Azoki

Could the sugar consumed in your first 1,000 days of life shape your long-term health? A groundbreaking study recently published in the journal Science offers a definitive ‘ YES!’ This fascinating research leverages history to answer a modern health question. Note that the privations of World War II encouraged sugar rationing all over Europe, including the UK. For years, it continued. It wasn’t until September 1953 that rationing ended in the UK. This unique “natural experiment” allowed researchers to study how early-life sugar exposure affects the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and hypertension in adulthood. Using data from the UK Biobank, scientists compared individuals conceived just before and after the end of sugar rationing. What they found is remarkable: exposure to sugar rationing in the first 1,000 days of life reduced the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 35% and hypertension by 20%. The onset of these conditions was delayed by an average of 4 and 2 years, respectively. Here’s what’s even more fascinating: the protective effect was strongest in individuals who experienced sugar rationing both in utero and during infancy, especially after the age of 6 months, when solid foods are typically introduced. In utero exposure alone accounted for about one-third of the risk reduction. What does this mean for us today? The study underscores the critical importance of early-life nutrition and highlights the long-term consequences of excessive sugar consumption during pregnancy and early childhood. It aligns with current dietary guidelines, which recommend limiting added sugars for young children and during pregnancy. This research isn’t just a historical footnote—it’s a call to action. Whether you're a parent, policymaker, or someone interested in public health, these findings are a powerful reminder of the lifelong impact of dietary choices made in the earliest stages of life. #sugarconsumption #sugar #diabetes #rationing #ww2 #azokilifestyle #regenerativehealth #hypertension

Is Your Wardrobe Working Against Your Wellness? You’re hitting the gym, eating clean, and doing everything right to stay healthy. But your polyester workout gear might be sabotaging your efforts. Here’s the hidden truth about synthetic fabrics and how they affect your body: The first thing you should recognise is that polyester is hardly neutral with respect to our bodies. It can have a major impact! For example, polyester traps heat and moisture, creating a breeding ground for bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Corynebacterium (hello, body odor). These conditions suppress good bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis), leading to acne, infections, and skin irritation. And, very importantly, polyester isn’t just fabric—it’s plastic. It releases endocrine disruptors like phthalates and BPA, which mimic estrogen. The result? Estrogen dominance, slowed fat metabolism, and stubborn weight gain, especially around your belly and thighs. It's also a major source of microplastics. Every stretch and wash of your polyester clothes sheds microplastics into your skin, lungs, and bloodstream. These particles increase inflammation and disrupt your body’s natural balance, turning your "health hustle" into a plastic struggle. So . . . you may be wondering if there is anything you can do about this. Thank goodness, the answer is YES!!!!! Don’t let polyester win. Natural fabrics like silk, wool, and cotton are breathable, antimicrobial, and kinder to your skin and hormones. They help you stay fresh and support your health goals without the synthetic baggage. Reclaim your health by swapping out synthetic fabrics. Invest in breathable, sustainable clothing that helps your body thrive. Your wardrobe should empower you, not weigh you down (literally). It’s time to say goodbye to polyester and hello to fabrics that truly support you! #plasticpollution #phthalates #polyester #cleanliving #azokilifestyle #regenerativehealth #healthgoals

Parkinson’s and Pesticides? Did you know that according to the World Health Organisation, the incidence of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) has DOUBLED over the past 25 years?! Parkinson’s disease is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement, memory, and cognition. Global estimates show over 8.5 million individuals living with PD, and disability and death due to PD are increasing faster than for any other neurological disorder. While the exact cause of this PD is unknown, genetics and environmental factors certainly have an impact. Research shows that PESTICIDES are likely playing a role in the increasing rates of an impact. Parkinson’s disease! In a 2023 paper, researchers looked at over 700 pesticides used in agriculture, and the findings were concerning: they found 10 pesticides that cause damage to dopaminergic neurons, the cells responsible for producing dopamine, a neurotransmitter key in motor function. Exposure to these pesticides could heighten the risk of Parkinson’s, especially for those living or working near farms where these chemicals are heavily applied. The study showed that people with Parkinson’s were more likely to have lived near agricultural sites with higher pesticide use. The pesticides linked to Parkinson’s were found to be 2–3 times more likely to contaminate groundwater, which can lead to them showing up in tap water in the broader community. Prioritizing organic foods can help lower exposure for everyone, but this is especially important for people living in agricultural regions where pesticide use is higher. Supporting your local organic growers is the best option—farmers have the highest exposure to these chemicals! Because levels of pesticides in tap water can also be higher in agricultural areas, making sure you have a water filter in place is a good idea. Doing these two things can help lower exposure to chemicals linked to far more health issues than just Parkinson’s - which is good news for everyone! References: PMID: 37193692 #parkinsonsdisease #pesticides #worldhealthorganisation #azokilifestyle #regenerativehealth #livewellbewell

Are you Well Balanced? Tell us below how you think you could balance your life better… #azokilifestyle #wellnessthatworks #wellbalanced #foodforhealth #beyourbest #regerativehealth

“Sleep” is defined as a natural physiological state in which the body and mind are at rest. It is a vital component of our health and wellness, it plays a crucial role in repairing and rejuvenating the body, consolidating memories, and regulating various bodily functions. Azoki will guide you to a restful night’s sleep #azokilifestyle #regenerativehealth #sleepbetter #sleepwell #rejuvenate #rest #earthlovingwellness #restyourmind #sleep #healthandwellness

There's a whole trend at the moment about being "very mindful, very demure." So let's actually put this into practice! To “Be Mindful”, is to be intentionally in the present moment without judgment, with a sense of openness and curiosity. How do you include mindfulness into your routine? #bemindful #verymindful #verydemure #azokilifestyle #wellnessthatworks #earthlovingwellness #uae #mindfulness #bepresent #regenerativehealth #healthandwellness

Azoki would like to wish the UAE a very happy 53rd Eid Al Etihad 🇦🇪🇦🇪🇦🇪🇦🇪 #eidaletihad #azokilifestyle #53 #uaenationalday

🚨Fertility in Crisis: What You Need to Know from Count Down by Dr. Shanna Swan 🚨 Did you know that men’s sperm counts have dropped by over 50% since the 1970s? This week we look not at an individual piece of research, but at Count Down, a groundbreaking book by Dr. Shanna Swan. According to this text, we are in the midst of a global fertility crisis. Environmental toxins and our stress-based lifestyles are altering reproductive health in ways we’ve never seen before—and it’s affecting both men and women. What’s Happening? For men, sperm counts have declined drastically. Dr. Swan predicts that if current trends continue, we, as a species, could approach infertility in the near future. Testosterone levels are also dropping, affecting not just reproductive but overall health. For women, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are impacting ovarian reserve (the number of viable eggs), menstrual health, and the likelihood of successful pregnancies. Miscarriage rates are rising, and puberty is starting earlier in girls, often linked to toxic exposures. And, lifestyle factors like poor diet, stress, and lack of physical activity compound the problem. Most importantly, fertility is a "canary in the coal mine, "meaning this crisis isn’t just about reproduction. It signals broader health risks, including hormonal imbalances, developmental challenges in children, and the long-term survival of our species. What Can You Do? Avoid plastics, especially those containing BPA and phthalates. Use glass or stainless steel for storage. Choose organic foods to reduce pesticide exposure. Switch to clean, chemical-free personal care products. Advocate for stronger policies to regulate harmful chemicals and support sustainable practices. Educate your children about these risks and encourage healthy lifestyle choices for their future. The future is in our hands. Let's all consider the health of future generations and the planet itself. Together, we can demand change from industries and policymakers while making conscious, healthier choices in our everyday lives. #fertility #spermcount #ovulation #menshealth #womenshealth #azokilifestyle #regenerativehealth

How to Get Our Kids and Ourselves(!) Offline More Often! A couple of weeks ago, Azoki and I shared a summary of 'The Anxious Generation,' a new book by NYU professor Jonathan Haidt. This work is an alarming expose of the dramatic increases in anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues in our children. I know it’s not something that we want to believe, but this research is extremely compelling. Parents, the digital world is here to stay. It’s true. But we cannot allow it to hurt our children! Thankfully, there are powerful things we can do to help our children use social media more safely and effectively. Indeed, we can guide them towards a healthier relationship with screens. Here's how you can support your kids ’ digital well-being and limit their social media use: 1. Model Mindful Tech Use: Set an example! Kids are more likely to follow balanced tech habits if they see you doing the same. Indeed, this is a powerful first step. When YOU are in control, your kids will find it easier to take control themselves. 2. Encourage Offline Hobbies: Get them into sports, art, reading, or other hobbies to help them find outside of social media. 3. Create Tech-Free Zones: Set rules like “no devices at the dinner table” or “phones off by 9 PM” to build healthy habits and support better sleep. 4. Foster Real-Life Connections: Encourage face-to-face time with friends and family. Real connections are invaluable for emotional health! 5. Talk About Social Media’s Impact: Help them understand how endless scrolling and comparison can harm self-esteem. Knowledge is power. 6. Team Up with Schools & Community: Support schools and local groups in promoting mental health and balanced digital habits. Together, we can build a healthier digital culture for the next generation! Social media isn’t all bad—but it’s critical that we help our kiddos find balance. Let's guide our kids to a place where they feel safe, supported, and healthy, both online and offline! #screentime #kidsonline #socialmedia #anxiousgeneration #azokilifestyle #regenerativehealth #mentalhealth

Did you know the air you breathe could affect your weight? We often hear that weight gain is about “calories in, calories out” but all of us who have struggled with weight loss know that the story isn't quite as simple as that. At last, groundbreaking research from Brigham Young University is suggesting that there are indeed other factors at play - air quality, for one! Yes, the toxins that we breathe in both indoor and outdoor air - and more specifically, diesel exhaust particles—might be influencing our metabolic health. In a nutshell, these BYU researchers learned that exposure to diesel exhaust increased fat mass, enlarged fat cells, and led to inflammation in lab mice. These changes are linked to serious metabolic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Here are the research take-aways: 1. Pollution exposure can increase both the size and amount of visceral and subcutaneous fat. 2. Enlarged fat cells, not just more fat, contribute to insulin resistance and inflammation. 3. Airborne pollutants also trigger systemic inflammation, which is a challenging precursor to chronic illnesses. This study challenges the long-held idea that metabolic health is solely about diet and exercise. While healthy eating and activity remain essential, factors like clean air should also be recognised as significant. So, what can we do? First, let's all try to reduce our exposure to pollution. In our homes, we can use air purifiers and bring in more plants to clean up our air. And, we can schedule our outdoor time to avoid high-traffic areas, especially during peak travel times. Second, let's support our community and government representatives and let them know that we care about policies for cleaner air. They aren't just good for the planet, they’re vital for our health! Let’s rethink what it means to live a healthy lifestyle. Tag someone who needs to know about this! #weightgain #airquality #toxicfreeliving #cleanair #researchstudies #azokilifestyle #regenerativehealth