• Mouse and Human Studies: Mixed Results: While mice fed high-soluble-fiber diets showed improved endurance and gut-produced metabolites, similar human trials showed limited impact—suggesting a more nuanced role of the gut-muscle link in people.
• Uric Acid, Inflammation & Longevity Clues: His deep metabolomic studies reveal that biomarkers like uric acid and inflammatory metabolites are better predictors of healthy ageing than traditional markers like cholesterol alone.