Articles and Essays

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

The McLeans - Jeremiah Success Story - Pink Background

Jeremiah McLean’s Success Story

I’ve gone from being morbidly obese and out of shape to being the lightest I’ve been in 20 years and the strongest I’ve ever been. My family is so happy and proud of me, which also makes me feel great. I really am thriving and living my best life! Jeremiah … Keep reading…

Probiotics Health Benefits Tom Nikkola

Health Benefits of Probiotics: Your Guide

There are fewer solid answers about probiotics than almost any other type of supplement I’ve written or read about. The evidence points to probiotics being good for you, but once you start getting deeper into the details, things get a little fuzzy. Probiotics clearly provide health benefits, but when it … Keep reading…

Glutathione Health Benefits Tom Nikkola

Glutathione: Health Benefits And How To Raise Your Levels

Glutathione is often referred to as “the body’s master antioxidant.” But that description doesn’t do justice to the health benefits of glutathione and how it affects your wellbeing and longevity. In this article, I’ll address the following. To jump to a specific section, click on the link. What Is Glutathione? … Keep reading…

Do Detox Diets Work | Tom Nikkola

Do Detox Diets Work?

“Do detox diets work?” “What do you think about me going on a 12-day water fast?” “Should I get a juicer and start juicing?” When I’m faced with these questions or conversations, I often try to do my best to dodge them, not because I don’t have something to say, … Keep reading…

28 Days - Four Weeks Of Fat Loss - Tom Nikkola

28 Days: 4-Week Muscle Gain Fat Loss Diet

Assuming you’re following an awesome strength and conditioning program (like VIGOR Training), 28 Days could be the best muscle gain, fat loss diet available. It isn’t easy, but it’s incredibly effective. And you only need to stick with it for four weeks. Can you do that? The Problem With “Slow … Keep reading…

Limonene - Health Benefits And Used Of An Essential Oils Constituent | Tom Nikkola

The Powerful Health Benefits of D-Limonene

Few individual compounds can compare when it comes to the health benefits of d-limonene. D-Limonene is one of the hundreds of constituents found in essential oils. In this article, I’ll cover some of the health benefits of d-limonene, as well as explain where to find it and how to determine … Keep reading…

Blood Flow Restriction Training | Tom Nikkola

Blood Flow Restriction Training: What Is It? How Does It Work?

Blood flow restriction training (BFR), also known as occlusion training or KAATSU, might sound like some sort of hardcore training method reserved only for meatheads and serious athletes, but that’s hardly the case. BFR could be the perfect addition to a training plan for weekend warriors, a way to help … Keep reading…

Cardiac Cachexia Heart Failure Tom Nikkola

Cardiac Cachexia: How to Stop the Muscle Loss

You know you’re not in the best of health. After all, you’ve had your share of heart-related issues. However, you’re still getting around and able to do most of the activities you did in the past. You’re just moving a little slower. But, you have noticed your shoulders are starting … Keep reading…

5 Questions That Could Change Your Life - Tom Nikkola

5 Life-Changing Questions To Ask Yourself Every Day

You might expect this article covers questions like “What is the meaning of life?” or “What is my purpose?” It doesn’t. Those are better questions for a college philosophy class, or a deep discussion with friends after a few drinks. The questions I cover here are life-changing because they can … Keep reading…

Torn Bicep Tendon Recovery Tom Nikkola

Torn Bicep Tendon? How To Speed Up Recovery After Surgery

Cinderella wasn’t referring to a torn bicep when they sang the 80’s rock ballad, “Don’t Know What You’ve Got ‘Til It’s Gone,” but that song title is #truth when it comes to a ruptured biceps tendon. You don’t give much thought to how valuable your bicep is in everyday movement … Keep reading…

Woman tanning on the beach in a chair

The Diseases of Low Vitamin D and How to Avoid Them

Do you supplement with 2000-5000 International Units (IU) of vitamin D each day? Or, do you use your lunch hour to lie in the sun in just a loincloth? If not, you’re likely low in vitamin D. More than half of the world’s population is deficient in vitamin D, and … Keep reading…