Scott Anderson, Ph.D.

The vitality of your cellular mitochondria are a significant predictor of your health. To support your overall health, it's best to avoid low-fiber foods that are sweet. Fruit is sweet, though is generally high in fiber. A donut, on the other hand, is low in fiber and sweet. The metabolic pathways of each are significantly different, and interact with enzymes in your liver in very different ways. This plant-based donut did not check the whole-foods box Metabolic health is your mitochondria working at peak efficiency, and your liver is a mitochondria factory. When you eat low-fiber foods that are sweet, the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in your liver isn't able to bond with the receptors that initiate the production of healthy mitochondria. While your tissues may be crying out for refreshed mitochondria, the factory doors are locked when you consume low-fiber, sweet food. Not all sweet food is created equal - there are many types of sugars, such as sucrose, fructose, lac...

Mitochondria are the powerplants of your cells, and their wellbeing is a significant predictor of your overall health. Healthy mitochondria are associated with enjoying a life filled with more energy, greater endurance, clearer thinking and better metabolic health. In many respects, mitochondria are the often-unappreciated foundation of wellbeing. Mitochondria are found in most cells in the human body, though the mitochondria of the muscles are among the most "workable." In the muscles, mitochondrial health can be addressed through various means, particularly through diet and exercise. Not all foods feed the mitochondria, while some exercise is better than others at supporting robust mitochondrial health. Mitochondria are parts of the cell where fuel is converted into energy. (image from NIH National Human Genome Research Institute ) As with so many components of wellbeing, aging is hard on mitochondria. Not only do we tend to lose muscle as we age, the remaining muscles ofte...

Cardio is good for body and mind. The benefits of cardio are many, including improving mental health, reducing the incidence of cardiovascular disease, and is associated with reductions in age-related cognitive decline. With few exceptions, cardio is essential to cultivating greater well-being. Rowing is my go-to form of cardio training. While all cardio is beneficial, rowing is unique in how it checks multiple well-being boxes. Time spent rowing, whether indoors on a rowing machine, or outdoors on the water, develops whole-body strength and power. In addition to the myriad benefits delivered by each and every form of cardio, cardio leverages the time you spend working out to do more than develop your cardiorespiratory fitness. Rowing develops cardio respiratory fitness, strength and power. While most forms of cardio work only a few muscle groups, rowing reportedly works more than 85% of skeletal muscles. Unlike most forms of cardio, rowing builds strength and power. Maintaining streng...