{"id":3785,"date":"2025-06-02T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-02T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/?p=3785"},"modified":"2025-06-04T21:33:33","modified_gmt":"2025-06-04T21:33:33","slug":"after-nearly-dying-i-reversed-my-biological-age-by-over-30-years","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/02\/after-nearly-dying-i-reversed-my-biological-age-by-over-30-years\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018After nearly dying, I reversed my biological age by over 30 years\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
After being seriously ill, Dr Alka Patel decided to overhaul her life (Picture: Hax)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dr. Alka Patel is 53 – but going on 23. It may sound nonsensical but it really isn\u2019t, she insists. <\/p>\n

A Longevity and Lifestyle Medicine Doctor based in London<\/a>, Alka tells Metro that despite being in her fifties, 23 is her biological age. \u2018It\u2019s pretty simple. When we talk about biological age, we\u2019re referring to the actual health<\/a> of your cells and tissues \u2014 not just the number of candles on your birthday cake,’ she explains. <\/p>\n

\u2018A younger biological age means your cells and tissues are functioning as though you\u2019re much younger: in your heart health, your brain sharpness, your skin glow. It\u2019s not just about feeling better; it\u2019s about becoming<\/em> younger.\u2019<\/p>\n

And becoming younger is a passion for Alka. A GP for over 20 years, and now a Media Medic and TEDx speaker, she is on a mission to help people live longer and stronger. <\/p>\n

But why is this so important to her? \u2018Because I nearly died \u2014 and I don\u2019t want anyone to go through what I went through,\u2019 she says.<\/p>\n

On her 39th birthday, Alka was hospitalised with burnout afte spending all her time taking care of her patients and her family, and neglecting herself. It was so severe, her organs started to shut down. \u2018I had a terrible fever and no one could work out why,’ she remembers. <\/p>\n

\u2018I didn\u2019t know if I\u2019d live to see my children the next day. That moment truly terrified me. I was cut open by surgeons in an attempt to find the source of the fever – but it was a mystery. In the end I was diagnosed as PUO – Pyrexia of Unknown Origin – and left with the surgical scars of my burnout as a harsh reminder to take care of myself. <\/p>\n

Being forced to confront her mortality was eye opening for Alka: ‘I wasn\u2019t ready to leave my children without a mother. That experience didn\u2019t just change me; it redefined me.\u2019<\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
Dr Alka’s organs started to shut down due to burnout (Picture: Supplied)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

She knew she had to rewrite her own health story \u2014 and in doing so, became determined to help others avoid the fate she nearly faced. <\/p>\n

So how did Alka drop her biological age? \u2018I redesigned how I lived: what I ate, how I moved, how I slept, and how I responded to the daily demands of life. Total lifestyle reset.\u2019<\/p>\n

She also utilised her medical background: testing her biology – aka her hormones, nutrient levels, toxins, inflammation – and using wearable health trackers to see how her body was really responding. <\/p>\n

\u2018It wasn\u2019t guesswork, it was grounded in data,\u2019 Alka explains. \u2018I approached it with my ‘Foundational, Functional, Focal’ model. <\/p>\n

‘I got the foundations right \u2014 optimising lifestyle, nutrition, sleep and movement; then I moved to the functional layer, testing for hormonal balance and nutrient levels; and then I got focal: targeting specific goals based on the data, such as improving my cognitive clarity. I ended up unlockinglayers of health I didn\u2019t know were possible.\u2019<\/p>\n

Alka describes her day-to-day routine before her health crisis as \u2018chaotic\u2019. Juggling motherhood (Alka has three children), a demanding career, and \u2018a personality that said \u201cI can do it all\u201d.\u2019 <\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
The doctor had to completely overhaul her life (Picture: Supplied)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Life would be eating packets of biscuits between patients, optional sleep, and constant stress. \u2018I was living in reactive mode – always firefighting; never fireproofing,\u2019 she remembers.<\/p>\n

And now? \u2018Now I\u2019m in charge. I start my mornings with what I call 1-10: The Sunshine Sync, which means one minute of stepping out into the morning light followed by 10 seconds of gratitude for the day. <\/p>\n

\u2018I also prioritise protein <\/strong>and fibre with my meals and structure my day with micro-movements, like doing calf raises as I\u2019m brushing my teeth.\u2019  <\/p>\n

Alka also measures her metrics with wearable devices like a Continuous Glucose Monitor for blood sugar control and every decision is deliberate, she says, before adding another alliteration: \u2018Data, Devices, Decisions\u2019. <\/p>\n

Some of those decisions have been a little out there, she admits. \u2018People raise their eyebrows when I tell them about the seven days of complete silence. But silence is the ultimate biohack. It recalibrates your brain; resets your emotional state; and boosts your cognitive clarity. <\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
Today Dr Alka’s biological age is 23, she says (Picture: Hax)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u2018I\u2019ve also run two marathons, do regular sauna sessions for detoxification and cell health, and commit to five-day fasts.’ Alka is quick to point out that while sometimes she does water only fasts (‘while wearing my glucose monitor to stay safe and motivated’), other times she does eat – and that assuming you don’t during a fast, isn’t correct. <\/p>\n

‘It may sound contradictory but we can fast in a way that nourishes the body with a small amount of food while still providing the prolonged fasting benefits,’ she explains. ‘All of these thing challenge not just my body but my mind. It\u2019s all about discomfort as a path to discovery.’<\/p>\n

Alka admits that many of her colleagues are sceptical, but puts that down to the healthcare and medical education systems ‘not being set up for health; they\u2019re set up for sickness.\u2019 <\/p>\n

\n
\n\t\t\"Netflix\t<\/div>
Bryan Johnson is going to extreme lengths in the name of longevity (Picture: Netflix)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In today’s world, it’s hard to escape our current obsession with living longer, especially when you think of Bryan Johnson, the tech entrepreneur – known for his Project Blueprint – who takes 100 pills a day, had an infusion of his son’s plasm and spends millions on diet, fitness, tracking and treatments to reduce his biological age.<\/p>\n

Alka tells Metro she is a fan of his work. \u2018Bryan is pushing the boundaries of what\u2019s possible \u2014 and that\u2019s a good thing,\u2019 she insists. When asked whether his method of using young blood plasma to rejuvenate ageing cells – parabiosis – is a step too far, Alka insist not. <\/p>\n

\u2018There\u2019s fascinating research behind parabiosis. (And cryotherapy – using extreme cold in surgery or treatments – for its stress benefits.) I\u2019m a believer in doctor-guided biohacking because the body is complex, and taking control of your health with an expert by your side is how you ensure precision and safety.<\/p>\n

\n

\n\t\t\t\tDr Alka's 6 biohacking steps to get started\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
\n
    \n
  1. 1-10<\/strong> The Sunshine Sync:<\/strong> Step outside for 1 minute of morning sunlight, the close your eyes for 10 sec and set your purpose for the day<\/li>\n
  2. 2-20 The Power Pulse: <\/strong>walk for 2 minutes then sprint as fast as you can for 20 seconds<\/li>\n
  3. 3-30 <\/strong>The Hydration Habit:<\/strong> Take 3 gulps of water every 30 minutes<\/li>\n
  4. 4-40 The Compliment Catalyst:<\/strong> Give 4 compliments every day that take 40 seconds to deliver<\/li>\n
  5. 5-50 The Flexibility Fix:<\/strong> Do 5 different stretches and hold each one for 50 seconds<\/li>\n
  6. 6-60 <\/strong>The Breathflow Boost:<\/strong> Slow down your breathing to 6 breaths for a minute every 60 minutes<\/li>\n<\/ol><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

    \u2018I\u2019m also mindful, though, that just because something is possible it doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s practical or right for everyone,’ she adds.\u2019 <\/p>\n

    But why doesn\u2019t anyone want to get old any more?  \u2018I don\u2019t think it\u2019s about not wanting to get old, it\u2019s about wanting to stay vibrant, independent, and strong for as long as possible,’ says Alka.<\/p>\n

    It\u2019s about living well; not just living long. Getting older is inevitable; how you age is a choice. I\u2019m not afraid of time catching up with me; I\u2019m just moving faster than it at the moment.\u2019<\/p>\n

    \n
    \n\t\t\"\"\t<\/div>
    Dr Alka now runs marathons as she knows she carries ‘genes for endurance’ (Picture: Supplied)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    There\u2019s no doubt that hers is one tough regime. She admits that the food noise that comes with five days of fasting is incredibly difficult to deal with, while running a marathon made her legs numb with pain – \u2018but I\u2019d tested my DNA and knew I carried genes for endurance,\u2019 she adds. <\/p>\n

    She also believes that growth doesn\u2019t come from comfort. \u2018I\u2019m not afraid of discomfort; I\u2019m afraid of stagnation. I\u2019ve never felt stronger, sharper, or more beautiful. <\/p>\n

    \u2018I\u2019m more focused, more driven, more present than I\u2019ve ever been. My energy doesn\u2019t fade halfway through the day – it\u2019s constant; it\u2019s consistent. These days I\u2019m running on premium fuel instead of  fumes.\u2019<\/p>\n

    Click here <\/a>formore information on Dr. Alka\u2019s 10 Years Younger in 10 Weeks programme<\/em>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    After being seriously ill, Dr Alka Patel decided to overhaul her life (Picture: Hax) Dr. Alka Patel is 53 – but going on 23. It may sound nonsensical but it really isn\u2019t, she insists.  A Longevity and Lifestyle Medicine Doctor based in London, Alka tells Metro that despite being in her fifties, 23 is her […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3787,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[9],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3785"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3785"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3785\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3794,"href":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3785\/revisions\/3794"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3787"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3785"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3785"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/curiousdrive.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3785"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}