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We're introducing The Quick Hitters series in which we're going to bring you some quick hitting hacks and tips for optimizing your health, happiness, and overall wellbeing.
Immune Boost with Baking Soda:
Baking soda appears to tell the body to calm down its autoimmune response. It helps to strengthen the anti-inflammatory response in our bodies. Drinking baking soda signals your spleen to release more anti-inflammatory properties to boost your immune system and fight certain diseases. There are also studies being conducted into the positive effects of baking soda in performance of elite athletes. Most experts say start slowly and work up to a 1/4 of a teaspoon daily with twenty ounces of water.
Melatonin:
Many people take melatonin as a natural sleep aid but did you know that it has fat burning qualities as well. A study by the Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity showed when 30 dieters took 10mg for 30 days before bed, they lost an average of 6.8 pounds over the placebo group. Melatonin has natural anti-inflammatory properties and it activates brown adipose cells to combat body fat.
Take the Stairs:
Taking the stairs instead of the elevator is old advice but it's still sound. Studies have found that stair climbing lowers blood pressure and builds leg strength. Add some stair climbs into your workout routine with a weighted vest on your leg day for an extra kick in the ass. #takethestairs
Fitness Fights Dementia:
A study in the Journal of Neurology found that 88% of highly fit women are less likely to develop dementia over moderately fit women. Studies show that people who are physically fit are less likely to experience a mental decline and have a lowered risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. So keep moving to keep your mind clear and your body functioning at a high level.
Dark Chocolate for Less Stress?
People who ate 30g of dark chocolate for two weeks had lower stress hormone levels, like cortisol, according to a study by the American Chemical Society. Cortisol works in direct opposition to testosterone so maybe treat yourself to some dark chocolate for some solid gains.
Beet Juice for the Win:
For the athlete beet juice raises nitric oxide levels in your body. Studies show nitric oxide can strengthen muscle contraction, give some solid pumps, and increase blood flow. Athletes who supplemented with beet juice have improved endurance and performance. In addition to the performance aspect, beet juice helps lower blood pressure, it's rich in potassium, and may help prevent cancer.
Stand Up:
Several studies have shown people burn more calories standing than sitting. If you stand for six hours per day instead of sitting, you burn around 54 additional calories. Thats roughly 22 pounds over four years. Studies show several health risks from sitting for long periods. The human body was built to stand upright and works more efficiently standing. Sitting for long periods will weaken your leg muscles and glutes. You can also develop back problems from poor posture while sitting. Sitting causes your hip flexors to shorten which will lead to problems in your hip joints. So it makes sense to stand when you can.
Pick out some tips above to help optimize your superhuman self.
Stay Healthy fam...
The content contained in this article is for information purposes only, and is not meant to be a substitute or replacement for professional advice and medical consultation. It is just shared as information only, and with the understanding that Directional Force, LLC, (Directional Force) is not engaged in the provision or rendering of medical advice or services whatsoever. You unilaterally understand and agree that Directional Force shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon any content or information in this article or any article provided by Directional Force. Please seek professional medical advice prior to engaging in, or undertaking any of the content, exercises, advice, and workouts provided by Directional Force.