Peak Human

Oxidative stress is known to be involved in several health conditions. But what is oxidative stress, and how does this factor affect health? Please read this article to learn everything you need to know about oxidative stress. RELATED: Senolytic Therapies as a Way to Improving Lifespan   What Is Oxidative Stress and How Does This Factor Affect Health? What Is Oxidative Stress? Oxidative stress refers to an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants within the body, leading to cell and tissue damage. In other words, oxidative stress occurs when the formation of the damaging free radicals dominates the capability of antioxidants to neutralize them. Oxidative stress might result from the body’s natural immune response. This type of oxidative stress might cause temporary and mild inflammation that subsides after the immune system resolves an infection or corrects an injury. Nevertheless, long-term uncontrolled oxidative stress might accelerate the aging process and contribute to the induction of a range of chronic and degenerative conditions, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disease. In the next part of this article, we will discuss the detrimental effects of oxidative stress in detail.   What Are Free Radicals and Antioxidants? Please read this section before learning how oxidative stress can affect the body if you wish to learn more about free radicals and antioxidants. Free radicals are molecules with only a single unpaired electron. The unpaired electron is highly reactive and tends to bond with another free electron, resulting in another free radical. As a result, a chain reaction of free radicals might occur, leading to a cascade of increasingly harmful events. Free radicals are produced due to the metabolic process, which combines oxygen and glucose to generate carbon dioxide, water, and energy in the form of ATP. External substances, such as cigarette smoke or pollutants in the environment, can also cause the body to produce free radicals. Antioxidants are substances that donate an electron to free radicals, neutralizing them and reducing the effects of oxidative stress on people’s health. Although antioxidants can be created naturally in the body, many vital antioxidants are present in fruits and vegetables in the form of vitamins and minerals that the body cannot produce on its own. Examples of antioxidants include vitamins A, C, and E.   How Does Oxidative Stress Affect the Body? As mentioned above, long-term uncontrolled oxidative stress causes detrimental effects to the body. It can contribute to accelerated aging and play a role in developing various conditions. The most prevalent conditions due to oxidative stress include:   Accelerated Aging Process and Oxidative Stress Aging is a natural process in which tissues and organs experience a progressive decline over time. Gemma et al. and their work “Oxidative Stress and the Aging Brain: From Theory to Prevention” have proposed the free radical theory of aging as one of the most practical and acceptable explanations for aging. The free radical theory of aging, commonly known as the oxidative stress theory of aging, is based on the structural damage-based assumption that oxidative damage causes age-related functional decline. According to this hypothesis, aging and associated disorders result from free radical-induced damage and the inability of antioxidant defenses to counteract it.   Cancer and Oxidative Stress According to a review, oxidative stress causes DNA damage, which is one of the triggers that leads to cancer formation. Specifically, cancer can be driven by chromosomal abnormalities and oncogene activation. These cancer-driving factors can be determined by oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can also trigger modifications against DNA structure. Further, oxidative stress due to lifestyle reasons such as tobacco smoking and environmental pollutants contributes to the onset of tumors and cancer progression.   Cardiovascular Disease and Oxidative Stress According to the same review, oxidative stress is either the primary or secondary cause of many cardiovascular illnesses. Oxidative stress is primarily responsible for artery hardening and narrowing. Oxidative stress is also linked to hypertension, ischemia, cardiac hypertrophy, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure.   Neurological Disease and Oxidative Stress The review also shows that oxidative stress is linked to a number of neurological diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and memory loss. Free radical activity produces β-amyloid, a toxic peptide commonly found in Alzheimer’s disease patients’ brains. This toxic peptide is believed to be partially responsible for neurodegeneration during the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. RELATED: 3 Proven Ways to Reverse Biological Age by Three Years   How to Manage and Prevent Oxidative Stress Please remember that the body requires a healthy balance of free radicals and antioxidants; too much or too little of either can lead to health problems. The objective is to balance free radicals and antioxidants by suppressing excess free radical production or increasing antioxidants in the body. Lifestyle modifications and a healthy diet may help reduce oxidative stress in the body. Maintaining a healthy body weight is one of the known strategies for reducing oxidative stress. According to a review, excess fat cells might trigger free radical production in immune cells. Therefore, a healthy body weight without excess fat might help avoid the extra number of free radicals. Another strategy to manage and prevent oxidative stress is to consume a well-balanced diet rich in antioxidants. Antioxidant-rich foods include broccoli, spinach, carrots, potatoes, cabbage, asparagus, avocados, radish, lettuce, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and kale. Limiting processed foods, exceptionally those high in sugars and fats, may also be helpful. Although oxidative stress may affect anyone and cause several harmful effects, you are the one who decides whether or not to fight it. By adopting lifestyle choices involving diet, exercise, and environment, you can keep your body balanced and prevent damage and disease.   If you have questions about oxidative stress or any health problems discussed here, connect with us and learn more.  At Peak Human, our team of healthcare professionals is dedicated to helping you reach your ‘peak’ health with a custom whole-person approach. Using the most cutting-edge, science-backed biohacking and aesthetic tools, technologies, and treatments available today, we help you achieve the

As we get older, our body physically declines, leading to several age-related diseases. While illnesses are a part of aging, having more than one condition, precisely three separate but overlapping conditions, might be a severe problem for everyone. In this context, metabolic syndrome appears to impose high risks on other diseases among older people and people with obesity. This article reviews metabolic syndrome, its risk factors, and its complications. RELATED: 3 Proven Ways to Reverse Biological Age by Three Years   Learn About Metabolic Syndrome, Its Risk Factors, and Complications Statistics show that metabolic syndrome is becoming more frequent, especially among older people, without proper reasoning behind its occurrence. Understanding what this syndrome is and what might be the causes can help you with the prevention. Please read on to learn how experts describe this syndrome.   What Is Metabolic Syndrome? Metabolic syndrome is a medical term describing several conditions that occur simultaneously. These conditions include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol. Metabolic syndrome is not a disease but a group of risk factors. Please remember that having only one of the conditions above doesn’t always indicate you have metabolic syndrome. However, it might suggest that you have a high risk of complications. Suppose you have more than one condition simultaneously. In that case, your risk of developing complications, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, is even higher. Metabolic syndrome is becoming increasingly common, with up to one-third of U.S. adults suffering from it. In addition, metabolic syndrome is more common as people age, affecting more than 40 percent of people in their 60s and 70s. Metabolic syndrome is present equally in both men and women. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the incidence of metabolic syndrome is 24 percent in men and 22 percent in women.   Metabolic Syndrome Symptoms Many people with metabolic syndrome are asymptomatic. However, one visible sign is a large waist circumference. People with high blood sugar might have diabetes symptoms, such as increased thirst, frequent urination, tiredness, and blurry vision. Please consult your doctor if you’re unsure whether you have metabolic syndrome. By conducting the necessary tests, your doctor will be able to make the diagnosis.   Metabolic Syndrome Causes As mentioned above, metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors rather than a single disease. Therefore, metabolic syndrome might be due to multiple causes. According to an article by NCBI, the underlying causes of metabolic syndrome include insulin resistance, obesity, unhealthy lifestyle with a lack of physical activity, and genetic predisposition.   Insulin Resistance Insulin is a hormone that helps your body move glucose into cells to provide energy. In people with insulin resistance, the insulin fails to perform its normal function, leading to an increase in glucose and eventually diabetes.   Obesity People with obesity with unequally distributed body fat, particularly in the upper body, have a higher risk of metabolic syndrome. Specifically, these people might have fats accumulated in other parts of the body, such as the liver and muscle, exacerbating insulin resistance, which in turn leads to metabolic syndrome.   Unhealthy Lifestyle Consuming unhealthy foods long-term and not getting sufficient physical activity can play a role in developing metabolic syndrome since they lead to extra weight, high amounts of glucose, and the accumulation of fats in the upper body.   Genetic Predisposition Even though no known genetic group is predisposed to metabolic syndrome, genetic disorders may increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance.   Sleep Apnea and Sleep Deprivation Besides the causes above, sleep apnea and sleep deprivation can also lead to metabolic syndrome. According to studies, patients with moderate to severe sleep apnea can improve metabolic syndrome after three months of treatment.   Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors Several factors increase the risk of having metabolic syndrome. The more factors you have, the higher your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. According to NCBI, these factors include: Waist circumference larger than 40 inches in men and 35 inches in women Triglycerides greater than 150 milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL) High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) less than 40 mg/dL in men or less than 50 mg/dL in women Fasting glucose greater than 100 mg/dL Blood pressure higher than systolic 130 mmHg or diastolic 85 mmHg.   RELATED: How to Measure Your Immunological Age and Prevent Disease   Metabolic Syndrome Complications Patients with metabolic syndrome can develop multiple complications, including: Type 2 diabetes Heart and blood vessel diseases such as hypertension, thromboembolic disease, and vessel wall inflammation Ischemic heart disease due to accumulated effects of hypertension.   Evidence now suggests that the risk of ischemic stroke in people with metabolic syndrome is significantly higher than previously thought. Other problems linked to metabolic syndrome include a higher chance of malignancies of the kidney, gallbladder, colon, and even the prostate gland.   Metabolic Syndrome Prevention The most effective prevention is developing an active lifestyle with a healthy diet and high physical activity levels. It can simultaneously lower body weight, cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood glucose. This can, in turn, delay or even prevent the development of metabolic syndrome. Other ways of prevention include managing stress and quitting smoking.   The Metabolic Lifestyle and Fasting Program If you’re unsure whether you have metabolic syndrome or have been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome and wish to improve your condition, please consider enrolling in our Metabolic Lifestyle and Fasting Program. The Metabolic Lifestyle and Fasting Program includes medical doctors, naturopathic doctors, health coaches, clinical nutritionists, exercise therapists, and physiotherapists dedicated to improving metabolic syndrome. We employ a science-backed approach integrating a low-carb ketogenic diet, fasting support, exercise, and mindfulness-based program. Our team members are pleased to assist you in making long-term lifestyle modifications to reverse metabolic syndrome. It is normal to feel anxious after being diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Nevertheless, please remember that there are ways to improve the condition. Most importantly, making simple changes to your lifestyle

Mental capability and general well-being are both dependent on good brain health. Recently, a medical condition called brain fog has gained much attention for its deterioration in brain health. While brain fog poses troubles to many people and affects work and relationships, brain fog symptoms might go on unaware, leading to improper treatment. Let’s learn what you need to know about brain fog. RELATED: How Your Immune System Can Benefit From Peptide Therapy   Keep Your Mind Sharp – Learn 5 Brain Fog Symptoms and How to Treat It Brain fog might make it difficult to have clear thoughts and carry out everyday tasks. If you feel like you have brain fog, please read on to thoroughly understand this condition, its symptoms, and effective treatment solutions.   What Is Brain Fog? Brain fog refers to a mental decline characterized by confusion, forgetfulness, and a lack of focus and mental clarity. Brain fog is not a disease or a disorder but rather a symptom of something else under the surface, such as a health problem or the consequence of an unhealthy lifestyle. While there are no particular figures on the incidences of brain fog, it is estimated that 600 million individuals worldwide suffer from cognitive dysfunction, which is a clinical description of brain fog.   What Does Brain Fog Feel Like? Brain fog feels like a lack of mental concentration with a constant feeling of sluggishness and forgetfulness. It can affect your ability to think straight and make it difficult to do simple tasks. While different people experience brain fog differently, the most common brain fog symptoms include:   Having Headaches Having headaches every once in a while is very common among people with a modern lifestyle. However, having a persistent pounding head might indicate that you suffer from brain fog. Brain fog is also a typical symptom of migraine. Therefore, if you constantly feel like your head is in misery, consult your doctor to see if that is a brain fog symptom.   Feeling Confused Another symptom of brain fog is a persistent feeling of being ‘hungover.’ It is challenging to find the words you need to describe something accurately. Facts and figures you’re familiar with may become blurry, and you’ll begin to question everything before saying it. You could also become disoriented in a familiar place or start a discussion and then forget what you were trying to say halfway through.   Being Irritable Brain fog might make it challenging to communicate with your friends and loved ones because you might feel irritable at times. You might be prone to annoyance, impatience, or anger without apparent reasons, such as being fussy about what you eat or being overly sensitive to noise even when the surrounding people don’t notice it.   Being Forgetful Forgetting is a common part of life since we rely on many methods to help remember important information. However, another brain fog symptom might be constant forgetfulness that negatively affects work and relationships, such as forgetting everyday tasks or losing a train of thought during a meeting. Consider seeing a doctor if being forgetful lingers for a long time.   Having Difficulty Concentrating A decline in concentrating can be another alarming sign of brain fog. While you’re more likely to be distracted, even if you try hard, it’s still challenging to focus on a simple task that you could once quickly handle. Like the other symptoms, having trouble concentrating seriously affects your brain performance, leading to unproductivity.   What Causes Brain Fog? Brain fog is generally triggered by an unhealthy lifestyle that negatively affects the brain and is worsened by other conditions. It is not uncommon for brain fog to derive from two or three factors since they are part of a normal lifestyle. What causes brain fog include: Stress Lack of sleep Nutrient deficiencies Food allergies Medications Medical conditions such as COVID-19, migraines, or depression   Remember that certain medications have cognitive side effects that cause lethargy and forgetfulness. Knowing what causes brain fog is essential for both the patient and the doctor to find the appropriate treatment. RELATED: How to Measure Your Immunological Age and Prevent Disease   How to Get Rid of Brain Fog Brain fog can be frustrating, but it doesn’t mean you have to suffer it. There are several ways to get rid of brain fog and get your mental health back to normal. Depending on what causes brain fog in your case, you can go for the appropriate treatment that directly addresses the cause. Some effective treatment solutions include: Reduce stress Get at least 7 hours of good-quality sleep Adjust your diet to include sufficient nutrients Check if you have any food intolerance and remove it Lower your medication dosage or switch to another drug Resolve any ongoing medical conditions   Some people may benefit from certain self-care practices. Some examples are following a schedule, using a reminder app, or taking regular breaks from whatever is causing stress. Besides self-care practices, you can also see a doctor to address the problem. With sufficient information about what causes brain fog and its symptoms in your case, your doctor can set up a personalized health plan to effectively get rid of your brain fog. Brain fog isn’t just causing troubles with the normal functioning of your brain; it affects many aspects of your life in many different ways. Despite being similar to other medical conditions, brain fog symptoms should be perceived to be treated correctly.   If you have questions about brain fog symptoms or any health problems discussed here, connect with us and learn more.  At Peak Human, our team of healthcare professionals is dedicated to helping you reach your ‘peak’ health with a custom whole-person approach. Using the most cutting-edge, science-backed biohacking and aesthetic tools, technologies, and treatments available today, we help you achieve the highest physical/cognitive performance state, leading to an improved overall quality of life. For questions or to book an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us. Get

Gut health is crucial to our overall health, yet it often gets overlooked. A healthy gut is essential for the proper functioning of the body. On the other hand, an unhealthy gut is linked to various health issues. Here’s what you need to know to restore gut health. RELATED: The Science Behind the Use of Curcumin for Healthy Aging   Learn 5 Science-backed Ways to Restore Gut Health While the key to restoring gut health is changing diet and lifestyle, it depends on the individual’s body and gut flora. Therefore, when considering restoring your gut health, please consult with a doctor to see the best approach for you. The five methods below focus on fasting to clear out harmful bacteria, foods that we should remove and include in the diet, and the probiotic supplements that add good bacteria to the body.   Do Intermittent Fasting Not only can eating certain foods cause positive changes in the gut, but fasting and refraining from food can have the same effect. Intermittent fasting has recently gained a great deal of attention because of its ability to improve our gut health. Intermittent fasting is characterized as abstaining from food for several hours or days. The gut benefits from this eating pattern because it allows the gut to rest and repopulate. Intermittent fasting was also found to improve resistance to bacterial infection in one study. The findings show that periodic food deprivation stress mediated the benefits of intermittent fasting on infection resistance.   Remove Inflammatory Foods Inflammatory foods, including processed foods containing refined flour, sugar, saturated fats, and chemical additives, negatively impact gut health by feeding harmful bacteria, resulting in gut imbalance and a general decline in health. Therefore, cut down on or eliminate inflammatory foods to maintain a healthy bacterial balance.   Eat Plant-based Foods The best food for your gut bacteria is fiber. A high-fiber plant-based diet can help fight harmful bacteria, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy gut function. Consuming more plant-based foods leads to a diversity of gut microbes, which is beneficial. The more bacteria species you have, the more health benefits they may provide for your gut. Aim to include fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds in your weekly diet to achieve a high-fiber eating regimen.   Eat Fermented Foods Fermentation is the breakdown of sugars by bacteria and yeast. It improves food preservation and increases the number of good bacteria in food. As a result, consuming fermented foods can significantly improve gut microbiota by adding beneficial bacteria to the gut. Fermented foods can also help to diversify your microbiome and increase your immunity. Yogurt, kefir, kimchi, or pickles are fermented foods that restore gut health. RELATED: The Evidence Behind the Use of Hydrogen Water to Improve Your Health   Add Probiotic Supplements Although eating can be sufficient if we get enough nutrients, probiotic supplements are sometimes required to restore gut health. Probiotic supplements can help certain people, especially those with difficulty meeting their nutritional needs through food, such as picky eaters or those with absorption problems. Probiotic supplements are generally safe, and they are sometimes even recommended during antibiotics. Antibiotics kill both harmful and good bacteria in our gut microbiome. Therefore, people who need antibiotics for bacterial infections also need probiotic supplements. In conclusion, no approach can apply to everyone since the gut is complex. The best way to restore gut health is to balance a healthy diet and lifestyle.   If you have questions about leaky gut diets or any health problems discussed here, connect with us and learn more. At Peak Human, our team of healthcare professionals is dedicated to helping you reach your ‘peak’ health with a custom whole-person approach. Using the most cutting-edge, science-backed biohacking and aesthetic tools, technologies, and treatments available today, we help you achieve the highest physical/cognitive performance state, leading to an improved overall quality of life. For questions or to book an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us. Get personalized support and insight from expert physicians. UP NEXT: Why Biohacking Is Not Just Another Wellness Trend? Causes & Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance in Men 7 Significant Health Benefits of CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10)