Essential Supplements Busy Working Professionals Should Consider

Essential Supplements Busy Working Professionals Should Consider

When you work long hours, and especially if the workload is stressful, then you most certainly should consider supplementation. There are certain things your body needs to perform at the top level, and if you aren’t getting enough nutrients the natural way then taking supplements can help fill that void.

Additionally, there are some supplements you can take daily that will contribute to a healthier lifestyle and even promote increased fat loss. Every person is different and you should always consult a doctor or health professional before starting to take any supplements, even those sold over the counter.

But, there are some common supplements you should start to look into if you are serious about taking your health, energy and overall performance to the next level. Here are a few that are worth looking into.

BCAAs

BCAAs are Branched-Chain Amino Acids, and they are something that promotes overall health and contribute to high energy levels. Your body needs these and it’s something that most people do not get enough of, which is why there are so many options when it comes to supplements.

“There are drinks that contain BCAAs, there are BCAA-specific powders that you can stack with other supplements, and there are even pill form BCAAs,” says Pat Skinner of answerfirst.com. So, no matter how you want to consume them, you have an option. This is something you take daily.

Fish Oil

Fish oil is what I like to call healthy fat. It’s the kind of fat your body needs and it’s great for your joints and muscle recovery. This is why it’s such a popular supplement for athletes that put a lot of wear and tear on their bodies.

But, it’s a basic supplement that everyone can benefit from. Personally, I don’t eat fish, so I have to make sure to get my fish oil daily via a pill. There are no special formulas when it comes to fish oil supplements. It’s exactly what you think it is — fish oil.

“Most fish oil companies extract it from cod and other common fish,” says Irene McConnell of Arielle Executive, a company that helps professionals learn how to write a resume. “It’s very inexpensive and most supplement manufactures sell it. You can also get it at any grocery store. It’s very common.”

Stimulant-Free Fat Burner or L-Carnitine

Want to drop weight? If so, then you need to cut fat, and one of the easiest ways to do that is by taking a daily fat burning supplement. While they work best when combined with daily exercise, there are some that have l-carnitine that can benefit those that aren’t very active in the gym.

“When taken at night, a fat burner can work to help reduce fat build up, but opt for a stimulant-free one so you can sleep,” says best mattress review site Slumber Search’s President, Chris Moberg. “Now there is no such thing as a magical fat burner, they can help when you eat clean.” For example, someone that removes fat from his or her diet and eats a protein rich diet, with minimal bad carbs and fat, and adds in a supplement like this they can see results.

Protein Powder

Consuming protein is something that needs to be done if you burn off a lot of calories working or being physical. This is why bodybuilders must take so much protein in order to maintain their gains. If not they will lose mass and muscle.

“Protein is clean energy,” says Oliver James of Perth Web Design. If you ate skinless chicken breast you would consume pure protein with little to no fat. This isn’t always convenient, so many turn to protein powders. This is a great option, but you need to be careful when selecting a powder. Make sure you avoid the ones packed with sugar at fat. Look for clean ones that have a healthy formula.

Daily Multi-Vitamin

“Busy entrepreneurs are always on the go and it makes it hard to eat healthy no matter how hard one tries,” says Tad Thomas, whose law firm handles truck accidents. “If you aren’t eating balanced meals then you are probably missing out on a lot of needed vitamins and minerals.”

Don’t worry, there is a supplement for that. There are several multi-vitamin options out there that will give you all the daily requirements in a pill or powder form.

All major grocery chains have their own multi-vitamin product and the cost is low. Everyone can benefit from adding this into his or her daily supplementation.

Biotin

Along with owning a business comes a lot of stress and sleepless nights. This can wreak havoc on your skin, from dark circles under your eyes to outbreaks and acne. To help combat that, take a biotin pill daily.

“Biotin is a supplement that helps to promote healthy hair, skin and nails,” offers Loren Taylor of Soothing Company, maker of indoor fountains. “It’s actually something that everyone can benefit from, as we don’t generally get enough of it naturally. Busy working professionals just have the added stress, which can magnify things like acne and poor skin quality.”

Again, cost is minimal and there are many options. Combine this with a daily multi-vitamin for the best outcome

Summer Skin Care Tips – Genucel Has You Covered

Summer Skin Care Tips – Genucel Has You Covered

The long, dark and dry winter days are finally over. Summer is just around the corner, and you are ready to bask in its warmth and sunshine. However, before you do that, think about how the extra hours in the sun can affect your skin. Specifically, how will they impact the delicate skin of your face that is going to be exposed the most?

There will the occasional summer sun burn, UV rays are particularly dangerous and threatening as they can accelerate typical signs of aging that include fine lines,  wrinkles, age spots and sagging skin. Add to that the threats of humidity and hot temperatures that cause their own set of skin problems such as extra oil and shine. In order to protect your skin, in order to foster the most beautiful summer skin all summer long, follow the best skin regimen for the hot, sunny months that are ahead of us. The Genucel skin care line by Chamonix has devised a skin care routine that will leave you feeling beautiful inside and out

  1. Cleanse twice a day and exfoliate for radiant skin

The hot and humid air may cause your skin to be more oily than usual. You may also experience more sweat than during the previous spring and winter months. In order to maintain your skin both matte (read: not oily) as well as moisturized, cleansing twice daily with a natural wash is the best approach. In the morning, the wash will help remove oil and debris that may have accumulated overnight, while at night it may help remove residue that has built up during the day. Exfoliation is one secret to smoother and younger looking skin. Whatever your age, exfoliation is beneficial to help keep skin clear of blemishes by removing dead skin. Every day, dirt and skin cells build up and clog the pores. Microdermabrasion is like deep cleansing the skin. Genucel’s Cristalles Microdermabrasion exfoliates the skin for a younger and smoother appearance. This treatment reveals radiant, smooth skin, and the best part is that you do not have to go to the spa for this. Cristalles Microdermabrasion uses Magnesium oxide which is the same ingredient spas use for microdermabrasion. As such, it encases the exfoliant in a rich cream base – this luxurious cream moisturizes and soothes the skin to improve the appearance of roughness, acne, age spots, skin discoloration, fine facial lines, and wrinkles. Regular exfoliation may even enable your skin to better absorb other products.

  1. Light Daily Moisturizer

Given the summers humidity and hot temperatures, you no longer need the thick and greasy moisturizers that you have turned to during the winter. The key to maintaining glowing and radiant skin during the humid and hot summer months is a light moisturizer that will leave your skin hydrated without making it too greasy and/or clogging your pores. Chamonix’s Genucel XV is a soft and silky moisturizer that is also an advanced wrinkle treatment and perfect to use during the summer time. The cream is based on the latest Plant Stem Cell technology with new peptides, hyaluronic acid and a few other ingredients that not only moisturizes effectively but also offers powerful anti-aging effects. The proprietary base of calendula flower and essential oil extracts help you achieve the difficult combination of moisturized skin and breathing and free pores.

  1. Eye Cream

The skin around your eyes always needs more TLC than the rest of your face, and this is especially true in the summer heat. Using regular moisturizer under the eyes may be too think and heavy and therefore wear them down. What you want to use is something light that will leave the area under your eyes moisturized but also light at the same time.

Genucel is the industry leader’s latest under-eye product that will help make tired eyes look younger instantly. The secret is in a. blend of Beautifeye and Meadowlactone that will help improve the appearance of your eyes. Beautifeye is a mix of rare botanica extracts, while Meadowlactone is an ingredient that is extracted from meadowfoam seed oil, one of the most effective moisturizers on the market.

  1. Wrinkle Care

Protecting your face from the heat and humidity of the summer months should be a priority. However, just because you are focused on that, it does not mean that you should not think about anti-wrinkle treatments. Given that the summer heat can leave your skin dehydrated, this can only enhance the appearance of wrinkles, especially those around your eye area.

Genucel’s Immediate effects reduces the appearance of wrinkles, bags, and puffiness around the eyes. It is based on the Relaxoderm technology that helps relax your facial muscles without harmful side effects while reducing the appearance of wrinkles and bags around your eyes for up to 24 hours. Other ingredients such as GABA and Gynostemma combine nicely to help relax the skin. We recommend combining it with Genucel Plant Stem Cell Therapy for the best results.

  1. Beauty Sleep and night creams

Now that you are cleaning your face twice a day and exfoliating on a regular basis, using an effective night cream is a great way to maintain your skin’s moisture, elasticity, and firmness. The Genucel Revitalizing Face Crème for night repair is a powerful firming and moisturizing product. It enhances the appearance of healthy, vibrant, and youthful-looking skin and works really well for mature and dry skin. The best part about this is that it all takes place while you sleep.

  1. Sunscreen

The sun’s UV rays are always damaging to the skin and can lead to more wrinkles as well as spots. You want to look for something that will protect you from both UVA  and UVB rays so that your face does not burn and is not exposed to aging factors. Look for a sunscreen with a broad spectrum and a SPF of at least 30. For your body, a sunscreen of SPF 30 or more on any exposed skin is always good. Also, make sure to protect your shoulders, arms, hands or legs. For lip protection from the sun’s exposure, try SPF-rated lip balms or makeup.

  1. Hydrate

Summer’s higher temperatures and generally longer days outdoors in the heat can lead to internal dehydration. This can result in headaches, dizzy spells, lack of concentration and dry skin. In order to prevent all that, eight 8-ounce glasses of plain, filtered water a day may help maintain a moisture balance inside and outside. Drinking enough water every day can also help with detoxification. Also, be aware that if you are drinking caffeinated beverages (read: diuretics that are dehydrating), make sure that you drink at least three times the recommended amount of water.

Chamonix Skin care is a natural, antioxidant-based, and transformative line of products. The company creates their products around antioxidants as the primary ingredient with the confidence that elements such as grape seed oil, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Ester-C and others fight free radicals, boost collagen production, nourish, and moisturize the skin.

Read reviews of the Genucel line here:

https://genucelreview.com

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The Upsides & Downsides of Taking a Fish Oil Supplement

How You Can Start Living in a Healthier Manner in these 4 Areas

The Upsides & Downsides of Taking a Fish Oil Supplement

The Upsides & Downsides of Taking a Fish Oil Supplement

In an effort to add more Omega-3 fats in their diets, many persons are turning to the best quick fix method: fish oil supplement. Fish oil is extremely popular for several reasons and is usually obtained from mackerel, salmon and sardines. Some health benefits derived from fish oil include improving heart health, easing anxiety, enhancing your brain and reducing inflammation inside your body.  

According to health professionals, especially dieticians, fish oil is fat from fish and is made up of different types of fats such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Each type of fish oil has different fat content depending on the source and the method used to produce it. The different types of fats can be as many as 30 or more.

In this article, you will read about the advantages and disadvantages of taking fish oil supplements and how to get the best fish oil. Additionally, you will learn how these supplements can influence your dietary goals.

 

  • Good for heart health.

 

Research has revealed that Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil can help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. It was discovered in the studies conducted that fish oil raises HDL levels, which is known as “good” cholesterol but does not really lessens LDL levels (bad cholesterol). Fish oil cuts your triglycerides, which is the kind of fat that is in your blood. Although more research needs to be done, studies also indicate that consuming fish oil in small amounts can lower blood pressure, minimize your risks of getting a heart attack and prevent the formation of plaque in your arteries.

 

  • Promote healthy brain function for both adults and babies

 

Health experts say that almost 60 percent of your brain is made up of fat. Therefore Omega-3s are important for your brain to function optimally. EPA and DHA are fatty acids that are linked to better-quality health results, such as mental health, cognitive health and enhanced markers connected to cardiovascular health.

 

  • May boost your mental health.

 

When compared to other fats, supplements usually do not have a high concentration of Omega-3s, but in the studies conducted it was found that fish oil can reduce ADHD symptoms and can lessen depression. When taken in larger doses, fish oil might relieve anxiety, help to regulate moods, and curtail or prevent symptoms associated with psychotic illnesses.

 

  • May decrease allergies and skin problems.

 

If you eat fish or take Omega-3 supplements regularly, this can help to minimize food allergies and skin problems such as dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis.

 

  • Benefit your vision.

 

Health experts claim that Omega-3 is specifically useful for eye health.  While it is impossible to prevent eyesight degeneration you can modify your lifestyle and diet habits to slow the process down. Foods that have a high content of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals are great for your eyes. The following are extremely beneficial to eye health: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, lutein, Omega-3 and zeaxanthin.

Persons who get inadequate amount of Omega -3 in their diets usually are at a higher risk of developing eye disease and although eating fish may prevent age-associated macular degeneration, the consumption of fish oil supplement will probably not make much difference. See this URL for more info on fish oil: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fish_oil

 

  • Decrease inflammation.

 

A chronic inflammation supports all types of illnesses and diseases, including cancer, and as indicated by research findings, fish oil can help in the treatment of inflammation inside the body. Any diet that has inadequate amount of Omega-3 will certainly multiply the risk of inflammation, and fish oil supplements can definitely reduce liver inflammation and decrease pain in the joints.

What are the downsides of Fish Oil?

Health experts say that there are not many downsides in consuming fish oil supplements, although some can lead to gastrointestinal problems. The experts are advising that if you suffer from food allergies, you should definitely avoid fish oil. In addition, pregnant mothers and persons who take blood thinners should ensure they talk first with their health provider before taking fish oil supplements. Some smaller studies indicate additional side effects including nosebleeds, an increase in blood sugar levels and acid reflux.

If you are healthy, then you should eat fish because this is the best way to get the nutrients your body needs.  Eating two servings of fatty fish a week, such as tuna or salmon, will provide the necessary levels of DHA and EPA to deliver optimal health benefits. The following foods are rich in Omega-3:  salmon, mackerel, tuna, walnuts, herring, chia seeds, white fish, flaxseeds, hemp seeds, sardines, anchovies and egg yolk.

You are cautioned not to overdo it.  Don’t feed on too much as this may lead to some serious adverse side effects such as diarrhea. Another thing you should consider is the source you’re getting them from. Not all brands of supplements are controlled by the FDA, therefore be careful. Its best to seek your doctor’s advice. The US market has multiple options for fish, which can be confusing to the average consumer.  The options include farm or wild fish, fish with dyes and fish without dyes, among others.

What to Look for When Buying Fish Oil

When buying fish oil find a transparent, reliable manufacturer. Anyone can claim that they are quality fish oil manufacturer, however, what do they have to show as proof?  The only impartial proof of pure, quality fish oil are third-party test results, which confirm compliance to strict standards. Therefore, you need to look for a producer that is not afraid to offer these test results.

The best route to take is getting your fish oil is from supplements especially when you don’t know the original source of your fish. It is better to get your fish oils from fish and other natural sources, and use supplements when you notice that your diet lacks adequate amount of fish oil.

Conclusion

Although fish intake continues to be a significant part of a healthy diet, the enthusiasm for fish oil supplements has been stifled by several new studies that showed no benefits for several conditions. Are consumers now taking a wait and see approach to the findings of these recent research?

How You Can Start Living In A Healthier Manner In These 4 Areas

How You Can Start Living In A Healthier Manner In These 4 Areas

You do not need to wait until the start of a new year to live healthier as many people do with their resolutions. You can start today if you choose to do so but you need to find ways to stay motivated. Resolutions usually have goals associated with them so setting goals should be one of the first steps that you take. The best thing that you can do is to start educating yourself on certain topics you are unsure about or need more information on. This proactive approach is one that can get you started immediately as a lot of people are reactive about their health only making changes when there is a problem. The following are tips to live healthier in these 4 areas of health.

Nutrition

Changing your diet can have a myriad of benefits for you especially if you are eating in an extremely unhealthy manner currently. Slowly change your diet so your tweaks will be long term by doing it one meal at a time. Changing all of your meals at once can leave you in far too large of a caloric deficit leading to you binging after what many would consider a caloric fast. Doing this slowly also allows you to figure out recipes for each meal that not only are healthy but also delicious.

Joint Health

Those people that are living a healthy lifestyle need to make sure their lifestyle isn’t impacting their joints in a negative manner. Looking into foods that help with joint health is the first step but understand there are supplements that can also help with this. Listen to your body as pain is far different than discomfort which plenty of people have a hard time deciphering. Low impact activities like that of swimming could be a great change to someone with a bad knee that has been running for years.

Dental Health

Spend an extra 2 minutes per day on your teeth and  you are going to start seeing results. Whether you are starting to floss for the first time or are using mouthwash to eliminate plaque, you will be happy you have done so during your next visit to the dentist. Dental work can be painful and most importantly expensive as problems when ignored tend to get far worse. A tooth having a cavity that turns into an infection is a perfect example of this.

Mental Health

The ability to distress and sit in a massage chair for a holistic massage might be one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself mentally. People often times forget to relax and cannot separate a bad day at work from their life at home. Exercise can help mental health as it triggers a chemical reaction that is linked with better moods. Yoga is a great example of an activity that not only takes care of your body but also your mind. Rejuvenate daily to become a better person all around as bottling up this stress is a recipe for disaster.

As you can see you can start immediately and make yourself better when it comes to your health. You only have one body, take care of it!

Australians – Here’s How Technology Can Help You Save This Easter

Australians – Here’s How Technology Can Help You Save This Easter

If you’ve been reading through our blog  religiously over the last couple of years you’ve already collected some very nice tips and tricks about how to best utilize tech and gadgets available to you.

We are all aware that we’re living in the time where we spend much (maybe even too much) of our time on a laptop, tablet all staring at our cellphone. Whatever reason it is, we should seriously look into cutting the time spent on any device and dedicating ourselves to socializing with friends and family.

Holidays are perhaps the best time of the year and time when most of the families that are separated come together again. It would be a shame if you wasted that time on your laptop, instead of socializing with your closest ones, wouldn’t it?

Automate as Much as You Can

Speaking about business or about private life, you should always look into ways to automate things that can be automated.

Mint is probably the best solution for automating payments for the household. Being one of the oldest apps on the market for budgeting purposes, Mint makes it easy for you to track purchases associated with each credit or debit card on your account, makes budgeting and organizing your future spendings real smooth. Keeping in mind a few drawbacks and loopholes attributable to this neat app, you can use one of the alternatives that will fill in the gap.

For example, if you want to restrain from overspending you might want to take a look into PocketGuard, or if you’re sharing the budget with your beloved Goodbudget can be more suitable to what you need.

By utilizing one of these, you’ll not only free up some time for yourself, but you’ll be more focused and concentrated on business issues that are presented to you on an almost everyday basis. Truth be told, some things can’t (and shouldn’t) be automated, and they will require a human touch.

Don’t Spend All Your Money

During the holiday season, it’s really easy to get caught up in the spending-craze. Buying Easter decoration and all the sweets don’t sound like a huge deal, but as the stores get into the craze, you start seeing just how much of these little things end up in your cart.

Also, many families like to go on a weekend getaway on a mountain with the entire family. While you can go for a luxury package, you can still go with a more cost-effective option such as ones offered at Lantern Apartments and choose a trip that won’t cost money as well.

Not to mention that most of the arrangements are more expensive during the holiday season and for a reason of course. However, holidays don’t need to be that time of the year when you will spend all your money.

Some of these discounted sites and apps may help you save some buck for later, as holidays will certainly pass, but you’ll still need money after they’ve finished.

On that note, carefully planning for your holiday stay and hunting discounts by booking way up ahead can prove to be a lifesaver for your budget. Use one of the apps from the link above to hunt discounts and fares in advance.

Stay Fit and Healthy

Traditionally, the holiday season is known for feasting and stuffing lots of food in your stomach. At the same time, that’s perhaps part of the year when physical activity is on minimum.

If you don’t want to end up with a few extra pounds which you’ll struggle to get rid of months’ after the holidays are officially over, you can use one of the many fitness apps out there to keep track of the number of calories you absorbed and burnt during the holidays.

Yes, it’s hard to stay disciplined and strict when it comes to delicious Easter chocolates, but a little composure can be a long way really. Luckily enough, some apps can help with that as well.

Keeping cholesterol on the low is easier if you have respectable knowledge in nutritionism. Apps like Fooducate can help you raise the bar when it comes to this.

Also, and you probably already heard about this one, but FitBit is still the number one app when it comes to handling your eating and active life.

The Next Generation of the Healthy Working Environment

The work environment has gotten a major makeover over the past couple of years. Employee health has become a primary focus, transforming our vending machines, boardrooms and everything in between. Now, you may find a yoga studio next to your desk and a fridge stocked to the brim with healthy snacks and the freshest ingredients. Today, companies encourage employee bonding through sporting events, cycling classes, and other healthy activities. Some even pay for their employee’s monthly gym memberships. This is how important health has become in the workforce.

The Benefits of a Healthy Workplace

A healthy working environment encourages productivity, keeps employees happy, and improves retention rates. Financially speaking, the right environment can boost sales and prevent losses from turnover and worker’s compensations. A healthy environment is also the very backbone of company culture. Working towards an active and healthy community, companies are able to define a unique culture that unifies its employees and its ultimate vision.

Healthy Practices

There are a variety of factors that go into creating a healthy environment. For starters, companies must cultivate healthy practices that support and foster growth among the team. This could mean hosting a meditation session during a busy season or stressful point in time. It could also mean sending a ‘Get Well Soon’ card, signed off by the whole team after an employee has gone through surgery or another medical complication. A supportive environment really is a healthy environment.

A Healthy Physical Environment

Another major component that goes into a healthy working environment is the physical environment, itself. This is one element companies continue to struggle with, even today. Due to the digital nature of everything we do, employees are constantly tied to their computer screens and crouched over their desks. This, of course, can wreak havoc on posture and overall health.

According to the American Chiropractic Association, one-half of all American workers experience symptoms of back pain. Lower back pain costs Americans close to $50 billion each year in healthcare costs. Back pain also accounts for $264 million days taken off from work every year. Clearly, health is still a major issue in the workforce.

The Benefits of a Standing Desk

Many companies are now offering their employees standing desks. A standing desk encourages a combination of sitting and active standing throughout the day. It enables workers to change the height of the desk and customize it to meet their physical needs. The standing desk ultimately inspires employees to stay active throughout the day. Compared to a sedentary position at a desk, the standing posture has been shown to burn close to 1000 extra calories weekly.

According to Healthline, a standing desk is the best desk.  It prevents weight gain and obesity, lowers the risk for heart disease, improves energy and mood, boosts productivity, and can even lead to a longer life. The same source has also found that a standing desk can reduce back pain dramatically. In fact, research participants reported up to a 32% improvement over the course of just a couple of weeks.

The Next Innovation on the Horizon

Thanks to the proven success of the standing desk, a new innovation has emerged, the BLACKROLL® SMART MOVE BOARD. The Smart Move Board may be used in tandem with a standing desk to encourage an even more active lifestyle at work. It is specifically designed to make standing more comfortable and engaging, throughout the day, combining a ridged surface with integrated tools for self-massage.

The board is constructed from the latest technology in sports therapy. Using a unique material called SmartLite foam, the board provides a light and highly elastic surface for optimum comfort and pain relief. The ridged surface of the board activates the soles of the feet to encourage stretching and massage throughout the day as well. The board even comes with a set of self-massage tools including: a roller, a ball, and a twister, each designed to relieve sore muscles and prevent future injury.  

The new product is sold by Active Life Solutions, an online platform that brings the best in nutrition, fitness training, and recovery to your doorstep. It will be sold exclusively on Kickstarter at the https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/activelifeusa/660019358?ref=769607&token=ca03e552 for the time being.  For founder and CEO, Dr. Stephen Bui, MD, the smart move board is a strong addition to its growing collection of high-quality fitness tools.

“The BLACKROLL® SMART MOVE BOARD is primarily intended for people who normally sit at work, but would like to be on their feet and become more active. However, others are interested in using the products to feel more energized, improve concentration, improve the cardiovascular system, relieve pressure on the spine, and burn more calories during the day as compared to sitting,” he says.

We are already making great strides in the workplace. But to go even further in workplace health, we must first improve the very environment that our dedicated employees are a part of. This is the next smart move.

Closing the Gaps In Modern Medicine with Biohacking

Closing the Gaps In Modern Medicine with Biohacking

What Is Biohacking?

You’ve heard of ‘Life Hacks’ that ultimately make your life easier. But, have you heard about Bio Hacks? Biohacking is an emerging term in the health and wellness space. It is based upon the idea that what you put into your body has a huge impact on the way that you feel on the outside. It goes back to basics, understanding the building blocks of human biology, and the ways in which we can look and feel our best. Movement, nutrition, gratitude and even music are some examples of biohacks that individuals have found to alter their health for the better. It’s about shifting the right things in the body and the mind to boost energy, to enhance memory, to become free of disease, and to live the most healthful lives possible.

Addressing the Root Cause of Disease

Biohacking encourages us to look within and understand how different inputs yield significant outputs. This is different from modern healthcare, which tends to respond to the disease instead of the source of imbalance. According to board-certified physician of internal medicine, Dr. John Limansky, modern medications work to suppress symptoms and fail to address the root cause of modern western diseases. Essentially, traditional medicine caters to Sick Care, rather than Health Care today. This is exactly what he hopes to change with his medicinal platform. “By taking simple steps such as modifying diet, exercising, incorporating stress reduction, improving sleep and focusing on meditation among other techniques, many of the diseases afflicting our society may be reversed,” Limansky contributes.

Enhancing Interaction in Medicine

Another problem with traditional medicine is a lack of interaction. Older physicians will reminisce on the days where they were on a first name basis with their patients. They miss having adequate time to delve into the real issues behind the disease and find a personalized solution. As a practicing physician, Dr. Limansky is also limited in the number of patients he can interact with on an individual basis. It is for this reason why he and his team created online platform, biohackMD.

The patient-facing platform educates the public on the benefits of biohacking as well as the ketogenic diet. It is a place where readers can find research-backed information that is also processed by a physician. All content is free and available on multiple platforms. Essentially, biohackMD serves as a conversation between you and your physician. It provides a sense of personal power as well. “By introducing the concept of biohacking to the public, my goal is to show how everyone can regain their health, wellness and increase longevity while being able to stop taking medications,” Dr. Limansky adds.

Coupling the Ketogenic Diet with Biohacking

While biohacking is a new and emerging concept, the ketogenic diet has been recognized with a great deal of popularity in the last couple of years. It is also one of the oldest diets in terms of research. Back in the early 1920s, the keto diet emerged as a medicinal treatment for children with epilepsy. Today, the diet continues to be studied as a potential remedy for type two diabetes as the disease continues to skyrocket among young populations.

Recognized as ‘The Keto Doctor’ and one of the foremost authorities on the Ketogenic lifestyle, Dr. Limansky sees Keto as a sustainable tool that boasts a variety of benefits. “The ketogenic diet has gained in popularity for the simple reason that it works. It is a pathway to eating real non-processed foods in the right ratio. By incorporating a ketogenic diet, we are able to gain control over our insulin levels, improve hormone levels, lose fat while gaining control over our hunger signals. A ketogenic diet enables us to relearn what it means to be hungry instead of simply craving foods,” he adds.

Supplementing Health

By coupling the Ketogenic Diet with Biohacking, Dr. Limansky helps to point individuals towards optimum health and longevity. Consulting performance athletes and everyday champions, he demonstrates how health is a personal practice and gives individuals the tools to take back control of their health. Supplementing nutrition and modern medicine, biohackMD provides a variety of keto supplements to help achieve and maintain ketosis. The company currently offers Keto Matrix, Green Matrix, Whey Matrix & Multi Collagen Matrix to support individuals on their health journey.

Getting back to healthy basics has never been easier.  Having a deeper understanding of the physical body, and the factors that contribute to health, enables us to rediscover ourselves in a new light.  

Four Studies Supporting the Benefits of the Foam Roller

Four Studies Supporting the Benefits of the Foam Roller

Move over FitBit, there’s another fitness tool that’s taking over the weight room. While perhaps less sophisticated in nature, the humble foam roller is literally on a roll, with more and more research supporting its wide range of benefits. This includes everything from increased flexibility and pain prevention to enhanced performance.

Increased Flexibility

According to the Journal of Sports Rehabilitation, the practice of foam rolling, coupled with static stretching may increase range of motion in the hip more so than stretching alone. Essentially, it helps to increase flexibility in ways we can’t necessarily achieve on our own.

Ever pushed through a great workout only to be punished later on with stiff, cranky muscles? We work out to enhance our lives, but when our workouts leave us in an aching heap the next day, it can become pretty counterintuitive. This is where the foam roller comes in. The tool is a method of self-myofascial release (SMR), an alternative therapy that treats immobility and pain in the muscles.

Pain Prevention

Myofascial release techniques are intended to bring gentle and sustained pressure to the body. Working to smooth out those hard ‘knots’ in the fascia, or connective tissue, the technique encourages a sense of release in the body. And according to a study published in Current Sports Medicine Reports this may be just the release you need. In the study, it was concluded that self-myofascial release has a positive impact on delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOM) and can help to decrease soreness following DOM. This can lead to enhanced performance in the long run as it allows the active individual to exercise longer and more actively.

In another study, individuals were to perform 10 sets of 10 repetitions of barbell back squats over the course of four weeks. In order to identify the effectiveness of foam rollers on quadricep muscle soreness, some subjects completed 20 minutes of foam rolling. The control group did not perform any type of post-exercise treatment at all. When the results came around, the difference was quite astounding. In fact, those who did perform foam rolling were significantly less sore than those who did not, according to the Journal of Athletic Training study.

Enhanced Performance

Don’t let soreness keep you from playing in the game! By incorporating foam-rolling exercises, you may prevent the limiting pain that keeps you from doing what you love. You might also become a better athlete for it. In a study featured in Sports Medicine, it was discovered that those who use a foam roller actually experience an increase in maximal voluntary contraction. For lead researcher, Dr. Lewis Macgregor, there is a strong case to be made for the foam roller as a pre-workout activity to both enhance performance and lower the risk of injury. “I surmise that foam rolling prior to exercise helps to light up the pathway between the brain and the muscle, providing a better understanding of what is required,” Macgregor says. He continues, “Our research—for the first time—suggests that foam rolling offers a viable alternative warm-up technique that does not result in diminished muscle strength, which is often associated with static stretching. It shows that foam rolling may be a useful technique in helping to reduce stress and strain on muscles during exercise and, therefore, could reduce injuries.”

Whether you’re an elite athlete or an active individual, the use of a foam roller can benefit your performance on and off the court. It’s inexpensive, it’s easy to use, and it’s even easier to find ways to work towards your health and fitness goals. Luckily, recovery and training company, BLACKROLL, sold through Active Life Solutions, is making it even easier to reap the benefits.  Active Life Solutions focuses on healthy living, healthy lifestyles and products, which not only rehabilitate, but also prevent injury.  With a full family of products in-house, Active Life offers everyone from the beginner to the elite athlete the products and tools they need to succeed.

Regeneration and Functional Training

BLACKROLL’s foam rolling products are intended to help in two main ways, regeneration and functional training. Used for regeneration, the foam rollers can be used to heal from the aches and pains of daily life and an active lifestyle. While helpful for healing and restoration, the Myofascial release tool may also be used to challenge the intensity of your workouts and to build strength, overall.

Whatever you’d like to achieve, BLACKROLL helps you get there, providing the right exercises to engage and relax various muscle groups. BLACKROLL even provides a convenient phone app, The Blackroll® App to guide training and self-massage techniques.

So, the next time you’re at the gym, you’ll understand just why this tool has become so popular. And with a tool like BLACKROLL at your fingertips, you’ll be ready to roll!

Yoga for Your Face

Yoga exercises for the face are easy and convenient — and they show results! They restore the flow of blood to your facial muscles, which gives your skin a healthy glow, and they can also smooth out wrinkles and help turn a flabby frown into a confident smile.

You don’t need much of anything to begin practicing facial yoga. Just a mirror and the determination to spend ten minutes a day in front of the mirror, making faces.

Here are some of the best facial yoga exercises to give your looks a more youthful, energetic, appearance:

The lion

Open eyes wide. Open mouth wide. Stick out the tongue as far as you comfortably can. Hold this pose for the count of five. Relax. Repeat at least six times.

The monkey

Purse your lips as if about to kiss someone. Keep your eyes half shut. Breath in and out through your nose only, for a count of ten. Then relax. Repeat at least half a dozen times.

Hurricane

Take a deep breath. Exhale forcefully while keeping your lips closed, but not tightened; letting the air flow past your lips so that they make a flapping motion. Concentrate on relaxing your lip muscles so they feel as if they will drop off your face. Repeat this a dozen times; you’ll be surprised how pleasant the tingling feeling for your entire lower face.

 

Training Like The Elite With Wearable Technology

Training Like The Elite With Wearable Technology

Wearable technology is everywhere: from walking our dogs and checking our Apple Watches to a myriad of other products.  What was once something rare has now become commonplace. Wearable tech is growing, and so are the uses, providing users with access to data they never had before, in ways they never imagined. Where it is having the largest impact: the fitness industry. Here, users are able to not only track their health, but also understand how to prevent injury, recuperate properly from it, and learn so much more about how their bodies work.  It helps us push further, as well as step back when we are at the brink of needing either.

For those that don’t know, wearable technology is a massive growth industry which is exploding at the moment. There are both consumer and professional wearables markets, making the veritable buffet of uses for this technology unlimited.   It seems like so long ago that the first Bluetooth headset was sold, but for those that remember, it was less than twenty years ago. The Bluetooth headset was really the trigger that launched an entire new category of connectivity, including everything from the FitBit to the Apple Watch and beyond.

Early wearables were constrained by the amount they could do.  Today, those limits have been exceeded tens of times over. Companies like dorsaVi have changed not only the way we look at wearables and health, but also the manner in which we use them.  DorsaVi’s real-time data analysis, tracking and profiling enable users to change the way they exercise, move, and even work. For a market that is continuing to explode, this opens doors never seen before.  To put it is context, Statista recently reported that the number of connected wearables is expected to reach 830 million in 2020. For those implementing them in their everyday practices that is truly an incredible measure of growth.

While some have expressed concern over the validity of the information, it is important to remember that it is the partnership between the technology and the human that is doing the work.  The data is measured, reported and based on real-life interaction with the wearable and the data interpretation is by experts in the industry. Companies like dorsaVi are partnering very closely with industry professionals to create, not only client benchmarks, but also programs and protocols which make a significant difference.  The wearables enable, in one word: customization. By partnering with physical therapists, chiropractors, pain physicians, strength and conditioning trainers, as well as coaches in the NFL, NHL, MLS, and NBS, dorsaVi’s motion sensors are making a significant difference both on – and off – the field.

Information that was once only available to the elite is now readily accessible for the average consumer.  DorsaVi is an FDA-cleared wearable based on biomechanical technology. By leveraging biomechanical instruments with smart sensors, the company is able to bring professional-level information to the average person.  With a smart dashboard and user-friendly reports, this wearable device company is providing an easy-to-understand view on our own physical assets.

The company has a strong history rooted in the practice of medicine.  As a practicing physiotherapist, co-founder Andrew Ronchi determined that he needed more personalized insights for his clients. He felt limited by what was available on the market for his practice and in doing so, realized early on, that the wearable market was the place to head. By having the foresight to do so, today, dorsaVi’s smart device is readily available in three main verticals: elite sports, clinical practice(s), and workplace safety.

DorsaVi’s solutions are used by a range of health and performance professionals, while the organization is a market leader in day-to-day training and rehabilitation products. The dorsaVi Professional Suite captures objective movement data that cannot be seen elsewhere.   This data then enables professionals to create customized programs based on their client’s specific needs. With this information, the clinician can mitigate the risk of injury, while guiding rehabilitation when needed. The data also helps make the difficult “return to play” decisions easier, while helping athletes increase their performance the healthy way.  

On the other hand, in the workplace, the insight helps increase safety significantly.  With the custom insight on workers, companies are able to match their physical needs with those of the company and reduce the risk of on the job injuries significantly. This real-time, real-life data also helps companies with their training protocols and manual handling processes, thus benefiting everyone from the company to the employee to the greater market itself.

“In the health space, where dorsaVi operates, improvements in technology continue to make what was once impossible possible,” says Megan Connell, Chief Marketing Officer of dorsaVi.  For this company and those that use their products, the true differential is that dorsaVi has made it possible to see clearly, what was once a significant blind spot, in a cost-effective and user-friendly manner, with medical-grade accuracy.