Amping up AMPK for longevity

AMPK is a fat-controlling enzyme in the body that has many beneficial metabolic effects. One of them is extending our lifespan. How can we activate this enzyme? It is activated by a fuel shortage. We have to ramp up the amount of energy going through our muscles in order to boost it. For example, if you put people on a stationary bike and begin to take muscle biopsies while they cycle, there is a near tripling of AMPK activation within twenty minutes in both non-diabetics and diabetics(NIH. Diabetes, 1).

AMPK activation also leads to formation of extra mitochondria(the power plants within our cells where fat is burned and energy is created and transferred to other cells). AMPK causes more fat to be burned and also more furnances to be built for fat-burning. In this way, AMPK helps explain why endurance training enables us to run faster and farther.

Thanks to AMPK, working out may magnify your mitochondria as well as your muscles. AMPK is said to serve as a mitochondrial preserver and in that role may help protect against age-related disease.

You can boost AMPK activation by adding vinegar(acetic acid) to your diet, as well. All it takes is two teaspoons of vinegar with every meal i.e. make a salad dressing or drizzle it on food. Never drink it directly, as that will burn your esophagus. Try this dressing recipe: Serves 2 large salads- 3 tbsp of any flavored vinegar, 2 tablespoons of prepared mustard, and 1 tbsp of maple syrup or date syrup. Whisk all together in a bowl with some herbs and spices and you have one powerful fat-burning dressing.