Knowledge
Knowledge
by OPTIMIZED Team on Sep 28 2022
Your gut and brain are connected physically through millions of nerves. Gut health is an important factor in mental health, IBS, and obesity. The imbalance in the gut can send messages and signals to the brain that trigger mood changes.
Knowledge
Hormesis: Why Stress Makes us Stronger!
by OPTIMIZED Team on Jun 22 2022
Ever heard “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”? It’s all about the type of stress and the dose of that stress!
Knowledge
The Best Nootropics for Brain Health
by Juanita Martingalia on Jul 07 2021
Introducing nootropics, specifically selected for your own personal goals, can be a game changer for your brain functioning and brain health. Choose smartly, be patient and let nature’s gifts work for your own Optimised Self!
Knowledge
Beating Brain Fog With Nootropics
by OPTMZ Official on Jul 07 2021
In honour of Brain Awareness month, it always helps to understand the brain a bit better, be aware of what can go wrong and also know how best to care for your brain with lifestyle changes and nootropic supplements.
Knowledge
What Are Neurotransmitters and How Do They Work?
by OPTMZ Official on Jun 17 2021
We want to optimise our neurotransmitters so that they can communicate efficiently and process information in the way that you intend them to. But sadly, we often end up with inflammation in our brains that suffer decline or just feel kind of…broken. Even the best machines sometimes require some maintenance to function at their optimal best.
Knowledge
The Power of Lion's Mane: The Brain Boosting Mushroom
by OPTMZ Official on Jun 03 2021
Lion’s Mane Mushroom has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. It's only recently that it has enjoyed a meteoric rise in popularity across the globe, but the results from studies make it easy to understand why this humble little shroom is earning the title of Super Shroom.
Knowledge
by OPTMZ Official on Jun 26 2020
Nutrigenomics and Nutrigenetics investigate the relationship and effects between our diet, environment and our genetic variability. This can reveal a number of health-related issues that present you with better insight into what fuels your body and what doesn’t.
OVERVIEW:
The two terms, nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics are often used interchangeably in this field. However, the core differences are important to understand,
Nutrigenetics investigates the influence of our genetic variability on our ability to interact with bioactive molecules in the molecular environment. Our genetic variability affects the way in which we absorb, metabolize, transport and respond to various nutrients or bioactive molecules. Essentially, nutrigenetics investigates how we respond based on our genetic variability or “gene-environment interactions”
For example, genetic variations in the CYP1A2 gene affect the ability of an individual to metabolize caffeine, which accounts for why some experience “jitters” after a single cup of coffee and others don't.
Nutrigenomics on the other hand investigates the effects of bioactive molecules on our genes, particularly gene expression with the potential to either up-regulate/down-regulate or activate/silence certain genes. Otherwise referred to as “environment-gene interactions”.
In a nutshell, every individual has their own unique genetic code with their own unique genetic variability and by using this information you can identify the optimal diet and lifestyle adjustments for health, performance, weight management, recovery and more.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PERSONALIZED APPROACHES:
We might be aware that we should steer clear from sugar, eat plenty of healthy fats, moderate our carbohydrate intake, and get sufficient exercise. However, even with the abundance of information, diet plans and nutritional advice out there, most people still have questions surrounding which is the best approach for me? Should I cut carbs? Should I be putting butter in my coffee? Should i be doing endurance or strength training? Which supplements do I actually need?
The answers are out there but a well-calibrated diet and performance plan stretches far beyond generalised recommendations.
Every individual possesses a unique “blueprint” and what works for person A might not work for person B!
HOW CAN NUTRIGENOMICS & NUTRIGENETICS BENEFIT ME?
By understanding the unique needs of an individual, based on the analysis of their genetic variation, personalised approaches through diets, supplement suggestions, training programs and lifestyle adjustments can be developed.
Diet & Nutrition:
Identify your genetic variations which impact metabolism, absorption and storage of fats and carbohydrates, as well as eating behaviour to understand how your genetic profile will impact your response to our most effective healthy eating plans.
Health & Vitality:
Identify potential lifestyle diseases and how to optimise your health by personalising your lifestyle and diet choices to manage inflammation, detoxification and cellar functioning.
Sports & Physical Performance:
The effectiveness of training and physical performance is affected by key biological areas, where personalised training strategies can optimise your genetic potential, and identify the right lifestyle, nutrition, training and environmental interactions.
Longevity & Anti-Aging:
Identify genetic variations and practices which affect antioxidant status and inflammation, UV sensitivity and damage, skin elasticity and repair.
Brain Health & Mental Performance:
Identify risks for neurological disorders, compulsive behaviour, neurotransmitter balance, mood regulation and which protocol or practises can assist in prevention or enhancement.
CLOSING THOUGHTS:
Personalised insights via DNA testing and analysis allows for data-driven and personalised nutritional and lifestyle recommendations for each individual.
Armed with information, you can be better-equipped to achieve your goals.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS?
Is It Safe?
Nutrigenomics services are totally safe and completely non-invasive, requiring only a cheek swab for the sample.
Is It Backed By Real Science?
Yes, nutrigenomics is not a new discovery and the results are structured off of thousands of published research papers.
Who Is This Suited For?
Anyone looking to take a personalised, effective and functional approach to their health, wellness and performance, based on YOUR specific DNA composition! Everyone is different, the approach should be too!
Is It Worth The Cost?
Well, what price tag do you put on your health?
The saying, “Health is Wealth” says it all. You have one vehicle in this lifetime, surely you would want to make the best of it and get the most out of it?
The cost of a nutrigenomic test is once off, once it's done, it's done and you have the insights you need.
How Can I Get Started?
Simple, you can find more information on what we offer and how to get started, here.
Knowledge
Keep Your Brain Working While On Lockdown
by OPTMZ Official on Apr 14 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing protocols set in place during this period has called for some major changes in our daily lives and may even call for some changes in how we think.
Knowledge
11 Reasons Why You Should Drink Molecular Hydrogen!
by OPTMZ Official on Nov 19 2019
The healthiest beverage that a person can consume is, no doubt, ‘WATER’. It’s free of any harmful chemicals and salts. Now, how about altering the way we drink water? Well, welcome to hydrogen water- the latest trend in wellness.
Knowledge
Boosting Your Focus With Nootropics!
by OPTMZ Official on Oct 03 2019
As the hustle and bustle of modern-day life keep getting busier, we find that it's harder to stay focused on our productivity and getting things done. Whether it's distractions from our mobile devices or outside influences, from time to time we all experience the lack of focus and it affects our productivity without a doubt.
Knowledge
Exploring Lion's Mane Mushroom & Its Benefits
by OPTMZ Official on Jul 23 2019
The Chinese have for long used mushrooms in health foods, as well as in their Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat various ailments. They are revered as ‘spirit plants’ that promote longevity and good health.
Knowledge
Exploring The Benefits of Agmatine Sulfate
by OPTMZ Official on Jun 25 2019
To be able to reach one’s full potential, it is essential to have proper coordination between body and mind. Agmatine Sulfate is one such nootropic supplement that helps boost one’s overall state of being and help achieve better coordination. A derivative of the L-Arginine amino acid, Agmatine Sulfate is also a biogenic amine.
Discovered in 1910 by a German biochemist, it took almost 100 years to discover the complete benefits and uses of Agmatine Sulfate as an element. It is one of the important players in improving the functions of the nervous system by working both as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator.
Apart from being naturally present in the brain and spinal cord, Agmatine is also present in food sources like fermented foods, beer, coffee and wine. Dubbed by many as the “Super Arginine”, this powerful nootropic can also be consumed in powder or capsule form as well.
Agmatine Sulfate is extremely beneficial in its nootropic benefits as it helps promote mental clarity and reduce stress levels. It also helps recover from a spectrum of complex diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, drug addiction, mood disorders and cancer.
Let’s understand in detail why including Agmatine Sulfate as a part of your everyday intake may prove to be a great idea for anyone, healthwise.
A Few Benefits of Agmatine Sulfate
1. Helps Fight Depression:
Agmatine has shown antidepressant effects along with promoting an upliftment in the mood. It reduces anxiety and promotes a sense of well-being. It negates depressive behaviour by protecting brain cells from high levels of stress hormone cortisol. Agmatine reduces the levels of monoamines in the brain, which are often associated with depression.
A pilot study done on three patients suffering from depression revealed complete disappearance of depression with the intake of Agmatine supplement.
2. Reduces Pain Sensitivity:
Agmatine is an effective supplement for pain relief. Especially in the case of a condition called thermal hyperalgesia, where the body becomes hypersensitive to heat or cold. In fact, it appears to be a promising supplement in terms of neuropathic pain, drug addiction, stroke protection and even general cognitive health.
It works in synergy with painkillers like morphine and fentanyl.
3. Helps Maximize Performance:
Agmatine is consumed by athletes and bodybuilders to maximize their performance. An essential supplement in sports medicine, Agmatine functions to enhance strength and energy before, during and after a workout.
Agmatine is used by many body-builders to achieve more stamina, improve muscle growth, and minimize pain during workouts. Intake of Agmatine helps increase endorphin levels which in turn may help the pancreas to produce insulin.
More insulin can lead to more glucose being absorbed by the muscles, thereby providing the body with further fuel for exercise and enhancing muscle repair.
4. Helps Relieve Stress:
Agmatine Sulfate is noted to positively influence the production of nitric oxide, increasing levels in your bloodstream, which ultimately improves the delivery of oxygen and other nutrients to your muscles. It is highly valued as a nootropic as it helps promote better cognitive performance and mental function.
It helps fight the effects of stress and minimize anxiety levels through regulating cortisol in one’s body. It is also helpful in improving one’s mood and fight depression, as mentioned above.
5. Helps Lose Weight & Gain Weight:
People who struggle to gain weight can benefit from Agmatine supplements. In some studies, subjects showed signs of increased food consumption rates by 44% to 54% in 24 hours. In certain other studies,
Agmatine shows an increase in fat burning, a decrease in fat composition and an increase in muscle mass.
6. Supports Muscle Growth:
Agmatine helps stimulate the production of luteinizing hormone, increase in which also leads to an increase in testosterone levels. By increasing testosterone levels, Agmatine contributes to an optimal hormonal environment for muscle growth, enhances athletic performance and fastens recovery.
Agmatine also causes a rise in insulin sensitivity and the uptake of glucose into the muscle. Increasing insulin sensitivity leads to improved movement of glucose as well as amino acids into the tissues for growth and repair.
7. Helps Erectile Dysfunction and Infertility:
L-arginine supports cell replication and enhances blood circulation, thereby improving both sperm production and motility. Low levels of Nitric Oxide in the blood leads to erectile dysfunction and other fertility problems. This is because an erection requires the relaxation of smooth muscles, and Nitric Oxide helps achieve this.
A large number of cases of male infertility, almost as high as 92% are treatable with the help of L-arginine supplements. Research shows that stress lowers L-arginine levels in the sperm production pathway. Therefore, taking L-arginine supplements can help men suffering from chronic stress.
8. Helps With Alzheimer’s Disease:
Some very evident signs of Alzheimer’s disease are an increase of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, which are caused by insulin resistance. Agmatine helps during Alzheimer’s disease by preventing cognitive decline by rescuing insulin signalling and avoiding the potential accumulation of those tangles.
9. Acts as a Neuroprotectant:
Agmatine works as an anti-oxidant and is still being tested for its anti-ageing properties. It exhibits neuroprotective effects against oxidative damage and injuries to the Central Nervous System. Because of the various mechanisms through which Agmatine reacts with our body, it helps protect our brain against any damage from stroke.
Agmatine Sulfate is a very effective nootropic supplement that is essential for individuals looking to maximize their performance, especially involved in heavy physical training and for those who want to have a well-functioning mind and body.
Knowledge
by OPTMZ Official on Jun 11 2019
Simply put, Nootropics are supplements, compounds, foods and nutrients with the main function and aim of improving brain health and cognition. Nootropic's aim, in general, is to enhance an individuals attention, mental acuity, short and long term memory and even aspects of right and left brain thinking.
Knowledge
Tell-All Guide on Benefits of Choline
by OPTMZ Official on Apr 24 2019
Choline helps your brain, muscles, liver, nervous system and overall metabolism function. It is critical for day-to-day functioning of the brain, particularly in the areas of movement, learning and memory and sleep quality.
Knowledge
How To Effectively Increase Neurogenesis?
by OPTMZ Official on Mar 20 2019
Simply put, Neurogenesis is the term used to refer to the creation of new neurons in the brain. Increased neurogenesis can help support memory, mental clarity, recall, reduce anxiety and even assist with depression. Let’s find out how to increase neurogenesis.
Knowledge
Demystifying Coluracetam, Its Uses And Benefits!
by OPTMZ Official on Feb 26 2019
If the human body is analogous to a system, then tweaking the inputs should achieve a state of optimum wellness. Supplements, particularly nootropics, are one such input that can contribute to biohacking. Let’s explore the value of an individual nootropic, Coluracetam, on enhancing cognition and brain health.
Knowledge
Brain Fog & How To Curb It For Good!
by OPTMZ Official on Feb 12 2019
You might be suffering from a condition called ‘brain fog’. It is a non-medical term which is also recognized as the clouding of consciousness or mental fog. Though most people suffer from it sporadically, there could also be some more frequent manifestations.
Knowledge
Why Successful People are Using Nootropics
by OPTMZ Official on Jan 07 2019
Nootropics, or smart drugs, are gaining popularity with entrepreneurs and executives who need to perform at a high level in the business world.
Knowledge
Why Is Molecular Hydrogen Good For You?
by Juanita Martingalia on Nov 13 2018
Molecular Hydrogen or H2 is the new buzz in the medical science world. It is the smallest and most prevalent molecule in existence and works miraculously as an antioxidant health supplement.
This tasteless, odourless gas is in the news for it is able to tackle more than five dozen diseases. It is celebrated for its anti-aging, anti-allergenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects.