Science

How Oxygen Availability Affects Cognitive Fatigue: Insights and Solutions

by
Cyclist ridin

Reading Time: 2 minutes Cognitive fatigue can significantly hinder athletic performance, particularly in physically demanding activities conducted in low-oxygen environments. These environments pose challenges to executive functions, which are crucial for tasks like learning, planning, judgment, and decision-making. A study published in Scientific Reports sheds light on the impact of oxygen saturation on neural activity and cognitive performance during … Read more

The Difference Between V02 and V02 Max

by
The Brooks Beasts Track Club doing V02 max training in Seattle Washington.

Reading Time: 2 minutes Understanding the metrics that measure our body’s oxygen consumption during exercise is essential for gauging fitness levels and tracking progress. V02 and V02 max are key measurements used in assessing aerobic capacity; however, they are often used interchangeably despite their differences.  V02: Measurement of Oxygen Consumption  V02, or oxygen consumption, refers to the amount of … Read more

Oxygen: The Underrated Player in Athletic Success

by

Reading Time: 2 minutes Oxygen is the foundational element for athletic success. It serves as the key player in the body’s energy production, enabling sustained physical activity and enhancing endurance capacity. Despite its undeniable importance, oxygen often remains an underrated factor in athletic performance, overshadowed by other aspects of training and preparation. The Universal Impact of Oxygen Across Sports … Read more

Gut Health and Sleep Restoration: The Key to Mending Chronic Sleep Disturbances

by
Gut Health and Sleep

Reading Time: 4 minutes Sleep is crucial for maintaining our physical and mental well-being, acting as the body’s natural repair and rejuvenation process while also solidifying memories and learning. Yet, in today’s fast-paced world, chronic sleep restriction (CSR) – or simply not getting enough sleep – has become all too common, leading to a heightened risk of chronic illnesses, … Read more

The Science of Long-Haul Flights and How to Stay Healthy

by
Blog Post

Reading Time: 6 minutes Long-haul flights can be exhausting and uncomfortable, causing a wide range of physical and mental stress on our bodies. From cramped seats to jet lag, the effects of long flights can be felt long after we arrive at our destination. Athletes are particularly susceptible to these negative effects as they are often on the road … Read more

The Influence of Nutrition and Probiotics on Mental Health

by

Reading Time: 4 minutes Conversations around mental health have become commonplace in recent years, but many people still overlook the connection between the microbiome and mood regulation. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 8 people globally suffer from some form of mental disorder, with anxiety and depression at the top of the list.  In 2020, the number … Read more

The Potential Negative Effects of Artificial Sweeteners on Gut Health

by
The Potential Negative Effects of Artificial Sweeteners on Gut Health

Reading Time: 6 minutes Artificial sweeteners have become popular in the food and beverage industry, commonly found in everyday “health” products like recovery drinks and protein bars. Despite being recognized as safe by the FDA, a growing body of research suggests that these sugar substitutes may not be as harmless as we once thought.  In fact, a 2014 study … Read more

Microbes and Muscles: The Science behind the Gut-Muscle Connection

by

Reading Time: 7 minutes The human gut is home to trillions of microorganisms that make up the gut microbiota. Recent research has shown that these tiny microbes can have a profound impact on our overall health and well-being, including the health and function of our skeletal muscles. The gut-muscle axis, which refers to the communication between the gut microbiota … Read more

Microbiota in Sports: Effects of Physical Activity, Probiotics and Diet

by

Reading Time: 6 minutes The human body is host to trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the microbiota, which plays a crucial role in maintaining human health. Recent research has focused on the interplay between microbiota, physical activity, and diet, with particular attention paid to the effects of these factors on athletes.  The composition of bacteria colonizing the gastrointestinal … Read more

The Impact of Oxygenation on Endurance Athletes

by

Reading Time: 5 minutes Oxygen plays a key role in our daily lives, although the relationship between oxygen and the microbiome is often misunderstood. When it comes to athletic performance, how much oxygen the gut uses has a direct impact on how much oxygen is available for the rest of the body.  Vo2 Max and lactate threshold are two … Read more