ETHOSUN: THE LOVE LETTER TO THE PLANET BORN FROM A HEALTH CRISIS AND A COMMITMENT TO MEDICAL INTEGRITY
PG 26
THE SURPRISING BENEFITS OF GROUNDING
PG 32
Planet Always. Skin First.
A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Our mission and purpose at TopDoctor Magazine is to foster connections within the health and wellness community and empower our readers to make well-informed healthcare and lifestyle decisions. We pride ourselves on being the ultimate resource for interviews with health and wellness leaders, trending medical news, and healthy living topics.
We understand that choosing a healthcare provider is a crucial decision. Our in-depth interviews with esteemed doctors and medical professionals aim to bridge the gap between them and their clients. By providing our readers with personal insights, philosophies, and areas of expertise, we facilitate a deeper understanding of the individualsresponsible for your health and well-being. We also strive to highlight our outstanding practitioners, showcasing their dedication to their patients and contributions to the medical community.
The field of medicine is constantly evolving, with new practices, therapies, and technologies emerging at a rapid pace. At TopDoctor Magazine, we strive to keep you updated on the latest advancements in the medical world. Our comprehensive coverage of trending medical news equips both doctors and patients with the knowledge they need to make informed choices about healthcare options.
Building strong connections within the medical community is essential for enhancing patient care and driving medical progress. Our magazine serves as a bridge, connecting medical companies with doctors and vice versa. By facilitating these connections, we aim to catalyze collaborations that can lead to innovative solutions and improved healthcare outcomes for everyone.
It is our firm belief that well-informed individuals make better decisions about their health. By providing you with insights into established and emerging medical trends and technologies, we empower you to take an active role in your healthcare choices.
Whether you are a healthcare professional seeking to stay updated on the latest advancements or a patient eager to make informed decisions about your well-being, TopDoctor Magazine is here to support you.
In every issue, we strive to uphold the highest standards of journalistic integrity, accuracy, and relevance. Our dedicated team of writers, editors, and medical experts work tirelessly to bring you well-researched and compelling content that is both educational and engaging. Moreover, our graphic design team is committed to delivering an aesthetically pleasing reading experience where captivating design seamlessly merges with informative content, ensuring each issue becomes an engaging journey of discovery.
As we embark on this mission to serve as your trusted source of medical information and insights, we encourage you to join us on this exciting journey. Your feedback and suggestions are invaluable to us, and we look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you for being a part of the TopDoctor Magazine community. Together, let us embrace knowledge, forge connections, and make informed decisions to lead healthier lives.
With warmest regards,
Hannah H. Editor in Chief TopDoctor Magazine
CONTRIBUTORS
Publication Team
Publisher: John Highland
Editor in Chief: Hannah H.
Editorial Assistant: Jillian Fast
Graphic Designers: Laura Poyner, Dylan R-N
Contributing Authors: Riley George, Sydney Good
Executive Team
Vice President of Development: Mark Carvalho
Fractional Marketing Officer: Craig Handley
Advisory Board: Dr. Arthur Katona, Dr. Francisco
Cabal, Dr. Kianor Shah
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Trust Your Gut: How Nudora is Redefining Probiotics
Natural Cold and Flu Remedies
EthoSun: The Love Letter to the Planet Born from a Health Crisis and a Commitment to Medical Integrity
The Surprising Benefits of Grounding
Why the 9-5 Workday was Built for Men
TRUST YOUR GUT How NUDORA is Redefining Probiotics
By Riley George
For Hootan Melamed, a pharmacist with deep roots in the healthcare industry, the path to founding Nudora was born out of a profound personal tragedy. A fifth-generation healthcare professional, he was destined to pursue a career in healthcare. Though he spent years as a practicing pharmacist, it was the illness of his father that truly ignited the mission behind his company, Nudora. At Nudora, they don’t just target one system—they support both your gut and your brain at the same time. This dualaction approach sends 2X the signal between your body’s two command centers:
A PERSONAL JOURNEY INSPIRES A NEW APPROACH
In 2018, Melamed's father, a physician himself, fell ill with a condition that doctors couldn't diagnose. As his health deteriorated, he was prescribed various generic probiotics, but Melamed, with his extensive background in pharmacy, knew something wasn't right.
“Probiotics are meant to support gut health. A myriad of other health benefits flow from a healthy gut. However, the products my father was given were not supporting his health in the ways they should have,” he explained.
He questioned why generic products were being used when a more targeted approach was needed. Finding a better solution became a personal mission for Melamed and his father. Sadly, his father passed away that same year, leaving Melamed to carry on the project alone.
“It took me a little bit to want to continue this project and launch the products on my own,” he said.
Yet, he persevered, driven by a deep-seated desire to continue the work his father and he had started. Ultimately, Melamed knew he wanted to carry on his father’s legacy by providing a product that truly supported other people’s health and well-being.
“Looking back, I’m proud I was able to push forward and carry on the development of Nudora,” he shared.
Melamed's goal with Nudora was to solve several key problems in the supplement market. First, he wanted to create a product that was truly gut-specific, and second, he aimed to reduce the number of capsules people had to take. The concept behind Nudora is to combine a probiotic, prebiotic, and specific herbs and adaptogens into a single, comprehensive formula.
For example, someone dealing with anxiety, sleep issues, and a lack of energy might typically buy three or four separate bottles of supplements, resulting in a daily intake of ten or more capsules. Nudora offers a single solution.
"We offer a product that gives you everything in one bottle," Melamed explained. "All of the products we've created have been clinically studied and tailored to our customers' needs."
A TAILORED APPROACH TO WELLNESS
Nudora’s products are designed to be intuitive for the consumer. The company’s offerings are color-coded, with each color corresponding to a specific health concern.
For example, the orange 2.0 product is designed to reduce inflammation, aid in weight loss, and boost energy. The purple formula is tailored to help with sleep and mental clarity. Melamed uses the products himself, taking the orange for inflammation and the purple to help him wind down and relax at night.
He believes that only the individual knows what they truly need.
"Only you know what you need," he said. "From there, you can pick the formulas we offer that align best with your health goals."
This approach places the power of choice directly in the consumer's hands, enabling them to create a personalized regimen without the need for multiple consultations or complicated testing.
“There are always new ingredients and products coming out on the market, so we always stay up to date on any of the latest changes that are happening in the health and wellness space,” Melamed said, showing Nudora’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry.
Nudora has already reformulated its orange product to a 2.0 version, and the company is constantly working to optimize its formulations to ensure the best possible product for consumers, while maintaining its core mission of simplicity and efficacy.
REDEFINING THE INDUSTRY WITH INNOVATION AND QUALITY
Melamed sees a major shift in the wellness landscape as consumers become more educated and proactive about their health.
"People have a lot more access to data now and are more aware of what they eat and what supplements they take," he observed.
He believes that the biggest challenge now is a lack of education about specific probiotic strains and their benefits. Nudora aims to address this by providing products that are scientifically backed and easy to understand.
Melamed credits his wife with the company’s unique packaging, which he says was “designed by a woman for women.” The products are housed in eco-friendly, glass bottles with bamboo caps, a stark contrast to the typical plastic containers found on the market.
"Our packaging is very unique and different from any packaging that's in the market," he highlighted. Their focus on sustainability and aesthetics is another way Nudora stands out from its competitors.
THE FUTURE OF WELLNESS: INNOVATION AND INTENTION
Looking ahead, Nudora is not just following trends—it's creating them. The company has a dynamic pipeline of new projects, each driven by a commitment to solving real-world health challenges with innovative, purpose-driven products. At the forefront of this work is the development of a non-hormonal hot flash formulation, a revolutionary product designed to provide relief for both men and women. They are also developing new products aimed at men’s wellness and women's wellness, expanding their reach to address some of the most pressing health concerns of our time.
Perhaps the most personal of these ventures is a formulation for memory, concussion, and dementia. This project holds a special significance for Melamed, whose daughter endured multiple concussions while playing soccer.
"I know how much those injuries affected her day-to-day life," he shared, calling her experience a "defining moment" that has profoundly shaped his approach to his work.
This commitment to turning personal struggle into a professional solution is at the core of Nudora's mission.
Melamed is confident in Nudora’s unique position in the market, asserting that the company has no true competition. This conviction stems from the meticulous, complex, and scientifically driven process behind every product. The company's unique formulation combines live bacterial strains, prebiotics,
herbs, and minerals, or both—a process that is far more complex than it appears. The biggest challenge, Melamed explained, is a delicate balancing act: ensuring the herbs and adaptogens do not compromise the viability of the live bacterial strains.
"Figuring out which adaptogen can actually work with each strain is the hardest part," he said. This painstaking process means each formulation takes a minimum of three to six months to develop, a testament to the company's unwavering commitment to quality and efficacy.
This rigorous approach allows Nudora to create a product that is not only effective but also unlike anything else on the market. As Melamed puts it:
“Nudora is one of the few brands taking this integrative, condition-specific approach — delivering probiotics, prebiotics, and adaptogens together in formulas tailored to real wellness needs,” Melamed concluded.
To learn more about Nudora’s mission and product line, visit https://nudora.com/pages/why-nudora.
Because Small Tails Don’t Tell Big Stories
Wild caught by hand. Delivered to your Wild caught by hand. Delivered to your door. Ready to steal the show. door. Ready to steal the show.
When it comes to dinner, subtlety has its place.
When it comes to dinner, subtlety has its place
This is not that place. This is not that place
This is the kind of lobster tail that earns silence at the This is the kind of lobster tail that earns silence at the table followed by applause. table followed by applause.
Caught by hand off the coast of the Nor th Atlantic.
Caught by hand off the coast of the Nor th Atlantic. Flash-frozen the day it's landed. Flash-frozen the day it's landed.
NATURAL REMEDIES
For Colds, Flu, and Congestion WHAT WORKS AND WHAT DOESN’T
By Riley George
When cold and flu season strikes, it’s common for many of us to seek comfort in home remedies and natural solutions. From drinking herbal teas to inhaling essential oils, natural remedies have been passed down through generations, offering relief from symptoms like congestion, sore throats, and headaches. But not all remedies are created equal, and it’s essential to distinguish between what actually works and what’s simply a myth. In this article, we’ll explore the most effective home remedies for colds, the flu, and congestion while addressing common misconceptions about natural treatments.
NATURAL REMEDIES
Congestion
HYDRATION: DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS
Staying hydrated is one of the simplest and most effective remedies for colds and flu. When you have a fever, the body loses fluids through sweat, leading to dehydration. Drinking water, herbal teas, and broths can help thin mucus, reduce congestion, and ease symptoms like sore throats.¹ Warm liquids, in particular, can provide immediate relief for nasal congestion and sore throats by improving mucus flow.
HONEY: A NATURAL COUGH SUPPRESSANT
Honey is an age-old remedy for soothing coughs and sore throats. Its thick consistency coats the throat, providing temporary relief from irritation. Research supports honey’s effectiveness, showing that it can be as effective as over-the-counter cough suppressants, especially in children one year and older.² Honey also has antibacterial properties that may help fight infections.
How to use: Mix 1-2 teaspoons of honey in warm water or tea for relief.
STEAM INHALATION: CLEAR NASAL CONGESTION
Steam inhalation is a well-known natural remedy for relieving nasal congestion. Inhaling warm, moist air can loosen mucus, making breathing easier. You can enhance the experience by adding essential oils like eucalyptus, which has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.³
How to use: Boil water, pour it into a bowl, drape a towel over your head, and inhale the steam for 10-15 minutes.
GARGLING WITH SALT WATER: SOOTHE A SORE THROAT
Saltwater gargles are simple yet effective for treating a sore throat. The salt helps reduce swelling by drawing out excess moisture from inflamed tissues, and it can also loosen mucus, making it easier to expel.⁴
How to use: Mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and gargle several times daily.
HERBAL TEAS: BOOST IMMUNITY AND RELIEVE
Herbal teas made from ingredients like ginger, echinacea, and chamomile are popular cold and flu remedies. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce throat pain and congestion. Echinacea is believed to boost the immune system, and chamomile can promote relaxation and better sleep, which is crucial for recovery.⁵
How to use: Steep fresh ginger slices or herbal tea bags in boiling water for 5-10 minutes and drink throughout the day.
HOME REMEDIES FOR COLDS, FLU, AND CONGESTION
MYTHS AND FACTS
COLD, FLU, AND CONGESTION
There are many myths surrounding cold and flu treatments. Let’s separate fact from fiction.
MYTH 1: VITAMIN C CAN PREVENT COLDS
Fact: While vitamin C is essential for a healthy immune system, research shows it doesn’t prevent the common cold. However, regularly taking vitamin C supplements can slightly reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms, especially for individuals who engage in intense physical activity or are exposed to cold environments.⁶
MYTH 2: ANTIBIOTICS CAN TREAT COLDS AND THE
Fact: Antibiotics treat bacterial infections, not viral infections like the common cold or flu. Unnecessarily taking antibiotics can contribute to antibiotic resistance.⁷ The best way to manage viral infections is through supportive care, such as rest, fluids, and symptom relief.
MYTH 3: YOU SHOULD “STARVE A FEVER”
Fact: There’s no scientific evidence to support starving yourself during a fever. In fact, it’s essential to nourish your body with easy-to-digest, nutrient-rich foods to help your immune system fight off infection. Soups, fruits, and vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals that aid in recovery.⁸
MYTH 4: DRINKING MILK INCREASES MUCUS
Fact: Despite this common belief, scientific studies have found no significant link between dairy consumption and increased mucus production. For most people, drinking milk when they have a cold is perfectly fine and may even provide needed calories and nutrients.⁹
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION
While natural remedies can provide comfort and relief for cold and flu symptoms, it’s important to recognize when symptoms warrant professional medical attention. Seek medical help if you experience:
- High fever lasting more than three days
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Severe headache or confusion
- Persistent vomiting
These could be signs of a more severe infection, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or complications from the flu.
A BALANCED APPROACH
A balanced approach is key when dealing with colds, flu, or congestion. Combining timetested home remedies with proper rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications (as needed) can help your body recover more comfortably. However, it’s essential to avoid falling for common myths and misconceptions about cold and flu treatments. While natural remedies like honey, steam inhalation, and herbal teas can offer relief, it’s crucial to understand the limitations of these treatments and when to seek professional care.
Natural remedies provide valuable support during cold and flu season but are not substitutes for medical treatment when symptoms escalate. Be cautious of myths, stick to sciencebacked remedies, and remember that prevention—through hand washing, getting enough rest, and staying hydrated—is often the best remedy of all.
the pas wreaking this rising brainwav
38.5% imp one sessio participan
sform Mental Wellness
st three years, stress levels have skyrocketed, g havoc on mental well-being worldwide. Combat
g stress epidemic with BrainTap, the revolutionary ve entrainment system!
our Patients! demonstrates BrainTap's impact, showing a ble 28.1% increase in heart rate variability and provement on the stress index scale* after just on, and with no effort on the part of the nt.
EthoSun’s Love Letter to the Planet:
How Medical Science and Survival Are Redefining Clean Beauty
By Riley George
In the often murky waters of the clean beauty industry—where greenwashing and empty promises are commonplace—one founder is demanding radical transparency. Sarah Miller, a media powerhouse of the PR world and longtime CEO of Axis Entertainment, did not build EthoSun in a boardroom. The medical-grade, reef-safe sun and skincare line was born from something far more personal: her own fight for survival following multiple brain surgeries. Grounded in science and uncompromising honesty, EthoSun asks a fundamental question: what is truly safe for both skin and the planet?
That life-altering experience reshaped Miller’s priorities and deepened her focus on human health and environmental responsibility. It led to the creation of her global nonprofit, World Health Initiatives, and ultimately to a troubling realization at the intersection of wellness and environmental harm. While working to protect coastal communities and fragile reef systems, Miller saw that many chemical sunscreens marketed as “safe” were contributing to coral destruction and exposing users to carcinogenic ingredients. EthoSun emerged as the answer—a brand rooted in medical integrity, scientific rigor, and the guiding principle Skin First. Planet Always.
This is the story of how Sarah Miller transformed a personal health crisis into a global movement for ethical, science-backed beauty—challenging an industry to look beyond the label and setting a new, uncompromising standard for protection and purity.
From Illness to Initiative: A CEO's Pivot to Healthcare Advocacy
Miller’s perspective fundamentally shifted after undergoing multiple brain surgeries to remove a tumor. While she is now healthy, the experience forced her to re-examine life’s priorities, focusing on what she calls the inherent human right to health and clean resources. "I am so grateful I survived that time in my life and that it changed me,” Miller shared. “I realized how important healthcare is, don't take anything for granted; not what you ingest nor what you put on your skin."
This profound realization led to the creation of her nonprofit, World Health Initiatives, which focuses on providing clean drinking water and medical access to indigenous tribes worldwide, including in Peru, Fiji, and Roatan. The nonprofit's work soon exposed a critical, unaddressed problem in tropical climates: the need for effective, non-toxic sun protection.“I created EthoSun because I refused to sacrifice skin and beauty for the planet we walk on and the oceans we swim in, and I refused to sacrifice the planet and our oceans for skin and beauty. While in Roatán (an island on the second largest reef bed in the world), I realized I wanted to leave a handprint, not just a footprint. I wanted to do better,” Miller said.
She recognized that the very products people were using to “protect” themselves from the sun were harming them and the planet, ultimately leading to greater instability for the communities she served. The brand, she insisted, "wasn't created in a boardroom, it wasn't glamorous, there was no fanfare," but rather the essential "story behind the story" of what was needed in the clean beauty space.
Miller is fiercely critical of the industry's widespread use of "green washing" and "fake marketing," which she believes hides a lack of accountability and the use of dangerous ingredients. This drive for radical transparency became the cornerstone of EthoSun's formulation strategy. Miller noted that chemicals found in conventional sunscreens are contributing to the global destruction of coral reefs, resulting in catastrophic environmental losses. In the Bahamas alone, reef degradation has led to an estimated $33 million decline in tourism revenue and left approximately 13,000 people unemployed.
While some smaller companies offer "reef safe" zincbased products, Miller argued that they often fail to meet consumer expectations, using cheap fillers that irritate the skin or lack the luxury feel of conventional brands. Miller's team, which includes their Head of Science for Product Development and a Chief Medical Director, ensures every product is rooted in medical-grade standards.
"EthoSun uses zero toxic chemicals. All of our products are non-nano zinc, with 99% active ingredients, no fillers, and no additives," Miller said. Their commitment to integrity was tested during the manufacturing process. Miller described an incident with a potential formulator who was not honest about their process and credentials. She immediately walked away. "We needed to believe in our chemist," she explained. "We weren't going to compromise." This ethical grounding is why Miller encourages consumers to "look beyond the label,” to understand who truly owns and manufactures their products.
Product Innovation: Nurturing Skin and Planet
The EthoSun product line is designed to prove that conscious-driven luxury can be clean. The formulas combine cutting-edge science with powerful natural ingredients selected for their hydrating and protective properties. These proprietary, hero ingredients include Squalane, Big Kelp Algae, and local favorites like Prickly Pear (noted for its super-hydrating effects near her home in Scottsdale, Arizona).
EthoSun’s flagship Daily Mineral SPF 50+ for Face won the 2025 Best in Beauty award for its breakthrough formula. The product is renowned among users for its non-white cast, sweat and water-resistant properties, and its unique ability to serve as a superior makeup base. "A lot of women do not use primers with our products," Miller revealed. "Their makeup sets beautifully over our sunscreen, and they
Beyond core sunscreens, Miller’s innovation extends to its line of Zinc Beauty Bars, designed to deliver the calming, restorative properties of zinc to everyday cleansing routines. These bars, available in varieties such as Shea Butter (for extra moisture) and Goat Milk (for nourishing lipids), are effective at soothing irritation, razor burn, and sensitive skin.
Miller made a surprising, yet compelling, analogy for the bars' purity:
“Zinc has long been used in medical and dermatological care for its ability to calm irritation and support the skin barrier,” Miller said. “At EthoSun, we use non-nano zinc because it delivers that same clinically trusted protection in a formulation that is gentle enough for the face and effective enough for daily use without compromise.”
Scaling with Strategic Purpose: A Movement, Not a Trend
Looking ahead, Miller’s primary focus is not on rapid, unchecked expansion but on strategic and ethical scaling in 2026. This caution is dictated by the high cost of the non-nano zinc and medical-grade ingredients used in the formulas. "We don't want to cut our products and put cheap fillers in them just to lower our cost to have greater expansion," Miller stated. "We want to keep ourselves exclusive, we want to keep true to the core of what we believe in."
The journey of EthoSun–from a personal health scare and a nonprofit's mission to a globally recognized clean beauty movement–underscores Sarah
Miller's unwavering commitment to integrity over profit. She has positioned herself as an industry leader, “willing to stand in the fire” where oversight is scarce and accountability is often avoided, fighting for genuine transparency in product development and clean marketing.
By routing every decision in science and medical expertise, Miller is proving that consumers should not have to compromise their skin health or the planet's well-being. Every purchase fuels the foundation, ensuring that the brand’s promise extends far beyond the label and actively supports reef restoration and humanitarian efforts.
This intentional approach means the company is carefully targeting distribution, focusing on Islands sitting along our reef zones, cruise lines, resorts, and luxury spas–channels where the demand for a genuinely clean, high-performance product is highest–especially those that are now banning chemically based sunscreens like island ports and popular tourist destinations.
Ultimately, Miller sees EthoSun as bigger than herself. By supporting the brand's sustainability efforts with every purchase, consumers can be part of the solution.
"We didn't just create a brand, we created a clean beauty movement," Miller concluded. "It's our story, my love letter to the planet, and everyone who chooses EthoSun becomes a part of that story."
Experience clean, medical-grade sun and skincare without compromise. Explore EthoSun’s reef-safe, non-toxic product line and support a mission rooted in transparency, science, and planetary responsibility.
OPTIMIZE YOUR WELLNESS WITH CARBON 60 (C60).
C60 has been characterized as the most powerful antioxidant known. It’s hundreds of times more powerful than conventional antioxidants.
Crossing the blood-brain barrier, C60 works at the cellular level to support mitochondrial function. C60 fights inflammation, lifts the oxidative burden, and neutralizes toxic free radicals.
Unlike conventional antioxidants, C60 won’t interfere with any other supplements, vitamins, or medications. It can reset itself, again and again. Take it before your other supplements to boost your morning routine supplement stack.
Most users note an increase in ENERGY and MENTAL CLARITY within 30 days when incorporating C60 Power into their morning routine. Many users note FASTER RECOVERY and IMPROVED PERFORMANCE within this same time frame.
The SurprisingBenefits GROUNDING
SurprisingBenefits of GROUNDING
In our fast-paced, modern world, where technology and urbanization dominate, it’s easy to lose touch with the natural world. A growing body of research suggests that reconnecting with the earth through a practice known as grounding, or earthing, can offer an array of health benefits!
Grounding involves direct physical contact with the earth, such as walking barefoot on grass, soil or sand, and has been associated with improved well-being across various aspects of physical and mental health.
Grounding is based on the principle that the earth carries a subtle electric charge, and direct contact with its surface can help balance the body’s electrical charge. This concept is rooted in the understanding that the earth’s surface is abundant in free electrons, which are negatively charged particles. When a person is in direct contact with the earth, these electrons can be transferred to the body, neutralizing positively charged free radicals and reducing inflammation.
Several studies have suggested that grounding may have antiinflammatory effects on the body. In a 2015 study published in the Journal of Inflammation Research, participants who grounded themselves showed a significant reduction in inflammatory markers, indicating that contact with the Earth may help modulate the body’s inflammatory response.¹
Grounding has been linked to better sleep quality and duration. A 2004 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that participants who slept grounded experienced improvements in sleep efficiency, total sleep time, and decreased nighttime awakenings.² The balancing effect on cortisol, the stress hormone, may contribute to these positive sleep outcomes.³
Reduction
Grounding appears to have a calming effect on the nervous system, potentially reducing stress and anxiety. A small pilot study published in 2015 found that participants who practiced grounding techniques reported lower levels of stress and improved overall emotional wellbeing.⁴
Improved Blood Flow and Cardiovascular Health Pain Management
Is There Science Behind Grounding? Reduction in Inflammation Improved Sleep Stress
Preliminary research suggests that grounding may positively impact cardiovascular health. A study published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health in 2012 found that grounding resulted in improved blood viscosity and flow, potentially contributing to better overall cardiovascular function.⁵
Grounding has shown promise as a complementary approach to pain management. A 2017 study found that grounding reduced the intensity of chronic musculoskeletal pain and improved participants’ overall quality of life.⁶ While more research is needed, these findings suggest that grounding could be a valuable addition to pain management strategies.
Practical Ways to Incorporate Grounding into Your Life: 1.
Barefoot Walking
Spend time walking barefoot on natural surfaces like grass, soil, or sand. This direct contact allows the transfer of electrons from the earth to your body.
2. Gardening
Engage in gardening activities where you come into direct contact with the soil. Planting, weeding, or simply sitting on the ground can provide grounding benefits.
3. Beach Time
Take advantage of the beach environment, where the combination of sand and water provides an excellent grounding experience. Walk barefoot along the shore or sit in the sand to enhance the connection.
4. Grounding Mats and Sheets
Grounding mats and sheets with conductive properties are designed to connect to the earth’s electric charge. Using these products while sleeping or sitting can offer the benefits of grounding indoors.
As we navigate the challenges of modern living, the simple act of connecting with the earth may hold profound health benefits. Grounding has the potential to reduce inflammation, improve sleep, alleviate stress, enhance cardiovascular health, and aid in pain management. While more research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind these effects fully, the existing evidence suggests that incorporating grounding practices into our daily lives could be a valuable component of a holistic approach to well-being. So, kick off your shoes, step onto the grass, and let the earth’s natural energy contribute to your overall health and vitality!
BY SYDNEY GOOD
Gone are the days when everyone had to work a 9-5. Since 2020 especially, more and more people have been working from home and creating a schedule tailored to them. Come to find out, the 9-5 is best suited for men. Let’s explore why.
MEN VS. WOMEN’S CYCLES
EVERYONE’S CYCLES
We all have daily cycles. That’s our circadian rhythm, which determines when we wake up and go to bed.¹ When you have a system or a routine, your body will naturally want to get up and sleep at the same time each day.
If you think about it, we should all be suitable for a 9 to 5 workday, right? After all, we (in theory) are ready to conquer our day in the morning when we get up. Over the day, we progressively lose steam, and by the time 5 o’clock rolls around, we’re ready to be done. We have just enough time for dinner and downtime before bed.
However, men and women do feel differently each day based on their hormones.
MEN’S CYCLES
In addition to a normal circadian rhythm, men also experience a diurnal rhythm of testosterone.² That means they experience the same thing every day with their hormones. When testosterone levels are normal, testosterone is at its highest in the morning and decreases over the day.³ As men sleep, testosterone rises, so it’s at its peak again the next day.
WOMEN’S CYCLES
Hypothetically, women should feel the same way based on their circadian rhythm. However, any woman knows she doesn’t feel the same each day, and it’s not just in her head. That’s because a woman’s cycle works on roughly a 28day pattern. A woman’s key hormones, progesterone and estrogen, dramatically shift over this time. The main events in a woman’s cycle are ovulation and menstruation, but the body’s hormones are still working in between these points.⁴
All that to say, a woman will feel energized and have more mental clarity to complete tasks at specific points during the month. But at other times, she’ll feel grateful if she just makes it out of bed.
STRESS AFFECTS WOMEN DIFFERENTLY THAN MEN
Though stress is disadvantageous for both men and women, adding insult to injury, stress can hurt women more than men when it comes to fertility.⁵ When chronically stressed, our body enters a fight-or-flight mode, halting essential functions and causing gut imbalances. Stress causes our cortisol to spike, which, again, isn’t good for anyone's health overall. However, while men have cortisol, their testosterone doesn’t come from it. In other words, they won’t experience fertility problems from stress quite like women.
Women, on the other hand, primarily use the hormones progesterone and cortisol to conceive children. Cortisol is not bad, but when stress causes it to swell, everything else is imbalanced, making it difficult for women to have children. That likely explains why 1 out of 5 women experience infertility during the time they should be most fertile. Even if a woman doesn’t intend to have children, she’ll still be hurt by high cortisol with depression, anxiety, and mood swings,
WHAT WOMEN CAN DO
TRACK YOUR CYCLE
The good news is that women can track their cycles to understand what’s going on with their hormones. Even if they’re not planning to have kids right now, knowing what’s going on to prepare is helpful. This app called 28 is a great resource to track your cycle.⁶ If you don’t have a cycle, you can establish a monthly routine to help regulate it—which can help bring it back! The same app uses the moon as a monthly schedule if you so choose.
EAT AND EXERCISE WITH YOUR CYCLE
Once you know your cycle, you can eat and exercise along with it.⁷ As you might’ve guessed, there are times in the month when more intense exercise would be beneficial. At other points, though, it’s best to take a step back and relax. You can also eat foods that help balance your hormones. Getting in touch with your cycle can help regulate your hormones and make it easier to function.
MANAGE STRESS
You must do what you can to alleviate stress. If possible, take a step back from certain responsibilities in order to not overwhelm yourself. Don’t be hard on yourself when you’re at that time of the month. You can also trick your body into calming itself by activating the vagus nerve.⁸
CONCLUSION
Though atypical job trends are rising, that doesn’t mean we can completely abandon the 9-5. But if women track their cycles, they can learn how to work with their hormones to make the most of every day.
REFERENCES & RESOURCES
TRUST YOUR GUT: HOW NUDORA IS REDEFINING PROBIOTICS
1. To learn more about Nudora’s mission and product line, visit https://nudora.com/pages/why-nudora.
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR COLDS, FLU, AND CONGESTION: WHAT WORKS AND WHAT DOESN’T
1. Harvard Health Publishing. "Hydration and Colds: What You Need to Know." Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu.
2. Mayo Clinic. "Honey as a Cough Suppressant." Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org.
3. Healthline. "Steam Inhalation: Benefits for Colds and Flu." Healthline. https://www.healthline.com.
4. WebMD. "Gargling Salt Water for a Sore Throat." WebMD. https://www.webmd.com.
5. National Institutes of Health. "Herbal Teas for Colds: What Works?" NIH. https://www.nih.gov.
6. WebMD. "Vitamin C and the Common Cold: Myths vs. Facts." WebMD. https://www.webmd.com.
7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Antibiotic Use and Resistance." CDC. https://www.cdc.gov.
8. Harvard Health Publishing. "Hydration and Colds: What You Need to Know." Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu.
9. Cleveland Clinic. "Dairy and Mucus Production: The Myths." Cleveland Clinic. https://www.clevelandclinic.org.
ETHOSUN’S LOVE LETTER TO THE PLANET: HOW MEDICAL SCIENCE AND SURVIVAL ARE REDEFINING CLEAN BEAUTY
Experience clean, medical-grade sun and skincare without compromise. Explore EthoSun’s reef-safe, non-toxic product line and support a mission rooted in transparency, science, and planetary responsibility.
1. Discover the collection at www.ethosun.com and become part of the Skin First. Planet Always. movement.
WHY THE 9-5 WORKDAY WAS BUILT FOR MEN
1. Silver, Natalie. “Everything to Know About Your Circadian Rhythm.” Healthline, March 30, 2022. https://www.healthline.com/ health/healthy-sleep/circadian-rhythm.
2. “Diurnal Rhythm.” Diurnal Rhythm - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. Accessed July 16, 2024. https://www.sciencedirect.com/ topics/neuroscience/diurnal-rhythm.
3. Diurnal Rhythm of Testosterone. The Mens Health Clinic. Accessed July 15, 2024. https://themenshealthclinic.co.uk/wp-content/ uploads/2020/02/diurnal_pattern.gif.
4. Good, Sydney. “The Secret to Women’s Health: Cycle-Syncing.” Top Doctor Magazine, September 6, 2023. https://topdoctormagazine.com/issues/the-secret-to-womens-health-cycle-syncing/.
5. Florio, Gina. “This Is How Stress Affects Women’s Fertility And Hormones Differently Than It Does In Men.” Evie Magazine,
THE SURPRISING BENEFITS OF GROUNDING
1. Chevalier, G., et al. (2015). Earthing: Health Implications of Reconnecting the Human Body to the Earth’s Surface Electrons. Journal of Inflammation Research, 8, 83–96.
2. Ghaly, M., & Teplitz, D. (2004). The Biologic Effects of Grounding the Human Body During Sleep, as Measured by Cortisol Levels and Subjective Reporting of Sleep, Pain, and Stress. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 10(5), 767–776.
3. Ibid.
4. Oschman, J. L., Chevalier, G., & Brown, R. (2015). The Effects of Grounding (Earthing) on Bodyworkers’ Pain and Overall Quality of Life: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Explore, 11(4), 263–272.
5. Sokal, K., & Sokal, P. (2012). Earthing the Human Body Influences Physiologic Processes. Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 2012, 1–8.
6. Sinatra, S. T., et al. (2017). Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine Strategies Should Include Earthing (Grounding): Review of Research Evidence and Clinical Observations. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 23(5), 347–354.
Sun Responsibly
Zero Toxic Chemicals Non-Comedogenic Mineral-Based
Medical Grade Non-Nano Zinc & Non-Nano Titanium Dioxide
No White Cast Ultra-Luxe Hydration
