Bacteria play a critical role in food production. As a matter of fact, without bacteria (and a few other microorganisms) food would not be able to grow. A good general rule of thumb is the healthier the soil- meaning more diversity of the flora- the more nutritious the food. As a society, we like to look at how big or pretty or colorful the fruit or vegetable is, but really our metric should be nutrient per dollar. In soils that have been treated with pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers and ect. the food that is produced is simply of inferior quality. This all starts with the bacteria. When the bacterial diversity goes down (especially probiotic bacteria) the quality of the food simply is not there, and this goes all the way upstream to chronic disease in humans.

In Sleep Smarter, Shawn Stevenson presents 21 essential strategies for improving sleep quality in a practical and accessible manner, emphasizing actionable advice over complex scientific jargon. Key insights include the importance of sunlight exposure for regulating circadian rhythms, the role of gut health in serotonin and melatonin production, and the optimal sleep environment, which should be cool and dark. Additionally, he explores innovative concepts like grounding, highlighting how direct contact with the earth may benefit sleep and overall health. With its straightforward guidance and valuable tips, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to enhance their sleep and well-being.

Circadian rhythms regulate fat metabolism by controlling IL-17A, a T-cell influenced by light and feeding. This protein impacts lipogenesis and thermogenesis, adapting fat storage to metabolic needs. Disrupting light or meal timing, like in night shifts, impairs this rhythm, increasing fat storage. For humans, eating during daylight aligns with natural rhythms, promoting healthier fat metabolism and metabolic balance.