Good health is the most valuable asset we have in life. Yet many of us take our health for granted until something goes wrong. We assume health problems are an inevitable part of aging, rather than realizing they often originate from nutrient deficiencies or lifestyle factors within our control.
The truth is we have far more power over our health outcomes than we realize. Small daily choices determine whether we thrive or merely survive. By understanding what our bodies truly need and making simple changes, we can add years to our lifespan and life to our years.
In this post, we’ll explore the keys to optimizing health and performance at any age. You’ll discover powerful (yet free) techniques to:
- Wake up energized
- Boost mood and energy levels
- Strengthen your immune system
- Reduce inflammation and disease risk
- Enhance focus and mental clarity
- Improve your body’s ability to heal and regenerate
Follow these strategies to become the healthiest, happiest version of yourself.
The Critical Importance of Genetic Testing
One of the biggest health revelations is that conditions we previously accepted as “normal” aging or bad genetics are often just deficiencies. For instance, gut issues, anxiety, high blood pressure and attention disorders frequently stem from an inability to convert certain nutrients into a usable form.
This conversion process depends on five main genes that impact how we metabolize and utilize vitamins and minerals. Even small mutations in these genes can have dramatic effects on our health over a lifetime.
The good news is we can pinpoint exactly where our conversions are breaking down through genetic testing. A simple cheek swab identifies mutations affecting nutrient utilization and provides a personalized supplementation guide.
Rather than guessing what we might need, this testing reveals the specific nutrients our bodies lack based on our unique genetic makeup. Targeted supplementation can then correct deficiencies before they cause bigger problems.
While genes themselves don’t change, genetic testing only needs to be done once. The results provide a blueprint for optimizing health throughout our lifetime. They also help explain conditions that run in families by identifying shared mutations affecting metabolism and nutrient status.
Bottom line, genetic testing cuts through trial and error to show us exactly how to nourish our bodies. It’s one of the most powerful steps we can take to maximize health and longevity.
The Superhuman Protocol – Nature’s Performance Enhancers
When it comes to optimizing energy and health, nature provides some of the best (and free) solutions. Our ancestors naturally got plenty of these performance enhancers by spending most of their time outdoors.
Yet today we live sheltered indoor lives disconnected from the elements. We miss out on lifestyle staples that were integral to our biological functioning. The “superhuman protocol” aims to restore what nature intended by incorporating:
Daily sunlight – Sunshine provides vitamin D, which the majority of people are deficient in. Low vitamin D is linked to weaker immune function and higher mortality. Getting outside in the morning sun is crucial for circadian rhythm, mood and optimal health.
Grounding – When bare skin touches the earth, we discharge electrical charge and pick up electrons that reduce inflammation and stress. Regular grounding calms the nervous system, thins the blood and enhances sleep.
Deep breathing – Most people chronically under breathe, which starves tissues of oxygen. Deep belly breathing infuses the body with energizing, alkalizing oxygen while triggering the relaxation response.
Cold therapy – Brief cold exposure triggers norepinephrine release for a surge in alertness, metabolism and willpower. Cold plunges reduce inflammation and kickstart tissue regeneration.
Start incorporating these practices daily to experience their rejuvenating effects. Even small actions like breathing deeply before a meeting or taking a cold shower have an amplifying impact over time.
Master Your Emotional State to Master Your Health
The next frontier in longevity research shows our thoughts, feelings and beliefs exert a far greater influence on health than once believed.
Studies find a person’s mindset and emotional state directly impacts physiological functioning down to a cellular level. Patients told they had a terminal diagnosis versus a high chance of remission showed significant differences in survival outcomes based purely on their shift in emotional frequency.
This reveals just how powerfully the mind can alter the course of health or disease. Our emotional state determines which memories we access and therefore the actions we take. Since up to 80% of decisions are driven by emotion, learning to regulate our emotional state is crucial to making choices that serve our health.
Here are three steps for mastering your emotional state before important moments:
- Set your intention – Clarify the purpose behind your actions. Whether it’s a team meeting or client presentation, define how you intend to show up.
- Visualize the outcome – Picture the successful end result. See people thanking you or congratulating you after conveying your message. Envision the future you’re committed to creating.
- Access an authentic state – Speak truths you genuinely believe to project authenticity. This builds trust and aligns people to your frequency.
Following this process will help you emanate the energy needed to fulfill your intentions. By shifting your emotional state first, you influence outcomes in your favor.
Optimize Your Morning Routine
How you spend your mornings sets the tone for each day. To perform at your peak, optimize your daily routine with these healthy habits:
- Hydrate – Drink plain water or filtered water to avoid chemicals like fluoride. Proper hydration boosts every system.
- Move – Get sunlight and fresh air. Try walking, gentle movement or breathing exercises.
- Supplement – Take customized supplements based on your genetic needs. Target deficiencies for optimal functioning.
- Energize – Do an energizing activity like meditation, journaling or listening to uplifting content.
- Fuel – Eat a nutritious breakfast free of inflammatory oils and sugars. Pick whole foods to power your day.
- Cleanse – Drink lemon water, take probiotics and/or practice dry brushing to support detoxification.
The morning sets the stage for the rest of the day. By starting with proactive self-care, you’ll feel more focused and resilient in the hours ahead.
Feed Your Body What It Needs
We all know food provides the building blocks for our physical body. Yet many of us eat according to social norms or cravings rather than supplying what our body actually needs for optimal function.
Here are a few key actions to improve your eating habits:
Ditch inflammatory oils – Avoid oxidized seed oils like canola, soybean and corn oils which are highly processed. Stick to stable fats like olive oil, ghee and avocados.
Eat clean protein – Focus on organic, grass-fed, pasture-raised sources of protein like beef, chicken, fish, eggs and collagen.
Increase produce – Eat plenty of organic vegetables, leafy greens, berries and low-sugar fruits. These provide protective antioxidants and phytonutrients.
Stay low sugar – Excess sugar feeds inflammation, suppresses immunity and creates cravings. Avoid sweetened foods.
Supplement intelligently – Fill individualized nutrient gaps revealed through genetic testing and bloodwork. Target deficiencies.
Improve your gut health – Boost probiotic foods, fiber intake and consider gut-supporting supplements if needed. Much of health starts in the gut.
Nourishing our body optimally gives us the raw materials to function our best mentally, physically and emotionally. It’s one of the most worthwhile investments we can make.
The Journey of Vibrant Health Starts Now
You now have plenty of actionable steps for taking charge of your health in order to thrive. Begin by picking one or two areas to focus on improving first whether diet, sleep, hydration, reducing stress or exercising more mindfully.
Build momentum with small, positive changes that add up over time. Be patient and compassionate with yourself in the process. Creating healthy habits requires consistency, not perfection.
Most importantly, remember that vibrant health is our natural state when we align with our body’s needs. You have immense power to shape your health and life by the choices you make each day. Invest in feeling your absolute best at every age by optimizing nutrition, mindset and lifestyle starting today.
