In her new book, Truly Cultured: Rejuvenating Taste, Health and Community with Naturally Fermented Foods, author, chef and holistic health expert Nancy Lee Bentley explains why bacteria never looked so good. 

It's not easy to understand the complex world of blood doping and the use of illegal performance-enhancing drugs. EPO, steroids, growth hormone...it's a confusing mishmash of scientific jargon--until now. Thanks to this informative article by Dr. Mac Larson, you'll sound like a pro when discussing the specifics of EPO and blood doping with your friends.

Key Points: 

• Electrolytes are vital to physiologic function and athletic performance 

• High or low levels of electrolytes are detrimental to performance and health 

• A majority of foods and beverages contain an overabundance of sodium and low potassium in relation to the standard American diet

When you need to heat up something fast, using a microwave is a convenient way to go. According to the USDA, over 90 percent of American homes have at least one. But their safety and effect on the nutritional value of food are subjects that yield frequently conflicting information

David, 14, stands 5’9” and weighs 131 pounds. He initially came to my office after medical tests revealed ketones in his urine. David also needed to address his frequent bouts with dizziness and premature muscle fatigue. Having recently dropped 50 pounds through an intense exercise routine that included several hours of boxing, weight training and running, David was interested in learning healthy techniques to halt his weight loss yet still allow him to gain muscle mass as he entered another growth spurt.

If you’re a meat eater, consider giving bison a try.

Taking on the duo-role as student-athlete at the collegiate level can present challenges that are both stressful and rewarding at the same time. Balancing early morning practices, frequent double workouts, classes, class work, sleep and a social life leaves little breathing room and can hurt the student-athlete academically and athletically if they are not managing their time effectively.

Whether you’re hiking to the summit of Mount Whitney, kicking up some dirt in a 24-hour mountain bike relay race, conquering mile after mile in an ultra-marathon or combining several disciplines over several hundred miles of an adventure race course, reaching the peak with respect to performance requires careful nutrition planning. In this article, I offer you a “nutrition essentials timeline” as you prepare for your next big adventure.

Want nutrition info at the click of your mouse? Then check out DietDetective.com.

You want extreme sports? How about a 135-mile marathon through Death Valley in July? If running is not your thing, perhaps maneuvering over rocks, sand ...