Running just once a week has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of death from cancer and cardiovascular diseases, and aerobic exercise is known to be beneficial for improving certain blood biomarkers including cholesterol and blood glucose. [1,2,3] But not everyone enjoys running, and some people just naturally seem to be better at it. Why is that, and how does running specifically impact those values? InsideTracker scientists took a closer look at both DNA and blood biomarker data ...

In the 1920s, scientists discovered that the state of ketosis—when the body switches from using glucose to ketone bodies for fuel—effectively reduced the number of seizures in children with epilepsy. [1]  Why and how this works remains unknown. Nevertheless, the ketogenic (AKA keto) diet is often used to reach ketosis and is still prescribed as a pediatric anti-seizure treatment. Scientists are even considering it as a potential treatment for other neurological disorders like Alzheimer's and ...

After intense exercise, it's tempting to reduce muscle pain by whatever means necessary to stay on a training regimen or routine. But common pain-relieving practices like taking ibuprofen or using ice may not be best post-workout. Instead, research shows that supplements like fish oil, collagen, and curcumin, along with active recovery methods, are more efficacious in alleviating muscle tenderness. Here’s how. 

A new study finds that consuming chocolate may positively affect blood sugar and other health markers.[1] So, what’s the key to chocolate’s health benefits? Researchers chalk them up to a favorable nutrient profile and, surprisingly, the time of day the chocolate is consumed. 

Though a variety of lifestyle factors play a role in mental health, emerging research suggests that dietary patterns and food choices play a significant role in the prevention and treatment of brain-based disorders, specifically depression. No single nutrient or eating plan can cure depression, but the creators of the Antidepressant Food Score have aimed to classify foods and eating patterns best suited to alleviate its development and symptoms. 

Alexi Pappas has one impressive resume. Greek-American runner. Author. Actress. Olympian. Greek national record holder in the 10,000 meters set at the 2016 Summer Olympics. There’s not much this woman hasn’t done. And there’s no limit in sight for what she will achieve in her life. But her accomplishments, drive, and perseverance weren’t possible without consistent recalibration and self-check-in. Alexi wanted objective, science-backed indicators to measure and evaluate her performance, health, ...

Testosterone is the main male sex hormone that plays an integral role in growth and development, cognitive and sexual function, and healthy aging throughout a man’s life. [1] Although testosterone levels drop around 1%-2% each year after age 40, low testosterone levels can occur at any age. [2] Certain dietary and lifestyle practices can help naturally increase testosterone, promoting healthy aging and enhancing performance. 

Our cells go through a normal, physiological mechanism in which they quite literally feed on themselves—a process known as autophagy (pronounced aa-TAA-fuh-jee). The word autophagy stems from the Greek prefixes auto- (self) and -phagy (feed on). This form of cellular housekeeping allows our body to remove damaged parts of cells while recycling others. Inducing autophagy, especially through extended fasts, has become a popular habit among the longevity and biohacking crowds as a way to improve ...