A powerful formula that brings together ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with modern science to live more vibrantly as we age
“This book is an essential read for anyone seeking to age with vitality.” —Mark Hyman, MD, New York Times bestselling author of Young Forever
Esteemed Ayurvedic practitioner Dr. Avanti Kumar-Singh invites us to reframe our approach to aging through The Longevity Formula—boosting longevity by reducing inflammation and increasing cellular repair. This approach to increasing our health span isn’t complicated, and it doesn’t require expensive tests or procedures. Instead, it offers simple, science-backed practices based in the time-honored tradition of Ayurveda.
Dr. Kumar-Singh has experienced the power of these practices herself. During her successful career as an emergency room doctor, she suffered a health crisis that Western medicine couldn’t fully resolve. In her search for answers, she returned to Ayurveda, the healing tradition of her South Asian roots. Ayurveda is a holistic system that shows us how to live in harmony with nature, with its daily and seasonal rhythms. It’s complementary with Western medicine, and it honors aging as a time of vitality and wisdom. Dr. Kumar-Singh offers an accessible introduction to Ayurveda and how it supports the mechanisms of aging. Throughout the book, she shares accessible yet potent practices that will help you:
• Replenish your tissues to support memory and mood, reduce chronic pain, and strengthen muscle and bone • Remove toxins that contribute to chronic disease through simple daily routines • Add and move prana (energy or life force) through breathing and movement • Sync with nature to understand your body’s clock and how it supports your sleep, eating, and exercise • Feed your system, nourishing not only your body but also your mind and soul
These practices don’t require complicated equipment, expensive ingredients, or prior experience with Ayurveda. As Dr. Kumar-Singh writes, “The essence of Ayurveda is that we are not separate from nature. When we live in harmony with nature, we have optimal and vibrant health.” With this fundamental principle, she shows us how to build gradual and sustainable habits to support our physical, emotional, and spiritual health as we age.
Seems fitting to read during a flare up episode, what else can i do haha
mostly obvious things but good for first time readers, i think im mostly annoyed at the focus for ppl for focus on their natural rhythms when we have to accommodate our bodies to the systems we live and work in
i already do these things but i suppose could do more yoga or morning exercise if my body permits it, focus on more sleep ins to my body natural rhythms, maybe focus on bigger lunches
notes: - blah blah blah when all these elements align, you don’t just extend your life; you enrich the quality of every moment within it. - Part of the problem is that lifespan – the number of years we exist – has soared, while health span – the window in which we genuinely feel good – often stalls well before the finish line. - Aligning with these rhythms helps our repair processes run more efficiently, leading to a slower rate of physiological aging. - we can adopt Ayurvedic practices such as breathwork and yoga that gently “massage” the nervous system and stimulate the vagus nerve - Rather than fixating on complex diets, the main goal is to support a robust gut microbiome, which, in turn, fuels our metabolism and strengthens our immune defenses. - blending today’s treatments with these time-tested strategies can significantly stretch the years in which we remain active, engaged, and comfortable in our own skin. - Many of us underestimate just how important daily timing can be, whether for resting, working, eating, or staying active - As evening approaches, try dimming lights and reducing screen time to encourage your body’s natural shift into relaxation mode. - Regarding meals, it’s helpful to plan for a more substantial lunch around midday. The body’s digestive energy tends to be strongest when the sun is at its peak, making that the ideal window for denser foods. - Early morning exercise is another way to harness natural rhythms. - A quick stretch, some mindful breathing, or a few minutes of humming can help reset your nervous system and improve your focus. - you’ll also want to “feed” your mind. Curiosity acts as a spark that keeps your brain’s engine in good shape – whether you satisfy it by learning a new language, mastering a musical instrument, or flexing your problem-solving skills with puzzles and games.
Interesting read, though it doesn't feel like Ayurveda much of the time... I know the author says at one point, "take a chance on me without knowing your dosha/what the result of that dosha test means" - but this seems to remove the very beauty of what makes Ayurveda such a powerful method of juggling life and the wealth of health even in today's world, where these principles that are thousands of years old still apply. Still, there is good information in here. Someone who has no clue about Ayurveda would find this most helpful, as the info is very 'blanket'-type and everyone/anyone can apply them to their daily lives. In a way, it's almost like this is the first book one should read about Ayurveda before going deeper into the science, because it covers the basics and addresses the daily principles of the science that can then be applied in a deeper manner with a more advanced dive into doshas and what not. I can't say if this book does help prolong longevity...but it does seem to help with making your everyday better, that's for sure. Now what that will do to you in the long term, no one can know - so this is a good book to make life better now/everyday.
This book "The Longevity Formula" by Avanti Kumar-Singh highlights the Ayurvedic approach to enhancing vitality, reducing inflammation, and promoting cellular repair. The author presents a holistic perspective on well-being, combining ancient wisdom with modern science to create a sustainable path toward longevity. The book emphasizes that living a long life isn’t just about extending years but about ensuring those years are full of energy, clarity, and purpose.
The core idea revolves around the difference between "lifespan" and "health span"—while modern medicine has increased the number of years people live, many still struggle with declining energy, chronic illness, and mental fatigue. Ayurveda offers solutions by aligning daily routines with nature’s rhythms, fostering better digestion, and engaging in practices that support the body’s repair processes. By tuning into the body's innate cycles, individuals can slow aging and enhance their overall well-being.
One key principle discussed is "synchronization" with natural rhythms. The body operates on a 24-hour internal clock, known in Western science as the circadian rhythm, and aligning with it can lead to better sleep, digestion, and mental clarity. Simple adjustments—such as dimming lights in the evening, having a larger meal at midday, and exercising in the morning—can help the body function more efficiently. The book highlights how respecting the body's natural energy fluctuations leads to a deeper sense of balance.
Another crucial aspect is "metabolism", which extends beyond digesting food to include processing emotions, thoughts, and experiences. A well-functioning digestive system is essential for vitality, and Ayurveda encourages mindful eating habits, such as consuming heavier meals when digestion is strongest and incorporating overnight fasting for cellular repair. However, digestion isn’t limited to food alone—nurturing the mind with stimulating activities and maintaining emotional well-being through strong relationships and self-reflection are equally vital for overall health.
To further enhance energy levels, the book explores the role of the "vagus nerve", which connects the brain to various organs and plays a central role in stress regulation. Breathing exercises, yoga, and movement help stimulate this nerve, leading to improved digestion, mood stability, and a stronger immune system. Simple practices, such as alternate-nostril breathing and spinal stretches, can have a profound impact on both physical and emotional health. The book also emphasizes the importance of emotional release—whether through meditation, mantra chanting, or simply acknowledging and processing feelings.
Ultimately, "The Longevity Formula" presents a compelling vision of health, where longevity is about more than just surviving—it’s about thriving. The book encourages readers to see themselves as part of nature, aligning with its cycles rather than fighting against them. Through mindful habits, a balanced approach to nutrition, and consistent self-care, individuals can cultivate a life filled with vitality, clarity, and fulfillment. Rather than relying on quick fixes, Ayurveda offers a long-term solution—one that allows each breath and moment to be a celebration of well-being.
The Longevity Formula is an easy-to-read introduction to Ayurvedic lifestyle practices that promote well-being and longevity. Avanti Kumar-Singh draws from the rich traditions of Ayurveda—a science that has endured for centuries, with its core belief that humans are interconnected with nature. As the author points out, Ayurveda has always welcomed integration with new medicine, including conventional drugs, surgical procedures, and therapeutic practices, while emphasizing the natural pathways to health. Aging well comes from the dual principles of increasing cellular repair and decreasing inflammation. The energy body, is a concept central to Ayurveda, which addresses how our mental, emotional, and physical energies interact.
The book is structured around essential lifestyle practices, including: Fasting to support cellular repair; Breathing techniques (with a focus on Pranayama) to regulate energy; Exercise as a critical activity, especially before 4 pm; Sunlight exposure and following a Circadian lifestyle; Regular habits, meditation, and quality sleep as foundational to well-being. The later sections of the book provide advice based on how Ayurveda divides the day into specific periods, each associated with an Ayurvedic dosha (or energy type) and suited for particular activities: 6 am - 10 am (Kapha period): Ideal for physical exercise; 10 am - 2 pm (Pitta period): Best for intellectual and focused tasks; 2 pm - 6 pm (Vata period): Encourages creativity and brainstorming; 6 pm - 10 pm (Kapha period): A time to wind down and prepare for rest. Avanti advises short breathing breaks between these periods to reset energy levels and promote focus, enhancing productivity and relaxation throughout the day.
The author’s personal story of using Ayurvedic principles as part of her healing journey from breast cancer adds a personal touch to her message. Her tone is balanced, advocating for sensible discipline without rigidity. Most chapters are accompanied by good illustrations. For those new to Ayurveda, The Longevity Formula is an excellent starting point, covering essential practices and perspectives. However, readers who have practised or read other book on Ayurveda and Yoga, are unlikely to find much new content. Overall, The Longevity Formula does a good job of introducing Ayurveda's potential in healthy aging.
My rating: 3.5 / 5.
Thanks to Netgalley, Sounds True Publishing and the author for a free electronic review copy.
It is so rare to find a published work written by a health professional that strikes a balance between over-generalizations/broad strokes and nitty gritty details/jargon, but Dr. Kumar-Singh nailed it!
The Longevity Formula breaks down the complex processes of inflammation, cell death and repair, epigenetics, digestion, and immunity in extremely accessible ways using scientific (but simple) language and illustrative metaphors. I also appreciated the reminders throughout about how quickly we are discovering more and more about the human body, allowing for nuance and critical consumption of the text whether you’re reading in 2024, 2026 or 2037.
Another strength of this work is the balance maintained between Western and Ayurvedic principles; the information was presented in such a way that the two aren’t framed as oppositional, but integrative. Many holistic health texts paint Western practices as the villain to be destroyed whereas this work uses what we know to be true from modern medicine and maps it onto the Ayurvedic interpretation. Perhaps most importantly, this book gives strategies for daily use to improve cell repair and overall health that the reader is invited to take or leave, in whatever quantity they deem fit, based on their needs and lifestyle.
This is a great read for (1) those seeking to understand the WHY, on a cellular level, behind the most common self-improvement recommendations and (2) anyone in a helping profession who feels they have sacrificed their own wellness in order to serve others and is looking to make changes.
An inspiring introduction to Ayurvedic view of longhealth I had not much prior knowledge of the Indian Ayurvedic healing system when I picked up this ARC and the book left me educated, motivated and inspired. Kumar-Singh does an excellent and easy-to-understand job in the first part of the book to introduce readers into the main principles of Ayurveda relating to longlife or rather to a long healthspan. This was one of my major take aways: the Ayurvedic take of longevity is not about extending the lifespan with a lot of ailments and pills but to extend the healthspan. The main principles made a lot of sense to me, esp. the pyramid (live according to natural rhythms, eat healthy and calm your nervous system). The book quickly becomes practical with a lot of everyday applications. Part 2 consists of extremely well structured chapters with hacks to increase health. I loved that Kumar-Singh starts with the Ayurvedic principle shows how modern science supports this and gives tips with detailed descriptions how to. I plan to incorporate quite a few hacks into my daily routine. Throughout the book Kumar-Singh adds a personal perspective - her babaji, her own journey. It makes the reading very relatable. At the end she gives us insights in connecting with friends, family, our life‘s journey and the divine, a very appropriate and fitting end. Recommended reading for all who are looking for hacks and routines to improve their healthspan and would like to use Eastern and Western insights to do this.
Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
Daily routines Align with the rhythmic flow of nature
“true health isn’t measured by how many years you have, but by how vibrant and fulfilling those years are.
When you recognize that you are a microcosm of the macrocosm – that the laws of the natural world apply just as much to your internal systems as they do to the external systems – you begin to pave the path to long-term health span and lifespan.
Rather than relying on short-term fixes, adopting this approach revolves around forming consistent habits that strengthen both body and mind from within. Each moment lived this way then becomes a moment of enhanced physical vitality, mental clarity, and emotional ease.
Viewed through this enduring, holistic lens, life transforms into something far beyond a mere ticking clock, each breath instead offering a profound sense of well-being and celebration. “
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I do not come from a background steeped in Ayurveda, so I'm more than a little reluctant to be critical of the book and how much it veers from the principles by reducing it to current Western times. That said, the book seems like it would provide a novice great advice on how to incorporate Ayurveda into your life, with lots of easy to follow instructions and plain language explanations. Perhaps too much plain talk for my tastes, stripping away how this became one of the oldest health regimens in human history. The title kinda hints at what I'm suggesting: a good, long life can't be reduced to the same formula for everyone and this one has many many different variables or steps or exercises in the formula. It takes a full life philosophy for the full effect, I suspect. But my appetite is piqued to learn more -- elsewhere.
AB- this was an interesting read comparing Ayurveda and modern medicine and aligning the two together.
Definitely made me rethink how to reduce general toxic load and aligning my life as best as possible with general cycles of nature (harder to do with modern life for sure!).
I liked hearing the authors personal thoughts and experiences with both sides of medicine, Ayurveda, and being a patient but at some point it didn’t necessarily feel like it was adding?
An amazing rescource for yogis and teachers. I loved this, was just an amazing resource for me to reference through my career and personal practice. I would even say it’s a must read.
I am re-reading this book again so that I can take notes. Very repetitive but really good. Her explanations on how Ayurvedic practices help you are really detailed.
1. Ayurveda is protective; be resilient. 2. Connection and community are powerhouses of medicine. 3. Welcome friction—feel it in your body. 4. Drop the excuses. 5. Maintain a beginner's mind.