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Dave Asprey

Do Nitric Oxide Products Actually Work?

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Nitric oxide products have become increasingly popular over the past 20 years. In fact, if you throw a search for nitric oxide supplements into Google, you’ll get over 35 million results in just 1.08 seconds. 

But do any of these products actually work?

With every label claiming the same benefits, it can get tricky to distinguish which supplements actually do the job and which ones are just taking up space. 

In this article, we’re going to parse out what it takes for a nitric oxide supplement to actually work and why this category of products is one of the trickiest to navigate. 

What’s The Role Of Nitric Oxide In Your Body?

Before we jump into the topic of N.O. supplements, let’s first look at why so many people are adding N.O. to their dietary regimen in the first place. 

Here are some fast facts on the essential roles that N.O. plays in your body:

  • N.O. regulates blood flow, nutrient, and oxygen delivery to every cell[1]. 
  • N.O. signals your stem cells to mobilize to go and repair or replace old cells [2].
  • N.O. controls how well your mitochondria produce cellular energy [3]. 
  • And perhaps most important of all – N.O. is what controls and regulates erections [4].

Now, if you know me, then you know that one of my primary goals in life is to extend my years here as long as possible. Pretty much anything I speak or write about boils down to one thing: longevity. 

So how does nitric oxide impact longevity?

Regulation of blood flow affects every organ system in your body. In fact, some researchers believe that it’s the loss of blood flow regulation that could be responsible for the vast majority of health conditions that come with aging[5][6][7]. 

Every cell in your body requires certain nutrients and metabolites to do its job. And it’s the job of nitric oxide to open up the blood vessels that serve those individual tissues and cells to ensure each cell gets what it needs to function optimally.  

In normal healthy individuals, your body makes sufficient nitric oxide to get the job done. 

However, as we age, our body loses its ability to synthesize nitric oxide[8][9][10]. We call this endothelial dysfunction, as N.O. production is the main function of our endothelial cells (the cells that line every blood vessel throughout the body).

It makes sense, then, that if we could keep our N.O. flowing as we age, our cells and tissues would likely be much happier. This is precisely where nitric oxide supplements enter the scene – and it’s also where things start to get a bit tricky. 

How Do You Choose The Best Nitric Oxide Supplement?

As mentioned, there’s no shortage of options out there for N.O. supplements, but which ones are worth the money? It comes down to two things:

  1. How well your body is suited to taking a nitric oxide supplement.
  2. The form of nitric oxide you’re getting. 

While the products may all look similar, there are actually four main categories of N.O. supplements, and knowing which one you’re taking is vital. 

The Four Forms Of Nitric Oxide Supplements 

  1. Products that contain L-arginine and/or L-citrulline

Your body converts citrulline to arginine and then converts arginine to nitric oxide. In theory, taking these two nutrients would increase your production of N.O., but it’s not so simple. 

Studies suggest that your body typically makes sufficient levels of L-arginine to fully saturate the binding site of the NOS enzyme [11]. 

This means that taking excess arginine or citrulline would likely have a limited impact on N.O. production since these nutrients are not the rate-limiting step in the process. Furthermore, some research suggests that high-dose L-arginine may pose potential health risks [12][13][14].  

  1. Beetroot-based products. 

While it’s always nice to get our nutrients straight for the source – food – sometimes we need a harder hit. On the one hand, consuming beetroot is known to increase nitric oxide in your body. On the other hand, most of the beetroot products out there don’t contain sufficient nitrate or nitrite to produce appreciable amounts of nitric oxide. While beetroot products likely won’t hurt, you’re really not getting your bang for your buck with this one. 

  1. Nitrate-based products. 

Several companies are selling capsules that contain potassium nitrate or sodium nitrate. Unfortunately, these products don’t work in the majority of the population due to low levels of nitrate-reducing bacteria in the mouth[15]. 

You see, on our own, humans are unable to metabolize nitrates; we require the presence of nitrate-reducing bacteria to metabolize nitrate into nitrite and nitric oxide [16]. Why are we all so deficient in this bacteria?

In America alone, over 200 million people use antiseptic mouthwash daily. These mouthwashes have been shown to kill the good nitrate-reducing bacteria and actually cause an increase in blood pressure [17][18][19]. 

Furthermore, many more Americans have active oral infections that disrupt the normal oral microbiome and disrupt nitrate reduction to N.O. As a result, a nitrate-based product may only work in less than a third of the population. Nitrate is an important nutrient, but only if you can metabolize it to nitric oxide. 

  1. Products that produce N.O. gas. 

This is a relatively new category of products that cut through the issues presented by the other N.O. options out there. When a product produces N.O. gas directly, you don’t have to mess with nutrients like arginine that your body doesn’t need any more of, and your oral microbiome won’t play a role in N.O. gas production – so no worries there. Finally, since these products produce N.O. gas directly, you can be sure that you’re actually getting your money’s worth – unlike the vast majority of beetroot-based products on the market [20][21].  

N.O. gas-producing products come in a few different packages, for example: 

  • In the form of a lozenge that releases nitric oxide gas as it dissolves in the mouth (completely independent of the oral microbiome or stomach acid). 
  • Powder forms that generate nitric oxide gas when dissolved in water and taken as a shot. 
  • Topically, delivering N.O. through your skin. 

Personally, I’m not particularly eager to waste time or money, which is why my go-to for nitric oxide supplements comes from Pneuma Nitric Oxide. Their “Nutriceuticals” are research-backed and produce impressive levels of N.O. gas without any of the aforementioned complications. You can go the powder route, take it in the form of a lozenge, or get your N.O. topically – whatever feels like the best option for you. If you want to give them a whirl, check out their products at www.N1O1.com, and use the coupon code DAVE to get 10% off and free shipping within the continental US. 

Takeaway  

Nitric oxide is a crucial nutrient that plays a myriad of roles in health and longevity. When N.O. is low, your cells simply can’t get sufficient resources for optimal function. If you’re already on the nitric oxide bandwagon but have been messing around with beetroot powders and amino acids supplements, it’s time to step up your game. 

And for anyone considering which nitric oxide supplement to go with, you know my pick.  

References 

  1. Moncada, S., R.M.J. Palmer, and A. Higgs, Nitric oxide:  physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology. Pharmacol Rev, 1991. 43(2): p. 109-142.
  2. Aicher, A., et al., Essential role of endothelial nitric oxide synthase for mobilization of stem and progenitor cells. Nat Med, 2003. 9(11): p. 1370-6.
  3. Nisoli, E., et al., Mitochondrial biogenesis in mammals: the role of endogenous nitric oxide. Science, 2003. 299(5608): p. 896-9.
  4. Burnett, A.L., et al., Nitric oxide: a physiologic mediator of penile erection. Science, 1992. 257(5068): p. 401-3.
  5. Torregrossa, A.C., M. Aranke, and N.S. Bryan, Nitric oxide and geriatrics:  Implications in diagnostics and treatment of the elderly. Journal of Geriatric Cardiology, 2011. 8: p. 230-242.
  6. Burnett, A.L., The role of nitric oxide in erectile dysfunction: implications for medical therapy. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich), 2006. 8(12 Suppl 4): p. 53-62.
  7. Bryan, N.S., et al., Dietary nitrite restores NO homeostasis and is cardioprotective in endothelial nitric oxide synthase-deficient mice. Free Radic Biol Med, 2008. 45(4): p. 468-74.
  8. Egashira, K., et al., Effects of age on endothelium-dependent vasodilation of resistance coronary artery by acetylcholine in humans. Circulation, 1993. 88(1): p. 77-81.
  9. Gerhard, M., et al., Aging progressively impairs endothelium-dependent vasodilation in forearm resistance vessels of humans. Hypertension, 1996. 27(4): p. 849-53.
  10. Taddei, S., et al., Age-related reduction of NO availability and oxidative stress in humans. Hypertension, 2001. 38(2): p. 274-9.
  11. Erez, A., et al., Requirement of argininosuccinate lyase for systemic nitric oxide production. Nat Med, 2011. 17(12): p. 1619-26.
  12. Hibbs, J.B., Jr., R.R. Taintor, and Z. Vavrin, Macrophage cytotoxicity: role for L-arginine deiminase and imino nitrogen oxidation to nitrite. Science, 1987. 235(4787): p. 473-6.
  13. Schulman, S.P., et al., L-arginine therapy in acute myocardial infarction: the Vascular Interaction With Age in Myocardial Infarction (VINTAGE MI) randomized clinical trial. Jama, 2006. 295(1): p. 58-64.
  14. Wilson, A.M., et al., L-arginine supplementation in peripheral arterial disease: no benefit and possible harm. Circulation, 2007. 116(2): p. 188-95.
  15. Duncan, C., et al., Chemical generation of nitric oxide in the mouth from the enterosalivary circulation of dietary nitrate. Nat Med, 1995. 1(6): p. 546-51.
  16. Doel, J.J., et al., Evaluation of bacterial nitrate reduction in the human oral cavity. Eur J Oral Sci, 2005. 113(1): p. 14-9.
  17. Kapil, V., et al., Physiological role for nitrate-reducing oral bacteria in blood pressure control. Free Radic Biol Med, 2013. 55: p. 93-100.
  18. Tribble, G.D., et al., Frequency of Tongue Cleaning Impacts the Human Tongue Microbiome Composition and Enterosalivary Circulation of Nitrate. Front Cell Infect Microbiol, 2019. 9: p. 39.
  19. Bryan, N.S., G. Tribble, and N. Angelov, Oral Microbiome and Nitric Oxide: the Missing Link in the Management of Blood Pressure. Curr Hypertens Rep, 2017. 19(4): p. 33.
  20. Tang, Y., et al., Nitric oxide bioactivity of traditional Chinese medicines used for cardiovascular indications. Free Radic Biol Med, 2009. 47(6): p. 835-40.
  21. Bryan, N.S., Functional Nitric Oxide Nutrition to Combat Cardiovascular Disease. Curr Atheroscler Rep, 2018. 20(5): p. 21.

 

Pushing Past Your Limits of Potential With An Ancient Mineral

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How do we reach the highest level of human potential??? 

Biohacking has proven to be one of the greatest frontiers for those looking to master the human body. However, focusing solely on understanding the biology of your body is limiting, and the same is true for deep explorative work of the mind[1]. 

So then, what’s left for us to tap into if we want to truly expand our potential? Our energy.

Specifically, exploring our concept of what makes us “us” and expanding our understanding of what our true potential is.

If I’ve lost you, let me backup a bit.

You’ve likely heard that we only use about 10-12% of our brain capacity, right? This is a common saying that refers to the fact that our conscious mind (the one that we’re quite familiar with) is really only driving about 10% of our behaviors, while our subconscious mind (primarily driven by the programming we’ve picked up during our life) is driving the rest.

This means we’re observing most of our human experience through our subconscious programming. You can pick up programming at any point in your life, but most of it gets going in your early childhood. Unfortunately, programs implanted into your consciousness can be extremely limiting, creating loops that keep you stuck in that 10-12%.

The good news is, in essence, the limitations you experience in life only reflect the level of consciousness you’re holding. 

The bad news; unless you know how to tap into what’s unconscious, you’ll keep living in that limited cycle. 

How To Tap Into Your Unconscious Potential Energy 

There are several known practices that have been developed or resurrected to expand human consciousness over the last couple of decades. For instance, meditation practices going back thousands of years are understood to help activate different levels of mind, shifting the types of awareness you can tap into.

More recently, psychotherapy practices like EMDR and hypnotherapy are becoming popular for their ability to help us peel back the layers of the subconscious mind and explore what may be hiding in the shadows of our psyche[2][3]. 

While these practices are gaining a fair amount of traction, another big player in the mind-expanding game is the use of psychedelic drugs, primarily psychedelic mushrooms (rich in the active compound psilocybin) and ayahuasca (which stimulates the release of Dimethyltryptamine or DMT)[4][5]. 

Among these varying techniques and practices, the one that’s most exciting to me is the use of DMT. Why? DMT is a chemical released from your pineal gland, a tiny, mysterious little gland that sits right in the center of your head. 

Why do I say mysterious? Going back to ancient Egypt, the pineal gland was understood to play a role in the function of your “third eye,” or “spiritual eye.” In fact, if you’ve ever seen a picture of the Egyptian Eye of Horus, you’ll notice the remarkable similarities between the Eye and the pineal gland – that’s no coincidence[6]. 

Other traditions, like those found in ancient India, equate the pineal gland with the seat of the soul[7]. 

 Many people report that after an ayahuasca ceremony, they feel more connected to all living things, and they describe an understanding that there is an energy that’s much greater than us, an intelligence behind the seeming chaos of our modern world. 

 While I don’t claim to be an expert in theology, nor am I one to push any type of religious rhetoric, I can’t deny that there is a strong fascination with the world beyond our ordinary senses. This, my friends, is why I am particularly interested in DMT. 

How Does DMT Work? 

Bioquantum Skin Care blog post image of an artistic rendering of DNA strand

This is where we’re going to drift from the world of scientific research and step one foot into the energetic world, which, unfortunately, hasn’t gotten as much attention from scientific institutions as it should.

 How does DMT produce a state of mind that allows people to feel connected to the universe as a whole? While we may not have studies to back up the theories, many people that have studied the substance suggest that DMT may be able to unlock the latent intelligence that sits in our subconscious and even beyond the subconscious to the superconscious mind.

By easing the accelerator that keeps us looping around the same programs in our conscious minds, DMT opens the gateways and off-ramps, allowing us to explore other highways of consciousness that we’ve long abandoned. 

Pretty fascinating.

That said, I don’t really have the time or interest in taking ayahuasca every time I want to tap into my full potential beyond my conscious mind. If you’re not familiar, an ayahuasca journey can take around 6 hours, and you’re pretty “out there” during most of the trip if you know what I mean, so it’s not exactly something you can use in your everyday life.

Activating DMT With The Help Of An Ancient Mineral 

Ormus is a mineral used since ancient times to decalcify the pineal gland and activate one’s ability to hold mental focus in a very high state of consciousness. What makes Ormus unique is that it’s held in an M-state or spin-state. The theory is that when brought into the body, either transdermally or by ingesting it, consciousness is held in a state between form and frequency. 

Due to its activity in the pineal gland, Ormus is thought to enhance DMT production and therefore unlock the potential energy held within our physical, mental, and energetic body. 

My friends at BioQuantum Skin Care have developed a specific type of Ormus supplement with scalar technology that’s specifically meant to enhance cellularity while freeing your consciousness from the never-ending limiting loops of your programmed subconscious.

If you’re interested in learning more, check out their site and take 22% off your first order with the code DAVE22. 

Bioquantum Skin Care Scalar 22 ORMUS Activator drops

References? 

  1. Hameroff, Stuart. “How quantum brain biology can rescue conscious free will.” Frontiers in integrative neuroscience 6 (2012): 93. 
  1. Shapiro, Francine. “The role of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in medicine: addressing the psychological and physical symptoms stemming from adverse life experiences.” The Permanente Journal 18.1 (2014): 71. 
  1. Wolf, Thomas Gerhard, et al. “Functional changes in brain activity using hypnosis: A systematic review.” Brain sciences 12.1 (2022): 108. 
  1. Alamia, Andrea, et al. “DMT alters cortical travelling waves.” Elife 9 (2020): e59784. 
  1. Goodwin, Guy M., et al. “Single-dose psilocybin for a treatment-resistant episode of major depression.” New England Journal of Medicine 387.18 (2022): 1637-1648. 
  1. Nichols, David E. “N, N-dimethyltryptamine and the pineal gland: Separating fact from myth.” Journal of Psychopharmacology 32.1 (2018): 30-36. 
  1. Lopez-Munoz, Francisco, et al. “An historical view of the pineal gland and mental disorders.” Journal of Clinical Neuroscience 18.8 (2011): 1028-1037. 

 

4 Tips to Maintain Optimal Brain Health

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I plan to live until I’m 160 years old, which is one of the reasons I put extra emphasis on my brain health. Just as my body ages over time, so too does my mind, and I don’t want my brain outpacing my body as I get older. Imagine having a healthy body but a forgetful, slow mind – no thanks. 

The initial hints of forgetfulness often accompany the passage into older age. For instance, you may find yourself taking longer to remember names or recall cherished memories[1].

However, before you blame it all on your age, it’s crucial to recognize that challenges affecting our thinking, memory, and learning abilities can stem from various causes, including medications, underlying diseases, addiction, insufficient sleep, lack of exercise, and poor nutrition. 

The composition of our brain changes as we age, but we need not resign ourselves to a diminished ability to engage in life fully. Our lifestyle choices play a significant role in how our brains age, making them invaluable tools in countering the detrimental effects of aging on the brain. 

In this article, I’ll highlight four of my top brain-enhancing techniques, providing you with tools to implement and maintain optimal brain health as you age. 

But first, why are we seeing a surge in neurological issues in these modern times?

Nurturing Your Brain for a Lifetime of Brilliance 

As we journey through life, most of us will eventually notice a slower pace of thought, occasional difficulties in sustaining attention, and moments of struggling to find the right word or phrase. This is normal and doesn’t necessarily indicate a major decline in brain health or warrant premature conclusions. 

However, in the wake of technological and economic advancements, the cognitive demands required for survival have significantly diminished. Physical activities that once occupied our daily routines have been supplanted by sedentary desk work for many, and convenient yet unhealthy food options have become mainstays. 

Consequently, we’ve witnessed a surge in diabetes, metabolic syndrome, neurological disease, prescription drug-induced obesity, and overall poor health. While technology has certainly made life easier, the demands that it’s taken off our minds and bodies have left us ill-equipped for the challenges that can come with aging. 

In essence, the way we’re living our lives is eroding both our physical and mental health. 

But relax, I’m not about to tell you that you need to go live in the woods and learn how to hunt for your food or give up your handy little calculator so you can work your brain harder. In the following sections, you’re going to learn some practical tips that will fit right into your modern life, enabling you to embark on a journey toward optimal brain health.

4 Tips For Maintaining Optimal Brain Health 

While it’s natural to experience some degree of brain decline as you age, research shows that there are numerous proactive measures you can take to prevent memory lapses and more severe cognitive conditions[2]. Here are a handful of my favorite brain longevity hacks.    

#1 Cultivate Connections 

Loneliness can silently erode both mind and body. Not only does social isolation increase the risk of premature death from various causes, but it is also associated with a staggering 50% higher risk of dementia[3]. Shockingly, over one-third of adults aged 45 and older experience loneliness, while nearly one-fourth of US adults aged 65 and above endure social isolation, as highlighted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM)[3].

By actively engaging in social activities and community programs, you can keep your brain engaged, combat isolation, and foster a deep sense of connection with the world around you. For extra credit, try a volunteer group that can provide fantastic opportunities to make a positive impact while connecting with like-minded individuals in your community.  

#2. Nourish Your Body

It turns out that there’s more than one “brain” involved in your thinking processes. Your gut, often referred to as the second brain, plays a significant role in shaping your moods, decisions, and behavior. Interestingly, the food you consume has a direct impact on your neurons (AKA your brain cells)[4]. 

 As the famous quote by Hippocrates suggests, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” It’s not just a cliché; it holds truth.  

An unhealthy diet filled with saturated fats and sugars can lead to a sudden surge in inflammation within our bodies[4]. On the other hand, opting for nutritious whole foods like green leafy vegetables, fatty fish, nuts, and berries can have anti-inflammatory effects[5]. By nourishing your body with these wholesome options, you provide yourself with essential vitamins and antioxidants that combat diseases and invigorate your physical and mental well-being. 

#3. Master Your Stress 

It’s no surprise that stress can leave us feeling forgetful, scattered, and disorganized. While a certain degree of stress can fuel personal growth, prolonged and chronic stress takes a toll on our overall health. Studies show that the hormone cortisol, released during periods of intense stress, can have long-lasting effects on your cognitive and emotional processes, significantly increasing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases[6].

By adopting effective ?stress management techniques, you can mitigate the risk of cognitive problems and foster a healthier, more balanced life: 

  • Cultivate a consistent routine 
  • Prioritize quality sleep 
  • Stay organized and structured 
  • Shift your mindset and embrace stress as a catalyst for growth

#4 Keep Your Mind Active 

There are plenty of tools out there today tailored to keep our minds active as we age, but one of my favorites is neurofeedback. 

Neurofeedback brain training has a wide range of uses, with a history of helping people manage symptoms of ADHD, depression, anxiety, and more[7]. These treatments provide clients with the essential training they need to better control their brain activity. 

How exactly does neurofeedback work?

Engaging in neurofeedback strengthens your prefrontal cortex (PFC). This is the region in your brain responsible for what’s known as your executive functions — a collection of mental faculties including attention, working memory, decision-making, and mental agility[8]. 

As you can imagine, having a strong, healthy PFC could make a world of difference in how you mentally and emotionally experience the world as you age.

Unfortunately, neurofeedback hasn’t been available to the masses because neuro training in clinics is expensive and often inaccessible. But all that changed when a company called Mendi came onto the scene. 

Mendi is one of the first neurofeedback products designed to be used anywhere, anytime, and at an affordable price. 

 Instead of going to a clinic and working with a neurofeedback practitioner, you can get your brain training in the comfort of your own home. Here’s how it works:

Mendi uses fNIRS technology to monitor changes in blood flow and oxygenation levels in the prefrontal cortex in response to neural activation. As this technology detects your brain activity, you get the feedback in real time, allowing you to try to improve it instantly. 

fNIRS helps in detecting, through proprietary signal processing, alertness, and attention. This means that each time you’re in a concentrated mental state, you get a reward, which helps your brain self-regulate. The best part; this is all done in a visually gamified and easy-to-learn process using your smartphone. 

Mendi neurofeedback brain training process:

Takeaway 

With these powerful tools at your disposal, you can embark on a transformative journey to nurture your mind, foster genuine connections, prioritize your physical well-being, and master the art of stress management. Are you ready to unlock your brain’s full potential and embrace a life of vitality, purpose, and boundless joy? Let’s go. 

References 

 

  1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/how-memory-and-thinking-ability-change-with-age
  2. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/lifestyle-changes-can-help-prevent-dementia/
  3. https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/25663/social-isolation-and-loneliness-in-older-adults-opportunities-for-the
  4. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/nutritional-psychiatry-your-brain-on-food-201511168626
  5. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/foods-that-fight-inflammation
  6. Marciniak, Rafa?, et al. “The effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) on depression, cognition, and immunity in mild cognitive impairment: A pilot feasibility study.” Clinical interventions in aging (2020): 1365-1381.
  7. Marzbani, Hengameh, Hamid Reza Marateb, and Marjan Mansourian. “Neurofeedback: a comprehensive review on system design, methodology and clinical applications.” Basic and clinical neuroscience 7.2 (2016): 143.
  8. https://www.mendi.io/pages/science 

Algae: Why this Superfood is an Insider Secret for Longevity

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It’s no secret that I can get into some pretty weird stuff. But hey, if you want to stay at the cutting edge of health, you gotta try some out-of-the-box products.

That said, some people are still surprised when I tell them that I make algae a regular part of my daily diet. Why am I obsessed with the slimy green stuff that we find at the bottom of ponds?

Well, first of all, there are products these days that not only make algae palatable, but they actually taste really good. And second of all, and much more importantly, algae is an absolute powerhouse of nutrition.

In fact, algae is the first form of nutrition that this planet ever saw. It was the first form of plant life, meaning that the other plants you eat today are just the offspring of this ancient queen.

Alright, enough of the preamble here; let’s get into the good stuff – I’m about to lay out exactly why I make algae a staple in my diet and why it’s my opinion that every person on this planet should do the same.

Energy Bits green algae tables on wooden spoons

#1 Algae Is A Nutritional Powerhouse

Industrialized farming has decimated our food chain and left our soil lifeless. Even if you eat organic, you’re no longer getting the nutrition you need[1][2]. Scientists are referring to this as “The Great Nutrient Collapse,” and it’s fueling both chronic disease and the decline in our longevity[3].

This is why we need to fuel our bodies with foods that are not only healthy but retain their nutrient profile – which is precisely where algae comes in.

Spirulina and chlorella algae are not only loaded with vitamins and minerals, but they also contain a significant amount of protein by weight. Furthermore, they’re packed with chlorophyll (500 x arugula) and contain high levels of glutathione (1,400x beef)[4][5][6][7][8][9][10].

Impressed?

Well, NASA and the United Nations certainly are; they endorse algae as having 1,000 times more nutrition than any other fruit or vegetable[11][12][13]. Now that’s legit.

And, of course, algae is also ketogenic and it’s free of sugar, lectins, oxalates, toxins, metals, or pesticides.

In fact, studies show that spirulina and chlorella algae may also help to remove toxins like heavy metals from your body[14].

#2 Algae Protects Mitochondria

Mitochondria generate cellular energy called ATP, which your body uses for everything. Think of cellular energy like money. When you have more money, you can do more things and have more choices. The same goes for cellular energy.

Energy Bits graphic illustrating cell energy

But, as you age, you have fewer mitochondria, and the ones that stick around get damaged. This reduces your ATP (cellular energy) and causes your cells to stop working properly, impairing cell signaling and reducing energy.

But here’s where algae comes in.

By reducing free radical damage and inflammation, algae can help to reverse this downward spiral[15]. When inflammation and oxidative stress are under control, it restores your mitochondria and thus renews the vitality that your body needs for optimal health.

Let’s look at this process in a bit more detail:

Your mitochondria have their own DNA located exactly where ATP production happens. But the process of ATP production creates free radicals, which constantly damage your mitochondrial DNA.

Your mitochondrial DNA control everything, so keeping them healthy and alive is essential to keeping you healthy and alive. Normally, antioxidants like Vitamin C or E would stop this free radical damage. The problem is most antioxidants can’t get into the mitochondria because mitochondria have two cell membranes, and the second inner cell membrane is impenetrable to virtually all antioxidants[16].

Energy Bits info graphic illustrating mitochondria DNA

The good news is that there are four antioxidants that can get into this inner membrane, and your body makes three of them; glutathione, melatonin, and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The fourth one, which your body can’t make, is chlorophyll[17][18][19][20][21].

The bad news is after the age of 30, your body stops making these three antioxidants which is (no surprise) exactly when most people experience declining health (60% of adult Americans have a chronic disease)[22][23].

Ready for more good news?

Algae contains high concentrations of two of the three antioxidants your body no longer makes (glutathione and superoxide dismutase) and the world’s highest chlorophyll too. This means that when you take algae, you’re giving your body the exact antioxidants it needs to enhance mitochondrial health, which in turn helps to protect your health and longevity.

#3 Algae Is Brain Food

Did you know that you have two million mitochondria per cell in your brain? That’s why proactively stopping mitochondria inflammation is so important[24]. This brings me to my third and most compelling reason that I consume algae daily.

Algae protects your brain.

Studies show that spirulina’s unique nutrients, like SOD, may reduce amyloid plaques, promote stem cell genesis, and stop telomeres from shortening[25][26][27]. Furthermore, its blue pigment, called phycocyanin, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties[28].

Meanwhile, chlorella’s hard cell wall helps to remove toxins like aluminum, and its high Vitamin K2 assists in removing excess calcium[29][30].

Energy Bits advertisement of a brain lifting weights

 

How Can You Incorporate Algae Into Your Diet?

By now, you’re probably wondering how exactly you can incorporate algae into your daily diet. You won’t find fresh algae in the produce section of your grocery store – and frankly, if you did, I would recommend you leave that stuff alone. And the same with algae that washes up on shore.

Knowing the source of your algae is crucial not only for ensuring nutrient density but also for avoiding toxicity.

You only want algae that’s been carefully grown in freshwater and dried without heat. High heat destroys enzymes, and in the case of algae, it will deplete superoxide dismutase (SOD), that crucial antioxidant that prevents inflammation[31][32][33].

High heat also destroys the blue pigment in spirulina, phycocyanin, which as mentioned, promotes anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity[34].

Unfortunately, most algae companies use high heat to dry their algae, leaving behind a lackluster version of a would-be superfood. That’s why I get my algae from ENERGYbits®. They don’t use high heat to dry their algae so all their nutrients are preserved and their enzymes and pigments are alive and well. And that’s what you need.

ENERGYbits® are tiny algae tablets you swallow by the handful (or heck chew them, or add them to smoothies or trail mix). Either way, their “tiny bits of nutrition” provide you with all the good stuff your body needs including those essential enzymes like SOD and pigments like phycocyanin that give their algae tablets (and you) superpowers you can’t get from the cheap stuff.

By the way, if you’ve ever tried to deal with algae powders you know what a mess it can be. It’s just green…everywhere.

But with ENERGYbits® tablets you just swallow and go. No mess, no mixing, no work and no yucky flavor either. Just swallow a handful of tablets with water and you’re done. ENERGYbits® tablets make nourishing yourself with algae simple, mess-free, convenient, and effortless.

Takeaway

There are plenty of so-called “superfoods” out there to choose from when you want to upgrade your health, and believe me, I’ve tried them all.

Of course, consuming a balanced diet full of variety is crucial for health and longevity. But if you’re a busy person, it’s easy to lose track of how many servings of vegetables you’ve had each day. Not to mention, as we covered, the general nutrient density of our food supply today is, in a word, abysmal.

So I go straight to the source with high-quality, minimally processed algae.

And when it comes to algae,  ENERGYbits® are my preferred source. Their algae tablets are high-quality, zero processed, doctor-endorsed, effortless to take and mess-free. You can buy their algae tablets at biohacking and functional medicine clinics nationwide. But it’s easiest to buy them online at www.energybits.com. Use my discount code DAVE to get 20% off everything.

References

  1. Krebs-Smith, Susan M., et al. “Americans do not meet federal dietary recommendations.” The Journal of nutrition 140.10 (2010): 1832-1838.
  2. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/micronutrient-inadequacies/overview
  3. https://www.politico.com/agenda/story/2017/09/13/food-nutrients-carbon-dioxide-000511/
  4. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/chlorophyll-metallo-chlorophyll-derivatives
  5. https://visuals.energybits.com/articles/chlorophyll-content-in-sprirulina-and-chlorella-compared-to-other-vegetables.pdf
  6. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Content-of-glutathione-GSH-in-food_tbl4_335374753
  7. https://visuals.energybits.com/forms/glutathione-spirulina-test-final.pdf
  8. https://visuals.energybits.com/forms/glutathione-chlorella-test-final.pdf
  9. AlFadhly, Nawal KZ, et al. “Trends and technological advancements in the possible food applications of Spirulina and their health benefits: A Review.” Molecules 27.17 (2022): 5584.
  10. Merino, José Joaquín, et al. “The Long-Term Algae Extract (Chlorella and Fucus sp) and Aminosulphurate Supplementation Modulate SOD-1 Activity and Decrease Heavy Metals (Hg++, Sn) Levels in Patients with Long-Term Dental Titanium Implants and Amalgam Fillings Restorations.” Antioxidants 8.4 (2019): 101.
  11. Ravi, Maddaly, et al. “The beneficial effects of Spirulina focusing on its immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties.” Nutrition and dietary supplements (2010): 73-83.
  12. Karkos, P. D., et al. “Spirulina in clinical practice: evidence-based human applications.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine 2011 (2011).
  13. https://www.un.org/en/ecosoc/docs/statement08/iimsam.pdf
  14. Merino, José Joaquín, et al. “The Long-Term Algae Extract (Chlorella and Fucus sp) and Aminosulphurate Supplementation Modulate SOD-1 Activity and Decrease Heavy Metals (Hg++, Sn) Levels in Patients with Long-Term Dental Titanium Implants and Amalgam Fillings Restorations.” Antioxidants 8.4 (2019): 101.
  15. Ismaiel, Mostafa MS, et al. “Characterization of the iron-containing superoxide dismutase and its response to stress in cyanobacterium Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis.” Journal of applied phycology 26 (2014): 1649-1658.
  16. Jiang, Qian, et al. “Mitochondria-targeted antioxidants: a step towards disease treatment.” Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity 2020 (2020).
  17. Palma, Flavio R., et al. “Mitochondrial superoxide dismutase: what the established, the intriguing, and the novel reveal about a key cellular redox switch.” Antioxidants & Redox Signaling 32.10 (2020): 701-714.
  18. Marí, Montserrat, et al. “Mitochondrial glutathione, a key survival antioxidant.” Antioxidants & redox signaling 11.11 (2009): 2685-2700.
  19. Xu, Chen, et al. “Light-harvesting chlorophyll pigments enable mammalian mitochondria to capture photonic energy and produce ATP.” Journal of cell science 127.2 (2014): 388-399.
  20. Li, Xinyuan, et al. “Targeting mitochondrial reactive oxygen species as novel therapy for inflammatory diseases and cancers.” Journal of hematology & oncology 6.1 (2013): 1-19.
  21. Tan, Dun-Xian, et al. “Melatonin: a mitochondrial targeting molecule involving mitochondrial protection and dynamics.” International journal of molecular sciences 17.12 (2016): 2124.
  22. ?nal, Mine Erden, Güngör Kanbak, and Emine Sunal. “Antioxidant enzyme activities and malondialdehyde levels related to aging.” Clinica chimica acta 305.1-2 (2001): 75-80.
  23. https://chronicdisease.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/FS_ChronicDiseaseCommentary2022FINAL.pdf
  24. Han, Pei, et al. “Anti-oxidation properties and therapeutic potentials of spirulina.” Algal Research 55 (2021): 102240.
  25. Esposito, Luke, et al. “Reduction in mitochondrial superoxide dismutase modulates Alzheimer’s disease-like pathology and accelerates the onset of behavioral changes in human amyloid precursor protein transgenic mice.” Journal of Neuroscience 26.19 (2006): 5167-5179.
  26. Bachstetter, Adam D., et al. “Spirulina promotes stem cell genesis and protects against LPS induced declines in neural stem cell proliferation.” PLoS One 5.5 (2010): e10496.
  27. Serra, Violeta, et al. “Extracellular superoxide dismutase is a major antioxidant in human fibroblasts and slows telomere shortening.” Journal of Biological Chemistry 278.9 (2003): 6824-6830.
  28. Li, Yi. “The Bioactivities of Phycocyanobilin from Spirulina.” Journal of Immunology Research 2022 (2022).
  29. Kawahara, Masahiro, and Midori Kato-Negishi. “Link between aluminum and the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease: the integration of the aluminum and amyloid cascade hypotheses.” International journal of Alzheimer’s disease 2011 (2011).
  30. Maresz, Katarzyna. “Growing Evidence of a Proven Mechanism Shows Vitamin K2 Can Impact Health Conditions Beyond Bone and Cardiovascular.” Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal 20.4 (2021): 34.
  31. Holley, Aaron K., et al. “Manganese superoxide dismutase: guardian of the powerhouse.” International journal of molecular sciences 12.10 (2011): 7114-7162.
  32. Younus, Hina. “Therapeutic potentials of superoxide dismutase.” International journal of health sciences 12.3 (2018): 88.
  33. https://www.worthington-biochem.com/tools-resources/intro-to-enzymes/temperature-effects
  34. Wu, Hua-Lian, et al. “Stability and antioxidant activity of food-grade phycocyanin isolated from Spirulina platensis.” International journal of food properties 19.10 (2016): 2349-2362.

 

Are You Tired Or Just Dehydrated?

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You get a good night’s sleep; you feel healthy, you move through your day getting things done, and then BAM – you’re exhausted. Sound familiar?

This happens to me all the time. 

What is it that comes in and hijacks your energy out of nowhere? You may chalk it up to stress or a hectic schedule, but in my experience, it’s almost always dehydration. 

That’s right, your body is craving more fluids, and it signals its needs by slowing down your energy resources. 

So what is it about water that gives us a boost? Well, it’s not just water alone, but the essential minerals that control your body fluids that really get the spark plug going… I’m talking about electrolytes. Let’s dig into this a bit more.

How Dehydration Drains Your Energy

Water alone is crucial for life, but to keep the fluids in your body stable and active, you need the help of some charged minerals – specifically, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, chloride, bicarbonate, and phosphate. 

These minerals, also known as electrolytes, are responsible for a wide range of functions, quite literally acting as the electricity that lights up your body. You can flood your body with water, but you’re still dehydrated if you don’t have enough electrolytes in the mix. 

Just a handful of the jobs that electrolytes are responsible for include:

  • Nerve transmission
  • Fluid balance 
  • Blood pressure
  • Muscle contraction
  • Blood sugar stability
  • And more

While all of the above factors can impact your energy levels, electrolytes also play a direct role in the activity and synthesis of ATP – the energy currency of your cells. Put simply, the more ATP you produce, the more energy you have[1].   

Therefore, when you’re low on electrolytes, your ability to produce cellular energy becomes significantly compromised. 

Of the various electrolytes, magnesium, potassium, and sodium are the most crucial for ATP synthesis[2][3]. 

Unfortunately, in the US, we’re chronically deficient in magnesium and potassium, and sodium intake varies greatly depending on your diet[4][5]. Could this be why we’re all so tired these days?

In addition to their roles in ATP synthesis, these three electrolytes also play indirect roles in energy production and metabolism.

For example, magnesium assists in muscle contraction and helps to promote restful sleep, while sodium and potassium work together to conduct nerve impulses, and potassium assists with glucose regulation[6][7][8][9]. 

And these are really just the highlights; just as your car runs on gasoline, your body runs on electrolytes. 

LMNT low sodium infographic

Three Common Causes of Electrolyte Imbalance 

Now that you’ve wrapped your head around why hydration requires more than just water, let’s talk about some of the reasons that so many of us are walking around with low electrolytes and low energy. 

#1 You Sweat More Than You Drink

This one may sound obvious, but it’s very easy for us to underestimate how much water we lose each day. You may feel thirsty during your workout, but you also have to keep the hydration going once your exercise is complete. Drinking an extra cup of water while you exercise likely won’t make up for the amount of water you lose during your workout.

And if you workout in the heat, you need to be extra cautious; research shows you could lose up to 3 to 4 liters per hour[10]. 

The same goes for those among you that like to hit the sauna. I’m a massive fan of saunas, but I make sure to hydrate before, during, and in the hours after my sauna session.

#2 You’re On a Low-Carb Diet

Low-carb diets can be an excellent way to lose weight, maintain energy, and support several other aspects of health. The one downside, however, is that reducing your carb intake can throw off your electrolytes. 

When carbs are low, it results in reduced insulin levels, which increases your loss of sodium and potassium[11]. This is particularly true for people on ketogenic diets, which is why the term “keto-flu” is often referenced as your body adjusts to lower carbs and the subsequent loss of electrolytes. 

Low-carb diets also tend to be low in potassium-rich foods like bananas, potatoes, squash, and beans. 

#3 You’re Staying “Hydrated” with Mineral Depleted Water

This one is more common than you might think, and it’s a real problem among the health-conscious crowd. 

Yes, it is vitally important to drink enough water each day. And I commend those of you lugging around gallon-sized water bottles with reminders to sip every hour – but you could be drowning out your electrolytes. 

As mentioned, water alone doesn’t equal hydration; it’s the combination of water with a sufficient level of electrolytes that fuels your cells with the electrical energy they need for optimal function. 

Therefore, when you spend all day drinking plain old H20, you’re actually depleting your electrolyte stores but diluting the good stuff. This is where a high-quality electrolyte supplement comes into the picture. 

Under normal circumstances, if you’re not losing a lot of electrolytes each day via sweat or dietary factors, you may not need to add electrolytes to your water sources. Unfortunately, due to the state of our food supply, which is woefully lacking minerals, and the fact that many humans today are getting more active so they can live long, healthy lives, we’re losing electrolytes left and right. 

The solution? Add some electrolytes to your water. Simple. 

LMNT hydration infographic

Electrolyte Powders: They’re Not All Created Equal

I’ve spent a considerable amount of time trying out different electrolyte powders because, frankly, there are so many on the market today. While it may seem like a pretty straightforward supplement, electrolyte powders come in all shapes and forms. They vary depending on which electrolytes they contain, the amount of each mineral per serving, the flavor profile, the potential additives, and of course, the quality. 

What do I mean by quality?

Well, you have some electrolyte powders that come loaded with sugar, artificial flavors, artificial colors, and all kinds of fillers. Then you have the pure powders; their main ingredients are minerals plus some natural flavors to add to your enjoyment. 

Obviously, I prefer the latter, but even within this category, there are potential pitfalls. 

For instance, some of the clean electrolyte powders only contain a scant amount of the electrolytes we actually need in abundance (sodium, potassium, and magnesium). While others contain high levels of one or two of these minerals without the proper balance of all three. 

At the end of the day, there’s only one electrolyte powder out there that I’ve found to check off all my boxes, and that’s LMNT.

LMNT contains a science-backed electrolyte ratio of the big three, magnesium, potassium, and sodium, and is free of all the additives and artificial nonsense you’ll find in most electrolyte powders. The best part? It tastes great. 

If you’re interested in giving LMNT a shot, they’ve agreed to offer a special deal for my community; a free sample pack of LMNT (including all eight flavors) with any order. This gives you a chance to not only try out the product but also sample each flavor to see which one you like the best.

And for those of you who are already LMNT fans, don’t worry – you still get the deal by using this link to order. 

Woman with LMNT drink in glass cup

Takeaway   

Dehydration can sneak up on you, regardless of how much water you’re drinking.

Our food supply today is already low in minerals, but add to that the popularity of health-promoting practices that drain our electrolytes, like low-carb dieting, sauna sessions, and intense workouts, and we’re basically leaking electrolytes. 

If you want to get ahead of the imminent crash that comes when your electrolytes are low, don’t just fill up that water bottle with H20; make sure you get a nice blend of electrolytes in there as well. 

References 

  1. Shrimanker, Isha, and Sandeep Bhattarai. “Electrolytes.” (2019).
  2. Apell, Hans-Ju?rgen, Tanja Hitzler, and Grischa Schreiber. “Modulation of the Na, K-ATPase by magnesium ions.” Biochemistry 56.7 (2017): 1005-1016.
  3. Flatman, Peter W., and Virgilio L. Lew. “The magnesium dependence of sodium?pump?mediated sodium—potassium and sodium—sodium exchange in intact human red cells.” The Journal of physiology 315.1 (1981): 421-446.
  4. DiNicolantonio, James J., James H. O’Keefe, and William Wilson. “Subclinical magnesium deficiency: a principal driver of cardiovascular disease and a public health crisis.” Open heart 5.1 (2018): e000668.
  5. Sun, Hongbing, and Connie M. Weaver. “Rise in potassium deficiency in the us population linked to agriculture practices and dietary potassium deficits.” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 68.40 (2020): 11121-11127.
  6. Potter, J. D., S. P. Robertson, and J. D. Johnson. “Magnesium and the regulation of muscle contraction.” Federation proceedings. Vol. 40. No. 12. 1981.
  7. Abbasi, Behnood, et al. “The effect of magnesium supplementation on primary insomnia in elderly: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.” Journal of research in medical sciences: the official journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences 17.12 (2012): 1161.
  8. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Potassium-HealthProfessional/
  9. https://biobeat.nigms.nih.gov/2020/11/pass-the-salt-sodiums-role-in-nerve-signaling-and-stress-on-blood-vessels/#:~:text=Sodium%20plays%20a%20vital%20role,tunnels%20in%20our%20cell%20membranes
  10. Marriott, Bernadette M. “Water requirements during exercise in the heat.” Nutritional Needs in Hot Environments: Applications for Military Personnel in Field Operations. National Academies Press (US), 1993.
  11. Harvey, Cliff J. D. C., Grant M. Schofield, and Micalla Williden. “The use of nutritional supplements to induce ketosis and reduce symptoms associated with keto-induction: a narrative review.” PeerJ 6 (2018): e4488.

Biohacking Glyphosate Exposure with Humic Minerals

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Like your produce with a side of pesticides? I’d imagine your answer is no thank you – but if you’re living in the US, you’re probably getting a hefty dose of glyphosate whether you like it or not.  

If you aren’t familiar, glyphosate is the most widely used pesticide in the world, with nearly 19 billion pounds sprayed onto soil and food since the 1980s[1]. It’s the star product of agrochemical giant Monsanto (since acquired by Bayer Pharmaceuticals), and in a sense, it’s a brilliant invention. Glyphosate is amazing at killing weeds and has helped increase global crop yields in the last few decades.  

Unfortunately, glyphosate is also an extraordinarily potent toxin, and the fact that it’s legal to spray it on food is, in my opinion, criminal. And quite a few judges agree: as of 2020, Bayer has paid out more than $10 billion in damages to people who have gotten cancer as a result of glyphosate exposure[2], and a 2019 study found that absorbing glyphosate on a regular basis increases your cancer risk by a staggering 41%[3].  

The trouble is that almost everyone is absorbing glyphosate on a regular basis. It’s in your food, water, and air, and its use is increasing every year. So, what can you do to counteract it? 

Here’s a look at why glyphosate is such a problem and how you can detox it to protect yourself from its damaging effects.

Why You Probably Have Glyphosate In Your System  

Glyphosate is almost everywhere in our environment. In theory, glyphosate should stay on farmland where farmers spray it on crops or drip it into soil via watering systems. As if this direct exposure to our food supply isn’t enough to raise an eyebrow, what magnifies the issue even further is that glyphosate doesn’t stay on farmland. 

Oh no, this toxin has places to go. 

Once it’s taken hold in the soil, it spreads through the air, floating onto and contaminating nearby land via a phenomenon called agricultural drift[4]. It travels down through the soil and ends up in the water table, where it gets into drinking water and groundwater[5][6]. And, not surprisingly, glyphosate residue remains on food, which you then eat[7]. 

 This is exactly why there’s a very good chance you have glyphosate in your system right now. In fact, a large-scale 2014 study from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that 80% of Americans have detectable glyphosate levels in their urine[8]. 

Of course, it could be worse: another 2022 study found that 99% of the French population has detectable glyphosate in their urine, with significantly higher values for men and younger people[9].  

 When you pair that data with the finding that glyphosate increases cancer risk in humans by 41%[10], things start to look pretty bleak. The bad news – avoiding glyphosate seems pretty much impossible. So the better question is: how can you get it out of your body and make sure it doesn’t build up in your cells? 

Humic Substance: the Best Way to Remove Glyphosate 

I’ll cut straight to the chase; taking humic substance—a concentrated mineral compound that is the result of ancient decomposed rain forests—is, surprisingly, the single best way to remove glyphosate from your body.  

 What exactly is humic substance?

As plants are broken down by bacteria and microbes, the result is a mineral rich substance called “humate”. Over millions of years, the humate builds up and concentrates together, forming an ultra-potent collection of bioactive molecules, in a black crystalline substance called “humic”.  

 Humic substance is a gentle, but powerful detoxifier—it binds to heavy metals and plasticizers like BPA[11]—and it also gently removes cellular waste, making your mitochondria (the power plants of your cells) more efficient[12].  

 However, the best case for taking humic substance is its ability to detoxify glyphosate. Glyphosate is an especially nasty toxin – it hides in your cells and causes dysfunction while avoiding the grasp of most standard detoxifiers.  

 Fortunately, humic substance is very good at detoxing glyphosate. It does so in three ways:   

  • Humic substance adsorbs free glyphosate in your gut and bloodstream, binding to and deactivating it[13]. A 2014 study found that humic substance completely neutralizes glyphosate’s ability to destroy gut bacteria[14].
  • Humic substance also opens up channels in cell walls and pulls out stored glyphosate. A 2015 study found that consuming humic substance dramatically decreases glyphosate levels stored in tissue[15]. 
  • Finally, the humic substance falls out of the solution once it binds to glyphosate, allowing you to pass the deactivated glyphosate out of your system for good.  

Simply put, where most detoxifiers fail, humic substance succeeds, making it one of the best ways to protect yourself from glyphosate’s effects.  

How to Get Humic into Your Diet 

There are several different options out there for taking humic substance, but the best product I’ve found comes from BEAM Minerals. Their humic comes from ancient decomposed rainforest soil and is delivered in a liquid suspension, a form that’s especially easy to absorb. It’s one of the most bioavailable humic supplements on the market.  

 In addition, BEAM’s humic substance is flavorless. It tastes like water, which is a major upgrade from most humic supplements (if you’ve ever taken humic before, you know what I mean. It usually tastes downright terrible).  

 Finally, BEAM Minerals also offers fulvic complexes, which is the counterpart to the humic substance. While humic removes toxins from your bloodstream, fulvic removes toxins from within your cells. 

And BOTH humic and fulvic offer concentrated, full-spectrum minerals that refill your mineral stores in a ratio ideal for your body—and again, in a highly absorbable liquid form.   

 I take BEAM Minerals’ humic and fulvic substances together every morning as part of my daily supplement routine. You can feel them working—your brain turns on, you get more energy, your gut feels strong, and you’re ready to start your day. 

 Whenever I find a product or service I love and use daily, I reach out to the founders about getting a special deal for my readers. BEAM Minerals has been very generous: they’re offering 20% off all their supplements—including humic and fulvic—if you use the code “DAVE2023” at checkout.  

Takeaway 

Whether you go with BEAM Minerals or another source, it’s worth adding humic substance to your daily supplements. Glyphosate is one of the biggest threats to the quality of our food and the health of our environment, and as its use increases, things are only going to get worse. In my opinion, humic substance is the single best thing you can do to get it out of your system.   

References 

  1. Benbrook, Charles M. “Trends in glyphosate herbicide use in the United States and globally.” Environmental Sciences Europe 28.1 (2016): 1-15.
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/search/research-news/10408/
  3. Zhang, Luoping, et al. “Exposure to glyphosate-based herbicides and risk for non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a meta-analysis and supporting evidence.” Mutation Research/Reviews in Mutation Research 781 (2019): 186-206.
  4. Cederlund, Harald. “Effects of spray drift of glyphosate on nontarget terrestrial plants—a critical review.” Environmental toxicology and chemistry 36.11 (2017): 2879-2886.
  5. Rendón-von Osten, Jaime, and Ricardo Dzul-Caamal. “Glyphosate residues in groundwater, drinking water and urine of subsistence farmers from intensive agriculture localities: a survey in Hopelchén, Campeche, Mexico.” International journal of environmental research and public health 14.6 (2017): 595.
  6. Noori, Jafar Safaa, et al. “Detection of glyphosate in drinking water: A fast and direct detection method without sample pretreatment.” Sensors 18.9 (2018): 2961.
  7. Soares, Diogo, et al. “Glyphosate use, toxicity and occurrence in food.” Foods 10.11 (2021): 2785.
  8. https://wwwn.cdc.gov/Nchs/Nhanes/2013-2014/SSGLYP_H.htm
  9. Grau, Daniel, et al. “Quantifiable urine glyphosate levels detected in 99% of the French population, with higher values in men, in younger people, and in farmers.” Environmental Science and Pollution Research (2022): 1-12.
  10. Zhang, Luoping, et al. “Exposure to glyphosate-based herbicides and risk for non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a meta-analysis and supporting evidence.” Mutation Research/Reviews in Mutation Research 781 (2019): 186-206.
  11. Sun, Kai, et al. “New insights into humic acid-boosted conversion of bisphenol A by laccase-activated co-polyreaction: kinetics, products, and phytotoxicity.” Journal of Hazardous Materials 436 (2022): 129269.
  12. Visser, S. A. “Effect of humic substances on mitochondrial respiration and oxidative phosphorylation.” Science of the Total Environment 62 (1987): 347-354.
  13. Guo, Fayang, et al. “Glyphosate adsorption onto kaolinite and kaolinite-humic acid composites: Experimental and molecular dynamics studies.” Chemosphere 263 (2021): 127979.
  14. Shehata, Awad A., et al. “Neutralization of the antimicrobial effect of glyphosate by humic acid in vitro.” Chemosphere 104 (2014): 258-261.
  15. Samsel, Anthony, and Stephanie Seneff. “Glyphosate, pathways to modern diseases III: Manganese, neurological diseases, and associated pathologies.” Surgical neurology international 6 (2015).
     

 

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