The Rejuvenation Path

Aging affects the youngest of us. It’s more than a number and the word itself can be deceiving. We tend to only consider people who have experienced aging as people above a certain age. But aging in the context of health and well-being is really a measure of the wear like you would describe the condition of a house or motorcycle. So in that sense, aging can begin to affect us early-on. It just may not manifest as wrinkled skin in a young person. But a young person can still be aging their bodies unless they give themselves the care they deserve.

The body naturally repairs itself by recycling proteins, and regenerating itself at the cellular level using Stem Cells from our bone marrow. Even so, as we age, the process of aging will add up and contribute to the breakdown of our organs and tissues and the repair process won't be able to keep up. If we support these natural regeneration systems, we will be able to slow the aging processes and indeed reverse certain damages by helping our body heal itself.

The first rule of life extension is to prepare ourselves beginning from a young age by giving ourselves and our children the best advantages in well-being through healthy lifestyle choices so that our bodies perform at their optimal level of expression. Indeed, our genetic potential is only fully expressed when we give ourselves the best dietary inputs, positive and peaceful emotional conditions, challenging fitness routines, and hygienic self-care practices. Only through the best inputs will our DNA be fully activated at the epigenetic level. DNA is a blueprint but a more accurate analogy is that it's an entire library of blueprints from different architects and interior designers with a sliding scale from trailer home with the bare necessities to wealthy mansion with marble pillars and an interior design with grand pianos, modern art, and hi-tech security system.

If you give the body the proper materials and opportunities to go through the natural bio-rhythms and cycles to build itself and process through the stages of regeneration and self-care, you can build that mansion. Otherwise, if the materials are not available or if it never gets the opportunity because it's too busy doing damage-control and trying to survive, you won't be able to go beyond survival. Our goal should be to change our perspective of health from survival and simply not being sick up to a higher level of existence and truly thriving.

Science has discovered most of the main causes of aging and we absolutely have access now to a myriad of ways to strengthen the body in these key ways. The body is fundamentally an energetic system so we know we certainly must maintain the metabolic system and support our Mitochondria. We also normally benefit from improving our digestive systems and supporting healthy gut bacteria. Another main area of interest is Antioxidants because too much oxidation leads to inflammation. A strong immune system is important for maintaining cellular integrity and preventing infections which can sap our energy.

Once we get the body's internal communication working normally again by improving hormone signalling, the Insulin and Leptin hormones and other messenger molecules will be working as normal and your metabolism will improve. Additionally, as you age, the communication within the nervous system and the brain can begin to break down and you can feel fatigued or spacey. We can address these issues hormonally through diet and vitamins as well as with new developments in brain nutrition and the science of anti-aging.

There are currently way too many in their 20's and 30's who are developing diseases such as heart disease or diabetes. (the early signs of diabetes can be low energy which is plaguing this generation) We owe it to ourselves to remember how valuable we are as Human Beings since we seem to have lost touch with the true values in life: people. With all the technology and apps, we've forgotten the value in the mirror.

My mission is to increase awareness about the new science of anti-aging and help people live a little more scientifically. People seem to do more research about a laptop or game console purchase than about the way they care for themselves or their children.

Note: Youthing and Life-Extension isn't about increasing the amount of time you will be in a nursing home using a walker. This is about living more of your life full of energy and avoiding those conditions of old age throughout your entire lifetime.

Health is Wealth. Cheers to Optimization!

Let me ask you a question. You look at a cheetah and you admire it for its speed and impressive ability to target and track its prey at highway speeds, right? So why is it that the primary way we view the qualities of a human being is through the lens of appearance? And have most of us really been around humans who are fully wild and free and expressing their full potentials as human beings? Or do we just see the empty shells of what's left after we become domesticated through civilization and corporate environments that devalue the individual and our inner drives and motivations? It certainly seems to me like we've lost touch with our roots which are people. The American Spirit is dying on the collective level. But by re-imaginging and realizing the true value of the human species and seeing our family in a whole new light, we will rekindle the spirit of the American Dream.

The Power of Beetroot Juice for Increasing VO2Max

Have you heard of Beetroots before? Beets are famous as a side to go along with stuffing on Thanksgiving. But we also know from a scientific viewpoint that beetroots are the only known food able to boost your VO2Max? What is the VO2Max? That's the amount of Oxygen that you're able to absorb into your lungs per breath.

This is exactly why many athletes have begun using beetroots before sporting events. They know they'll get an extra bit of endurance from supplementing with the beetroot extract.

This dark-red plant is also able to reduce inflammation and reduce blood pressure so it's good for the heart and the circulatory system.

Beets are high in antioxidants to they boost the immune system. They are able to provide a valuable push to the digestive system as well due to the high fiber content. With the antioxidant and fiber content, you're able to experience some extra detoxification benefits with this strange red food.

You can use beets to help increase your metabolism. There are even some anti-cancer properties to this plant extract.

Let me know in the comment below if you've tried beetroots before? Do you just reserve it for special meals like Thanksgiving or have you tried the supplement form that comes in capsules? If you're an endurance athlete, did you notice a difference in your endurance?

Solving the diseases of the 21st Century

People in developed countries are living longer than people were one hundred years ago. However some people claim that most of the increase in average lifespan is due to far fewer deaths of babies. Unfortunately, we seem to be seeing a corresponding increase in the incidence of diseases that are occurring earlier in peoples' lives...even earlier than people would normally see the onset of these diseases a century ago.

Here are the most common diseases:

As you can see, heart disease is by far the most common, followed by cancer. The other common diseases are diabetes and Alzheimer's. One has to ask why these diseases are the most common and not other ones. If we know what the fundamental cause of these diseases are, we'll be able to prevent people from developing them.

Another chart might help elucidate these statistics:

It's pretty amazing the degree to which so many people in so-called developed nations are deficient in all these nutrients! And these are calculated based off the recommended daily values provided by the Food and Drug Administration which are debated by some people whether they are actually completely adequate for anything more than preventing the worst diseases. For example, the RDA for vitamin C was determined based on what it takes for a person to avoid developing Scurvy. That says nothing of the amount a person would need to consume in order to have optimal healthy beyond simply not developing scurvy...

Now what's REALLY fascinating is when you investigate a little more deeply into the connections between these deficiencies and the most common diseases that people suffer from, and sometimes die of. When you consider the prominent role that Magnesium plays in the health of the heart, it's really no wonder that heart disease is the number one killer in America because approximately 75% of Americans have inadequate intake of the mineral.

In fact, the deficiencies in Vitamin K, Vitamin D, and Magnesium are interrelated with the amount of problems this country has with dental carries and osteoporosis. It's a common misconception that Calcium is really the only necessary nutrient for healthy bones and teeth. In actual fact, the bones and teeth really also need Phosphorous, Vitamin K, Vitamin D, and Magnesium in order to maintain a healthy level of mineralization. Magnesium is a base on the pH scale so, along with sodium-bicarbonate, the bones are able to keep a level of Magnesium stored in the bones to be used to balance the pH of the bloodstream so the acids produced during metabolism or consumed in the diet don't destroy the bones or teeth.

Magnesium is best obtained in most leafy-green vegetables. It should probably also be supplemented via Epsom salts which can be absorbed in bathwater. You may also apply a Magnesium oil to the skin and absorb it topically that way.

Beyond preventing heart disease, Magnesium also helps you sleep better, have higher energy levels, cope with stress, have improved attention span, prevents ADHD, prevents diabetes, and is necessary for producing Glutathione. (the body's master Antioxidant) So your mom was right when she told you to each your vegetables. And it's definitely wise to include plenty of vegetables and nutritious foods in our diet for the sake of the health of our children.

Vitamin K is best found in Broccoli and Kale.

Vitamin E is number one on the list of most common nutrient deficiencies. It's no wonder then that the incidence of Alzheimer's and other neuro-degenerative or developmental diseases like Autism and ADHD are occurring in the population. This vitamin is important for the health of the brain and nervous system as well as the health of the skin and hair!

So one can hear about these statistics ad infinitum but unless you resolve that you are going to buck the trend and not be a part of these deficient groups, you are going to be getting a sub-optimal level of these nutrients and going to develop these diseases prematurely.

Most people can benefit by supplementing with a high-quality multi-vitamin just to fill in any gaps in their nutrition. The challenge is finding one that actually contains quality forms of the vitamins and minerals because they all can be obtained in many different compound forms. Generally, the ones you would find in a local grocery store are not going to be the level of quality that you should be looking for. Those are usually the highly-synthetic versions which are proven not be absorbed well at all by the body and probably what is absorbed isn't as useful anyway...

So..how do you personally actually know what your levels of nutrients are? Well, you can actually measure your status of these nutrients by ordering a blood panel. A company called WellnessFX actually is able to work with local clinics nationwide and have your blood samples sent to their labs so they can analyze your levels of nutrients! It does make it a bit easier to work a plan when you know where you are starting from and you have a goal of where you need to head.

As a holistic nutritional and optimal human performance coach, I can actually give you a personalized SuperFoods presentation that will give you a good idea of which foods you can use to get loads of these nutrients as well as other phytonutrients and more! Just hit the link:
http://uhealingarts.com/coachingservice

You can also order lab results to check your personal blood levels of these essential nutrients for yourself by clicking the banner below!


Cheers to Optimization!!

MegaDosing Vitamin C

When you think of vitamins, Vitamin C is probably the one that comes to mind first. We all recognize the benefits of this vitamin for powering our immune system. Vitamin C can bring new life to the digestive system as well. Vitamin C is capable of stimulating bowel movement and relieving constipation and even stimulating the body to rebuild new blood.

One can get vitamin C by eating green peppers, oranges, kale, broccoli, strawberries, and more. We can also support the status of our Vitamin C and related antioxidants by living a life that's in harmony with nature and eating a variety of other nutrients. The most important thing in life is balance and a good, strong foundation. Many people underestimate the importance of vegetables, for example. Vegetables can provide a lot of nutrients and also be very filling. They physically fill the stomach while also providing a good assortment of nutrients. Beginning with a balanced diet inclusive of a healthy level of vegetables starts you off with a good foundation and then if you use superfoods and supplemental nutrients beyond that, you will go places for sure.

By providing some of the materials needed for Collagen synthesis, Vitamin C improves the health of the skin as well as the Collagen that lines the inside of the digestive tract. There are a lot of unseen issues in the body that can be improved by supplementing with large doses of Vitamin C. Megadosing with Vitamin C actually helps regenerate the entire digestive system, immune system, and the overall health of the body.

Most humans actually used to be able to synthesize large doses of Vitamin C as needed because we had the genes for this activated within us. We think of Vitamin C is a primary defense against colds and the flu but it's actually even more fundamental than that on the molecular level. Vitamin C is responsible for regenerating the body's master Antioxidant. This antioxidant is called Glutathione. There is really only one antioxidant that's more powerful than Glutathione and that's called Superoxide-dismutase and it's found in the Chaga Mushrooms that grow in Northern Siberia. Glutathione is something that you are actually able to synthesize in the body naturally. It's important for protecting the cells against free radicals generated through natural metabolism. Basically antioxidants help contain and channel the energy of life. The body can use antioxidants to self-balance.

There was actually a provocative study done regarding Vitamin C. This incredible finding shows us that Vitamin C supplementation is actually pretty much a requirement AS PART of a balanced diet. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19032072

It's not possible to obtain a sufficient amount of vitamin C through dietary intake alone. Sufficient means optimal or at least closer to optimal. This study suggests that we should all supplement with at least 1 gram of vitamin C per day. If we at least consumed that much every other day or every few days, we would be closer to optimal.

The way antioxidants work is by donating or accepting electrons from other molecules or ions which are in a radical state. This helps give rise to the dance of life within our cells which make us animate objects instead of unmoving rocks.

So now that these antioxidants have taken or given this 'extra' electron and contributed to the "motion of life," it is in a lower energy level and it needs to be re-activated by continuing this "electron transport chain" or continuing this entropic/anti-entropy process which keeps life moving in the right direction.

That's where Vitamin C comes in. It plays the role of recharging the Glutathione and other molecules by providing a specific energy signature that gives rise to this matrix we call life.

This is why Vitamin C is fundamentally a life-promoting molecule that defends against sickness in that vulnerable period when the seasons change and we are getting less photon and thermal energy during Autumn. That's also why Springtime is when some people experience sinus problems or allergies due to the changes in the way the season is interacting with the body. People don't realize how much the body's energy systems are interacting and adapting to the environment. Temperature and light exposure are strong signals to the cellular environments.

Seasonal changes fundamentally change the environment in the body so we have to make sure we are ingesting molecules (energy signatures) which are capable of adapting and bridging these energy-shifts. It's all just energy but these molecules are basically holding specific energy patterns. Their electrons hold energy and their overall shape helps determine how the body will use it and what it's likely to interact with in the energetic dance of life.

So...Vitamin C is fundamentally...a Recycler of Energy. It helps recycle the digestive system, the blood, the immune system, and even recycle and regenerate other tissues and organs. See my "Less is More" post for related information about doing a "Detox" and Regeneration.

In the future, I think we'll focus more on Regeneration. For now, "Detox" is a buzzword that steals all the attention and it is clearly an important aspect of regeneration. Keep in mind that fasting can actually stimulate the immune system to repair and regenerate itself. That extra energy is freed up and you can use it to find a better balance point where you are stronger.

This whole process is almost like a snake shedding its old skin and leaving it behind. The body needs these periods to regenerate itself. You can make sure you have that capability stored within yourself by supplementing with high levels of Vitamin C. Start with a clean diet and then go beyond there with supplementation. The soil that most crops are planted in doesn't contain the levels of minerals they used to due to intensive farming practices. You will have better luck with organic produce but still...with all that modern humans have to deal with, we could all probably use a little extra Vitamin C.

The kind of supplemental Vitamin C I would recommend is called Lyposomal. The reason for the long name is because this is designed after nature's patterns by wrapping the vitamin inside of a sphere of healthy fats called phospholipids. This little trick allows it to sneak past your digestive juices just like you were eating vitamin C straight from your diet. Vitamin C would naturally be found within a plant cell so this trick emulates the natural pattern of nature and how we larger primates normally consume molecules. Get it here: http://astore.amazon.com/uniheaart-20/detail/B000CD9XGC

Your body is the most important possession you have. If there's one thing you should invest in, it's your body, mind, and soul. We can focus on outer material things all we want but the closer we get to actually investing in these core values within us, the closer we get to true value and satisfaction. We will only have fulfillment if we invest in the people we care about..ourselves, our family, our kids. Optimal health is the new Wealth.

Come Alive: Adding Life to your Years and Years to your Life

Aging begins in the youngest of us. It’s more than a number and the word itself can be deceiving. We tend to only consider people who have experienced aging as people above a certain age..and we call them old. But aging in the context of health and well-being is really a measure of the wear like you would describe the condition of a house or motorcycle. So in that sense, aging can begin to affect us early-on. It just may not manifest as wrinkled skin in a young person. But a young person can still be aging their bodies unless they give themselves the care they deserve.

The body naturally repairs itself by recycling proteins, and regenerating itself at the cellular level using Stem Cells from our bone marrow. Even so, as we age, the process of aging will add up and contribute to the breakdown of our organs and tissues and the repair process won't be able to keep up. If we support these natural regeneration systems, we will be able to slow the aging processes and indeed reverse certain damages by helping our body heal itself.

The first rule of life extension is to prepare ourselves beginning from a young age by giving ourselves and our children the best advantages in well-being through healthy lifestyle choices so that our bodies perform at their optimal level of expression. Indeed, our genetic potential is only fully expressed when we give ourselves the best dietary inputs, positive and peaceful emotional conditions, challenging fitness routines, and hygienic self-care practices. Only through the best inputs will our DNA be fully activated at the epigenetic level. DNA is a blueprint but a more accurate analogy is that it's an entire library of blueprints from different architects and interior designers with a sliding scale from trailer home with the bare necessities to wealthy mansion with marble pillars and an interior design with grand pianos, modern art, and hi-tech security system.

If you give the body the proper materials and opportunities to go through the natural bio-rhythms and cycles to build itself and process through the stages of regeneration and self-care, you can build that mansion. Otherwise, if the materials are not available or if it never gets the opportunity because it's too busy doing damage-control and trying to survive, you won't be able to go beyond survival. Our goal should be to change our perspective of health from survival and simply not being sick--up to a higher level of existence and truly thriving.

Science has discovered most of the main causes of aging and we absolutely have access now to a myriad of ways to strengthen the body in these key ways. The body is fundamentally an energetic system so we know we certainly must maintain the metabolic system and support our Mitochondria. We also normally benefit from improving our digestive systems and supporting healthy gut bacteria. Another main area of interest is Antioxidants because too much oxidation leads to inflammation. A strong immune system is important for maintaining cellular integrity and preventing infections which can sap our energy.

Once we get the body's internal communication working normally again by improving hormone signalling, the Insulin and Leptin hormones and other messenger molecules will be working as normal and your metabolism will improve. Additionally, as you age, the communication within the nervous system and the brain can begin to break down and you can feel fatigued or spacey. We can address these issues hormonally through diet and vitamins as well as with new developments in brain nutrition and the science of anti-aging.

There are currently way too many in their 20's and 30's who are developing diseases such as heart disease or diabetes. (the early signs of diabetes can be low energy which is plaguing this generation) We owe it to ourselves to remember how valuable we are as Human Beings since we seem to have lost touch with the true values in life: people. With all the technology and apps, we've forgotten the value in the mirror.

My mission is to increase awareness about the new science of anti-aging and to help people live their lives more scientifically. People seem to do more research about a laptop or game console purchase than about the way they care for themselves or their children. Fortunately, for less than the price of a used video game, you can purchase at least one supplement or herb which can increase your overall quality of life and prevent diseases of aging! Find Hi-Tech Supplements and more at http://uhealingarts.com/life-extension-and-anti-aging

Note: Youthing and Life-Extension isn't about increasing the amount of time you will be in a nursing home using a walker. This is about living more of your life full of energy and avoiding those conditions of old age throughout your entire lifetime.

Health is Wealth. Cheers to Optimization!

Breathing in Peace and Wellbeing through Coherent steady breathing patterns

Breathing is important for our well-being. This really goes without saying. It is in fact one of the main regulators of our energy-level. If we were to stop breathing and hold our breath, we would find very quickly that our wakefulness decreases and we feel a strong urge by our body to inhale a breath of fresh air.

What is interesting is that the breath can be consciously-controlled and some of the most blissful meditative states are able to be experienced by consciously regulating our breathing pattern and feeling the pressure and stress loosen up in our chest area.

Sometimes it's easy to fall into the habit of breathing short, shallow breaths and breathing more of these shorter breaths per minute. However, this is a more stressful way of breathing than longer, deeper breaths. They say that about 4-6 breaths per minute is the optimal resting breathing pattern.

Just as smiling can send certain signals to the brain to feel happier, breathing differently can also reduce stress and produce the relaxation response as well as promoting a state of flow.

It's sending not only more oxygen into the bloodstream but also working energetically with the nervous system.

In a sense, by allowing yourself to breathe at a smooth, even pace, you are working from a foundation of tranquility and expansive confidence rather than a state of fear, anxiety, or desperation. It's known that smooth breathing patterns along with consistent meditative practices produce improvements in Heart Rate Variability which is the measure of how adaptive your heart rate is.

Through signalling mediated by the Vagus Nerve, the lungs actually connect with the heart and brain through this very large, powerful nerve fiber and a lot of transmission of power flows through the Nervous System along this Nerve.

It is now being well-documented that the heart and lungs actually are very critical in determining the activity of the mind. it's like the systems that bring in the energy so the brain and heart can do their processing.

It can be especially nice to go into a nice place in Nature such as a wooded area where one can absorb the clean purified air of the trees. Of course, it's also nice to get away from all the stresses humans create for themselves in the cities.

The action of breathing is actually a major route of elimination of toxic metabolic waste-products like Carbonic Acid. This is what's converted into Carbon-Dioxide and exhaled. Plus, the physical movement of the lungs plays a part in movement of the digestive tract and the excretion of waste that happens in the bowels.

Breath is closely-linked to the Hydration in the body as well so maintaining hydration levels is important for the flexibility of the lungs.

Also, the hydration and movement of fluids in the body is mediated by the movement of the Diaphragm which can be pictured like a plunger which "primes" the water through the pipe.

By knowing these facts, we can realize that in order to get the full benefit of hydration and the food we eat, we need to fully breathe and balance out our nervous system.

Since breathing is generally a subconscious process, by regularly practicing different breathing patterns, you can start changing the way you breathe when you're not thinking about it.

Increasing Cognitive Performance for school and work with Nootropics

Many of us are in college or know somebody going through school or who has a job which requires a lot of mental studying and cognitive performance. We've all been in the situation of trying to write an essay and getting the writer's block and not really knowing where to begin. When we are writing or doing any kind of highly-creative work where we need to organize somewhat massive amounts of information and be re-synthesizing it and re-organizing it in our minds, we require our mind to be performing optimally.

The brain, not to mention the entire human body, is a magnificent piece of equipment! The amount of raw information able to be processed exceeds what we would consider the equipment capable of handling if we didn't have some understanding of the processes actually involved. But since we know that Nature is ingenious at breeding elegance and complexity in a way that adapts from one strategy to another so seamlessly...we know she can handle what we give her.

There are a few main key ingredients we should probably be sure to give our brain if we are to get the optimal amount of functionality from this organ however. We need to provide copious amounts of Oxygen, blood flow, energy (fat and/or glucose), and nuerotransmitters which are also basically hormones like neuroepinephrine and neuroadrenanline as well as Vitamin D.

So what I see people doing is giving themselves Caffeine as a way of boosting brain power but not so much actually providing all the materials that the brain needs to maintain itself and operate at its highest level of efficiency and power. So, as helpful as Caffeine can be for improving the funciton fon the brain, it can only do so much to actually increase the amount of value that is being created by that mental activity. It can make the brain work faster but not necessarily smarter. The actual process of neuroplasticity (which means the brain physically changing itself and changing the way it's connected to itself and the senses we have) is dependent on having the growth factors and building blocks needed for maintaining and repairing these connections in the brain.

For the brain to actually modify itself and grow as a machine so it's upgrading from a Pentium I to a Quantum Computer requires you to go through actual phase changes, functional changes, physical changes, and process-related changes in the mind...rather than simply speeding up your perception of the existing conscious flow and experiences.

So even though we may be able to fly through that essay when we get that jolt of Caffeine, it's probably not going to be at much of an improved quality. So that's why nootropics are so fascinating! Nootropics basically help your neurons function at the level we are evolutionarily capable of performing at. Now, that's not to say it's like the movie "Limitless" where you pop a pill and become Superman overnight by being able to absorb all human knowledge at the snap of your fingers...but you will be able to learn more and in a more connected way when you pay attention to your experiences and your studies.

I will be writing a more in-depth post about nootropics later. For now, you can check out the nootropics I have handpicked on my online store here: UHealingArts.com Just follow the link to the SuperStore.

One of the best all-around cognition enhancers is a formula created by the Life Extension Foundation which is called "Cognitex with Pregnenalone and PQQ."

As always,

Cheers to Optimization!

This Freshwater SuperFood boosts your Mood and Stem Cell Proliferation

Blue-Green Algae is a popular SuperFood among people of all walks of life. Like Chocolate, it contains Phenylethylamine which is a feel-good hormone and nuerotransmitter that helps balance out the neurotransmittes in our brains. This plant-based SuperFood is a 20X more concentrated source of Chlorophyll than Wheatgrass juice....which is a pretty strong statement since Wheatgrass is already quite the Superfood! The earliest recorded use is 1,600 years ago in China, so it definitely has a track record of success!

This SuperFood has the ability to improve verbal and cognitive reasoning as well as memory so if you are in college or in a mentally demanding job, this SuperFood could help keep your brain sharp. It's also popular among bodybuilders because the beta-endorphins that are released by Blue-Green Algae help you push through a tough lift at the gym.

One of the most amazing features of this is the ability of this SuperFood to increase the Blood Oxygenation levels. The main reason for this is the Chlorophyll content. Chlorophyll can help your body create brand new Red Blood Cells, which are of course a very vital component of the blood and are responsible for delivering fresh Oxygen to each of your millions of cells during both normal and strenuous activities.

It also revs up the metabolism so if you are chronically tired, you may benefit from Blue-Green Algae. Athletes can definitely improve their endurance and performance on the field or the court by taking this natural plant superfood.

Aging Americans suffering from Alzheimer's can benefit from the increased blood oxygenation and the balanced neurotransmitters. The memory and alertness benefits of Blue-Green Algae are quite pronounced due to the higher levels of oxygen.

One of the most amazing benefits is that Stem Cell proliferation is increased. This means that the cells from your bones which are responsible for healing and repairing the tissues are increased in number and this helps them get to the parts of the body that need the stem cells the most. So whatever organs have issues, this can help heal that organ. Naturally, it's just one component of an overall healthy lifestyle, but as a powerful SuperFood, it can definitely play a big role in helping you level up.

Stem Cell proliferation can be especially helpful after a sports injury or an injury caused through lifting. Any kind of injury at all will have the opportunity to heal better or possibly faster through the use of this SuperFood.

As for the Acetylcholine benefits this offers to your brain, this helps stimulate neural growth and synaptic connectivity. Acetylcholine is involved in memory and alertness. The neural growth and synaptic connectivity is what is behind nueroplasticity which is the ability of the brain to physically adapt as you go into different environments and learn new things through experiences and studying. This process is fundamentally important for college students who are in the position of needing to learn massive amounts of new information. Also writers and anybody doing creative work needs their brain to be able to adapt and change as you are evolving throughout your creative pursuits.

The beta-endorphins that are released by this are actually naturally produced by the body endogenously but it's interesting to note that even the drug MDMA stimulates the release of these same hormones. Beta-endorphins are also released after a long run and this is known as a "runner's high." Now, the way that this Blue-Green Algae releases these beta-endorphins is a lot more natural than the effect of MDMA. But it will likely make you feel pretty good even in the face of events which might normally stress people out.

Another beautiful benefit of Blue-Green Algae is....well....the Blue color. This chemical that creates this color is called Anthocyanin and it is involved in eye health and actually the health of many systems in all of your cells.

Lastly, this SuperFood is especially capable of preventing and reversing Cardiovascular disease. So if you have a family history of cardiovascular disease, this Algae could help prevent you from getting the disease if used along with other healthy lifestyle choices. If you are a family member currently has cardiovascular disease, this could help deliver more Oxygen to the heart muscle which always requires a constant metabolism of energy which takes a lot of Oxygen.

All in all, it's a great SuperFood with benefits that make it a great part of most peoples' health supplement stack. Whether it makes sense as part of your strategy depends on your personal lifestyle and what you are currently using. Even if you already have used Wheatgrass juice, this has 20X the amount! That's a pretty amazing difference!

Let me know in the comments below if you have used this before and what you thought! If you'd like to support this blog and the research I do, consider purchasing Blue-Green Algae through my site!

Cheers to Optimization!

Upgrade your Whey Protein & Improve Recovery Cycle & Strengthen Immunity

If you are a serious fitness enthusiast or bodybuilder, you have very likely used Whey Protein. Its high-protein is convenient to add to a blender bottle, protein shake, or smoothie and gulp down after your workout. The Amino Acids are key to rebuilding the freshly worked muscles and giving the body what it needs to keep the immune system and all organs functioning at their highest potential.

It's basically undisputed that Whey Protein benefits the bodybuilder. There are so many on the market to choose from and they all use buzzwords to try to distinguish themselves from the pack. How do you really know which ones are science-based and that the container or package actually contains the highest-quality protein?

As they say, you are what you eat.

If we are what we eat, it must also be true that we are what we eat eats. The food we eat comes in two main categories: plant-based and animal-based. Whey protein comes from cows. But what did the cow eat that went into the milk to create that concentrated Whey protein? Most cows are fed a diet high in grains which is not their natural source of food that they evolved to eat.

Cows are evolved/designed to graze in fields of grass in the sunshine and transform this into high-quality milk.

So what are the key benefits of choosing a Grassfed Whey Protein? Firstly, the cow itself is going to be healthier so the type of milk she will produce will be of a higher quality. The cow will be healthier so the immunoglobulins that are secreted into the milk will be in greater number and quality. And the protein will be more pure.

One of the primary differences is that grassfed milk and butter contains high-concentrations of a chemical called Butyrate. This molecule improves the balance of natural bacteria in our guts towards the healthier ones that help us digest nutrients from our food Butyrate boosts our immune system.

So what kind of Grassfed protein should you choose? I love the Upgraded Grassfed Whey Protein. It's excellent for all the reasons stated above plus it also contains Colostrum and powderized MCT oil from Cconut fat. Get it here.

Colostrum is the name for the first several days of milk production in all mammals, including humans! When a mother starts lactating for the first time or for the newly born baby, that first milk production is like 100X more powerful than milk is!!! Basically the Colostrum is super-rich in Immune-stimulating immunoglobulins and growth-stimulating hormones like HGH and IGF-1. This is true across all mammals, including the dairy cow.

When a human uses Colostrum as an adult, it has the same effects it does on a newborn baby when they nurse from their mother! You get an immune boost that makes it easier to build muscle-mass and develop your immunity so you are healthier overall. I have personally noticed a 10X difference between plain protein powder and Colostrum supplements.

I've tried many kinds of Whey Protein and the kind that Upgraded produces is by far the best quality with the best absorbing consistency. I feel actually nutritionally-fed and I can imagine that I am actually getting the same level of health-benefits as a newborn baby does when nursing from their mother. It's definitely the best Whey Protein available.

The other beautiful thing about this brand of protein is just how pure the ingredients are! There are fewer fillers than most other proteins I've used before.

If you want to truly know what you're putting into your body and be confident your training will get the best results you're looking for, you can't go wrong with this protein!

When Less Is More - Might Fasting from Carbs Increase your Metabolic Health?

You may have read about Ketosis which is a state of metabolism where your body is primarily burning fats called ketones and burning very little or no glucose or carbohydrates. When your body is in this state, it's able to balance its energy metabolism much better and almost everyone reports reduced cravings and hunger. Many studies and anecdotal evidence point to this state of metabolism having benefit for pretty much whole-body health. Two of the largest energy-consumers in the body: the brain and heart, both love to use fats as an energy source. In fact, mitochondria can burn either glucose or fats and fats actually burn more cleanly than glucose does. This results in the generation of far fewer AGE's which are Advanced Glycation End-Products. These cause protein cross-linking in the body which is basically scar tissue that can even be below the surface of the body and all throughout the inside of your cells and you not even be able to directly see the signs.

So you can use a source of healthy fats found in such foods as Coconuts, Avocados, Eggs, GrassFed Butter, Fish, and so on. Coconut Fat is able to be obtained in the diet in a concentrated form known as MCT oil. This is a fraction of the Coconut fats which are the healthiest and most potent and usable form of MCT's.

Aside from eating these foods rich in healthy fats, you may also greatly benefit from allowing your body to have a rest or partial rest from digesting foods at all. If you stimulate the immune system and trigger cell membrane and blood turnover, you'll be in a prime time for fasting and allowing your body a good opportunity to go into phagocytosis - a state of breaking down the old cells in the body and recycling parts and giving more clean growing space for the younger, newly generated cells and cell parts.

Phagocytosis:


Enzymes are very important in this process of digesting food as well as creating the conditions for phagocytosis. If you are doing a fast or trying to lose weight, MCT's easily digestible protein, good hydration, good sources of fat, and some enzymes can make a big difference in your strategy! MCT's are incredibly good at reducing cravings and helping to provide energy in a way that's actually providing a source of energy rather than stimulating energy like caffeine in Red Bull or Coffee.

A couple of amazing high-enzyme foods include Avocados and Wheatgrass juice. And then if you throw in some fresh salads, and high amounts of Vitamin C and Orange juice, you're actually creating the pH conditions in the gut for healthy bacteria while also providing lots of Vitamin C for the stimulation of the Immune System.

High-Enzyme Foods:


For Enzyme supplementation, I would recommend the PuraDyme Enzymes:


Once you begin strengthening the health of your gut, you create better conditions internally which actually modifies the way that all the food you eat is digested and treated. So this is basically a synergistic process that builds up over time. So it's better than a synergistic process. As you know, a synergy is when combining two or more compounds or foods creates a results stronger than the sum of both of them if they were used separately in isolation. So when you start detoxifying and upgrading the human body and seeing how it's a beautifully orchestrated machine...an ecosystem really...and that the trillions of bacteria cells in our gut are basically an extension of our own organism...you gain a new perspective of how lifestyle changes work. Because of these principles, it's important that you make sure that the change you are looking for is something you truly want to make happen. And then stick with the lifestyle change. And then you should know that there are lots of basic cycles that the body goes through pretty naturally. These are called bio-rhythms. And you can actually benefit greatly by consciously generating these cycles whilst being still mindful and flexible about the signals your body is sending...

So the beauty of upgrading the actual system is that you are practically upgrading the effects of the foods that you put in later. It's a compounding process similar to beginning a savings account when you are younger. It's the same dollars but as they compound over time they begin to each earn higher amount of interest because collectively they are stronger because they are organized into a larger balance in the same account. Upgrading the metabolic pathways in your body leads to better processing speed. You can choose between different types of software on your laptop. You could use free video editing software or you could use professional grade Adobe software with a much larger feature package. You get better results and capabilities with the premium software but when you upgrade the entire system at the machine level, whatever software you decide to use works better and you can also run more software simultaneously.

Another way we can help our digestive system process work better and also help our newly created cells build-out better is to provide the body with an easily-digestible and immune-enhancing protein powder that is both highly-nutritious and very convenient to consume. The most popular kind of protein is Whey protein but if you are Vegan, good sources of protein include Pea and Hemp protein. If you go with Whey protein powder, grassfed has its benefits. The brand I would recommend for Grassfed Whey Protein is Upgraded Whey Protein with Colostrum and powdered MCT:


The beauty of this protein is that it's especially-absorbable because of the minimal processing that it has undergone and more importantly, it packs a powerful immune-boosting punch. The whey itself and then especially because it includes the Colostrum which is the freshest milk output from a newly-lactating cow. (first 3 or so days of milk productions) This Colostrum contains immune-enhancing immunoglobulins which is the same reason a human baby is able to grow so fast and healthy when they are breast-fed by their mother.

So these basic types of SuperFoods and supplements can enhance your performance when regularly used or when used as part of a combination in a cycle for fasting or detoxification purposes.

There are two other antioxidant supplements which could prove to be beneficial for this type of detoxification protocol (or overall lifestyle). These are Chaga Mushroom Extract and also Lyposomal Glutathione. If Lyposomal Glutathione is too costly, you could get reasonably similar results using Lyposomal Vitamin C.

Chaga Mushroom provides an unbelievably high amount of Super-Oxide Dismutase which is able to cool down inflammatory reactions and help give your immune system an advantage in the anti-entropy fight against oxidative strress that is the process of being a living organism.

Glutathione has been called "The Body's Master Antioxidant" for its role as basically a stronger form of Vitamin C...In fact its role in the human body is so precious that we use Vitamin C to actively recycle Glutathione and keep our stores of it strong. Another antioxidant which is important to have plenty of so we can stay young and healthy...


Lyposomal Vitamin C is a hi-tech form of Vitamin C which takes a hint from Biological systems by wrapping the Vitamin C inside of a phospholipid bilayer of healthy fats which guards it against the extreme pH of our stomach acid. Since normally Vitamin C consumed in the form of, let's say, an Orange, would still be contained within the cells that make up the Orange, this is just a way of mimicking nature so that it's a more available way to supplement with the vitamin and you get more value from it.

All of these suggestions should help you on your journey whether you're planning to do a fast or detox or incorporating these regularly into your health regimen. As with any other machine, the body is designed to go through cycles of use and rest and to be cleaned up from the toxic build-ups that they experience. For a full list of my other detoxification recommendations, see my Detoxification Page on the webstore.

Supplements aren't the only keys you can use to unlock your inner potential. It's your mindset which will also help you become the healthy, high-energy human being you are...on the inside. It's all about bringing out that inner shine that's already there. The genetics are there. The blueprints are there. Your body knows how to heal itself. Like polishing up a rock, just get on your grind and polish up the inner-workings a bit and you're ready to shine.

Cheers to Optimization my friends...

Essential Oils: A Sense-ible approach to a Healthy Home

Essential oils are part of an ancient practice of extracting the natural aromatic compounds from some of nature's finest plants. Wildflowers such as Lavender or Peppermint are common choices. These oils are selected from plants which are well-known for their unique qualities as well as their beautiful relaxing aromas. One way Essential oils can be used is by diffusing them into the air using an electrically-heated essential oil diffuser. You can also apply most essential oils directly onto the skin as a topical ointment to wounds or even onto healthy skin as a way to enrich the skin with the healing and protective properties of the oil.

You can enrich the atmospheric quality of a room or your entire home using essential oils. Some have anti-microbial properties and clean the air. Below is an image of a field of royal purple Lavender shot at the moment the sun is peaking above the horizon. The vibrant colors of the Lavender plant hint at the inner power hidden within the delicate petals.

Lavender oil is one of the more popular varieties of essential oil. It's used as a stress-reliever and loved for its beautiful scent. Just the smell of aroma in the air can reduce stress hormones in your blood and calm your nerves. Applied to bathwater, it adds an extra healing component to the natural restorative properties of a moment of relaxation spent in the bath.

In addition to the good smell, relaxing qualities, anti-microbial qualities, and the beauty qualities of essential oils, it's being discovered that these oils can have benefits on the way we think and help improve our studies, reading, writing, office work, and so on. Some have such strong effects as to be classified as nootropics.

Lavender has some nootropic qualities because it can relieve anxiousness and improve blood circulation. There's also Rosemary which has proven benefits for memory. It's pretty fascinating actually! It's almost surprising that simply inhaling something can help your brain! William Shakespeare once penned, "There's Rosemary, that's for remembrance." And in 2012, a study was conducted testing the cognitive benefits of one compound found in Rosemary called 1,8-cineole. The findings of the study showed an increase in speed and accuracy in cognitive tests which correlated cognitive performance with the blood levels of 1,8-cineole. It's pretty cool that a flower can help you think more clearly! Furthermore...as a quick aside...isn't it interesting that what we breathe has the potential to directly enter our bloodstream? This is one reason why air quality can have such a huge impact on our health. Here's a shameless plug for an air purifier I believe will improve the health of your home or office.

Peppermint oil is another well-known plant extract. Mint brings a refreshing and uplifting but also calming sensation to the senses. When ingested, it immediately soothes the stomach. When diffused into the air as an essential oil and breathed, it gives the mind a gentle stimulation and alertness. According to one study, mental accuracy can be increased by 30% when using Peppermint oil.

Frankincense is known for its ability to raise the immune system, to lift depressive moods, and bring a clarity and awareness that has been described as spiritual. The Frankincense essential oil was revered since time immemorial and is even recorded as one of the three gifts in the Christian Bible. - immune system, depression, spiritiual awareness

Last on my list of essential oils is Lemon. Its been famed for its bright, clean scent and used as a household cleaning agent. Fresh whole lemon is of course a very healthy citrus with related qualities to the other citrus fruits like the Orange and the Lime. As an extract, Lemon can provide a boost in focus and concentration, and perhaps help with detoxification.

As you can see, essential oils offer a wide array of potential uses and can give you the advantage you're looking for. You will be happy about using natural substances with healing properties provided in the naturally, beautifully-packaged vegetation of Earth.

These essential aromatic compounds become even more interesting when you realize what science has been uncovering in recent years. Up until recently, it has been thought that the nose senses molecules based upon sort of a lock and key mechanism of receptor site and the molecules sort of dock onto the cell surface like the space shuttle docks with the space station. However, recently there has been growing evidence for theories that say the nose works on a quantum level and that's why it's able to be so extremely sensitive even when chemicals are suspended in the air in just a few parts per billion. So it's interesting to realize that when smell has a physiological effect on the human body, it's doing so on a fundamentally energetic level through the nervous system. Mind over matter.

Maybe this is why our cultures have had such a deep connection with these Essential oils. If you've enjoyed one of these essential oils or another one that I've left out, I invite you to share your experience and thoughts in a message below the blog. Cheers to Optimization!

Check out my curated selection of Essential Oils plus other great Health products over at the United Healing Arts Market!

Nootropics, Caffeine, and my OptiMind Review

So I've been into nootropics for the last several years and recently obtained a sample pack from OptiMind of their Focus stack. The tag-line on the packaging: Focus|Memory|Energy. So what exactly are nootropics? A nootropic (nō-ə-ˈtrō-pik) is defined as a substance which is protective of neurons or has proven benefits in various aspects of cognition such as memory formation, memory access, reaction time, problem-solving accuracy and speed, and more. There are natural nootropics such as traditional vitamins or herbal extracts. Then there are synthetic substances which are created in the laboratory and found to have interesting cognitive effects in studies. Not all substances have the same level of research backing their efficacy (scientific lingo for effectiveness)...or their safety. (though most are relatively safe if taken with caution and if you do diligent research before taking anything new or any new combination.) Also, here's a good place to put the recommendation to speak with your doctor about any concerns you or they may have about drug interactions and such.

So you may be wondering, "How much can nootropics actually help me learn, think, and perform effectively?" Well, millions of Americans begin their morning with a steaming cup of coffee most mornings and they can attest to the cognitive improvements enjoyed by the consumption of that Caffeine. Think of nootropics as being more advanced and more targeted alternatives for enhancing brain function. Some are even nutritive, meaning, they encourage your neurons to remain in a more youthful healthy state or provide the building blocks for normal metabolism. Caffeine, on the other hand is basically a stimulant that basically tells your brain not to feel tired but doesn't necessarily provide much more than a bypass of the normal energy-regulation. In other words, stimulants such as caffeine can be considered sort of like spending money from your bank account more rapidly but they don't really add to your savings account. Or at least, it's like encouraging further brain activation at the possible sacrifice of other organs...IF the body isn't given the proportional amounts of basic biological building blocks on a metabolic level: nutrients.

Plus, although caffeine containing plants such as coffee or tea have been quite popular as a civilization-old (several civilizations to be precise) remedy for mental fatigue, some people experience a certain edginess or anxiousness after consuming caffeine. There are actually substances which can be taken with caffeine which heighten its effects and help your body channel the energy boost in productive ways that don't give you the jitters. The first one, L-Theanine is found naturally in Green Tea. Check it out. (L-Theanine) You can also find L-Theanine conveniently formulated in combination with Caffeine made by the nootropics company, NaturalStacks. Smart Caffeine Or as I mentioned, Caffeine and L-Theanine are found perfectly naturally together in Green Tea and tea also contains many helpful antioxidants and flavanoids and teas help many people shift into a relaxed but focused state of mind and accomplish their cognitive goals, be they producing content, creating a budget, or meditating on the sofa. If you're a Green Tea aficionado and interested in trying one that will stun you with its mouth-watering flavor and freshness, check out Tai Chi Green Tea. Put simply, Tai Chi is a better quality tea than what you will find in-store because they store and ship their stock under constant refrigeration so the freshness is always sealed in the teabag. It's actually fresh and moist enough that taking a bite of one of the leaves won't be a gagging experiment.

There is one other major hack...Bio-Hack that we can put into motion to augment the effects of caffeine or basic stress on the body. The more stress we are in or the more we use stimulants, the faster our body will use things like Magnesium to keep oxidation under control and manage our electrolyte balance. That is the well-known mineral, Magnesium. MagTech is a set of three special Mg compounds formulated to target the minds of individuals who want high-performance executive function, whether that's for meeting your high-performance goals in the office or in online gaming.

What then is in the OptiMind formula and how does it provide the brain and body with more of the building blocks to balance out the stimulation that we expect of our mind?

Here's the Ingredient List:

Vitamin D

Vitamin B12

L-Tyrosine

Taurine

Phosphotidylserine

Bacopa Extract

GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric Acid)

Caffeine

ALA (Alpha Lipoic Acid)

Vinpocetine

Sulbultiamine

Huperzine A

What has been my experience while using this? It's a smooth, gentle alertness which seems to bring the memory and faculties of focus into sharper functioning. Also I will say that normally with these kinds of substances, there's a build-up effect just like you would experience with a "non-physical, non-pill" routine of learning any new skill. Based on the science of neuroplasticity and epigenetics, we know the brain rewires itself and changes the types of chemicals it generates and transmits based upon the inputs of our attention as well as the nutrients or supplements we take in through our digestion.

I would classify the effect of OptiMind as a nice clean focus that nudges the mind towards having a slightly more singular focus-driven attitude towards whatever you're working on. Some of the natural amino acids (proteins) in the formula, such as Tuarine and Tyrosine help you make the neurotransmitter Dopamine which is involved in controlling the focus of the mind and 'rewarding' the neuronal pathways with new connections and maintaining relevance and higher blood flow in the overall cerebral architecture. The chemical Huperzine A is a vasodilator that generally increases blood flow through the brain, thus providing more oxygen and sugar and helping the brain function at a higher level of energy...helping you think faster.

If you'd like to try a sampler pack, click here.

As always, Cheers to Optimization!