Dr. Mike Sinel is a luminary in medicine and health innovation, and his vision of the future embraces the spirit of togetherness and scientific exploration. Our conversation looks at the realities of medicine and longevity.
A seasoned physician, a dedicated professor, a keen biohacker, and a dynamic entrepreneur — these roles barely scratch the surface of who Dr. Mike Sinel is. At the helm of the medical field for over three decades, Dr. Sinel’s journey is a testament to his relentless pursuit of knowledge, passion for bettering human life, and a spirit of entrepreneurship. His endeavors span from leading departments at esteemed institutions like Cedar Sinai Medical Center and UCLA School of Medicine, to launching successful ventures in the health and wellness industry and advising startups pushing innovation’s boundaries.
However, what truly sets Dr. Sinel apart is his passion to help bring a whole new category of natural medicines to the world. These encapsulated medical foods are natural molecules that fall between pharmaceuticals and supplements, which he says have “really strong clinical data, safety, and efficacy to combat many of the most common ailments, from chronic pain and inflammation to sleep disorders to cognitive decline and fatigue.”
Dr. Sinel’s at the center of research on longevity. “There’s a complete paradigm shift in what was called aging,” he says, “Aging is now seen as a disease — a condition that can be managed, if not reversed, with the right interventions.”
According to him, lifestyle diseases like heart disease and cancer are prevalent, but it’s increasingly clear that they can be significantly prevented or delayed through lifestyle choices. Key elements include regular exercise, a nutritious diet, adequate sleep, and a positive mindset. Practices like meditation, yoga, and mindfulness, along with fostering love and community, play a crucial role. These accessible strategies can markedly enhance life expectancy and quality, addressing the growing mental health crisis along the way.
He sees the potential for extending our lifespan beyond what is considered natural today and, with it, our “wellspan.” He declares: “We’ll be hiking and having vibrant lives in our 120s and 130s within our lifetimes.”
What’s the science behind longevity? “Recently, I’ve been researching exosomes, signaling molecules derived from stem cells containing microRNA, RNA, and growth factors, but without a nucleus. I’ve successfully used exosomes for cellular regeneration,” he shares. A notable experimental study in the U.S. is exploring fetal exosomes to reverse aging by guiding them into the hypothalamus with focused ultrasound, showing promising results in animal studies. This research is part of broader advancements in peptides and pharmaceuticals.
I’m skeptical of Big Pharma’s influence, especially with their 1,700 lobbyists in the U.S. Congress and their role in keeping medicine prices high in the U.S., unlike elsewhere. There’s a potential shift from Big Pharma’s focus on profitable curative healthcare to preventive wellness, driven by the prospect of increased profits from longerliving populations. This raises the question of how Big Pharma’s capitalistic motives align with the holistic health approach I advocate for. He agrees: “Pharma’s been a reactive disease model; it’s great business if they keep patients on an antihypertensive treatment for 60 years, etc. If we, as consumers, are focused on prevention and wellness, we should use much less drugs. I think what’s happening is pharma’s going to come into consumer health; they’re going to have to respond to what’s going to be a dramatic shift in the old disease model into the health model as we progress further into the space of biologics and genetic engineering.”
Rather than pharmaceutical companies dictating the future of healthcare, he posits that the baton will be handed over to tech companies and consumer health. He believes that integrating welltech into everyday life will significantly contribute to this shift.
However, shaping the future doesn’t come without its hurdles. I firmly believe that trust is of utmost importance in today’s world, closely followed by truth and ethics. Dr. Sinel stresses the importance of trust, truth, and ethics, asserting that they are fundamental in reshaping the world and his industry. “Trust is critical; authenticity will lead the future of what people follow,” he asserts.
On authenticity, Dr. Sinel elucidates: “Cultivating loyalty to one’s soul grows over time and becomes our best guide through the energy of our body and breath. When we interact with others, authenticity naturally emerges if we remain honest with ourselves.”
When asked about his advice for the young generation, Dr. Sinel shares: “You become a reflection of the people you surround yourself with. Find what you love to do and stay connected to nature. Be aware of your health and listen to your body.”
In encapsulating his philosophy and vision for the future, he delivers a powerful message: “We are one, and we are here to spread light; trust that that’s the unfolding, and there are lessons in it. All the pain is just opportunities; everything
always changes.”
As we stand on the cusp of ground-breaking advancements in health and longevity, Dr. Sinel’s message for the future is clear: adopt a proactive, well-rounded approach to health and wellness. Understand the significance of lifestyle interventions and the potential of scientific advancements in extending our lifespan.
