Dr. Lenny Da Costa is a Consultant Geriatrician, Preventive Cardiologist, and Functional Medicine Specialist with over 20 years of experience. He specializes in anti-aging, preventive cardiology, and metal toxicology (FCMT, USA).As President of SRAAMI and the Indian Society for Metal Toxicology, he is a leading expert, speaker, and faculty member in longevity and regenerative medicine. With over 35,000 patients treated, he consults in Mumbai, Pune, New Delhi, and Goa.

Q: Your journey into functional medicine started with a very personal experience. Can you tell us more about that moment?

A: Absolutely. My shift began when my mother suffered two back-to-back heart attacks. Despite clear angiograms, conventional medicine had no answers. That was my wake-up call—I had to look deeper into the root causes of illness.

Q: That must have been a pivotal moment. How did that lead you to metabolic cardiology and functional medicine?

A: I began exploring beyond conventional cardiology, incorporating detoxification, chelation, and IV therapies. Over the past two decades, I’ve worked with over 40,000 heart patients, refining a holistic approach that goes beyond symptom management.

The Evolution of Functional Medicine

Q: How did you transition from cardiology to a broader focus on longevity and anti-aging?

A: Between 2004 and 2007, I attended conferences on anti-aging medicine. At the time, functional medicine wasn’t a recognized term, but I saw the puzzle pieces—hormone balance, nutrition, detoxification—all fitting together. I realized that addressing one aspect of health wasn’t enough. We needed a complete framework.

Q: And that led to your five-pillar approach to functional medicine?

A: Exactly. Over time, I developed a structured approach to longevity, based on five essential pillars:

  1. Detoxification: Removing toxins from our environment, diet, and lifestyle.
  2. Hormonal Balance: Managing key hormones like cortisol and thyroid hormones.
  3. Nutrition: Prioritizing nutrient-dense, toxin-free foods.
  4. Physical Strength: Finding the right balance of movement and exercise.
  5. Mental Well-being: Reducing chronic stress and cultivating resilience.

Redefining Longevity: Thriving vs. Surviving

Q: Many people think longevity is just about living longer. You see it differently.

A: That’s right. Modern medicine extends life expectancy, but too often, people spend those extra years on medication, not thriving. True longevity is about quality of life—being independent, active, and mentally sharp for as long as possible.

Q: Your book, Is Your Doctor Keeping You Sick?, dives deep into this philosophy. What inspired you to write it?

A: I wanted to bridge the gap between conventional and functional medicine. Too many people rely solely on medications without addressing the root causes of disease. This book provides practical steps to take control of one’s health.

A Personal Triumph: Overcoming a Stroke

Q: Your own health was put to the test when you had a stroke. How did you approach recovery?

A: It happened during an online session—I lost movement on my left side. But instead of resting, I immediately focused on movement and recovery. The next morning, I started exercising with my housemaid’s assistance. I also used IV therapies like vitamin C and glutathione.

Q: That’s incredible. How long did it take for you to recover?

A: In just seven days, I was walking again. By Christmas Eve—19 days later—I was back to ballroom dancing. This wasn’t luck. It was about biohacking my body’s natural ability to heal.

Rediscovering Ancient Wisdom for Longevity

Q: You often talk about evolutionary biology and how our bodies haven’t changed much in thousands of years. How does that tie into health?

A: Our bodies are 99.3% identical to our hunter-gatherer ancestors. They thrived on natural, whole foods, not the processed diets we have today. Biohacking isn’t about trends or gadgets—it’s about returning to the basics and aligning with how our bodies are designed to function.

Q: That’s a powerful perspective. So, what’s your key message for those seeking true longevity?

A: Longevity isn’t about living forever—it’s about living fully. We need to balance lifestyle, nutrition, hormones, and mental well-being to truly thrive. The key is understanding that optimal health is within our control if we take the right steps today.

Q: Thank you for sharing these insights. They are truly eye-opening.

A: My pleasure. Here’s to a healthier, longer life!