Testosterone plays a crucial role in maintaining strength, energy, and overall vitality. While many associate testosterone solely with masculinity, it is a hormone that affects both men and women. In men, healthy levels are essential for muscle growth, bone density, red blood cell production, libido, and mood regulation. In women, testosterone supports energy balance, reproductive health, and lean muscle. Low levels can contribute to fatigue, mood swings, and decreased overall performance.
While many of us assume that diet is the only way to feed the trillions of microorganisms (including bacteria, fungi and viruses) that make up the microbiome, there are myriad daily habits that can help nurture this important part of the body. Diet often takes centre stage in discussions about the gut microbiome, and rightly so it plays a major role, says Dr Emily Leeming, a scientist, dietitian and research fellow at King's College London, and author of Genius Gut.
There is some evidence from observational studies to suggest that low plasma potassium levels are associated with increased risk of dangerous alterations in heart rhythms and that potassium levels in the upper normal level have protective effects.
The next time you go number two, you should take a peek in the toilet. (You should actually be doing this after every bowel movement, doctors say.) While certain things such as blood in your poop and frequent diarrhea are known red flags, it turns out that whether your poop floats or sinks in the toilet bowl matters for your health.
According to a study by the University of Reading, adults who eat more pulses—dried beans, peas, and lentils—have a higher intake of nutrients including fiber, folate, and vitamins C and E.
Walking and diet are two of the simplest ways we know to boost BDNF, a key protein that helps brain cells grow, repair and communicate. Higher BDNF levels are strongly linked to better memory and slower cognitive decline.
Given how long I've been in the sport, you can't have the same things every single day or every single year, but I do find that once I find something that is working well that keeps me fueled before and after practice, I'll stick with it.
I don't want to give the message that microbes are the entire thing. But we know that there are significant correlations between how much we have of various microbes and cancer.
Bushaw began experiencing weight loss challenges during perimenopause, despite consistent workouts and a high-protein diet, leading to frustration with her lack of results.