Articles and Essays

Catch up on my latest articles and essays on faith, fitness, and fortitude.

Supplement pills arranged to spell COVID-19

Research Shows Dietary Supplements Reduce COVID-19 Risk

The prestigious British Medical Journal recently published a study that got little attention from Mainstream Media, probably because it wasn’t about getting the COVID-19 vaccine. The study showed that four dietary supplements significantly reduce COVID-19 infection risk. Using an app developed by Zoe Global, in partnership with King’s College London, … Keep reading…

Athletic woman rubbing the bottom of her foot

Muscle Cramps (Charley Horse): Causes & how to get rid of them

Some people deal with muscle cramps (Charley horses) on occasion, and others experience cramping multiple times each week. While they aren’t harmful, they can be pretty painful. And while the exact cause of cramping isn’t known, you may be able to reduce the likelihood of getting them. In this article, … Keep reading…

Man jumping onto box doing box jumps

Plyometrics: Fitness and Performance Benefits for Non-Athletes

What are the benefits of plyometrics? Trainers and strength coaches often integrate plyometrics into their sports performance programs for athletes. Yet, the benefits of plyometrics aren’t exclusive to athletes. When used appropriately, plyometric exercises add variety to programming, provide a safe and effective means of improving movement proficiency, and can … Keep reading…

Image of beetroot juice and beets lying on white background | Tom Nikkola

Nitric Oxide and Nitrates: Incredible Health and Performance Benefits

Nitric oxide benefits your heart and enhances performance. Interestingly, nitric oxide levels are increased by a dietary substance that’s often demonized as a cancer and cardiovascular disease-causing compound: nitrate. Nitrate, found in some vegetables and processed meats, looks like it offers much more benefit than risk. Here’s what you need … Keep reading…

Child sitting behind computer for virtual classroom

Distance Learning and Children’s Mental and Physical Health

With seemingly little regard for kids’ mental and physical health, politicians, public health “experts,” and teachers upended the existing school system. They replaced it with a half-baked, online, distance learning “solution.” Surprisingly, there was little pushback on decisions that could have such catastrophic and long-lasting consequences as sending kids home … Keep reading…

Natto on wooden spoon with white background

Nattokinase: Health Benefit, Sources, Doses, and Side Effects

Following a review of my most recent lab work, my doctor recommended nattokinase as part of cardiovascular health protocol.  Most of my markers for heart disease risk looked excellent, including my triglycerides, c-Reactive Protein, blood pressure, and Hemoglobin A1c. However, my Apo B, PLAC, oxidized LDL, and Lp(a) told a … Keep reading…

Pile of maltodextrin powder on dark counter

What is maltodextrin? Is it safe?

Online health “experts” tend to vilify maltodextrin, lumping it into a list of unsafe ingredients along with trans-fats, artificial sweeteners, and soy protein. But does maltodextrin deserve such a reputation? For that matter, what is maltrodextrin? If someone were to eat it by the spoonful, yes. In the way it’s … Keep reading…

Man doing medicine ball throws against concrete wall

How to Gain Muscle Without Gaining Fat

Is it possible to build muscle without gaining body fat? Or could it even be possible to gain muscle and lose fat? If you ask the average “bro” at the gym or even the average personal trainer, they’ll tell you that you need to eat a ton of calories and … Keep reading…

Winter country highway

My Truck / Car Emergency Kit For Cross-Country Travel

With the reliability of today’s cars and trucks and the fact that your smartphone makes it easy to get help when you need it, you might overlook the importance of a car or roadside emergency kit. Most people, including me, give little thought to what could happen until we’re in … Keep reading…