Podcast Summary: Dr. Ross Carter: Is Aging Optional? The Stem Cell Fix No One Talks About
Biohacking Beauty: The Anti-Aging Skincare Podcast
Host: Young Goose
Guest: Dr. Ross Carter
Release Date: June 11, 2025
Introduction
In this enlightening episode of Biohacking Beauty, host Amitai Eshel welcomes Dr. Ross Carter, a renowned expert in regenerative medicine with over 26 years of experience in non-surgical joint regeneration and 13 years pioneering stem cell and exosome therapies. Dr. Carter, a three-time best-selling author and creator of the Young for Life program, delves into the profound capabilities of advanced biologics in repairing and rejuvenating the body at a cellular level.
Understanding Stem Cells (03:02 - 04:44)
Defining Stem Cells:
Dr. Carter begins by elucidating the basics of stem cells. He explains, “A basic stem cell is an undifferentiated cell that can become another type of tissue… they’re responsible for creating new tissue in our body once it becomes damaged” (04:12).
Types of Stem Cells:
He distinguishes between two primary types used in therapy:
- Autologous Stem Cells: Sourced from the patient’s own body (bone marrow, adipose tissue).
- Perinatal Stem Cells: Derived from perinatal tissues like the placenta and umbilical cord, known for their robust repair capabilities.
Quality and Age of Cells:
Dr. Carter emphasizes that younger cells, such as those from perinatal tissues, possess a stronger ability to repair damage due to their fresh, undifferentiated state (08:22).
Stem Cell Therapy in Regenerative Medicine (05:20 - 08:37)
Repair Mechanism:
Stem cells act as "surveyors" in the body, identifying areas of inflammation and signaling repair through exosomes—tiny particles carrying information to stimulate healing. Dr. Carter analogizes stem cells to a "job site manager" directing repairs via these exosomes (08:37).
Perinatal vs. Autologous Cells:
While autologous cells are beneficial, their quantity and efficacy diminish with age. Perinatal cells, being only a day old, maintain high reparative potency and can evade the immune system long enough to initiate healing (07:30).
Systemic vs. Localized Treatments (11:24 - 14:22)
Localized Treatments:
Target specific areas such as joints or skin, ideal for conditions like knee pain or facial rejuvenation.
Systemic Treatments:
Address broader bodily issues, including autoimmune conditions and overall aging, by reducing systemic inflammation.
Combination Approach:
Dr. Carter advocates for combining both systemic and localized treatments to enhance overall results, stating, “You want more to a joint condition… doing system wide in conjunction with direct injections will improve the results” (13:37).
Biological vs. Chronological Aging (16:00 - 19:08)
Chronological Age vs. Biological Age:
- Chronological Age: The actual time a person has been alive.
- Biological Age: How old the body signifies based on organ function and cellular health.
Assessing Biological Age:
Using blood tests, saliva tests, and other diagnostics to determine the functional age of various organs and overall body systems.
Longevity and Health Span:
Dr. Carter expresses optimism about significantly slowing down, and potentially reversing, the aging process within our lifetime. He emphasizes enhancing the "health span"—the period of life spent in good health—over merely extending lifespan (17:00).
Regenerative Medicine Protocols (22:14 - 27:09)
Three-Step Process for Joint Treatment:
- Neutralize Degeneration: Address the root cause of tissue breakdown by inhibiting enzymes like proteases that degrade healthy tissue (24:10).
- Stimulate Regeneration: Utilize peptides, stem cells, and exosomes to promote tissue repair and rebuilding.
- Strengthen New Tissue: Implement protocols to reinforce the newly regenerated tissue, ensuring long-term stability and functionality.
Post-Treatment Care:
Emphasizes the importance of avoiding anti-inflammatory agents post-procedure to allow the body’s natural healing processes to function effectively. Additionally, lifestyle adjustments like avoiding sun exposure after skin treatments are crucial for optimal results (29:24).
Measuring Effectiveness (32:14 - 34:13)
Biomarkers and Clinical Signs:
- Inflammatory Markers: Monitoring C-reactive protein levels through blood tests.
- Biological Age Tests: Assessing methylation patterns and other cellular indicators of aging.
Long-Term Cell Functionality:
Dr. Carter discusses techniques like heterochronic parabiosis, which demonstrate how youthful signaling can rejuvenate older cells by altering methylation patterns, essentially "tricking" cells into behaving younger (34:13).
Future Innovations and AI in Regenerative Medicine (39:29 - 47:46)
Enzyme Neutralizing Therapies:
A new frontier exciting Dr. Carter involves neutralizing enzymes that cause tissue degradation, paving the way for more effective regenerative therapies (40:20).
Customization of Exosomes:
Advancements in tailoring exosomes for specific tissues (e.g., cartilage-specific exosomes) enhance targeted repair capabilities (46:22).
Artificial Intelligence:
AI is poised to revolutionize regenerative medicine by analyzing complex data from blood work and genetic profiles, leading to more personalized and effective treatment protocols. Dr. Carter highlights his reliance on AI for daily operations and decision-making (47:46).
Conclusion and How to Connect
Young for Life Program:
Dr. Carter's comprehensive program assesses individuals’ genetics, biological age, and hormone levels to create personalized protocols aimed at slowing or reversing the aging process.
Engaging with Dr. Carter:
Listeners interested in embarking on a regenerative journey can visit his website youngforlife.org or call 561-962-1231 for consultations and virtual procedures. While physical visits to his West Palm Beach office are also an option, the program primarily operates virtually.
Final Thoughts:
Dr. Carter underscores the importance of integrating advanced biologics with foundational health practices like quality sleep and stress management to achieve optimal aging outcomes.
Notable Quotes:
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“A stem cell itself is more like a surveyor… they go to the area and have the intelligence to figure out what needs to happen to fix the problem” (08:37) – Dr. Ross Carter
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“We want to be able to enjoy the rest of our life and be healthy enough to have fun” (19:08) – Dr. Ross Carter
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“AI is going to take over everything, every aspect of regenerative medicine, longevity, all those things” (47:46) – Dr. Ross Carter
Additional Resources
- Young for Life Program: youngforlife.org
- Biohacking Beauty Products: Use code PODCAST10 at Yongoos.com for a 10% discount on first purchases.
Timestamp Reference Key:
- (MM:SS): Minutes and seconds into the podcast episode.