The word fasting has associations with hunger, deprivation, and discomfort, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Feeling hungry is not fun. Food tastes good and is one of the joys of life. Moderate intermittent fasting is a low-effort, more realistic way to improve metabolic flexibility for a healthier, longer life.

You may have heard of Glucosamine in relation to joint pain and relief of arthritis symptoms. It is a dietary supplement widely used for this. However, new research shows that its benefits go far beyond that. Science is now viewing it as a potential anti-aging drug.

It is well-chosen and stands out for multiple reasons. All of which may surprise you and cause you to quickly add it to your daily supplement routine, like I have.

Plant foods contain thousands of natural compounds, called phytonutrients or phytochemicals. They are responsible for the vibrant colors found in plant foods. If anyone has ever told you to "eat the rainbow," they were basically saying "eat a wide variety of phytonutrients."

Phytonutrients are a key part of long-lasting vitality. They protect our cells and DNA from the damage that contributes to premature aging. Phytonutrient-rich foods are also conveniently packed with essential vitamins and minerals for optimal health! Eating these often is a great way to optimize your biology for healthier aging.

When I tell people I test my blood sugar at home periodically, they often look puzzled and ask, “Why? Do you have diabetes?” I am equally puzzled by their reaction. We have scales in our bathrooms and know how much we weigh, but most of us have no idea what our blood glucose levels are, which is arguably more important. While fasting blood glucose is included in a routine blood panel, having one data point annually (or even semi-annually) is simply not enough to understand the whole picture.

Vibrant energy, steady metabolism, stable moods, good digestion – these are just a few things that balanced hormones will get you. When hormones are not supported or out of whack, there are countless undesirable symptoms that can pop up – low energy, weight gain, and chronic stress to name a few.

Testosterone, Growth Hormone, and DHEA (precursor of testosterone) are often thought of as male-only hormones, but this is not the case. In fact, testosterone is the most abundant biologically active hormone in women.

While you have more than a hundred different types of hormones that affect every function in the body, there are a few major players to pay attention to. Let’s start with Estrogen, Cortisol, and Insulin.

Nutrition is the foundation of thyroid health. Conventional medicine will only be a bandaid without proper nutrition as a basis. Check out these 7 ways to boost your energy, metabolism, mood, and more through optimal thyroid function