Optimal Health Insider
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Move over protein and creatine… study shows probiotics improve athletic performance too
Of all the supplements athletes reach for to increase performance, probiotics probably aren't even on the radar screen. But according to research they should be, especially when participating in high intensity exercise. Probiotics---also known as flora or friendly...
The Best Test Kits for Microplastics and What They Can Reveal
Imagine taking a breath, sipping a glass of water, or enjoying your favorite snack, and unknowingly consuming tiny pieces of plastic at the same time. It sounds extreme, but it’s becoming a daily reality for most people. These microscopic fragments, known as...
What You Need to Know About Testing for Microplastics in Your Bloodstream
Microplastics aren’t just polluting the planet, they’re showing up in our bodies. Recent studies have confirmed that these tiny plastic particles, along with the chemicals that come with them, can be found in human blood. And until recently, there was no practical way...
As studies mount, researchers estimate microplastics contribute to 356,000 annual heart disease deaths
In 1921 cardiovascular disease (CVD) surpassed pneumonia/influenza to become the leading cause of death in the U.S. It has held that position ever since, including during the much-hyped Covid-19 pandemic. Over one billion people are affected by CVD at any one time,...
Avoiding Adderall: The safer natural stimulants used by America’s pro athletes and top executives
A 2024 study of emergency room admissions found that individuals who are taking high doses of Adderall and other amphetamines face a whopping five-fold increased risk for developing psychosis or mania. Adderall is used primarily in the treatment of attention deficit...
Supplementing evolved a lot in 3,500 years, and Custom Nutrient Paks may be the best improvement yet
If you think nutritional supplements are something new, think again. Supplements in a a pill or tablet form go back about 3,500 years, and liquids and powders even further. Today new technologies---such as nutritional testing and Custom Nutrient Paks---take...
Addicted to energy drinks? Know the risks. Consider the healthier alternatives
During the past decade energy drinks have skyrocketed in popularity. An energy drink is defined by JustAPedia as: "A type of drink containing stimulant compounds, usually caffeine, which is marketed as providing mental and physical stimulation (marketed as "energy",...
Ice fountain of youth? One week of cold plunges slows down aging at cellular level, study finds
Cold plunges---also known as cold therapy and cold water immersion---have numerous health benefits. Studies have shown that taking a plunge into cold water can aid in swelling reduction, lowering stress, reducing inflammation, improving muscle recovery after strenuous...
Study identifies best fiber supplement for the 94% of Americans who aren’t getting enough dietary fiber
According to a 2021 study, 94% of Americans don't consume enough fiber. Considering the popularity of low-carb diets today, this statistic isn't surprising; after all, fiber comes from carbohydrates. It doesn't come from protein and fat. What does come as a surprise...
Eating fish makes children friendlier: Researchers say it’s the Omega-3, iodine and selenium content
If you want to make your children happier and more socially adjusted, feed them fish; if they don't like fish, provide them with the nutrients that you find in fish. That's the conclusion drawn from a new UK study published in March in the European Journal of...
5 Signs You Might Need a Nutritional Supplement (And How to Choose the Right One)
Maintaining good health starts with the basics—eating well, staying active, and getting enough rest. But even with the best intentions, many people still find themselves feeling run-down, struggling with nagging health issues, or just not feeling their best. That’s...
Debunking Common Myths About Supplements and Nutrition
In today’s world, there’s no shortage of advice when it comes to health and nutrition. From social media influencers to trendy diets, it seems like everyone has an opinion on what you should or shouldn’t put in your body—especially when it comes to supplements. With...