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Beautiful-Woman-Combing-Long-Hair_Increase-Hair-Growth-Effectively_ss_feature | How to Increase Hair Growth Effectively?
Hair Loss

How to Increase Hair Growth Effectively?

Long and shiny hair is an indication of healthy and well-nourished hair. Therefore, you may be wondering how to increase hair growth effectively to achieve a confident look. While there are many ways to help improve your hair growth, some proven methods can be both simple and effective. Let’s review eight things to do to speed up the growth of your hair. RELATED: Plasma Exchange: a Revolutionary New Way to Reverse Aging   Learn How to Increase Hair Growth in 8 Effective Ways Your hair deserves the best treatment that you can give it since hair contributes significantly to a person’s overall look. Fortunately, learning how to increase hair growth can’t be simpler and more manageable. These eight ways of enhancing your hair growth are primarily natural and can be done at home.   Boost Nutrients That Promote Hair Growth Age, health, genetics, and nutrition all influence how fast your hair grows. Although you can’t change things like your age or genetics, you can totally manage what you take in from your diet. In fact, eating a well-balanced diet will help your hair grow faster. Some foods you can eat to stimulate hair growth include: Foods rich in protein and biotin: eggs and meat Foods rich in vitamin A: carrots, pumpkins, spinach, kale, and sweet potatoes Foods rich in vitamin B: leafy green vegetables Foods rich in vitamin C: berries, spinach, and bell peppers Foods rich in vitamin E: avocados, nuts, and seeds Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids: fatty fish Foods rich in zinc: oysters and beans   Massage Your Scalp Apart from providing your hair with sufficient nutrients, gentle physical contact with your hair and scalp can also help hair growth. Specifically, regularly massaging your scalp can help you relax, enhance blood circulation, and strengthen your hair. Apply light to medium pressure on your scalp with the fingers of both hands, moving in small circles. Try to massage your scalp for at least 5 minutes at a time, several times a day. You can also get a scalp massage from a professional massage therapist.   Rinse Your Hair in Rice Water Rice water has been used as a hair treatment by women in many Asian countries for generations. It is the starchy liquid that remains after the rice has been cooked or soaked. Rice water contains many vitamins, including vitamin B and E, making hair smooth and shiny, strengthening hair follicles, improving hair density, and helping it grow faster. Moreover, rice water can also help reverse hair damage due to stress and chemical products like hair dyes. Applying rice water for up to 20 minutes once or twice a week on hair can show benefits in 45 days on average. However, if you wish to speed up the process, you can use fermented rice water. Fermented rice water is more potent than unfermented rice water because the fermentation process produces a byproduct that includes all of the rice’s nutrients, antioxidants, and minerals.   Oil Your Hair With Coconut Oil Coconut oil can help your hair grow longer, thicker, and faster in a natural way. Coconut oil contains vitamins and essential fatty acids that nourish the scalp and help remove sebum build-up from hair follicles. Allow the coconut oil to sit on your hair for 20 to 30 minutes after application. You can leave it on for longer if your hair is particularly dry or porous. You can even leave it on overnight and wash it off the following day with shampoo. RELATED: 3 Proven Ways to Reverse Biological Age by Three Years   Apply Aloe Vera Gel on Your Hair Aloe vera is a plant with thick leaves containing a gel-like substance. The raw gel of the plant is the best form of aloe vera to apply to your hair. Researchers believe that aloenin, a chemical compound found in the plant, is vital in hair growth. Aloe vera can also help repair and improve damaged, dry hair by massaging it into your scalp and hair and allowing it to penetrate your hair follicles. Allow the gel to sit for an hour before rinsing it out with a mild shampoo.   Apply Egg Masks on Your Hair Since eggs contain lots of protein and biotin necessary for hair growth, an egg hair mask works well for moisturizing and nourishing your hair while preventing hair damage. Applying an egg mask on the scalp for about 30 minutes, twice or three times a week will provide your hair with an adequate amount of protein and biotin to keep your hair healthy.   Use Caffeine-infused Products on Your Hair Caffeine can help with hair growth and stop hair loss. A study found that caffeine stimulates hair follicle growth and helps manage androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Another study showed that caffeine increased hair shaft elongation and extended anagen duration, which is the growing phase of the hair growth cycle.   Use Peak Human’s PTD Hair Serum Suppose you have tried all the ways above, but your hair doesn’t seem to grow as fast as expected. In that case, the last way to increase your hair growth is using PTD Hair Serum from Peak Human. It combines a peptide called PTD-DBM and valproic acid to help repair hair follicles within five weeks. PTD-DBM can promote healthy hair growth by activating the Wnt/b-catenin pathway associated with hair follicle morphogenesis, regeneration, and growth. The other ingredient, valproic acid, is an anticonvulsant that helps stimulate the hair growth cycle and anagen induction. Long and healthy hair is what many women want to have to achieve a desirable and confident look. With so many natural hair treatment options available, getting the hair of your dreams doesn’t have to be so difficult.   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,

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Portrait-of-a-muscular-couple_8-Muscle-Recovery-Supplements_ss_feature | 8 Muscle Recovery Supplements You Should Take After Working Out
Health

8 Muscle Recovery Supplements You Should Take After Working Out

Nutrition is crucial when it comes to muscle recovery. Although your food supplies most of the nutrition you need, adding supplements can help you recover faster and reduce exercise-related soreness. Let’s look at some of the best muscle recovery supplements to help you get the most out of your workouts. RELATED: The Science Behind the Use of Curcumin for Healthy Aging   8 Muscle Recovery Supplements to Stay Active for Your Next Workout Repairing muscle and tissue, eliminating body wastes, and lowering inflammation is part of the recovery process. Following a proper post-workout recovery process is vital to staying healthy and active. Here are the eight muscle recovery supplements to take after exercise.   Protein Protein is, without a doubt, an essential substance for muscle recovery. It provides your muscles with the building blocks they need to grow and prevents muscle damage, especially when consumed after an exercise. According to research, protein supplementation may promote muscle growth and enhance muscle strength if resistance training duration, frequency, and volume are adequate.   Magnesium Magnesium helps muscle recovery by allowing muscles to relax. According to research, magnesium supplementation at sufficient levels enhanced muscle soreness recovery after strenuous exercise. In contrast, if you are deficient in magnesium, you’re more likely to get muscle cramps since magnesium helps maintain healthy muscle contractions.   Curcumin Curcumin is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant component found in turmeric. It relieves pain and swelling when applied over damaged muscles or taken orally. Several studies have reported that curcumin supplementation reduces delayed onset muscle soreness after exercise. You can aim for up to 1500 mg of curcumin daily in 2 to 3 portions for the best benefits.   Omega-3 Omega-3 can enhance the recovery of muscular performance and reduce soreness after workouts. According to a 7-week study involving 32 college-aged resistance-trained males, omega-3 in the form of fish oil supplementation reduced perceived muscle soreness. The primary finding showed that 2400 mg/day of fish oil effectively delayed perceived muscle soreness.   BCAA’s Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are a group of three essential amino acids: valine, leucine, and isoleucine. They are well-known for increasing muscle growth and enhancing exercise performance. According to a study including 24 non-weight-trained males, BCAA supplementation can reduce muscle soreness from eccentric exercise. BCAAs are essential because your body cannot produce them. Therefore, it is necessary to take BCAAs supplements in addition to your diet.   L-glutamine Glutamine is an amino acid that helps muscles recover faster by taking in carbohydrates more easily after workouts. It also stimulates growth hormone production, helping the body build new muscle mass. According to a study including 16 participants, L-glutamine supplementation reduced muscle soreness and recovered muscle strength after eccentric exercise over a 72-hour recovery period.   Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) CoQ10 is a nutrient naturally produced in the human body. As an antioxidant, it helps athletes prevent muscle strain by controlling inflammatory pathways during and after an exercise. Several studies showed that CoQ10 supplementation (60–100 mg/day for 4–8 weeks) increases exercise performance and post-workout recovery in both trained and untrained individuals. RELATED: 7 Significant Health Benefits of Coq10 (Coenzyme Q10)   Probiotics Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that naturally live in your body. They help maintain a healthy digestive and immune system and enhance protein absorption. If your digestion isn’t working correctly, you won’t be able to recover as quickly, reducing muscle and tissue regeneration and causing additional inflammation. A study consisting of 29 recreationally-trained males showed that probiotic supplementation in combination with protein reduced muscle damage, improved recovery, and maintained physical performance after damaging exercise. Now you know the best supplements for muscle recovery. Although you should not use supplements to replace whole and organic meals, supplements play a vital role in muscle recovery, thus significantly enhancing sports performance.   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 The Evidence Behind the Use of Hydrogen Water to Improve Your Health

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3d-rendered-medically-accurate-illustration-of-a-m…ning-Signs-Your-Liver-Is-Struggling_ss_feature | 10 Warning Signs Your Liver Is Struggling & What You Can Do About It
Health

10 Warning Signs Your Liver Is Struggling & What You Can Do About It

About the size of a football that rests under your rib cage, your liver is responsible for various functions in the body, such as filtering toxins and processing medicines. An unhealthy liver, therefore, causes multiple problems. This article will go over ten signs your liver is struggling with and what you can do to maintain a healthy liver. RELATED: The Evidence Behind the Use of Hydrogen Water to Improve Your Health   Learn 10 Signs Your Liver Is Struggling and 5 Ways to Protect It Liver disease can be inherited or caused by various factors that impair the liver, such as viruses, alcohol use, and obesity. Here are ten signs your liver is struggling.   10 Signs of Liver Damage Dark Urine This might be the first sign your liver is struggling. A dark orange, amber, or brown urine might indicate liver illness. The dark urine color is due to a build-up of bilirubin in the liver. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment produced in the liver after red blood cells are broken down. After passing through the liver, it is excreted out of the body through waste products.   Yellow Skin or Eyes Like dark urine color, a change in skin and eye color might also occur due to the build-up of bilirubin. Seeing your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellow can be a sign of liver damage. The discoloration might be due to various liver diseases, ranging from cirrhosis to hepatitis B.   Black and Tarry Stools If your stools are black and tarry, it may indicate liver failure due to blood passing through the gastrointestinal tract. When veins inside the gastrointestinal tract swell — a condition commonly associated with cirrhosis or other severe liver diseases — they might rupture, resulting in either bloody stools or black, tarry stools.   Easy Bruising A bruise occurs when blood gets trapped under the skin, usually due to an impact that damages a blood vein. However, you may bruise without any significant impact if the liver stops producing the proteins that help in blood clotting. As a result, you may suffer from bleeding and easy bruising.   Reddened Palms A damaged liver also causes reddening in both palms due to increased dilation of blood vessels. It typically occurs on the lower part of the palm, although it can sometimes spread up into the fingers. The degree of redness is often related to the severity of the liver disease. According to research, 23% of people with liver cirrhosis suffer from reddened palms.   Swollen Abdomen, Legs, and Ankles Another warning sign is the swelling in the abdomen, legs, and ankles. These body parts might become swollen due to fluid retention. Fluid retention is the most common symptom of liver disease, affecting about 50% of cirrhosis patients. This occurs when your liver cannot produce albumin, a protein preventing bloodstream leaks into tissue.   Itchy Skin Itching is another symptom of chronic liver disease. You might have a localized itch on your lower arm or a diffuse itch, which spreads all over the body. Itching might be due to increased bile salt levels under the skin. However, not everyone with high bile salt levels is itchy, and some people are itchy even though their bile salt levels are normal.   Nausea Nausea and an upset stomach are common early signs of liver disease. Constant nausea is a reaction to the body’s excessive waste products. It occurs if there is a toxin build-up in the bloodstream as the liver fails to filter harmful substances.   Chronic Fatigue Patients with liver disease frequently report fatigue. According to research, fatigue in primary biliary cirrhosis is present in 85.3% of the patients. It is one of the worst symptoms in about half of them. Although the cause of fatigue in liver disease is unknown, it is related to abnormalities in neurotransmission between the diseased liver and the brain.   Loss of Appetite The last sign your liver is struggling is a loss of appetite. Research has shown that malnutrition is highly prevalent in chronic liver disease, affecting up to 80% of patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Inflammation, early satiety, and taste changes can all affect food consumption.   5 Ways to Protect Your Liver Get Vaccinated Get the hepatitis A and B vaccines if you’re at risk of contracting hepatitis. According to research, vaccine protection against hepatitis A is expected to last 20–25 years. In comparison, that number against hepatitis B is at least 15 years. Research also suggests that both types of vaccines can provide lifelong protection.   Ensure Food Safety Before eating or preparing food, wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap. Avoid raw food and cook at least 75°C or hotter to kill any harmful bacteria. It will be best if you also use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of cooked foods and reheat them until they are steaming hot.   Protect Your Skin Wear gloves, long sleeves, and a mask to prevent toxins from being absorbed through your skin when working with harmful chemicals. Multiple studies have suggested a link between pesticide exposure and liver cancer. In particular, organochlorine pesticides may increase hepatocellular carcinoma risk.   Reduce Alcohol Consumption and Maintain a Healthy Weight It would be best to consume no more than two drinks per day since alcohol is harmful to the liver. More than eight drinks per week for women and more than 15 drinks per week for males is considered heavy or high-risk drinking. In addition, try to keep your body in good shape since obesity can cause nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.   Take Drugs Only When Necessary and in Recommended Doses Take prescription only when necessary and only in the specified dosages. Don’t mix drugs and alcohol under any circumstance. Before using herbal supplements with prescription or nonprescription medications, consult your doctor. RELATED: The Science Behind the Use of Curcumin for Healthy Aging   5 Signs Your Liver Is Healing If you have executed all the ways

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memory-loss-unhappy-woman_What-Is-Memory-Loss_ss_feature | What Causes Memory Loss & Ways to Prevent It
Health

What Causes Memory Loss & Ways to Prevent It

Everybody forgets things at times. It’s normal to misplace items and forget some details. However, as people age, forgetfulness might become more frequent, causing minor daily life problems. Let’s learn what causes memory loss and how to avoid it. RELATED: 3 Proven Ways to Reverse Biological Age by Three Years   Learn What Causes Memory Loss and How to Avoid It A minor decline in mental capabilities is a common part of aging. However, natural changes in memory are different from other memory loss diseases such as Alzheimer’s. So how can you tell if you have normal age-related memory loss and not anything else?   What Is Memory Loss? You might have memory loss if you forget a person’s name but remember it later in the day. You might also forget where you placed things from time to time. You need to make lists to keep up with appointments and tasks. It’s worth noting that normal age-related memory loss usually has no significant impact on your quality of life. It is manageable and does not interfere with your ability to work or social relationships.   What Causes Memory Loss? Memory loss can just be a natural part of aging. However, some other factors might harm the brain’s ability to remember. Some other culprits that cause memory loss include:   Head Injury Whether from a car accident or sports, concussions can cause forgetfulness and make it challenging to recall new information. This happens a lot in the beginning stages of rehabilitation. Mild head injuries rarely result in long-term memory loss. However, severe head injuries may result in permanent memory loss.   Medications Certain medicines might impair our memory and slow down our thinking process. Medications can make our minds foggy, making it harder to focus on a task and remember information. Several medicines that can cause memory loss include: Antidepressants Antihistamines Muscle relaxants Tranquilizers Sleeping pills Painkillers   Alcohol or Smoking Heavy drinking can cause memory problems. According to research, people who consume five or more drinks might not be able to recall the key details of an event that occurred while drinking. Long-term cigarette smoking might also impair memory. Many components of cigarette smoke are detrimental to the human brain. According to a study involving 68 participants, smokers had poorer visual memory than nonsmokers.   Stress, Anxiety or Depression Depressed people tend to have difficulty recalling specific details of their past experiences. Depression also affects your prospective memory or the ability to remember to do something in the future. Your capacity to remember might also be harmed when you are anxious. In addition, emotional trauma can cause stress, contributing to memory loss.   Sleep Deprivation Sleep deprivation has a negative effect on attention and working memory by impairing the ability to process new information. It disrupts how memories are consolidated since the brain does not have enough time to create new pathways for the information you’ve recently acquired.   Stroke A stroke happens when an artery to the brain is blocked or a vessel leaks into the brain, cutting off the blood supply to the brain. Short-term memory loss is a common side effect of strokes. Recovery of memory loss takes place several days after a stroke. However, recovery can continue for months or years.   How to Reverse Memory Loss Taking supplements containing a senolytic complex might be a way to reverse memory loss. A senolytic complex is a formulation that promotes senolytic activity and the process of eliminating senescent cells. One essential ingredient in the senolytic complex is curcumin which can help reduce age-related memory loss. Studies have shown that curcumin can increase the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is involved in new neural connections. BDNF deficiency has an impact on cognitive function, learning, and memory. Curcumin’s positive effect on BDNF levels suggests that it can help treat neurological disorders linked with low BDNF levels. Curcumin also assists in reducing inflammation and oxidative damage, the leading causes of Alzheimer’s disease. According to a study, curcumin can also prevent amyloid aggregation, the aggregate of proteins accumulated among individuals with Alzheimer’s. RELATED: The Science Behind the Use of Curcumin for Healthy Aging   How to Prevent Memory Loss Because head injuries are one of the most likely causes of memory loss, reducing the risk of suffering such injuries is critical. The following are some ways for preventing memory loss due to head injury: Wear a helmet when bicycling Fasten the seat belt when driving Treat any infection as soon as possible so that it does not spread to the brain   Other ways to prevent memory loss include: Avoid taking medications if possible Give up on alcohol and smoking Reduce stress, anxiety, and depression Try to get at least 7 hours of good-quality sleep per night See a doctor if you have any symptoms of a stroke   Whether minor or severe, memory loss can affect our quality of life. Knowing these causes and precautions may help you preserve your memory for years and your quality of life with it.   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)

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Psylocibin-mushrooms-growing-in-magic-mushroom-bre…ds_The-Rise-Of-Psychedelic-Medicine_ss_feature | The Rise Of Psychedelic Medicine | What We Know So Far
Health

The Rise Of Psychedelic Medicine | What We Know So Far

Scientists are conducting new studies on psychedelics to treat mental disorders in clinical research settings worldwide. Despite the termination of research years ago, psychedelic medicine is now reappearing to show its therapeutic efficacy as an adjunct to existing therapies. RELATED: The Use of ‘Cold’ Tech to Improve Your Deep Sleep   Psychedelic Medicine Re-emerges to Show Its Potential in Mental Health Given their long history, we might already know about the use of psychedelics in indigenous communities. To provide a different perspective towards these substances, this article discusses the emerging scientific research for the therapeutic benefits and other aspects of psychedelic drugs.   Psychedelic Medicine and Its Role in Mental-health Conditions What Is Psychedelic Medicine? Psychedelic medicine is an entheogen medication. At high doses, psychedelic medicine triggers psychological, visual, and auditory changes, causing non-ordinary states of consciousness.   Types of Psychedelic Medicine There are two types of psychedelic medicine: classic psychedelics and entactogens. The first type of psychedelic medicine, the classic psychedelics, includes lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and psilocybin. This type of psychedelic medicine is made from plants or fungi. The second type of psychedelic medicine, the entactogens, includes MDMA (Ecstasy), which functions primarily as a serotonin-releasing agent. MDMA produces effects that are similar to but not identical to classic psychedelics.   The Role of Psychedelic Medicine Treating Anxiety A 2014 study involving 12 participants on LSD showed significant reductions in anxiety at the 2-month follow-up. No acute or chronic side effects lasting over one day were reported. These findings suggest that LSD can lower anxiety when used safely in supervised psychotherapy. Moreover, according to a 2008 study consisting of 12 participants, psilocybin reduced anxiety and enhanced mood, with no clinically significant adverse events. This study established the practicality and safety of administering moderate doses of psilocybin to individuals with anxiety.   Reducing Addiction According to a 12-week study including 10 participants on treating alcohol dependence, psilocybin reduced the mean drinking days and heavy drinking days by more than half from baseline. Some participants had side effects such as nausea and mild headaches but no serious or lasting harm. Another study involving 15 addicted smokers showed that psilocybin reduced tobacco dependence at a 6-month follow-up. The smoking cessation rate is significantly higher than rates frequently reported for other therapy. These data imply that psilocybin might become an adjunct to conventional smoking cessation treatments.   Mitigating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Symptoms A study of 20 participants on MDMA showed a significant and long-term reduction in PTSD symptoms, with a symptom severity reduction of more than 30%. No significant adverse effects were reported. These findings showed that MDMA could help patients who can’t receive other PTSD therapies. An additional study including 12 participants also found a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms as measured by a self-assessment questionnaire after MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. There were no serious drug-related side effects among the participants. As a result, MDMA can be safely used in a clinical setting.   Limited Funding and Research for Psychedelic Medicine Despite the role of psychedelic medicine in mental-health conditions, its funding and research were previously prohibited in the 1970s. Psychedelic medicine was classified as a Schedule I controlled drug, making it unacceptable for medical use and likely to be abused. The schedule I status prevented researchers from studying some psychedelic drugs, such as LSD and MDMA. However, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) allowed researchers to study small amounts of psychedelics in the late 1990s, allowing research to restart.   Problems With Legal Protection for Psychedelic Medicine In October 2021, Compass Pathways, a mental health care firm dedicated to accelerating public access to evidence-based mental health innovation, received a patent on a crystalline psilocybin known as Form A Hydrate Psilocybin. Patents protect the company’s investments in drug development and commercialization, including expensive clinical trials to acquire FDA approval and medical community support. The issuance of this patent shows a positive shift in governmental attitudes toward psychedelics. However, patient activists, scientists, journalists, lawyers, and indigenous communities have criticized the patenting of psychedelics because they are worried about the ethical and legal ways to provide psychedelic medicines for the public. Meanwhile, limiting psychedelic patents may be necessary to promote their role in meaningful mental healthcare advancement.   Demand for Psychedelic Medicine Medical schools may need to integrate the newest understanding of psychedelics as research on psychedelic medicine advances. This would include the scientific knowledge concerning the risks of psychedelic drugs and the outcomes from unsupervised use. On the other hand, if further scientific evidence accumulates on the therapeutic value of psychedelic medicines, specialized clinical training for health professionals will become necessary to meet the rising demand for psychedelic medicines and therapies. RELATED: The Evidence Behind the Use of Hydrogen Water to Improve Your Health   Psychedelic Frontiers Institute Realizing the potential and demand for psychedelic medicines, Peak Human launched Psychedelic Frontiers Institute, a research repository and think tank to help people better their lives by combining ancient knowledge with cutting-edge technologies. Over 40 leading experts in psychedelics have already contributed findings on how psychedelics are transforming the treatment of mental health disorders and addictions and how they positively impact society and culture. New research and content is added continually and membership gives you full access to all content. Continuous medical study into psychedelic medicines might lead to new strategies to treat mental illness and addiction in people who can’t receive other existing therapies.   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

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Aging

Learning from our “Batty” relatives – Implications for Humans

Bats have long had a certain mystery to them that yields to a fascination of them in my mind.   They have a special place in our pop culture giving rise to superhero characters such as Batman and historical pop icons like Dracula.   I remember the pandamonium that resulted in our household after returning home after a month long vacation to find out a bat had taken up residence in our bedroom! An interesting article was published in Nature in January 2021 that discusses why Bats are special with regards to why they are able to be a reservoir for so many zoonotic viruses.  In a time of COVID-19 and preparing for the next pandemic this is very important to understand. I didn’t know that Bats are quite remarkable in many respects.  Firstly, they comprise about 25% of all mammalian species in the world (1400+ out of a total 6000+).  For their body weight – they live surprisely long.  Comparing the longevity of mammals adjusted for body weight – humans would be 20th.  Of the 19 mammals ahead of humans – 18 are bats species and 1 is the naked mole-rat.  They also have one of the lowest rates of cancer in mammals. Scientists have also remarked that many of the zoonotic virus outbreaks (SARS-COV-2, MERs, Ebola) have bats as their natural reservoir.  This means that bats have been able to live with these viral infections chronically acting as reservoirs.   These viruses have jumped from bats to other animals including humans causing disease.   It appears that bat’s have developed over 60+ million years of evolution an immune system that recognizes these viruses but does not overreact to them.  There is a response of their host defence to immune balance that makes bats unique in this respect from other mammals.    If we can understand the nature of these immune adaptations it can have lessons and learnings for how humans could adapt to novel zoonotic viruses in the future as well strategies to combat ageing and potentially cancer prevention and treatment. To read the original research review article in Nature click here.

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anti-aging-lotion-NR-and-NMN-Supplement-ss-feature | NR and NMN Supplement: Differences Between the Two NAD+ Precursors
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NR and NMN Supplement: Differences Between the Two NAD+ Precursors

NR and NMN are two molecules that play an essential role in improving lifespan by boosting NAD+. While these two substances can be found in small amounts in various foods, NR and NMN supplements might be an alternative that helps improve NAD+. In this article, let’s learn what NR and NMN are and how big the difference is between them. RELATED: Plasma Exchange: a Revolutionary New Way to Reverse Aging   NR Versus NMN Supplement: How Different They Are? While most anti-aging treatments help reverse aging at the skin level, nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) do it from inside your body. Before we look into the differences between NR and NMN, let’s review NR, NMN, and NAD+.   What Is Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)? Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a molecule that functions as a precursor to NAD+. NR is similar to vitamin B3 since it is an alternative form of vitamin B3. NR can be found in small concentrations in cows’ milk, yeast, and beer. NR supplements have proven to be effective in increasing NAD+ levels. According to a study, NR significantly increases NAD+ levels in yeast. Further research reveals NR boosts NAD+ levels in mammalian cells up to 270%. These findings suggest that the salvage pathway of NAD+ biosynthesis, which involves NR, has a unique role in boosting NAD+ levels.   What Is Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN)? Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) is a molecule required to produce NAD+. NMN can be found in small amounts in fruits, milk, and vegetables. However, most NMN in mammals is produced from vitamin B3 as nicotinamide. NMN supplies the energy required by vital enzymes in our bodies to maintain the epigenome, repair DNA, and perform various essential functions in our cells. As a direct NAD+ precursor, NMN is a vital component in increasing NAD+ levels in cells. Similar to NR, supplementing NMN can increase NAD+ levels.   What Is Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) and Why Is It Important? Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is an essential coenzyme found in every cell in the body. It’s involved in many metabolic processes. Apart from water, NAD+ is the most abundant molecule. There are 4 precursors of NAD+: nicotinamide (NAM), nicotinic acid (NA), nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). NAD+ is necessary for energy and cellular functions. It performs two functions: it helps convert nutrients into energy. And it acts as a helper molecule for proteins that regulate cellular functions. Many proteins use NAD+ throughout the body, such as the sirtuins, which repair damaged DNA. NAD+ is also vital for mitochondria, which are the cell’s powerhouses since it generates the chemical energy that our bodies use. However, our bodies’ NAD+ levels steadily decline as we become older. According to research, by the time a person reaches middle age, NAD+ levels have decreased by half. The research suggests that it is due to a decrease in NAD+ synthesis as people age. RELATED: The Science Behind the Use of Curcumin for Healthy Aging   Differences Between NR and NMN As similar as they are in boosting NAD+, NR and NMN remain different. Differences between these two NAD+ precursors involve their molecular structures, size, and how cells biosynthesize them into NAD+.   Structure NMN and NR have almost identical molecular structures, except that NMN includes an extra phosphate group. A phosphate group consists of a phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms (one double bond and three single bonds).   Size The next prominent difference between NMN and NR is their size. NMN is a bigger molecule than NR due to the additional phosphate group. Because NMN is bigger than NR, it must be broken down to fit into the cell. Some researchers believe that NMN is too large to pass through cellular membranes and must be converted to NR before entering cells, where NAD+ biosynthesis occurs.   Biosynthesis Process Another difference is the biosynthesis process in which NR and NMN turn into NAD+. While NMN is the immediate precursor to NAD+, NR requires conversion to NMN via NRK enzymes before converting to NAD+.   Efficacy Although NR and NMN supplements have been used to boost NAD+ and fight against aging, scientists have argued to find out which one is more effective. Bioavailability can be used as a measure of efficacy. It refers to the rate and extent to which NR or NMN supplementation is absorbed and reaches the blood circulatory system. While most studies on NR bioavailability involve human subjects, studies on NMN bioavailability only consist of animals. This might indicate that NR might be a more efficient precursor.   NR Bioavailability According to an 8-week study on the effects of long-term NR administration on healthy men and non-pregnant, non-breastfeeding women aged 40 to 60, consumption of 100, 300, and 1000 mg NR increased NAD+ by 22%, 51%, and 142% within two weeks of administration. No flushing and adverse effects were reported.   NMN Bioavailability According to a 12-month study on the effects of long-term NMN administration on mice, NAD+ was quickly synthesized in tissues after oral administration of NMN. In addition, NMN reduced age-related physiological deterioration, reduced age-related body weight gain, improved energy metabolism, and increased physical activity. There were no evident toxicity or adverse effects reported. Consuming NR and NMN supplements can safely and efficiently enhance NAD+ levels as we age. As a result, these two NAD+ precursors have the potential to play an essential role in anti-aging.   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

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Portrait-of-a-cheerful-senior-woman-5-Key-Health-Benefits-Of-Fisetin-feature | 5 Key Health Benefits Of Fisetin
Aging

5 Key Health Benefits Of Fisetin

We may think of aging as an inevitable natural process everyone experiences, but what if we could delay it through eating certain foods or supplements. Fisetin is such a potent antioxidant that research has shown may slow aging in animals. RELATED: Quercetin: The Health Benefits Unravelled   5 Fisetin Benefits: a Key to Longevity Researchers have been looking into fisetin’s benefits and its potential for treating various diseases. Research has revealed five benefits of fisetin.   What Is Fisetin? Fisetin is a flavonoid found in strawberries, apples, persimmons, grapes, and other fruits and vegetables. Fisetin gives fruits and vegetables their vibrant colors in addition to the health benefits it brings. A study in Japan found that strawberries (160 μg/g), apples (26.9 μg/g), and persimmons (10.5 μg/g) have the highest concentration of fisetin. Other fruits and vegetables that are rich in fisetin are lotus roots (5.8 μg/g), onions (4.8 μg/g), grapes (3.9 μg/g), and kiwi (2.0 μg/g).   Prevents Aging Senescent cells are involved in the progression of aging and age-related illnesses. These cells naturally build up in various organs as the human body gets older. In other words, aging and sickness occur when there is an accumulation of senescent cells. Fisetin has potent senolytic properties that help remove senescent cells and enhance human health through heightened cell regeneration. It appears that fisetin’s senolytic properties can help slow down the aging process and improve lifespan. A study showed that fisetin reduces senescence, a process in which old cells stop dividing and permanently withdraw from the cell cycle. Furthermore, the administration of fisetin to older mice reduced age-related pathology and extended median and maximum lifespan. RELATED: New Approach To Eliminating Senescent Cells   Prevents Cancer Several studies have shown that fisetin plays a role in preventing some cancers, including lung cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer.   Lung Cancer An initial study investigating the effect of fisetin on lung cancer showed that fisetin could prevent adhesion, migration, and invasion of human A549 lung cancer cells. Another study showed that the viability and clonogenicity of A549 lung cancer cells were both reduced by fisetin.   Colon Cancer Colon cancer (sometimes called colorectal cancer) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality in our society. Fisetin targets numerous pathways in colon cancer cells to suppress growth and induce the process of programmed cell death (apoptosis). In a 7-week study consisting of 37 colon cancer patients undergoing cancer treatment, a daily dose of 100 mg of fisetin reduced inflammation, (linked to colon cancer growth and spread)), and heightened treatment responsiveness.   Prostate Cancer Fisetin has proven to be a potent inhibitor of prostate cancer cell growth. Fisetin also functions as a PI3K/AKT and mTOR signaling dual inhibitor. According to a recent study, fisetin treatment results in autophagic-programmed cell death. This study suggests that fisetin could be a helpful chemotherapeutic agent in treating prostate cancer.   Improves Cognition and Memory Many clinical conditions are linked to impaired cognition and memory, including neurodegenerative diseases and head trauma, stroke, and a range of drug-related toxicities. As people become older, their cognitive abilities sometimes deteriorate. Fisetin has several biological properties that might help treat neurodegenerative diseases. It reduces progressive neuronal loss by protecting nerve cells from oxidative stress-induced death and by promoting nerve cell differentiation. Fisetin, when orally administered, also improves object recognition memory in mice in a behavioral experiment, suggesting that fisetin might be a potential compound for treating cognitive and memory impairment.   Reduces Depression and Anxiety Depression is a widespread condition that affects an estimated 3.8% of the world’s population. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report, 280 million people worldwide suffer from depression. A study aiming to determine the antidepressant potential of fisetin and its mechanism showed that fisetin alleviates depression and anxiety in mice by boosting serotonin and norepinephrine. Serotonin and norepinephrine are the neurotransmitters that play crucial roles in mood disorders.   Boosts Heart Health Fisetin has been proven in several animal studies to help boost heart health by reducing cholesterol and protecting myocardial cells. In a study aiming to test whether fisetin could regulate cholesterol homeostasis, fisetin supplementation reduced the cholesterol levels in rats with diet-induced high cholesterol. Fisetin has also been proven to protect against diet-induced obesity in another study. According to the findings, fisetin prevents obesity in mice fed a high-fat diet. Another study on the effects of fisetin against myocardial ischemia found that fisetin therapy preserved myocardial fiber and lowered the proportion of dead myocardial cells. Understanding these five fisetin benefits can help you improve your life quality, prevent some age-related diseases, and help you achieve longevity.   If you have questions about fisetin benefits 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)

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BLOG_PH_Intermittent-fasting-concept-----What-Is-Intermittent-Fasting_feature | 5 Practical Things To Know About Intermittent Fasting Before You Start
Fasting

5 Practical Things To Know About Intermittent Fasting Before You Start

Anyone who has tried a weight-loss diet is likely aware of their drawbacks. Some low-calorie diets can make us exhausted, hungry, and irritable. Others are not sustainable in the long run as well as predisposing to deficiencies in essential nutrients. Furthermore, these diets are difficult to follow and can result in rebound weight gain once the diet has stopped. Intermittent fasting, however, is an option that can help one achieve their desired weight in a sustainable manner. RELATED: Quercetin: The Health Benefits Unravelled   What You Need to Know About Intermittent Fasting Fasting has been practiced by humans for thousands of years for various reasons. Intermittent fasting is growing in popularity due to the research showing significant benefits. Let’s take a look at what those benefits are:   What Is Intermittent Fasting? Intermittent fasting (IF) also known as Time Restricted Feeding (TRF) refers to a pattern of eating that switches between intentional fasting and non-fasting over a specified time period. Intermittent fasting does not emphasize what foods to consume but when to consume food between the fasting periods.   The Variables of Intermittent Fasting When planning your intermittent fasting, there are two variables to consider: Restricting Hours of the Day: The first way is by extending the time the body burns stored fat after it burns off all the calories from the last meal. In other words, it involves eating only during limited hours of the day and skipping meals the rest of the time. Restricting Days of the Week: The second way is by consuming extremely few calories on specified days and eating normally on other days.   The Benefits of Intermittent Fasting Intermittent fasting provides a variety of health benefits. In addition to helping with weight loss by burning stored fat, this fasting practice benefits other factors such as heart health, diabetes, blood pressure, and management of oxidative stress levels.   Assist Fat Loss Some people exploring intermittent fasting aim to lose weight. Generally, periods of fasting result in a total decrease in caloric intake. In this state, the body is forced to rely on fat stores for fuel, catalyzing fat burning and leading to fat loss. A review comparing intermittent fasting and daily calorie restriction showed similar amounts of weight loss and fat loss (16%) after 12 weeks. The researchers concluded that intermittent fasting is as effective as daily calorie restriction in terms of decreasing body weight and fat mass. Intermittent fasting also causes less muscle loss as compared to caloric restriction.   Improve Cardiometabolic Health Cardiometabolic health refers to various health conditions, including insulin resistance, metabolic syndromes, prediabetes, and even more severe conditions like cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. According to preliminary findings, intermittent fasting appears to have the potential for reducing type 2 diabetes risk in overweight and obese individuals. However, further study is required before researchers can draw solid conclusions. According to a 5-week trial involving eight overweight men with prediabetes, intermittent fasting with a 6-hour feeding period improved insulin levels, insulin sensitivity, β cell responsiveness, blood pressure, and oxidative stress levels. However, those results didn’t show any occurrence of weight loss.   Intermittent Fasting Methods There are three main methods for intermittent fasting. These methods are characterized by the schedule on which foods are consumed during the day or for a longer period.   Time-restricted Feeding This method emphasizes eating just for several hours each day and creating a consistent daily pattern of timed eating, with no regard to calorie counting other than common sense. This method allows food intake to match the natural circadian rhythms and nutrient metabolism. Some variations of the time-restricted feeding method include the 16:8 diet (16 hours of fasting followed by 8 hours of non-fasting) and the 20:4 diet (20 hours of fasting followed by 4 hours of non-fasting). These variations narrow the time frame even further. Surprisingly, many people follow this method by simply not eating anything after dinner and skipping breakfast. For example, suppose you have your last meal at 7 pm the night before and don’t eat anything until 11 am the next day. In that case, you’re technically fasting in a time-restricted method for 16 hours.   Alternate-day Fasting This method involves rotating between a 24-hour fasting day, during which the person consumes less than 25% of their daily calorie requirements, and a 24-hour non-fasting period. In other words, you fast every other day. Because there are more days of fasting per week, this is the strictest form of intermittent fasting.   Periodic Fasting or Whole-day Fasting This method involves fasting for more than 24 hours in a row, ranging from the 5:2 diet, which involves five non-fasting days and two fasting days each week, to the more extreme variation, which involves multiple days of fasting A full 24-hour fast may be challenging for many people and should be done after consulting your doctor. But you don’t have to jump straight into this method from the beginning. Start with 12 or 14 hours of fasting per day. To do intermittent fasting in this method, you usually eat every day of the week except for Mondays and Thursdays or Tuesdays and Fridays. Of course, you can choose any two days for fasting as you like. However, it would be best to split the fasting days evenly throughout the week so as not to feel exhausted by fasting two days in a row. RELATED: The Science Behind the Use of Curcumin for Healthy Aging   Intermittent Fasting Safety It’s worth noting that although intermittent fasting is a generally safe dietary strategy, not everyone should consider this fasting practice. Some people, including pregnant women, should postpone cutting down on their calorie intake during pregnancy. This fasting practice links to an increased risk of gestational diabetes and labor induction. In addition, underweight individuals who have a history of eating problems should contact a doctor before implementing a fasting plan. For otherwise healthy people, however, intermittent fasting can be safe and effective. Just follow a nutritionally balanced

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BLOG_PH_women-upset-because-of-hair-loss-----What-Is-Hair-Loss_feature | Which Vitamin Deficiency Causes Hair Loss
Hair Loss

Which Vitamin Deficiency Causes Hair Loss

Scientists understand micronutrients including vitamins and minerals play a critical role in the hair follicle growth cycle. RELATED: How to Increase Hair Growth Effectively?   Find Out Which Vitamin Deficiency Causes Hair Loss The scalp may have roughly 100,000 hair follicles that need to be supported with vitamins and minerals and they’re building blocks including proteins. Micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, are therefore essential for maintaining hair health.   The Hair Follicle Cycle The hair follicle cycle consists of three stages: anagen, catagen, and telogen. The anagen stage is when hairs are actively growing, the catagen stage is when they are transitioning, and the telogen stage is when they are resting. The hair root divides rapidly in the anagen stage, adding to the hair shaft. Every 28 days, the hair grows roughly 1 centimeter. The follicle enters the catagen stage at the end of the anagen phase. The catagen stage is a short transition period during which the hair follicle in contact with the bottom section of the hair becomes attached to the hair shaft, resulting in the formation of a club hair. The hair follicle enters the telogen stage when a club hair is fully formed. Telogen is the resting stage, during which old hair rests, and new hair begins to grow (anagen). During telogen, the resting hair remains in the follicle until it is forced out by the formation of a new anagen hair.   What Is Hair Loss? Hairs are shed and replaced naturally every day on all our scalps – around a hundred hairs per day. However, if you lose around 100 hairs per day and natural hair growth can’t make up for the lost hair, you will begin to notice thinning hair and eventually, possibly significant hair loss. In medical terms, hair loss is known as alopecia. Hair loss is not uncommon. Androgenetic alopecia, the most common type of hair loss, affects around 40% of women over 70 years of age. On the other hand, the most common cause of baldness among older people is hereditary hair loss. Hair loss can come in a variety of forms. It might be in the form of thinning or a complete hair loss. It can come on gradually or suddenly, and it can affect anyone regardless of age. Hair loss usually occurs among people in their 20s and 30s. However, it is most evident in women after menopause. RELATED: Plasma Exchange: A Revolutionary New Way to Reverse Aging   What Are Symptoms of Hair Loss? There are a variety of symptoms associated with hair loss. Depending on the cause, hair loss symptoms might vary. It can affect the entire body or just the scalp. Symptoms of hair loss might include: Thinning on the scalp Round or patchy bald spots Abrupt loosening of hair Hair loss all over the body Scaling patches throughout the scalp   Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies That Cause Hair Loss According to a review about the role of vitamins and minerals in hair loss, researchers have found that vitamins and minerals have a considerable impact on non-scarring alopecia. But, which vitamins deficiencies cause hair loss?   Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) There are eight water-soluble vitamin substances in the vitamin B complex, two of which are riboflavin (B2) and biotin (B7). Riboflavin deficiency can cause hair loss. The liver, heart, and kidneys are the only organs in the body where riboflavin is stored in small amounts but supplements are available to boost riboflavin.   Vitamin B7 (Biotin) The majority of dietary biotin comes from protein. Dietary protein must turn into free biotin before it can remain in the small intestine and liver. A review showed that in 10 out of 18 reported cases of patients using biotin on hair, there was a hereditary cause of biotin deficiency. The remaining eight patients with alopecia improved after taking biotin supplementation. These 18 individuals all had underlying causes of biotin deficiency. They demonstrated clinical improvement after taking a biotin supplement in a variable time. In research that looked at serum biotin levels in 541 women suffering hair loss, biotin levels appeared low in 38% of the participants. About 11% of patients with biotin deficiency reported a positive personal history of biotin deficiency risk factors. Biotin helps to make healthy hair and nails and a deficiency of it has been linked to hair loss. Biotin supplements help by raising available biotin and strengthening nails and hair.   Vitamin D A systematic review and meta-analysis involving 1,255 patients with alopecia areata and 784 control patients without alopecia areata showed that vitamin D deficiency was prevalent in patients with alopecia areata. A rare case report involving a 4-year-old boy with vitamin D-dependent rickets type II showed that the patient had total scalp and body alopecia, possibly pointing to the importance of vitamin D to the hair follicle. According to the researchers, vitamin D supplements or topical vitamin D analogs should also be considered for individuals with alopecia areata and vitamin D deficiency.   Iron Iron deficiency, as the most common nutritional deficiency, might contribute to hair loss. Several studies have examined the connection between hair loss and iron deficiency. The majority of these studies focused on women with non-scarring alopecia. Results showed that iron deficiency is linked to telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, and androgenetic alopecia.   Zinc Zinc deficiency can develop in people who don’t get enough meat, and newborns who use milk formula. Other zinc deficiency causes might include inflammatory bowel disease, excessive alcohol consumption, burns, infection, and pregnancy. A review on zinc in patients with alopecia areata demonstrated that four studies reported low zinc levels in patients with alopecia areata compared to healthy control groups. One of the studies showed a strong connection between zinc deficiency and hair loss. Another study discovered a link between zinc deficiency and the severity and chronicity of alopecia areata. Alopecia might be an indicator of zinc deficiency. A case report involving a 4-year-old girl with diffuse patchy alopecia showed that low serum zinc

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