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Hey friends, let's talk about the amazing benefits of potassium, one of the essential mineral micronutrients that our body needs to function properly! Also known as electrolytes, Potassium, paired with sodium make two of the most prevalent minerals in the human body, to the point that pretty much every cell in your body has what are called sodium-potassium pumps. Back to talking shop, potassium is super important for regulating blood pressure through relaxing blood vessel walls and therefore reducing the strain on the heart. As part of this process, potassium also balances out our sodium levels, and what you might not know is that the main reason behind high blood pressure in many adults over 45 is not high sodium, but low potassium. Let me say this again. Low potassium has been shown to be responsible for the high blood pressure - high sodium correlation in many adults and elders.

Personally, I'm a huge advocate for getting your nutrients from whole foods whenever possible, and potassium can be found in a wide variety of foods including fruits, veggies, dairy products and meats. But let's face it, on one hand our food supply isn't what it used to be, and even when we're eating a healthy diet, we might still be missing out on some important micronutrients, and on the other hand we purposefully add extra sodium to the things we eat.

That's why I'm all for cautiously supplementing and experimenting to see how your body responds.
For me, supplementing with potassium chloride in water on some days has been an eye opening experience. I first started adding sodium and potassium to water in calculated amounts during longer fasts, to help stay hydrated. What I noticed was that I urinated more often, but I also had more steady energy levels throughout the day and was able to work, do 11 massages a day and also train without eating food for up to five days (my longest fast to date), all of this while having no bad symptoms.

Of course, it's always important to pay attention to your own body and listen to the signals it gives you. I recently started using less potassium chloride than usual, so I could experiment with the effects of lower amounts. I've been using only about 500mg of potassium chloride salt in a two-litre bottle, instead of the full 1000mg contained in the sachets I have, and I've noticed some interesting differences, like getting rid of the extra urination.

As a conclusion, always try to use the minimum amount of any supplement, and make the most out of the least.

So there you have it, friends. Potassium is an essential mineral micronutrient that can help regulate blood pressure, balance out sodium levels, and support overall health. And by paying attention to your body and experimenting with caution, you might just find that a little potassium supplementation can go a long way in helping you feel your best!

What does fasting mean to you?
Does it mean not eating food, not drinking water, not eating animal products? Is it good, or bad for you? Is it important how long you do it for?

Well, fasting is an ancient practice that has been used for spiritual, religious, and health reasons for thousands of years. It involves abstaining from food or drink for a certain period of time. Here is some information about the history of fasting, ways to do it, and its benefits:

History of Fasting:
Fasting has been practiced in various forms by many cultures and religions throughout history. Some of the earliest records of fasting come from ancient Greece and Rome, where it was used as a means of purification and healing. Fasting is also an important part of many religious traditions, such as Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.

Ways to do it:
There are many ways to fast, including:

Intermittent fasting: This involves cycling between periods of fasting and eating. One popular method is the 16/8 method, which involves fasting for 16 hours and eating within an 8-hour window.
(although the 16 and 8 as it's called does not have any particular benefits and was proved to have been implemented because the scientist performing the study had a partner who would limit the amount of time he was allowed to spend in the lab. So feel free to experiment with different intervals)

Water fasting: This involves abstaining from all food and drink except for water for different amounts of time. - My longest water fast was five days and the longest ever fast with medical supervision was done by the severely obese (at the start of the fast) Agostino "Angus" Giuseppe A Barbieri (1939 – 7 September 1990) was a Scottish man who fasted for 382 days, from June 1965 to July 1966. Look his case up, it's amazing.

Juice fasting: This involves consuming only fruit and vegetable juices for a certain period of time.

Partial fasting: This involves reducing calorie intake by eliminating certain foods or limiting portion sizes. (this is the most popular weight loss method that doesn't work.. at least not long term)

Benefits:
Fasting has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including:

Weight loss: Fasting can help reduce calorie intake and promote weight loss.

Improved insulin sensitivity: Fasting can help improve insulin sensitivity, which may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. (prolonged fasting has been shown to have amazing effects even with reversing type 2 diabetes - search Jason Fung)

Reduced inflammation: Fasting has been shown to reduce inflammation, which is linked to many chronic diseases.

Improved brain function: Fasting may improve brain function and increase the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that helps promote the growth of new brain cells.

Increased longevity: Some studies suggest that fasting may increase lifespan and promote healthy aging.


*It's important to note that fasting isn't appropriate for everyone and should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional, particularly if you have a history of health conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

As a side note, feasting is also important. It's a way in which our bodies evolved over millions of years. So if by any chance you are very low weight for your height and age, if you feel like ever eating a soaked cotton ball to stop you from feeling hungry, then fasting is definitely not for this time of your life, and food is good!

Did you know that having healthy feet is essential for good posture and overall health? Your feet are the foundation of your body, and any issues with your feet can lead to problems with your knees, hips, and spine. That's why it's important to take care of your feet by wearing proper shoes, doing foot exercises, and getting regular foot massages.

If you're experiencing foot pain or discomfort, don't ignore it! It could be a sign of a more serious problem. Consult with a trained professional, such as a physical therapist, to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Remember, taking care of your feet can go a long way in improving your overall health and wellbeing!