Blog

Book Review: Understanding the Heart- Stephen Hussey
Ethan Okunas Ethan Okunas

Book Review: Understanding the Heart- Stephen Hussey

In Understanding the Heart, Stephen Hussey offers an in-depth exploration of heart health, linking it to mitochondrial function, the metabolic theory of cancer, and the significance of sunlight and exclusion zone water. He emphasizes the importance of magnesium and vitamin E for cardiovascular health, positing that all diseases stem from mitochondrial dysfunction, which is exacerbated by stress and poor cellular energy management. Overall, the book stands out as a comprehensive guide that not only outlines effective strategies for heart health but also explains the underlying scientific principles, making it a must-read for anyone interested in improving their cardiovascular well-being.

Read More
Book Review: The Health Evolution by Dr. Stephen Hussey
Ethan Okunas Ethan Okunas

Book Review: The Health Evolution by Dr. Stephen Hussey

In The Health Evolution, Dr. Stephen Hussey argues for an evolutionary perspective on health, emphasizing that modern humans have only practiced agriculture for a short period compared to our hunter-gatherer ancestors, which has led to a mismatch with our current environment. He highlights how individual health is heavily influenced by environmental factors and critiques the modern healthcare system's inability to effectively address chronic diseases. The book advocates for dietary changes—specifically avoiding grains, sugars, and seed oils—and encourages individuals to improve their environments for better health outcomes.

Read More
Book Review: The Fourth Phase of Water by Gerald Pollack
Ethan Okunas Ethan Okunas

Book Review: The Fourth Phase of Water by Gerald Pollack

In The Fourth Phase of Water, Gerald Pollack presents groundbreaking research on "exclusion zone" (EZ) water, proposing it as a newly understood phase of water essential for life. Pollack explains how EZ water stores and releases energy, plays a role similar to a battery, and may help explain natural phenomena like Brownian motion and energy absorption from sunlight. His insights are both revolutionary and accessible, making this a must-read for anyone intrigued by the physics, chemistry, and health implications of water.

Read More
Book Review: Epi-Paleo RX by Dr. Jack Kruse
Ethan Okunas Ethan Okunas

Book Review: Epi-Paleo RX by Dr. Jack Kruse

In Epi-Paleo RX, Dr. Jack Kruse offers a groundbreaking look at health through quantum biology, suggesting that light, water, and magnetism are even more crucial than nutrition. He challenges common misconceptions about cholesterol, highlighting inflammation as the real culprit behind heart disease. This book presents actionable insights into optimizing health by aligning with natural rhythms and addressing modern environmental risks.

Read More
Book Review: Good Energy by Casey Means, MD
Ethan Okunas Ethan Okunas

Book Review: Good Energy by Casey Means, MD

Casey Means' book emphasizes achieving "Good Energy" by minimizing mitochondrial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress through diet, sleep, movement, and environmental awareness. She advocates for whole foods, quality sleep, regular movement, and reducing exposure to harmful chemicals. This holistic approach offers a comprehensive plan to boost energy and metabolic health.

Read More
Book Review: The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma
Ethan Okunas Ethan Okunas

Book Review: The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari by Robin Sharma

In this motivational fable, a Jewish lawyer from New York suffers a heart attack, prompting him to leave everything behind, study with monks in India, and return to share his new wisdom. The book offers powerful life lessons, such as embracing purpose-driven goals, directing energy toward work you love, and the idea that serving others enhances personal fulfillment. Some key insights include: "Luck is the manifestation of preparation and opportunity," and "The purpose of life is a life of purpose." It’s an inspiring read, advocating for finding joy by aligning with personal passion and intention.

Read More
Book Review: Stolen Focus by Yohann Hari
Ethan Okunas Ethan Okunas

Book Review: Stolen Focus by Yohann Hari

In Stolen Focus, Johann Hari explores how modern life—particularly technology—erodes our ability to focus. He argues that issues like attention switching, multitasking, and sleep deprivation significantly impact our attention spans. Hari highlights that it can take 23 minutes to refocus after a distraction and that true multitasking is largely a myth, as we merely switch tasks inefficiently. Technology, especially social media, is built to capture attention through constant notifications and endless scrolling, creating a cycle of dependency. Hari suggests that environmental and societal structures, more than genetics, contribute to attention issues, with corporate interests often profiting from this phenomenon. Highly recommended for anyone looking to understand and reclaim their focus.

Read More
Book Review: The End of Alzheimer's by Dale Bredensen, MD
Ethan Okunas Ethan Okunas

Book Review: The End of Alzheimer's by Dale Bredensen, MD

In The End of Alzheimer's, Dr. Dale Bredesen reframes Alzheimer’s as a complex, multi-faceted disease rather than a single condition driven solely by amyloid-beta plaques. Bredesen identifies four variations of Alzheimer’s, with different causes ranging from inflammation and hormonal imbalances to toxic exposures and insulin resistance. He advocates a preventive approach, recommending lifestyle changes like optimizing sleep, exercise, and nutrition, starting with testing biomarkers around age 45. Bredesen’s approach is hopeful, emphasizing that early Alzheimer’s can be slowed, or even reversed, with targeted interventions. Highly recommended for anyone interested in proactive brain health.

Read More
Flexible Dieting by Alan Aragon
Ethan Okunas Ethan Okunas

Flexible Dieting by Alan Aragon

Dr. John Ott is a pioneer in the field of the effects of light on human health.

All he wanted was for light to be a variable to be accounted for in research. In both Health and Light and Light Radiation and You he advocates how important light is to human health and how lack of light, or improper light may cause detrimental effects on human health.

Read More
Light Radiation and You by Dr. John Ott
Ethan Okunas Ethan Okunas

Light Radiation and You by Dr. John Ott

In Flexible Dieting, Alan Aragon covers foundational nutrition concepts with a practical approach, ideal for those interested in creating sustainable eating habits. Starting with principles of interpreting research, Aragon explains the hierarchy of scientific evidence, helping readers understand that correlation doesn’t equal causation—a common pitfall in nutrition science. He then addresses macronutrients with practical recommendations and clears up misconceptions, like the limited importance of nutrient timing for muscle growth. The highlight, however, is his focus on adherence, stressing that personalization and understanding lifestyle barriers are key for lasting results. A great read for anyone wanting a self-guided start in nutrition planning.

Read More
Part 3: Environmental Effects of Glyphosate
Ethan Okunas Ethan Okunas

Part 3: Environmental Effects of Glyphosate

Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, weakens plants' ability to feed themselves by disrupting their internal nutrient pathways and compromising their natural defense mechanisms. The full Roundup formula, which includes adjuvants, is even more toxic than glyphosate alone, penetrating plant tissues more effectively and causing greater harm, while also killing beneficial microorganisms in the soil that support plant health. Glyphosate not only contaminates the soil, making plants mineral-deficient and lingering for decades, but it also concentrates in the edible parts of plants, harms pollinators like bees, and contributes to overall environmental degradation.

Read More
Book Review: Wired to Eat by Robb Wolf
Ethan Okunas Ethan Okunas

Book Review: Wired to Eat by Robb Wolf

In Wired to Eat, Robb Wolf delves into the complexities of appetite regulation and how modern lifestyles can disrupt our natural hunger signals. He explains that issues with weight often stem not from metabolism alone but from how diet, sleep, stress, and even the gut microbiome influence appetite. Wolf's comprehensive approach to health covers more than just food, addressing sleep, movement, and community as essential factors. A highly insightful read for understanding why managing appetite is a core aspect of health in today’s world.

Read More
Glyphosate Part 2: How Glyphosate Leads to Neurotransmitter Shortage
Ethan Okunas Ethan Okunas

Glyphosate Part 2: How Glyphosate Leads to Neurotransmitter Shortage

Glyphosate disrupts the Shikimate pathway in gut bacteria, impairing the synthesis of essential amino acids like tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylalanine, which are precursors to neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. This can lead to a deficiency in these neurotransmitters, potentially contributing to mood disorders like depression and anxiety. Additionally, glyphosate may compromise gut health by weakening tight junctions in the intestinal lining, increasing intestinal permeability and promoting systemic inflammation, which further impacts brain function and mental health.

Read More
Book Review: Built to Move by Kelly Starrett and Juliet Starrett
Ethan Okunas Ethan Okunas

Book Review: Built to Move by Kelly Starrett and Juliet Starrett

In Built to Move, Kelly and Juliet Starrett provide practical guidance on essential movement and lifestyle skills crucial for overall health, emphasizing that many vital signs extend beyond traditional mobility. The authors highlight the importance of daily activities like walking 8,000-10,000 steps, proper nutrition (800g of fruits and veggies daily), quality sleep, and effective breathing techniques. This comprehensive resource is a valuable read for anyone looking to enhance their quality of life through improved physical abilities and well-being.

Read More
Glyphosate Part 1: How Glyphosate Dissolves Tight Junction
Ethan Okunas Ethan Okunas

Glyphosate Part 1: How Glyphosate Dissolves Tight Junction

Glyphosate, the world’s most widely used herbicide, has been linked to increased gut permeability by promoting the release of zonulin, a protein that loosens tight junctions in the intestinal lining. This "leaky gut" allows harmful substances like partially digested food, bacteria, and toxins to enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and oxidative damage in other organs such as the brain, liver, and kidneys. To reduce exposure, prioritize organic foods, filter water, and minimize airborne contaminants.

Read More
Book Review: The Salt Fix by Dr. James DiNicoantonio
Ethan Okunas Ethan Okunas

Book Review: The Salt Fix by Dr. James DiNicoantonio

In The Salt Fix, Dr. James DiNicolantonio argues that salt deficiency is common and can lead to symptoms like headaches and fatigue, countering the demonization of salt in dietary guidelines. He emphasizes that improving metabolic health is more crucial for managing blood pressure than reducing salt intake and suggests that a daily intake of 3-4 grams is optimal for overall health.

Read More
Basics of the Food Chain
Ethan Okunas Ethan Okunas

Basics of the Food Chain

This might be pretty basic, but I actually think it might be helpful to go over the food chain a little bit, as we must eat to survive. This is probably like a recap of high school biology or even middle school but it is valuable. I don’t think you can have a good understanding of nutrition without knowing these kinds of basics.


Read More
Book Review: The Wim Hof Method by Wim Hof
Ethan Okunas Ethan Okunas

Book Review: The Wim Hof Method by Wim Hof

In The Wim Hof Method, Wim Hof introduces his unique approach to health and wellness, built upon three foundational pillars: breathing, cold exposure, and mindset. Hof's breathing techniques emphasize the profound impact of conscious, controlled breathing, while his advocacy for cold exposure—though sometimes met with skepticism—suggests potential health benefits that deserve exploration. However, it is Hof's emphasis on mindset that stands out most; the book highlights how mental resilience can enhance the effectiveness of both breathing and cold practices. While Hof's methods may not align with conventional scientific standards, his engaging and accessible writing invites readers to consider the transformative possibilities within their own health journeys.

Read More
How Bacteria Regulate Health of Entire Food System Start to Finish
Ethan Okunas Ethan Okunas

How Bacteria Regulate Health of Entire Food System Start to Finish

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.

Read More
Book Review: Sleep Smarter by Shawn Stevenson
Ethan Okunas Ethan Okunas

Book Review: Sleep Smarter by Shawn Stevenson

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.

Read More