One Last Spring Cleaning
Happy commencement of June everyone. May truly felt like a blink and a blur. Following my intense weekend with Dan a couple weeks ago, I followed my own advice from "Grip it and Rip it" and dialed it in. Those days consisted of no booze, limited screen time, two-a-day workouts and no caffeine. Locking in, as the kids say. This proved to be a good reset that led myself to accomplish a few of those seemingly impossible tasks that have been put off for far too long. The no caffeine journey may be challenging for some, but I find it necessary once in a while. Our nervous systems have a tendency to overload with too much stimulation. I talked about this a few months ago Here. And that first cup of coffee after abstaining for a couple weeks hits like a line of pure Colombian cocaine.
On we go…
Body Tip of the Week: Lacrosse Ball Massages:
As any of you lax bros are undoubtedly aware, these little guys are hard and dense. They don’t soften under pressure. Lacrosse balls can be used as a powerful massage tool that can help alleviate pain and improve muscle soreness.
This is known as self-myofascial release (similar to foam rolling).
Fascia
Thin connective tissue that covers all the muscles and organs of the body
Disruption of it leads to pain and poor movement patterns.
Fascia tightness pulls body out of alignment
results in increased pressure on muscles and joints (pain ensues)
The goal the lacrosse ball massage loosen the fascia so those muscle tissues can move more fluidly.
General Benefits of Lacrosse Ball Massage:
Improved joint range of motion
Increased muscle performance
Reduced fatigue after exercise
Reduced soreness after exercise
Go get a $4 ball on Amazon and work out some kinks in front of the tv. You will feel better.
Esoteric Health Tip of the Week: Heart Health
America has a heart disease problem. A big part of that is diet and sedentary lifestyles but there are some tools we should be utilizing. For example, Japan has one of the lowest heart disease rates in the world. 4x lower than America. Now a lot of this is their diet, but there is a particular facet I want to focus on. A natural enzyme in their diet that reduces arterial plaque, increases blood flow, and lowers the risk of stroke. It is known as Nattokinase:
I’ll Venmo $5 if you can honestly say you have heard of this
It is an enzyme that comes from natto—a Japanese food made from fermented soybeans.
It has been around for over 1000 years, but the benefits were only discovered in 1987.
It helps break down fibrin. That is the protein that creates blood clots in your veins, plaque in your arteries, leading to a higher chance of stroke. Nattokinase helps melt this away, keeping your blood flowing smoothly.
A study by the NIH shows Nattokinase can shrink artery plaque and improve cholesterol levels. People who took more of it saw:
Smaller artery plaque
Lower LDL and triglycerides
Healthier carotid arteries
Nattokinase needs to be studied further because there is potential for this to be the silver bullet to the United States hear disease problem.
There are trusted supplements of Nattokinase out there. I cycle one on and off, but I would go right to the food source for this one if you can find it—>Natto.
***always check with your doctor first because this thins the blood to a certain degree––especially if you're taking other meds. ***
Study of the Week: Nicotine and Intense Exercise
The new wave is Zyn and other nicotine pouches. Studies show they contain heavy metals, formaldehyde, nickel and lead. Some even have uranium and radioactive byproducts.
I don’t even enjoy these. I wanted to because they are so ubiquitous. Just smoke a cigarette for crying out loud.
People who consistently do vigorous exercise have slower rates of aging compared to those who don't. Light to medium activities do not have the same effect. Train intensely.
Song of the Week: Sons and Daughters
No notes.
Quote of the Week:
See you in a week. Hopefully with my new laptop.
Movimiento es Vida
Fascinating material