5 "Health Fads" That Are Actually Worth The Hype | The HigherUp Podcast Ep. 26

Summary

In episode 26 of the Higher Up Podcast, host Michael Smoke discusses five health fads that are worth the hype. These include magnesium supplements, cold exposure, sauna use, mouth tape and nose strips, and intermittent fasting. He emphasizes the benefits of magnesium for mental health and sleep, the boost in neurotransmitters from cold exposure, better sleep from sauna sessions, improved breathing with mouth tape and nose strips, and the effectiveness of intermittent fasting for easier caloric restriction. Michael shares personal experiences and scientific studies to support these practices, encouraging listeners to find what works best for their health journey.

Takeaways

• 💊 Magnesium is a key supplement that can improve mental acuity, sleep, and overall well-being, and many people are deficient in it.
• 🍫 Magnesium-rich foods like dark leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, and dark chocolate are often under-consumed in the average American diet.
• 😌 Studies show magnesium supplements can reduce anxiety and depression, especially in magnesium-deficient individuals.
• ❄️ Cold exposure, such as ice baths or cold showers, can boost dopamine and adrenaline, improving mental acuity, motivation, and mood.
• 🔥 Sauna sessions can promote better sleep by cooling the body down after elevating core temperature, which helps trigger melatonin release.
• 😴 Mouth taping and nose strips can improve sleep quality by reducing snoring, improving breathing, and potentially lowering blood pressure during sleep.
• ⏳ Intermittent fasting, while effective, mainly works by helping people maintain a caloric deficit, which is crucial for fat loss and overall health benefits.
• 🧠 Intermittent fasting can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation, but its main benefit is making calorie restriction easier for some people.
• 💪 The best health routines are the ones you can consistently follow—compliance and trial and error are essential to finding what works for you.
• 📉 Weight loss and improved health markers, especially in women, can be achieved through intermittent fasting combined with caloric restriction.

Q & A

What is the first health fad discussed in the podcast episode?

The first health fad discussed is magnesium supplementation. The host believes magnesium is essential for mental health, sleep, and overall wellness.

Why does the host think magnesium is important?

The host emphasizes magnesium’s role in supporting mental acuity, reducing anxiety and depression, and improving sleep. Magnesium helps the brain produce neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and melatonin, which improve mood and sleep.

What are some foods rich in magnesium mentioned in the podcast?

Some foods rich in magnesium mentioned are dark leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, and dark chocolate.

What are the most preferred forms of magnesium according to the host?

The host prefers magnesium glycinate and magnesium threonate due to their effects on sleep and cognitive function.

What is the second health fad the host believes is worth the hype?

The second health fad is cold exposure, such as ice baths and cold showers, which the host believes are beneficial for boosting dopamine, adrenaline, and overall mental sharpness.

What physiological effects does cold exposure have, according to the host?

Cold exposure increases levels of dopamine and adrenaline, which improves mood, mental acuity, and motivation. The host also notes that it creates a sense of well-being and vigor.

How does cold exposure impact neurotransmitters?

Cold exposure can increase dopamine levels by up to 250%, leading to improved well-being and motivation. It also raises adrenaline, which enhances alertness and energy.

What is the third health fad, and how does it impact sleep?

The third health fad is using a sauna. The host finds that regular sauna use helps improve sleep by lowering core body temperature, which triggers the release of melatonin and aids in deeper sleep.

How does the host combine mouth tape and nose strips for better sleep?

The host uses mouth tape and nose strips to reduce snoring and improve nasal breathing during sleep, which lowers blood pressure, reduces the severity of sleep apnea, and improves overall sleep quality.

What is the host’s view on intermittent fasting?

The host supports intermittent fasting as a tool for easier caloric restriction and weight management. They emphasize that caloric restriction is key to weight loss and intermittent fasting helps make it more manageable.