Try This - 4 Big Shares For The Week

I’ve got some great shares for you this week. Here are four things I’ve been paying attention to. 

High level: 

1. A pretty easy way to increase your VO2 max 

2. The product that has improved my nasal breathing

3. Some concerning news in food safety

4. One of the most powerful things you can do after cancer treatment

Let’s get into it. 

Number 1: Just Two Sprints Could Make a Difference in Your VO2 Max

I came across this fascinating 2017 study on X (from the account Siim Land), and it immediately made me think of my big sister Harshal, who's in her late 40s and regularly incorporates sprint training into her workouts.

In the study, researchers analyzed 34 studies and found that sprint interval training improved VO2 max by around 8 percent on average. 

But here's the interesting part: Doing more than just 2–3 all-out cycling sprints per session didn't appear to provide any additional benefit.

With VO2 max being such a powerful predictor of longevity and healthspan, this is a great reminder that you don't necessarily need long, exhausting workouts to make progress. Even a couple of short, intense sprints (around 20 seconds each), incorporated consistently into your training routine, can make a meaningful difference. 

Just be sure to build up to that intensity safely. Here is a great video by Dr. Stacy Sims on the topic.

Number 2: The Nasal Strips I've Been Recommending to Friends

A few months ago, my friend Brendan, who's part of my men's group, Man Morning, recommended a nasal strip that had made a big difference in his nighttime breathing. I've tried all sorts of nasal strips over the years because I've consistently noticed that when I breathe better through my nose, I sleep better and deeper. So I decided to swap my usual CVS strips for Second Wind Nasal Strips, and I'm glad I did.

Here's what I love: They're noticeably stronger at opening my nasal passages, they stay on throughout the night, and they don't irritate or peel my skin like some drugstore brands. According to the company's FAQs, they're also PFAS-free and made with an adhesive designed to be gentle on sensitive skin.

And while I primarily use them for sleep, I've also heard from friends and seen reviews from people who love wearing them during workouts to help with nasal congestion.

One thing worth knowing: They're not cheap. Traditional extra-strength nasal strips typically cost $8–$18 for a 30-day supply, while Second Wind runs about $24 a month (I bought a three-month supply for $72).

But I've personally found them to be more than twice as effective as the drugstore versions, making the extra cost worth it for me. If you're looking to improve your nasal breathing at night or during exercise, give these a try, and let me know what you think! No sponsorship or affiliate, by the way—I just like them that much!

Number 3: A Concerning Development in Food Safety

I saw author Michael Pollan share this troubling article from The Guardian, and it caught my attention. The FDA is proposing to expand a regulatory loophole that could allow certain potentially harmful chemicals, including some PFAS, to be added directly to our food without the usual safety review. Public health experts are especially concerned about chemicals that can disrupt hormones and affect brain development.

What's interesting is that several people I've been talking to, including strong supporters of the MAHA movement, are becoming more vocal about their concerns over the influence of powerful food and chemical industry lobbyists on the current administration. My sense is that many were previously holding back publicly, reserving judgment and hoping things would move in the right direction. But that seems to be shifting.

I'm still digging into this, and I'm excited to have two straight talkers on the podcast soon: my friend Vani Hari (Food Babe) and Kelly Ryerson (Glyphosate Girl), who's been critical of Trump's glyphosate executive order. I want to hear what's working, what's not, and what we can do to improve food and toxin safety policy. As they say, sunlight is the best disinfectant.

Number 4: One of the Most Powerful Things You Can Do After Cancer Treatment

I've had several people close to me, including my mom, go through cancer treatment and, knock on wood, remain in remission for years. One thing I always encourage them to prioritize is exercise, and I love seeing this New York Times article bring more attention to the research.

Here’s the stat that article highlighted, and it always blows me away, no matter how many times I read it: In a landmark study of colon cancer survivors, 90 percent of people who participated in a structured exercise program were alive eight years later, compared with 83 percent who didn't receive the program. That's a meaningful difference from something as simple as regular exercise with professional support.

If you know someone who's gone through cancer treatment and is finally feeling strong enough to start moving again, please send them this article or forward them this newsletter. 

Better yet, offer to help them find a good trainer or even cover the cost if you have the means.

Exercise truly may be one of the most powerful tools for improving recovery and, for some cancers, reducing the risk of recurrence. And while many doctors recognize its benefits, limited appointment time and concerns about what patients can safely handle mean it doesn't always get the attention it deserves.

See you next week for more shares. 

Much love, 
Dhru Purohit 

The information in this newsletter is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice; please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.