How Alcohol and Animal Products Can Damage Your Gut and Overall Health
10th March 2023Maximizing Your EMsculpt Neo Experience: Insights from My Personal Journey
27th March 2023Introduction
EMsculpt Neo is a ground-breaking non-invasive body contouring treatment that has shown remarkable results in building muscle mass and burning fat simultaneously. To maximize the benefits of this innovative treatment, it is crucial to adopt a healthy lifestyle that promotes both muscle growth and the efficient removal of the released fat. This article outlines a comprehensive lifestyle guide for patients who have undergone or are planning to undergo EMsculpt Neo treatment, focusing on the key components of nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management.
Important Note:
This lifestyle plan intentionally omits alcohol and animal products due to the growing body of evidence that highlights their detrimental effects on health. Research has shown that these substances can negatively impact the gut microbiome, leading to increased gut permeability and subsequently contributing to a range of systemic diseases, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer. There are also other mechanisms through which alcohol and animal product consumption can lead to illness. While you may choose to adjust this plan based on your personal beliefs, such as incorporating lean meats or limiting alcohol consumption, please note that these modifications are not endorsed in my recommendations.
As an advocate of the vegan lifestyle for the past three years and consuming only approximately 10 units of alcohol per year, I firmly believe in the benefits of this approach for maximizing the effectiveness of the EMsculpt Neo treatment.
Hydration
Proper hydration is crucial for the effectiveness of EMsculpt NEO treatment, and although it may seem like common advice, it cannot be emphasized enough. Patients should aim to consume at least 2 litres of water daily to ensure they are adequately hydrated and maximize the treatment’s benefits.
Nutrition
To enhance the effectiveness of EMsculpt Neo, consuming a balanced diet rich in plant-based proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates is essential. These macronutrients play a crucial role in promoting muscle growth, fat metabolism, and overall health.
- Plant-based protein: Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth. Aim for 1.2 to 1.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily. Include plant-based sources such as lentils, chickpeas, tofu, tempeh, edamame, and seitan.
- Healthy fats: Healthy fats support hormone production and facilitate fat metabolism. Consume a diet rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats from sources such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and plant-based oils like olive or flaxseed oil.
- Complex carbohydrates: Opt for whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to provide sustained energy and maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Exercise
A combination of resistance and cardiovascular exercises is crucial for promoting muscle growth and enhancing the fat-burning effects of EMsculpt Neo.
- Resistance training: Engage in strength training exercises, such as weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, or yoga, at least 2-3 times per week to stimulate muscle growth.
- Cardiovascular exercise: Participate in moderate to high-intensity aerobic activities, such as brisk walking, running, cycling, or swimming, at least 150 minutes per week to boost fat metabolism and cardiovascular health.
- Flexibility and mobility: Incorporate stretching and mobility exercises into your routine to prevent injuries and improve overall fitness.
Sleep
Adequate sleep is vital for muscle recovery and overall health. Aim for 7 hours of sleep per night, and maintain a consistent sleep schedule to support the body’s natural circadian rhythm.
Stress Management
Chronic stress can negatively impact muscle growth and fat metabolism. Implement stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindfulness practices, to promote a healthy mind-body connection and enhance the benefits of EMsculpt Neo treatment.
Avoid (or Limit)
- Processed foods: Minimize the intake of processed foods (vegan or not) high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives, as they can hinder muscle growth and fat metabolism.
- Excessive alcohol consumption: altogether avoid (or limit) alcohol intake, as it can interfere with muscle recovery and fat loss. Read my article ‘How Alcohol and Animal Products Can Damage Your Gut and Overall Health’
- Smoking: Refrain from smoking, as it can negatively affect overall health and the effectiveness of EMsculpt Neo treatment.
Conclusion
Adopting a healthy lifestyle that encompasses proper nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management is key to maximizing the benefits of EMsculpt Neo treatment. By following these guidelines, patients can enhance muscle growth, improve fat metabolism, and achieve long-lasting results.
Always consult with healthcare professionals and registered dietitians for personalized recommendations based on individual needs and medical conditions.
Sources
EMsculpt Neo treatment:
Kinney, B. M., & Lozanova, P. (2019). High intensity focused electromagnetic therapy evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging: Safety and efficacy study of a dual tissue effect based non-invasive abdominal body shaping. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 51(1), 40-46. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.23024
Kent, D. E., Jacob, C. I., & Kelly, K. M. (2020). Simultaneous changes in fat and muscle following treatment with high-intensity focused electromagnetic technology: A pilot study. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 19(10), 947-952. https://jddonline.com/articles/dermatology/S1545961620P0947X
Plant-based diets for muscle growth and fat metabolism:
Barnard, N. D., Levin, S. M., & Yokoyama, Y. (2015). A systematic review and meta-analysis of changes in body weight in clinical trials of vegetarian diets. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 115(6), 954-969. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2014.11.016
Rogerson, D. (2017). Vegan diets: Practical advice for athletes and exercisers. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 14(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-017-0192-9
Exercise for muscle growth and fat metabolism:
American College of Sports Medicine. (2018). ACSM’s guidelines for exercise testing and prescription. Wolters Kluwer Health.
Sleep, recovery, and muscle growth:
Dattilo, M., Antunes, H. K. M., Medeiros, A., Mônico Neto, M., Souza, H. S., Tufik, S., & de Mello, M. T. (2011). Sleep and muscle recovery: Endocrinological and molecular basis for a new and promising hypothesis. Medical Hypotheses, 77(2), 220-222. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2011.04.017
Gut microbiome and plant-based diets:
Kim, M. S., Hwang, S. S., Park, E. J., & Bae, J. W. (2013). Strict vegetarian diet improves the risk factors associated with metabolic diseases by modulating gut microbiota and reducing intestinal inflammation. Environmental Microbiology Reports, 5(5), 765-775. https://doi.org/10.1111/1758-2229.12079
Tomova, A., Bukovsky, I., Rembert, E., Yonas, W., Alwarith, J., Barnard, N. D., & Kahleova, H. (2019). The effects of vegetarian and vegan diets on gut microbiota. Frontiers in Nutrition, 6, 47. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2019.00047
Gut permeability, animal products, and systemic diseases:
Monteiro, C. A., & Cannon, G. (2012). The impact of transnational “Big Food” companies on the South: A view from Brazil. PLoS Medicine, 9(7), e1001252. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1001252
Chassaing, B., & Gewirtz, A. T. (2014). Gut microbiota, low-grade inflammation, and metabolic syndrome. Toxicologic Pathology, 42(1), 49-53. https://doi.org/10.1177/0192623313508481
Alcohol and its effects on gut microbiome and health:
Leclercq, S., Matamoros, S., Cani, P. D., Neyrinck, A. M., Jamar, F., Stärkel, P., … & de Timary, P. (2014). Intestinal permeability, gut-bacterial dysbiosis, and behavioral markers of alcohol-dependence severity. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 111(42), E4485-E4493. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1415174111
Bode, J. C., Bode, C., Heidelbach, R., Dürr, H. K., & Martini, G. A. (1984). Jejunal microflora in patients with chronic alcohol abuse. Hepatogastroenterology, 31(1), 30-34.
Vegan diets and muscle growth:
Rogerson, D. (2017). Vegan diets: practical advice for athletes and exercisers. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 14(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-017-0192-9
General benefits of plant-based diets:
Tuso, P. J., Ismail, M. H., Ha, B. P., & Bartolotto, C. (2013). Nutritional update for physicians: Plant-based diets. The Permanente Journal, 17(2), 61-66. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/12-085
Always consult with healthcare professionals and registered dietitians for personalized recommendations based on individual needs and medical conditions.