u/Ravrous

Hi, Im hoping for some quick input. I've been using monk fruit sweetener for about three weeks after my coach suggested it instead of regular sugar, but I'm not totally sure if monk fruit is healthy or if I'm just swapping one problem for another.
I've read it doesn't spike blood sugar, which is reassuring, but I've also read that a lot of monk fruit products are blended with erythritol, and that might explain some mild stomach discomfort I've had this week.
Has anyone dealt with this before? Is monk fruit only really "healthy" in its pure form, and is there a specific brand without fillers I should look for? Thanks in advance

Im looking for some advice before I call my vet again. My 7 year old (mix of some kind) dog has been straining to pee, asking to go outside every 20 minutes, and I noticed a bit of blood in his urine today. I started reading online and keep coming across something called cystotomy dog stories where bladder stones ended up needing surgery, and now Im seriously worried that might be what's happening.

I know nobody can diagnose him online, but has anyones dog had similar symptoms before needing a cystotomy dog procedure?

I had been using an an old Apple Watch series 1 for a lot of years, it did the job, but I got tired of constantly charging it, checking notifications, and treating it like a tiny phone on my wrist. Then I started seeing the Hume Band everywhere on YouTube, Reddit, and social media, so I figured I'd give it a try. I honestly expected it to be another overhyped wearable, but weirdly enough, six months later, I'm still wearing it.

Hume band -  looks minimal, design is amazing, feels comfortable, and doesn't scream "tech gadget" like most fitness trackers do.

What i like most is that it focuses on trends instead of daily numbers. I've found myself checking metabolic momentum the most since it usually matches how i'm actually feeling.

A few things I personaly liked :

-Comfortable enough to wear 24/7,while sleeping too

-No subscription just to see your own data

-Syncs with apple health/google fit

-The app gives useful suggestions instead of throwing endless charts at you

Things that were meh:

-Battery is closer to 3 days than the advertised 5

-Workout tracking is pretty basic, especially if you're lifting

-No GPS or smartwatch features (which may or may not matter depending on what you want-dont really matter to me)

Also made a small table maybe will help someone:

https://preview.redd.it/mkk2crkxaigh1.png?width=1240&format=png&auto=webp&s=c4b48605a48bffebf9a0131e20d693764c95760d

I think this is a better fit for someone who's interested in improving recovery, sleep and overall health rather than chasing workout stats. If you're deciding between WHOOP, Oura, Fitbit, or Hume band, I'd say Hume sits somewhere in the middle, its simpler than WHOOP, less expensive over time, and focused more on long term wellness than smartwatch features.

TL;DR: im happy with it. battery could be better, but everything else has been good enough that i'm still wearing it six months later

I recently started drinking zero sugar monster instead of coffee before workouts and busy afternoons. I like that it doesn't give me a sugar crash, but some days I feel focused and other days I end up jittery even after a good night's sleep. It's also becoming my default energy drink, which wasn't the plan.

Does anyone else drink zero sugar monster regularly? Has it stayed consistent for you over time?

I searched what is an email alias because I wanted to clean up my inbox before signing up for a few new services. After reading five or six guides, I'm more confused than when I started. Some say it's just a forwarding address, others describe it like a separate mailbox. A few even mix in masked email services as if they're the same thing. Is there actually a standard definition of what is an email alias, or are people using the term for different things?

I've been trying to improve my health after doctor said something about liver failure. so I ended up reading a lot about how to prevent kidney failure.

Right now I'm drinking more water, cutting back on salty snacks, and trying to keep my blood pressure in a healthy range. I've also been reading articles about it but some say protein is the problem while others say it's completely fine unless you already have kidney disease.

For those who focus on wellness and prevention, what habits have actually helped you? Are there any reliable resources about how to prevent kidney failure that you found useful