The Morning Dose #26: 2024 Predictions, Fasting Research, and Recommended Health Resources

In this week’s edition of The Morning Dose:

 Our 2024 Predictions: What’s Around the Corner?

 Peptide Spotlight: Cerebrolysin

Research Spotlight: Intermittent Fasting Fights Inflammation

Recommended Health Resources for 2024

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 Our 2024 Health Predictions: What’s Around the Corner?

As we reach the end of 2023 and look ahead to the New Year, one thing that’s always been fun is doing a bit of predicting and forecasting into the future.

Of course, nobody knows for sure what’s ahead, but we always keep a close eye on the state of the health, fitness, and anti-aging space.

We thought it would be fun to predict some of the health, fitness, and anti-aging trends we expect to see in the New Year. Some of the trends we’re already seeing are very promising, and as expected, some are absolute garbage.

Without further ado, here are our 2024 industry predictions.

 Health & Fitness Predictions

The explosion of recovery tools. We’ve already seen a spike in fitness tech, and these days people are obsessed with tracking stress and recovery. Whoop, Oura Rings, FitBits, and other devices promise to read our biometrics and tell us if we’re ready to take on the day. I think we’re going to see even more demand for things like saunas, ice baths, massage guns, and other devices designed to aid recovery.

More plant-based diets. Whatever your thoughts about plant-based diets may be, I think we’re going to see even more experts promoting them, or perhaps even “new” diet trends.

Mainstream media continues to share content and documentaries about the benefits of plant-based eating, and I think more people will consider the switch if they think it’s for their health. Move aside, Carnivore Diet, your time is coming to an end.

Alternative beverages and elixirs. Let’s face it, when it comes to health and fitness, it’s nearly impossible to deny the impact of podcasters like Andrew Huberman, Peter Attia, and others in the space. Week after week, their episodes top the charts, so we know millions of people are listening every week.

As these experts (and scientific research, of course) continue to show the harmful impact of even small doses of alcohol, I think more people will give it up entirely and turn to alcohol-free beverages or THC-infused alternatives.

 Anti-Aging Predictions

Advanced supplement protocols. Research has shown over and over that some of the most important things we can do for longevity are regular exercise, healthy eating, maintaining a healthy weight, and consistent sleep.

But people love a good shortcut, and as we continue to see research into the impacts of various chemicals and supplements on our health, I wouldn’t be surprised to see health experts and influencers coming out with complex, expensive supplement protocols to promote longevity.

 More anti-aging clinics. I’m not talking about your local TRT doctor, I’m talking about full-service, luxurious, expensive anti-aging retreats for the ultra-wealthy.

Last month, Business Insider ran a story about luxurious anti-aging clinics, including a 7-day retreat in Switzerland that costs $53,000 for a week of treatments… I expect more places like this to pop up around the world in the coming years.

 Peptide Predictions

New weight loss peptides. Yes, weight loss peptides are already changing the state of healthcare as we know it, but more is on the way. We’ve already seen promising research into newer, more powerful peptides like retatrutide, and I’d be surprised if we don’t see even better weight-loss peptides in 2024.

More public demand for peptides. It’s clear that a lot of people are aware of weight loss peptides these days, and hormone therapy has already been popular for years.

But if I had to guess, the average person still doesn’t know much about the peptides we cover, even the “common” ones like BPC-157, TB-500, or Tesamorelin. I predict that peptide awareness will rise, and we’ll start to see a demand for all peptides, not just the weight-loss compounds.

  Peptide Spotlight: Cerebrolysin

Speaking of peptide knowledge, let’s look at a fascinating new peptide in this week’s deep dive: cerebrolysin.

Cerebrolysin is a neuropeptide that delays the onset of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as the associated dementia.

It may also be useful in restoring brain function after a traumatic brain injury, which could prove to be extremely useful, especially in athletes who tend to experience head trauma and concussions.

Early research suggests that cerebrolysin works by reducing inflammation in the brain, as well as reducing levels of harmful proteins and compounds that lead to the development of neurodegenerative disease.

While this peptide isn’t FDA-approved, interestingly enough, it’s widely used in Eastern Europe, China, and some Asian countries. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has termed it as a safe medication option owing to its efficacy and potency as a treatment option for neurological complications.

As with anything, you need to do plenty of research and be very careful before using any compounds, but this is a promising one that’s already being used around the world, and we hope to see FDA approval in the future.

For more, check out our complete guide to cerebrolysin.

Research Spotlight: Intermittent Fasting Fights Inflammation

While intermittent fasting has been popular for years, many of the benefits are still being researched.

A lot of fasting experts talk about the many benefits of fasting, which do seem to exist, like weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, autophagy (cellular recycling), and more.

The confusing part is that many of these benefits seem to come from any type of calorie restriction, not just fasting, so it’s been to figure out just how much fasting plays a role.

That’s why we’re always interested to see the continual research, like this recent meta-analysis that looked at 10 different randomized trials, specifically looking to see if fasting has an impact on inflammation in the body.

Chronic inflammation may cause fatigue, pain, digestive issues, bloating, and an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

The meta-analysis looked at all kinds of eating patterns over various time ranges, with studies ranging from 4 to 48 weeks, and eating windows ranging from 4-10 hours.

Fasting seemed to reduce TNF-alpha levels, which is a pro-inflammatory cytokine. Levels of leptin were also reduced, which is interesting, as leptin is a hormone that regulates appetite and tells your brain that you’re full, but leptin may also be pro-inflammatory.

In other words, intermittent fasting seemed to directly decrease TNF-alpha and leptin, both of which promote inflammation, although increased hunger may be a side effect – which makes sense.

While you may still see these anti-inflammatory benefits from any type of diet, we’re certainly seeing more and more evidence that fasting may have increased health and longevity benefits, like decreased inflammation.

Intermittent fasting still isn’t the best choice if you’re looking to maximize muscle growth, but if you’re just looking for health, longevity, and a bit of weight loss, it’s a fantastic choice. And with all of the peptides currently available that can control your appetite, fasting is easier than ever.

Recommended Resources for 2024

Finally, to help you prepare for your best year ever, we’re going to share some of our most trusted health, fitness, and peptide resources.

Whatever your health goals may be in the New Year, the resources on this list will help you optimize your health and wellness in 2024.

Best TRT Provider: Fountain 

We talk about Fountain all the time, for good reason–we trust them. Not only do they truly care about your needs, but as a special offer for Muscle & Brawn readers, they’re offering a HUGE discount on lab work, so even if you don’t need TRT, Fountain is a very affordable way to get your bloodwork checked.

Getting your bloodwork checked is notoriously expensive, and many find that their doctors are reluctant to order testosterone labs through insurance.

With Fountain, your initial labs and consultation will only cost $35 when you use our link.

Best Peptide Provider: Biotech Peptides

If you can’t get peptides from your doctor, research labs are your only option, and we love Biotech Peptides. They have plenty of options, and everything is lab-tested, with transparent testing results available for each peptide.

Many research companies don’t disclose their testing, so you have to rely on intuition, and if you’re lucky, user reviews. With Biotech Peptides, you can rest assured that you’re receiving only the highest-quality peptides available.

Be sure to use the code “BP10” to save 10% on your entire order.

Best GLP Provider: FountainGLP

We love Fountain’s TRT services, and we were thrilled when they launched FountainGLP, a service that connects you with an expert team and concierge support, and delivers semaglutide right to your doorstep.

You’ll begin with an initial consultation, and if your doctor agrees that you’re a good candidate for weight loss peptides, you’ll become a FountainGLP and begin your treatment ASAP.

You can schedule video calls with the team and text your questions at any time, making FountainGLP far more accessible than your primary care physician.

Now, semaglutide is expensive no matter where you go, but FountainGLP aims to have the most affordable membership in the industry.

Many online weight loss clinics charge hundreds per month for their consultation and prescription services only, leaving you to pay $500-$1,000/month for your medication on top of the monthly fees.

Rates will vary depending on which medication you’re prescribed, and which dose, but FountainGLP prices start at $80 per week, INCLUDING your medication.

FountainGLP’s all-inclusive rate is the most affordable and high-quality service in the industry. Get started with FountainGLP here.

Training & Nutrition Coaching: Muscle + Brawn Coaching

Sometimes you just need someone to give you the perfect plan and make sure you’re staying on track, so you can focus on doing the work, rather than overthinking and planning everything yourself.

If you’re interested in coaching, look no further than Muscle & Brawn coach Daniel Louwrens. Daniel is our resident peptide expert with a degree in Chemistry as well as nutrition and personal training certification, and a successful bodybuilding coach with years of experience.

To learn more and book your consultation with Daniel, head to our coaching page.

Supplement Research: Examine

The supplement industry is highly profitable, and choosing a brand you trust can be confusing. Thanks to the power of marketing, there is no shortage of companies peddling snake oil products, convincing you that their formula is the missing link between you and your goals.

That’s why we always recommend referencing Examine. Examine is an unbiased research company that provides thorough, in-depth research summaries on ingredients, not products. They provide very thorough breakdowns of nearly every supplement ingredient out there, helping you make informed choices.

You can simply search for any supplement ingredient, and Examine will tell you if it works, and if so, how much you need, so you can make sure your supplement uses proper dosing.

Community Support: The Muscle + Brawn Facebook Community

Our private community is the best place to meet like-minded individuals, learn about peptides, and ask your questions. It’s a private community and we manually approve each member, so you can rest assured that your privacy is safe with us.

Our head coach, Daniel Louwrens, regularly answers questions in the group, so the Muscle + Brawn community is the best place to get advice.