Dr. Brian Dixon earned his Ph.D. in molecular and cellular biology from Oregon State University in affiliation with the Linus Pauling Institute.
Dr. Brian Dixon earned his Ph.D. in molecular and cellular biology from Oregon State University in affiliation with the Linus Pauling Institute. His research focused on the underlying biochemical mechanisms of the aging process and the therapeutic potential of R-alpha lipoic acid.
Dr. Dixon went on to do his postdoctoral work at the Linus Pauling Institute evaluating the bioavailability of lipoic acid in young and elderly adults and its role in ameliorating deficits known to occur with age.
Along with several scientific, peer-reviewed manuscripts that cover antioxidants, cellular signaling, gene regulation, nrf2, weight management and more, Dr. Dixon is also the co-inventor of 7 filed patents – with more to come.
In other words, more than 10 years in the nutritional industry and a lifetime of research has given him a wealth of knowledge, unique perspective, and the experience LifeVantage can draw on as we continue to grow.
But beyond his standout research, critical thinking, and published works, what’s truly amazing about Dr. Dixon is meeting him in person. He’s passionate about health and nutrition. It’s more than his life’s work – it’s part of who he is and how he lives.
We recently had a chance to sit down and talk with him. He told us why he decided to join LifeVantage.
“Nutrition has always been close to my heart,” he said. “I’ve seen first-hand the power of proper nutrition—and even individual key nutrients—in helping to provide optimal health. The reason I’m so excited to be joining the LifeVantage scientific team is for one reason and one reason only; their unyielding and uncompromising commitment to creating effective, science-based health products.”
He also gave us his 9 health rules to live by. Here they are.
1. ALWAYS MAKE THE HEALTHIER CHOICE.
Don’t let an overabundance of food choices overwhelm you. Instead, try to break your choices down into two options — and then make the healthier choice. Choose chicken over fattier cuts of meat, a dark leafy green salad over iceberg lettuce, or a piece of whole fruit over a candy bar. This makes food decisions infinitely simpler.
2. EAT IN TECHNICOLOR.
Many of the healthiest nutrients in fruits and vegetables (these are often referred to as phytonutrients) come in bright, vibrant colors. Your goal at mealtime should be to make your plate as colorful as possible.
3. DON’T EAT THE DESERT.
In contrast, food that comes in white, brown, and black is usually unhealthy. We’re talking about white rice, potato chips, desserts, and charred, over cooked meats.
4. STAY HYDRATED.
Drink plenty of clean, pure water. The amount we should drink varies from person to person, but we’re all equipped with a built-in hydrometer. Pay attention to the color or your urine. Clear or slightly yellow is good – and we should be visiting the restroom every one to two hours.
5. SKIP THE SWEET DRINKS.
Say no to soda and fruit juices. Soda is basically empty calories. And yes, even though fruit is good for you, fruit juice has been stripped of the fiber, until it becomes a high sugar, high glycemic drink. In fact, studies are showing the same negative health consequences between fruit juices and other high sugar beverages. And I know what you’re thinking: diet drinks are also bad for you. These drinks are usually associated with obesity because they trigger overreacting and snacking. Sorry.
6. DRINK ALCOHOL IN MODERATION (OR NOT AT ALL).
While some research has shown moderate alcohol consumption can have cardiovascular health benefits, the same amounts of alcohol consumption have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers. So, depending on your family history you may want to avoid alcohol consumption all together.
7. MOVE YOUR BODY.
Yes, I’m referring to that dreaded eight-letter word, e-x-e-r-c-i-s-e. But exercise doesn’t have to be a chore if you choose activities you actually enjoy. Remember how much fun it was to play as a kid? Just think about exercise as play rather than a workout. You don’t have to look like a bodybuilder or spend hours in the gym to significantly improve your health. Something as simple as walking 30-60 minutes during the majority of the week will yield measurable improvements in your health.
8. DON’T IGNORE THE CRAVINGS.
Cravings can actually be a sign of nutritional deficiencies. I don’t eat a lot of red meat, but occasionally I’ll find myself craving a juicy burger or beautifully-cooked steak. This might indicate a deficiency in iron, some B vitamins, or protein. And chocolate cravings have been linked to magnesium deficiencies. They key is to not use your cravings as permission to eat junk food. Instead, defer to rule #1.
9) SUPPLEMENT.
No body and no diet is perfect. We all experience nutritional shortfalls – especially because we’re creatures of habit and tend to eat the same foods over and over again. Scientific research also tells us that we’re not getting the nutrients we need from our diets. For example, 98% of women and 89% of men are vitamin E deficient. Supplementing helps make up for nutritional deficiencies and stimulates other health mechanisms within our cells and bodies.
