Today’s show is brought to you by BluBlox.com, the makers of The best blue light filtering glasses and an amazing new remedy sleep mask, Sleep Mask: http://bit.ly/2AIVbDV Use code HIH to save 20% OFF these Amazing glasses! About Today's Show:  Links to show notes and video interview: http://bit.ly/2t0eQiD **We do some breath work and meditation in the first 25 mins of the show, the sit-down chat about back pain, mindset and mobility starts around ~ 26 min.  Aaron Alexander is a movement specialist and author of Align Method. Check out his new book: The Aligned Method: https://amzn.to/2ZoOaUx

#288: Cold Plunge Science, Breath Work & Posture for Success w/ Aaron Alexander

High Intensity Health features breakthrough health tips and hacks from respected authorities in the Fitness, Nutrition and Functional Medicine fields. Our expert guests have shared insider information that has helped thousands of Moms, Dads, Executives, Health Care Professionals and High-Performing Athletes optimize their metabolism, belly fat,  gut bacteria, immune system,both physical and mental performance and overall health. No matter where you sit on the health and nutrition spectrum, you’ll benefit from our cutting-edge discussions, 2-days per week.

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Scientists explored how dietary patterns impacted a number of brain health areas in 184,000 people, including: mood, cognitive function, and brain structure measured using MRI. They found individuals who preferred a vegetarian diet (lower protein diet) and diets high in sugary beverages and snacks had the worst mental and cognitive health scores. Curb Food Cravings and support Metabolic Health with the Berberine Fasting Accelerator by MYOXCIENCE: https://bit.ly/berberine-fasting-accelerator  Use code podcast to save 12% Show notes: https://bit.ly/4b3BNRh Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 0:20 Foods impact the health of your brain 0:50 Vegans have higher scores of anxiety, depression, and mental health issues 1:10 Processed meats and sugars have poorer cognitive health and higher levels of anxiety and depression 2:24 Whole foods style diet is linked with better cognitive health 3:39 Berberine for metabolic health 5:34 Protein enhances executive function and working memory 6:00 Unhealthy diets and anxiety, depression 6:53 Food categories in this study 7:37 Sugar sweetened beverages  8:00 Diet impacts brain structure  8:55 Structure equals function  9:56 Diet impacts the structure and function of your brain  11:25 Vegetarian diets and mental health  

The Best Diet for Mental Health and Superior Cognitive Function: Vegan VS Omnivore

Dr. Amy West, a Sports Medicine Physiatrist, is at the forefront of a paradigm shift in understanding the root causes of joint pain, tendon issues, and other musculoskeletal problems. Sponsored Message:  Support your Intermittent Fasting lifestyle with the Berberine Fasting Accelerator by MYOXCIENCE: https://bit.ly/berberine-fasting-accelerator Save with code podcast at checkout Link to Video Interview, Research and Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3U5RIaS Show Notes: 02:00 CrossFit trains all three energy pathways: glycolytic, anaerobic, and aerobic. It is based on function. Physiatry and CrossFit focus on function and living better. 08:00 Metabolic health impacts recovery, injury propensity, pain levels and physical function. Leptin worsens osteoarthritis and pain issues. 12:15 Osteoarthritis is from the dysfunction of chondrocytes within the joint from inflammation and fragility of cartilage within the joint. Metabolic disease causes a downward spiral. There is more inflammation and more cartilage damage and more boney hypertrophy. 14:00 Trigger finger is often a first sign of metabolic disease. Tendons are also impacted by the inflammation of metabolic disease. Healing process is impacted by the chronic inflammation of metabolic disease. 14:54 Bone and bone density are impacted inflammation. This can appear as stress fractures. Treat the fracture and the reason why. 17:00 Hemoglobin A1C is a marker of overall glycation in the body. Non-painful things become painful with increased glycation. 17:30 The burden of age-related changes is dependent upon your metabolic state and physical wellbeing. 96% of American adults have some sort of metabolic dysfunction, making them predisposed to accelerated aging and physical decline. 23:00 Time is a major reason for not exercising. Short 20-minute bouts of more intense exercise are easier to fit in and you get the same metabolic benefits in a shorter time. 23:40 Functional movement training increases strength and supports life functions. It uses multiple joints and practices coordination. 24:30 Heavy resistance training induces the benefits of bone density and muscle integrity. 24:45 Osteosarcopenic obesity: as you gain weight, you lose muscle mass and bone. 26:00 Weakened tendons, tendonitis, and fibrosis are often a result of chronic inflammation from metabolic dysfunction like diabetes. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the US. 27:25 Cortisone is a potent anti-inflammatory that brings short-term pain relief. It can raise blood sugar. Repeated cortisone injections can further degrade cartilage, worsening arthritis. You can build up a tolerance to it. 29:00 Hormones affect joint pain. Menopausal decreased estrogen levels correlate to increased joint pain. 29:40 Turmeric, omega 3s, vitamin D anti-inflammatory effects can be effective in a person with a small amount of inflammation. 31:00 PRP can be beneficial in the right patient with mild arthritis or chronic tendinopathy. It is only as good as whatever is attached to it. PRP efficacy depends upon your metabolic health. 34:10 Athletes have more muscle mass around the joints making the joint more functional and eases the load bearing on the joint. Muscle secretes myokines, which affect pain perception. 34:50 Chronic inflammation from metabolic disease around your joints can affect levels of inflammation and how the inflammation is received by your brain. It can affect brain serotonin signaling. 36:00 Low carb diets produce less leptin signaling which reduces pain and inflammation signaling. 39:50 Dr. West prioritizes protein. Traditional medicine protein recommendations are just enough to keep you alive. Protein helps with satiety and powers workout gains. 41:25 Animal protein, over plant protein, can help you feel stronger. It is challenging to get enough plant protein without eating a lot of carbs. Chronic vegan/vegetarian dieting can cause collagen and bone breakdown. 50:30 Eccentric loading of the Achilles tendon can help build capacity and be more effective than chronic stretching. Tight hamstrings can be addressed with hip extension, pelvic tilting, and hip adduction. 55:25 There can be some risk to doing isolated heavy bicep work. You can develop bicep tendonitis. Over time, it can result in rupture of the bicep tendon. 58:36 Shoulder: Drill down on technique before adding load or intensity. 01:00:10 Hanging is important for grip strength and being able to manage your own body load. 01:01:10 Deadlift/hip hinge can be done using a platform to limit range of motion to maintain form. Push with your legs rather than pulling with your back. 01:02:30 Have a physical biomarker. Do an annual measure of functional movement or movements to track your strength and fitness, along with your labs. Continue to improve. Physical goals are important. 01:06:30 Coca Cola/Gatorade has invested heavily in healthcare, exercise science and exercise guidelines. Fitness professionals are pressured not to make nutritional recommendations. Coca Cola is involved in the American Cancer Society and American College of Cardiology.  

Metabolic Origins of Joint Pain, Arthritis & Tendon Issues with Amy West, MD

Hormones play a pivotal role in every aspect of a woman's life, from mood to fertility and beyond, understanding how to optimize their function is paramount. Dr. Elena Zinkov shares actionable strategies and insights that empower women to take control of their hormonal health and thrive. Support Your Sleep and Hormonal Balance with innovative Myo Relax and Calm: https://bit.ly/myo-relax-sleep-blend Save with code Podcast at checkout Link to Video & Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3vC0hSK  Show Notes: 0:00 Intro 4:50 Hormonal birth control and xenoestrogens from our environment push women into perimenopause and premature ovarian failure. 6:30 Women who come off birth control may experience early perimenopause. 9:30 Bioidentical hormones can help women coming off hormonal birth control to recuperate. 11:30 Women have more testosterone than estrogen. 13:40 PCOS is an insulin and low progesterone issue. 15:40 Women’s estrogen and progesterone are produced in the ovarian follicles. Adrenal glands also produce estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. 18:25 AMH levels reflect the ovarian reserve. 18:50 Egg quality depends upon balanced levels of estrogen and testosterone. 21:30 DHEA is important for energy, healthy estrogen levels, blood sugar metabolism, immune system, muscle mass, and post workout recovery. 29:05 All hormones are at their peak between 8 and 10 am. 29:45 Blood/serum testing is the most accurate. 32:30 Follicle-stimulating hormone FSH helps the egg to mature and stimulates the release of estrogen and progesterone. 34:15 We are starting to see late perimenopause and menopause levels of FSH in young women. 34:40 Optimal estradiol is between 70 to 150. 35:00 The follicular phase starts on day one of bleeding and luteal starts with ovulation. 37:15 Body temperature and cervical fluid are effective ways to determine if you are ovulating. 42:00 Signs of low progesterone 46:50 Bioidentical oral progesterone 50:00 Helps with sleep: valerian root, CBD, magnesium, GABA, and L-theanine (am and pm). 53:30 Growth hormone peptides can help you sleep through the night. 58:45 Oxytocin nasal spray is neuroprotective and can help with stress management and resilience, anxiety, and depression. 59:50 Women should consume 30 to 40 grams of protein at least 3 to 4 times per day, with a minimum of 120 grams/day.

Women's Hormonal Balance for Anxiety, Sleep & Fat Loss | Dr. Elana Zinkov

A Cochrane review of randomized controlled trials finds saturated fat doesn't clog arteries or impact your risk of heart disease.  Sponsored Message: Support your Intermittent Fasting lifestyle with the Berberine Fasting Accelerator by MYOXCIENCE: https://bit.ly/berberine-fasting-accelerator Save with code Podcast at checkout Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4aazuvD Research Cited: Hooper, L. et al. Reduction in saturated fat intake for cardiovascular disease. Cochrane Database Syst. Rev. 5, CD011737 (2020).  Show Notes: 00:00 A review of randomized control trials of at least 24-month duration. 00:45 There are nutrients/vitamins in fat. 01:30 There was little or no effect on cardiovascular or all-cause mortality by reducing saturated fat for 2 years. 01:38 Reducing saturated fat possibly reduced cardiovascular events. 04:00 Heart attack risk and saturated fat reduction has no clear correlation. 05:30 Replacing saturated fat with polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fat, carbs, or protein effects did not differ. 06:15 There may be a prevention of second heart attacks with saturated fat reduction. 07:00 Other cardiovascular events and cancer outcomes effects were very small or unclear. 08:00 Carbohydrates and processed foods are often used to replace saturated fat in the diet.

#288: Cold Plunge Science, Breath Work & Posture for Success w/ Aaron Alexander

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