Bryan Johnson's 'Foodome Sequencing' - Anti-Aging Diet Plan

The Pursuit of a "Foodome" Sequence

Similar to how genome sequencing reveals an organism’s genetic composition, Bryan Johnson, the investor and driving force behind the “Don’t Die” initiative, proposes initiating a “foodome” sequencing project.

Johnson articulated his vision at the SXSW festival in Austin, stating the intention to analyze 20% of the foods representing 80% of the typical American diet, based on everyday consumption patterns.

Johnson’s Background and Current Focus

Bryan Johnson’s professional history includes founding Kernel, a company specializing in brain monitoring technology, OS Fund, and previously leading the e-commerce platform Braintree.

Currently, his primary dedication lies in exploring methods to extend human lifespan and disseminating this philosophy to a wider audience. He has adopted unconventional approaches, including blood transfusions from his 17-year-old son and shock therapy, believing these correlate with improved health indicators.

Challenges in Healthy Eating

While many life-extending recommendations are commonplace – prioritizing sleep, fostering community, exercising, and consuming a healthy diet – Johnson emphasizes the difficulty of consistently accessing truly healthy food.

He points out that even organic options from grocery stores may contain toxins resulting from various processing techniques, making it challenging to ensure food purity.

A Public Database for Food Safety

Johnson’s objective is to comprehensively test a wide range of food products and establish a publicly accessible database. This database would allow individuals to contribute financially towards the testing of specific foods and brands for contaminants like heavy metals or microplastics.

The anticipated outcome is increased accountability for food manufacturers regarding potentially unsafe practices.

SXSW Reception and Philosophy

This concept was met with enthusiastic approval from the audience at SXSW, who actively participated in Johnson’s interactive exercises, including breathing techniques and a balance test.

Johnson has encountered online criticism for his belief that, with the rise of artificial intelligence, our generation may be the first to overcome the inevitability of death.

AI and the Future of Humanity

He asserts that the emergence of super intelligence is the most significant event unfolding globally, and that existing ideologies are inadequate for navigating this new reality.

Johnson contends that the survival of humanity is no longer assured with the advent of AI, and proposes a shift in priorities from maximizing profit to prioritizing longevity – “Don’t Die.”

He suggests aligning AI with the goal of preserving human life, leveraging its capabilities to harness the collective intelligence of millions to address the challenges of aging.

Skepticism and Alternative Perspectives

This proposition has sparked debate, with some arguing that death is an inherent aspect of the human experience.

Longevity scientist Dr. Andrew Steele acknowledges the benefits of healthy habits and exercise, but emphasizes the dominant role of genetics in determining lifespan, rather than extreme interventions.

The "Blueprint Protocol" and Commercial Ventures

Despite this skepticism, Johnson continues to promote his “Blueprint Protocol,” a lifestyle regimen designed to optimize biomarkers. He is also involved in marketing his own line of supplements and food products.

Notably, his brand of olive oil is named “Snake Oil,” a potentially ironic or fitting designation.