AMEN-RA’S
AGE INHIBITION REGIMEN (AIR)
A Synopsis
I. INDENTIFICATION & INTEGRATION: The AIR is intended to (I) identify every
experimental intervention that has exemplified the ability to extend maximum lifespan in
mammalian organism and (II) integrate these interventions into a single comprehensive
practical Regimen.
II. TETRACTYS: The interventions so identified may be classified into ten distinct
categories termed ‘The Tetractys of Anti-Aging Interventions’ [See Vol. I of the AIR].
III: CENTRAL MECHANISMS: Generally, the Anti-Aging interventions comprising the
Tetractys affect four fundamental physiological phenomena: Glycation, Autophagy,
Adiposity (i.e. Fatness), and Oxidation (i.e. Free Radical Damage).
III-A. Glycation is the process whereby simple sugars combine with body proteins,
rendering them dysfunctional, damaged, and resistant to routine replacement. Studies
show that reducing the extent of glycation in the body extends animal lifespan.
[Glycation is also caused by excessive cooking and consumption of foods inherently
high in Advanced Glycation End-Products (AGEs).]
III-B. Autophagy is the process whereby the body’s proteins, membranes, cells, and
tissues are enzymatically renewed. Autophagy is essentially a process of selfdigestion, self-renewal. Fasting (and exercise exclusively in the fasted state) is the most
potent means of magnifying autophagy. Several studies indicate that enhancing
autophagy independently lengthens lifespan in animals.
III-C. Adiposity is excessive fatness. Several studies indicated that the accumulation
of adipose impairs longevity and, obversely, that elimination of excessive adipose
attenuates the rapidity of aging. All aspects of the AIR serve to suppress adiposity.
III-D. Oxidative damage occurs principally as an ordinary consequence of feeding.
The oxygen required to extract energy from ingested food produces damaging byproducts (i.e. free radicals). Thus, the more food ingested, the more free radicals
generated. Several studies establish that reducing free radical damage results in
lifespan extension. Specific substances (i.e. antioxidants) avert oxidative damage. The
Amen Apothecary contains several such agents (e.g. tea, herbal extracts, and
numerous nutrients).
IV. AVERTING AGING: All of the fundamental physiological processes involved in aging
can be influenced by four practical interventions: Cyclic Fasting, Caloric Restriction,
Exercise, and Specific Neutraceutical Substances.
V. THE AMEN FAST: 23 hours in duration; executed daily during the diurnal (day-time)
period; non-calorific fluids (e.g. tea, coffee, and herbal infusions are imbibed throughout);
fasting inhibits glycation (by reducing circulating glucose concentration); the Amen Fast
augments autophagy, attenuates oxidative damage, and antagonizes adiposity by increasing
fat oxidation.
VI. THE AMEN DIET: Predicated upon caloric restriction (~20-50% less than customary
caloric intake of comparable person); Devoid of meat, eggs (ideally, though not necessarily,
devoid of dairy products). The Amen Diet consists of three distinct parts: the Amen Amino
Aliksir, the Main Meal, and the Minor Meal. All three components are consumed in the 1hour long feeding interval.
VI-A. The (ideal) Amen Amino Aliksir consists of 12 isolated amino acids, isolated
soy protein, brewer’s yeast, spirulina, psyllium fiber, pure cocoa powder, creatine, the
dipeptide carnosine, and a multimineral/multivitamin supplement (with added B
vitamins) blended in a base of chilled soymilk sweetened with stevia. The intent of
the Aliksir is to provide all essential nutrients in a form easy to assimilate. The Aliksir
is ingested on an empty stomach at the outset of the feeding interval to ensure
optimal assimilation of nutrients. [Because the AOHP entails extended fasting and
caloric restriction and because restricting food intake necessarily limits the ingestion
of essential nutrients, it is requisite for optimal health to supplement these nutrients.
Thus, if Adherents neglect to integrate the ideal or modified Aliksir, it is important
that they consistently consume a multimineral/multivitamin supplement on a daily
basis. Vol. III, Part I is devoted entirely to the Amen Amino Aliksir.]
VI-B. The Main Meal denotes dinner. Though there are several ‘Amenesque’ staples
(e.g. beans, rice, soy, bread, etc.) any vegetarian meal (including those containing
dairy) is fit to conform to the minimal standards of the Amen Diet. [To reiterate
veganism is the Amen ideal, strict vegetarianism is adequate. Vol. III, Part II is devoted
entirely to the Main Meal.]
VI-C. The Minor Meal denotes dessert. There are several ‘Amenesque’ staples (e.g.
nuts; a ‘Godly Gruel’ consisting of raw oats, nuts, fruit and spices in a base of chilled
soymilk sweetened with stevia; a blend of peanuts and dark chocolate morsels; and—
Nun’s personal preference—a simple sandwich consisting of coarsely ground roasted
peanuts and royal jelly-rich honey or preserved fruit on wheaten or oaten bread).
Any vegetarian variant of this basic type is consistent with an ‘Amenesque’ Minor
Meal. [Vol. III, Part III—devoted entirely to the Minor Meal—explains why nuts are
particularly prominent in the Amen Diet.]
VII. THE AMEN APOTHECARY: Contains copious natural compounds expressly
intended to influence one or more process implicated in aging (i.e. glycation, autophagy,
adiposity, oxidation). Agents included in the Apothecary are resveratrol, turmeric,
chromium, carnitine, glucosamine (non-animal derived), and extracts of green coffee,
broccoli, blueberry, pomegranate, etc. [Vol. IV is devoted entirely to the Amen Apothecary.]
VIII. THE AMEN EXERCISE REGIMEN: Consists (ideally) of a Persistence (aerobics)
Phase and a Resistance (weight training) Phase.
VIII-A. The Persistence Phase is executed in the morning. Its effects include the
depletion of stored glycogen such that fat is used preferentially for energy during the
day-long fast. When optimal ‘Amenesque’ leanness is reached, the reduction of
stored fat enhances the autophagic renewal of body tissues. Rapid renewal of body
tissue is the most effective means of reducing the rate of aging. [Agents in the Amen
Apothecary, ingested before and after persistence exercise enhance the autophagic
effect.]
VIII-B. The Resistance Phase is executed in the evening. Its effects include the
alteration of body composition such that muscle is preferentially preserved. This
preferential preservation of muscle is not merely an aesthetic ideal. The promotion
of muscularity over adiposity ensures optimal glycemia if excessive eating is avoided.
Optimal glycemia (especially in the fasted state) inhibits glycation and promotes
lifespan prolongation. [Vol. V is devoted entirely to the Amen Exercise Regimen.]
Dr. Nun Sava-Siva Amen-Ra, Dr.PH, MA, MSW, LGSW
Summer MMXV