2x Team USA Weightlifting World Team Member, Pan-American Game Team Member, and National Champion.   Hunter has been weightlifting at an elite level for five years, establishing an incredible resume. She found weightlifting through CrossFit but was a well rounded athlete growing up playing soccer, basketball and volleyball.    Hunter is an ambassador for women’s strength sports. Being strong is one of the most empowering and rewarding journeys you can pursue.   Connect with our guests:   Hunter Elam Instagram   Anders Varner on Instagram   Doug Larson on Instagram   Coach Travis Mash on Instagram   Dan Garner on Instagram   ————————————————   Diesel Dad Mentorship Application: https://bit.ly/DDMentorshipApp   Diesel Dad Training Programs: http://barbellshrugged.com/dieseldad   Please Support Our Sponsors   Eight Sleep - Save $150 on the Pod Pro and Pod Pro Cover   Organifi - Save 20% using code: “Shrugged” at organifi.com/shrugged   BiOptimizers Probitotics - Save 10% at bioptimizers.com/shrugged   Garage Gym Equipment and Accessories: https://prxperformance.com/discount/BBS5OFF Save 5% using the coupon code “BBS5OFF”  

The Path to Elite Performance w/ Hunter Elam, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash Barbell Shrugged  #646

New episode every Wednesday!  Join the Barbell Shrugged crew in conversations about fitness, training, and frequent interviews w/ CrossFit Games athletes!

Nutrition

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Health & Fitness

In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged the team digs into liver health, biomarkers, and optimization. The liver is a remarkable organ that performs numerous essential functions necessary for our overall well-being. Maintaining a healthy liver is vital, and understanding the role of biomarkers and optimization can help us achieve that goal. Our lifestyle choices significantly impact liver health. Unhealthy habits such as a processed food-heavy diet, excessive alcohol consumption, sedentary behavior, and chronic stress can damage the liver. On the other hand, adopting a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and moderate alcohol consumption promotes optimal liver function. Biomarkers play a crucial role in assessing liver health. These measurable indicators, including liver enzymes like ALT and AST, bilirubin levels, and imaging techniques like ultrasound and MRI, provide valuable insights into liver function and overall health. By monitoring these biomarkers, healthcare professionals can identify inflammation, damage, and diseases such as fatty liver disease or viral hepatitis at an early stage, enabling timely intervention and prevention of further damage. Diet is a key factor in optimizing liver health. A nutrient-rich diet low in processed foods, added sugars, and unhealthy fats supports liver function. Foods such as leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like avocados and olive oil provide necessary nutrients and antioxidants for the liver's detoxification processes. Supplements and herbs can also aid liver health. Milk thistle, containing silymarin with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has been used for centuries for its hepatoprotective effects. Other supplements like N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and turmeric have shown potential benefits in supporting liver health. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new regimen to ensure personalized guidance. Alcohol consumption significantly impacts liver health. Excessive and chronic alcohol consumption leads to inflammation, fatty liver disease, and cirrhosis. Practicing responsible drinking by limiting alcohol intake and incorporating alcohol-free days is crucial for liver protection. Mental well-being is intertwined with liver health. Chronic stress and poor mental health can affect liver function. Implementing stress management techniques such as meditation, exercise, and seeking support from loved ones or professionals can reduce stress levels and support liver health. In conclusion, optimizing liver health through lifestyle modifications, biomarker monitoring, dietary adjustments, responsible alcohol consumption, and stress management is essential for overall well-being. Prioritizing a healthy lifestyle and seeking professional guidance can make a significant difference in supporting the liver's vital functions. Remember, a healthy liver leads to a healthier life.   Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram

Physiology Friday: [Liver] A Deep Dive into Health, Biomarkers, and Optimization w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Dan Garner

Matt is a life long educator and has a reputation as a provocative thought leader in education and personal development practices. He is a two-time featured TEDx speaker and he was named Corporate Trainer of the Year at Stanford University, having spoken to over 250,000 people. He is Co Founder of Apogee Strong. Apogee is a specialized mentorship program designed specifically to shape young men into better providers and protectors. We emphasize the curation of men who value living a life with servant leadership and personal growth. It is both a physical and online education experience. Work with RAPID Health Optimization Matt Beaudreau on Instagram Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram

Redefining Education to Build Leaders w/ Matt Beaudreau, Anders Varner, and Doug Larson #749

L-Carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative that plays a crucial role in energy metabolism within the human body. It is synthesized in the liver and kidneys from the amino acids lysine and methionine. L-Carnitine is primarily involved in the transport of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles within cells, where they can be oxidized to generate ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the body's main energy currency. Here are some key aspects and functions of L-Carnitine:   Energy production: L-Carnitine facilitates the transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria, enabling their breakdown and subsequent conversion into ATP. This process is essential for maintaining energy levels throughout the body.   Fat metabolism: By aiding in the utilization of fatty acids as an energy source, L-Carnitine contributes to fat metabolism and can potentially support weight management and fat loss efforts.   Exercise performance: L-Carnitine has been studied for its potential benefits in enhancing exercise performance. It may help improve endurance, reduce muscle damage, and enhance recovery by optimizing energy utilization during physical activity.   Heart health: L-Carnitine plays a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular health. It assists in the transport of fatty acids to the heart muscle, providing a valuable energy source. L-Carnitine supplementation has been studied for its potential benefits in various cardiac conditions, including heart failure and angina.   Brain function: L-Carnitine is involved in maintaining healthy brain function. It can cross the blood-brain barrier and acts as a neuroprotective agent, potentially supporting cognitive health and neurological well-being.   Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram

Physiology Friday: [L-Carnitine] Protocols to Improve Heart Health, Performance, and Turn Fat into Energy w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Dan Garner

Kevin A. Murach, Ph.D., received his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned the Ronald Hyatt Scholarship in Exercise Science. After graduating, Dr. Murach completed a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology at James Madison University at Harrisonburg, Virginia, then earned his Ph.D. in Human Bioenergetics from the Ball State Human Performance Laboratory in Muncie, Indiana. His dissertation was a collaboration with NASA aimed at optimizing the exercise prescription for astronauts on the International Space Station. After Ball State, Dr. Murach spent six years as a post-doctoral fellow/scholar at the University of Kentucky Center for Muscle Biology in Lexington under the guidance of Drs. Charlotte Peterson and John McCarthy. During this time, he was supported by two National Institutes of Health grants (F32 and K99), was recipient of the Thomas V. Getchell Memorial Award from the University of Kentucky Grant Writing Workshop, won the 2017 FASEB BioArt contest and was an NIH NIA Butler-Williams Scholar.He now is an assistant professor in the Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation in the University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions. His current research uses human muscle samples, primary cell culture and genetically modified mouse models to understand the molecular cues that drive exercise adaptations and aging, and the interaction between these two (among other things). In his free time, Dr. Murach enjoys spending time with his wife, Dr. Kyndal Murach, exercising, building custom watches, cooking, smoking meats and collecting bourbon. He shared this preprint he recently posted: https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.03.26.586857v1 Summary: This study investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle recovery after exercise, focusing on the temporal dynamics of gene expression and DNA methylation. Biopsies of the vastus lateralis muscle were taken before and at various time points (30 minutes, 3 hours, 8 hours, and 24 hours) after resistance exercise (RE), along with a control group. RNA sequencing and DNA methylomics were employed to analyze gene expression and methylation patterns, respectively, complemented by computational methods. Work with RAPID Health Optimization Dr. Kevin Murach on Instagram Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram

How Lifting Weights Affects Your Genetics w/ Dr. Kevin Murach, Anders Varner, and Doug Larson #748

In today's fast-paced world, optimizing our health and performance has become paramount. Sleep, recovery, and performance are integral aspects of our well-being, and understanding and improving them is crucial. This is where the Ōura Ring comes into play. This revolutionary wearable technology aims to unlock your potential by providing insights and data to enhance your sleep, recovery, and overall performance. In this article, we will delve into the goal of the Ōura Ring, explore its functionalities, and uncover how it can help you track and improve your sleep, recovery, and performance.  The Goal of the Ōura Ring   The Ōura Ring is designed with a clear objective in mind: to empower individuals to take charge of their well-being and unleash their full potential. By combining cutting-edge technology and scientific principles, the ring provides personalized data and insights, enabling users to make informed decisions and optimize their sleep, recovery, and performance.   Understanding the Ōura Ring   At first glance, the Ōura Ring may appear to be a sleek and stylish piece of jewelry. However, beneath its elegant exterior lies a multitude of sensors and advanced technology. The ring is equipped with infrared LEDs, a 3D accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a temperature sensor, all working together to collect an array of data.   The ring's sensors track various physiological signals, including heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), body temperature, and movement. By analyzing these data points, the Ōura Ring provides comprehensive insights into sleep, recovery, and activity levels.   Tracking and Improving Sleep   One of the standout features of the Ōura Ring is its ability to monitor and analyze your sleep patterns. By measuring key metrics such as sleep duration, sleep stages (including deep sleep, REM sleep, and light sleep), and sleep latency, the ring provides valuable insights into your sleep quality. These insights help you understand how well you are sleeping and identify areas for improvement.   Armed with this information, you can take proactive steps to optimize your sleep. The Ōura Ring offers personalized suggestions and recommendations, such as adjusting your bedtime routine, creating a sleep-friendly environment, or practicing relaxation techniques. By making informed changes based on the ring's insights, you can enhance the quality and duration of your sleep, waking up refreshed and rejuvenated.   Enhancing Recovery   Recovery plays a vital role in our overall well-being and performance. The Ōura Ring recognizes this and provides a comprehensive view of your recovery by analyzing metrics such as HRV, resting heart rate, and body temperature. HRV, in particular, is a key indicator of your body's readiness to perform at its best.   With the Ōura Ring, you can monitor your recovery trends over time and identify factors that may positively or negatively affect your recovery. Armed with this knowledge, you can make informed decisions regarding your training intensity, rest days, and stress management strategies. By prioritizing recovery and utilizing the insights from the ring, you can optimize your performance and minimize the risk of burnout or overtraining.   Optimizing Performance   The Ōura Ring goes beyond sleep and recovery, offering features that help you optimize your performance in various aspects of life. The ring tracks your daily activity, providing data on steps taken, calories burned, and active time. This information allows you to set and monitor your fitness goals, ensuring you stay on track and make progress.   Moreover, the ring's comprehensive analysis of your sleep, recovery, and activity enables you to identify patterns and correlations between these factors and your overall performance. By leveraging this knowledge, you can fine-tune your routines, optimize your training schedules, and make lifestyle   To learn more, please go to https://rapidhealthreport.com   Connect with our guests:   Dr. Michael T. Nelson on Instagram   Anders Varner on Instagram   Doug Larson on Instagram   Coach Travis Mash on Instagram 

The Path to Elite Performance w/ Hunter Elam, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash Barbell Shrugged #646

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