JJ’s Power Picks

Gut health and -biotics simplified, sleep to manage blood sugar, metabolism and age Gut health and -biotics simplified, sleep to manage blood sugar, metabolism and age ͏‌ Íâ€Œ Íâ€Œ Íâ€Œ  ͏‌ Íâ€Œ Íâ€Œ Íâ€Œ  ͏‌ Íâ€Œ Íâ€Œ Íâ€Œ  [JJ Virgin]( Hi ,   Here are my Power Picks of the week! [JJ's Power Pick]( [Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Postbiotics: The Microbe Garden in Your Gut]( While scientists have discovered so much about the gut microbiome over the last decade, we're still in the infancy of understanding this complex community that includes trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that profoundly shape your health. Anahad O'Connor's excellent article in The Washington Post provides a helpful birds-eye overview of probiotics, prebiotics (which feed probiotics), and postbiotics (waste products produced by gut microbes when they break down high-fiber foods). He also discusses antibiotics, which have long been overprescribed and kill harmful and friendly bacteria. While I agree that food—especially fermented and fiber-rich foods – is the best way to get these wide-impacting gut supporters, fitting them into even a well-designed diet can be tough. Even if you do, eating enough kimchi to get its therapeutic benefits might be challenging. In those cases, high-quality supplements are your best option.   [Study: Sleep Can Help Manage Blood-Sugar Levels]( A 2010 study concluded that a single night of poor sleep could increase the risk of insulin resistance and weight gain—and this was in healthy younger people! Sleep scientists at the University of California, Berkeley recently uncovered one reason why this happens. Drawing on prior studies, they found that deep sleep switches on a part of your nervous system called the parasympathetic nervous system, which can improve your body’s insulin sensitivity and lower your blood-sugar levels the following day. The study, published in Cell Reports Medicine, offers a novel—and, I would add, free —approach to managing blood sugar and reversing diabetes. If you need another reason to focus on consistently great sleep, this is it!   [Study: Metabolism Slows Down Later Than You Might Think]( I've heard many women talk about metabolic crashes or that their metabolism isn't what it used to be after a certain age. But one study turned that urban legend on its head. Researchers looked at 6,421 people (nearly two-thirds women) from 29 countries to determine how age shapes your metabolism. The results were fascinating: your metabolism only declines once you reach 60. In other words, midlife metabolic decline and blaming weight gain on middle age aren't accurate conclusions. Even by 60, researchers noted that muscle loss could be one reason for that metabolic decline. Strength training and a protein-first meal plan are powerful solutions to keep your metabolism rolling at full speed in any decade.   Love, JJ   P.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC’s) latest statistics, an estimated 37.3 million people (that’s 11.3% of the U.S. population) have type 2 diabetes.✝ If you’re not personally impacted, you likely know someone who is. That’s why I’m so excited about my pal and esteemed colleague Beverly Yates, ND’s upcoming [Reversing Type II Diabetes Summit](. This free online event, happening online October 3-9, features over 40 experts specializing in diabetes, nutrition, heart health, Alzheimer's, inflammatory diseases, and bone health. Dr. Yates brings pearls of wisdom based on 30 years of experience in diabetes management. Along with other experts, you’ll learn practical ways to regain control of your health in this cutting-edge, empowering summit. When you register, you’ll get a FREE e-copy of Blood Sugar Reboot: 8 Weeks To Better Glucose Control by Jennifer Pfleghaar, DO, ABOIM. [Click here to sign up and get your free book](!   ✝Diabetes Research Institute: [Diabetes Statistics](   If you are looking for additional information on aging powerfully through your 40s and beyond, please visit the [JJ Virgin website]( for various resources including guides, books, programs, Reignite Wellness supplements, and more. You can also join my community on [Facebook](, [Instagram](, and [Pinterest](! [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [Youtube]( Reignite Wellness 14 Commerce Blvd. Palm Coast Florida 32164 United States You are subscribed to this email as {EMAIL}. Click here to modify your [preferences]( or [unsubscribe](.