Quantified Bob

Hack. Track. Analyze. Optimize. Rinse. Repeat.

Mimicking the Fasting Mimicking Diet – My 5-Day Experiment

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There are numerous studies that demonstrate the benefits of periodic, short-duration fasting, such as weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity and brain function, immune system regeneration, and longevity. I’ve been a fan (and practitioner) of intermittent fasting for several years, but other than an occasional 24-hour liver cleanse or protein fast, I had never done any extended fasting. My original plan was to do a “traditional” water fast, where nothing but water is consumed for a period of 3-5 days. However, during my research I began looking for ways to get all of the benefits of a water-only fast, but in a way that was “easier” (both mentally and physically), safer, and would minimize catabolic effects (loss of muscle mass). Enter the “fasting mimicking diet”… [Read more…]

Water Quality – Measuring My Indoor Environment, Part 2

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This is the second in a series of posts where I explore various aspects of my indoor environment. You can read part 1 on air quality here, and part 3 on EMFs and electromagnetic radiation here.

The next step in hacking my environment was to analyze my drinking water quality. I consume probably 10-12 glasses of water per day, as I pretty much drink it exclusively (no soda, etc.). I live in New York City, which consistently ranks among the best-tasting and cleanest drinking water in the US. However, even if the municipal water system is clean, other things may be contaminating the water coming out of my tap such as plumbing issues, eroding pipes, or lead-based solder.

According to the New York City Department of Environmental Protection’s 2013 report:

DEP also treats the water with food grade phosphoric acid, sodium hydroxide, and fluoride. Phosphoric acid is added to create a protective film on pipes that reduces the release of metals, such as lead, from household plumbing. Sodium hydroxide is added to raise the pH and reduce corrosivity, which also leads to a reduction in potential exposure to lead.

DEP is one of the many water suppliers in New York State that, since 1966, has been treating its drinking water with a controlled, low level of fluoride for consumer dental health protection. On February 14, 2012, after receiving authorization from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, DEP reduced the target dosage of fluoride from 1.0 mg/L to 0.8 mg/L.

I ordered two First Alert Drinking Water Test Kits (available online and major hardware stores) and began my tests.

[Read more…]

“Quantified” Friday Sales

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Since today is #BlackFriday, the (arguably) biggest shopping day of the year, I’ve rounded up a number of great offers on Quantified Self-related products and services. Most of them won’t last long!

  • InsideTracker is offering their biggest sale EVER on all blood testing/analysis packages. Use my code BFRBOB to save!
  • uBiome is selling their 5-site microbiome test kit for just $89 instead of the usual $399. Use code 5FOR1BF when you check out. Offer ends Friday at midnight PST!
  • Bulletproof is having an entire weekend of sales:
    • Friday, November 27: 20% off coffee, beverages, and oils
    • Saturday, November 28: 20% off proteins and healthy snacks
    • Sunday, November 29: 20% off supplements and accessories
    • Monday, November 30: 20% off site-wide !
  • All Withings products are on sale up to 60% off – Activité tracker, Smart Body Analyzer, Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor, Pulse O2, Aura Smart Sleep System, Withings Home
  • HeartMath is offering their emWave2 and emWave Pro for 40% off on Friday November 27th
  • Lumo is discounting their Lumo Lift by $20 and Lumo Run by $50!

 

Indoor Air Quality – Measuring My Indoor Environment, Part 1

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This is the first in a series of posts where I explore various aspects of my indoor environment. You can read part 2 on water quality here and part 3 on EMF and electromagnetic radiation here.

Most people think of Quantified Self as being mainly focused on gaining knowledge about one’s body and health. That’s a fine generalization, but most of us pay little attention to the environment around us, which can have a bigger impact on our lives than the number of steps we take! My particular interest is in understanding the risks and potential negative health effects caused by factors such as air quality, the water we drink and shower with, and different types of electromagnetic radiation (wifi, cellphone towers) that the modern world has surrounded us with. Over the next series of posts, I will be sharing what I’ve learned about various aspects of my indoor environment, starting with air quality, and steps I’m taking to better optimize my living space.

Why Is Indoor Air Quality So Important?

Poor air quality has been linked to numerous acute and chronic conditions, from decreased concentration and cognitive function to sleep issues and the development of autoimmune conditions, asthma, or even cancer. [Read more…]