If you live in Boulder, Colorado, you probably know someone who follows a vegan or ketogenic (keto) diet. Maybe you are one of them. But do you know how these diets affect your immune system and your health? We all worry that vegan diets are protein-deficient and keto diets can clog arteries, but is this true? A recent study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)1,2 reveals some surprising insights into how switching to a vegan or a keto diet rapidly impacts your immune system, metabolism, and gut microbiome in just 2 weeks.      Study Design The study involved 20 healthy volunteers who... Read More

There are three things almost all Boulderites have in common: we like to stay active, we value our health, and we LOVE our coffee. And for good reason! The caffeine and antioxidant content in coffee give it some big health benefits that make it a no-brainer for Boulder’s biohacking health-centric community. To be fair, coffee can have some doppio-sized disclaimers – compromised sleep, enhanced anxiety, gut agitation, and exposure to cancer-causing toxins in the beans, water, and to-go cups. But overall, the research shows that daily coffee consumption can save you years of healthy,... Read More

There are three things almost all Boulderites have in common: we like to stay active, we value our health, and we LOVE our coffee. But do those three things go together? The answer is not as simple as choosing dark or light roast, as coffee has both benefits and risks, depending on how much you drink, how you brew it, what you add to it, when you drink it, how you metabolize it, and – most importantly – which outcome(s) you focus on. Coffee’s “Big Shots” Coffee is more than just a delicious morning beverage; its caffeine and antioxidant content give it some... Read More

Boulder is famous for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and healthy lifestyle. But did you know that Boulder is also home to one of the largest and most comprehensive studies on the human gut microbiome? The American Gut Project, led by researchers at CU-Boulder and UC-San Diego, has analyzed the stool samples and dietary habits of over 10,000 volunteers from around the world and found some fascinating links between what we eat, how we feel, and what’s going on in our guts. The Gut Microbiome: Linking Your Food to Your Mood The gut microbiome is the collection of trillions of bacteria,... Read More

Antioxidants are like the superheroes of your body.  They’re tiny molecules that protect your cells from harm caused by toxins and stress like midterms, air pollution, poor sleep, and even too much exercise. How does this happen? Toxins and stress can produce free radicals, unstable molecules that wreak havoc in the body.  But what are these free radicals? Think of them as little troublemakers – they’re unstable compounds that can mess things up inside your body, including your skin, cells, organs, and even your DNA! Never fear though, antioxidants – which we consume through... Read More

We’ve all heard blueberries are good for us, but are they really? And if so, why? Here’s the skinny on one of Boulder’s favorite berries. Blueberry’s Health Benefits Heart Health: Blueberries’ antioxidants may reduce the risk of heart disease by improving cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Brain Boost: Regular consumption has been linked to improved cognitive function and memory. Blood Sugar Regulation: The low GI and fiber content help stabilize blood sugar levels and manage diabetes. Metabolism & Bone Health: The manganese and Vitamin K1 in blueberries... Read More

Smoothies are all the rage these days, but are they really all they’re cracked up to be? From the green vegetable variety to the more-like-milkshake fare, we’ve got the skinny on smoothies here.     Do you want to boost your health, energy, and mood with a simple and delicious drink? If so, you might want to try smoothies! Smoothies are not only tasty, but also packed with benefits for your body and mind. In this column, you will learn how smoothies can help you improve your nutrition, digestion, immunity, cognition, and more. You will also discover how to avoid... Read More

Inflammation is your body’s natural response to injury, infection, or stress. It helps to heal and protect you from harm. However, when inflammation becomes chronic or excessive, it can cause more harm than good. Chronic inflammation is linked to many health problems, such as: Weight gain and obesity. Cardiovascular disease. Mood and depression. Cognitive function (focus, ADD, and ADHD). Brain health (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease). Sports recovery (more inflammation = longer recovery). Immune compromise. Irritable bowel disease and gut problems. Any disease ending in “itis”... Read More

You’ve probably heard of cold plunging, the wellness trend that involves jumping into ice water for a few minutes. Sounds crazy, right? Well, not so fast. There’s actually some science behind this practice, and it might have some surprising benefits for your health and well-being. But before you grab your swimsuit and head to the Boulder Creek, here are some things you should know. Take the Plunge into Type-2 Fun Type II Fun refers to experiences that are hard or difficult in the moment but beneficial (and fun) in the long-run or in retrospect. While cold plunging may be uncomfortable (excruciating?)... Read More

Tea is awesome and can be healthy. In fact, I’ve found green tea particularly appealing because it is so good for you. Green tea is made from Camellia sinensis leaves and buds that have not undergone the same withering and oxidation process used to make oolong and black teas. For those interested in managing their caffeine intake, eight ounces of green tea contain about 35 mg of caffeine, about half the amount found in black tea and about a quarter the amount found in coffee. Caffeine has been shown to provide performance enhancing benefits by mobilizing fatty acids from body fat and making them... Read More