Click to Subscribe to All Ben's Fitness & Get A Free Surprise Gift from Ben. Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode. Oct 10, 2012 free podcast: What Kind Of Yogurt Is Best Also: choosing a bed mattress and treating a dowager's hump, who should use a breath training device, cold feet while cycling with raynaud's syndrome, how and when to use branch chain amino acids, can olive oil be bad for you, and how to deal with bicycle saddle sores. Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the tab on the right side of the screen, call 1-877-209-9439, Skype “pacificfit” or scroll down to the “Ask Ben” form. Please don't forget to leave the podcast a ranking in iTunes - it only takes a minute of your time and it helps grow our healthy community! ----------------------------------------------------- News Flashes: To get these and other interesting news flashes every week, follow Ben on Twitter and Google+. Full fat dairy is best (might be all that oxidized powdered milk that gets added to skim versions). These studies are weird… 78g/carb/hr shown to be "best" during exercise… but these are not fat adapted people, concentration of carb varies, blah, blah. Good article on how fish oil can decrease inflammation. ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: Go to www.audiblepodcast.com/ben - and sign up to claim your very own free audiobook. MyList (save all the things you love that rock in one place) - the complete list of recommendations from this podcast episode are available at the Facebook page. World-class coaching, including pre-recorded workouts from Ben Greenfield - now available on your iPhone with the PEAR Sports iPhone app!  This new, revolutionary PEAR Sports app is a smart, interactive personal training system that uses an advanced Bluetooth heart rate monitor to measure your body’s response to a workout and provides real-time audio coaching through the PEAR Stride earphones to ensure that you train right. Everything you love about PEAR in your iPhone!  Get a PEAR now. This Friday, at 6PST/9EST - head over to facebook.com/EndurancePlanet and click on "live video" for a LIVE endurance sports nutrition Q&A with Ben Greenfield. ----------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: As compiled and read by Brock, the Ben Greenfield Fitness Podcast "sidekick". Dave asks @ 00:17:20 I am curious why your concerns about dairy do not include yogurt? I am not suggesting that they should, I'm just curious why yogurt is not a concern. Second, a fellow triathlete podcaster that I listen to is a big fan of yours but very anti olive oil. I have not heard his reasons so I am curious what you they could be. Audio Question from Drew @ 00:31:17 Can you recommend a bed mattress that is good for back pain? She tore her trapezius and fractured her tailbone (among other injuries) quite a while ago. She isn't a "sissy" but she doesn't sleep well and it is really starting to get to her. She also has a dowager's hump (hyperkyphosis) from working at a desk. Do you have any suggestions for treating that and correcting her posture? ~ In my response, I talk about the Sleep Number mattress and Brock mentions Intelliskin. Audio Question from Robert @ 00:36:40 Do you think a breath training device (like the Powerlung) would be beneficial for an older age grouper late to the game? ~ In my response, I talk about the Powerlung and mentions this podcast episode. Audio Question from Elisabeth @ 00:40:16 Looking for tips to deal with raynaud's syndrome on the bike (and in general). It acts up when her feet get cold on the bike she and sometimes just can't seem to warm them up. She uses neoprene foot warmers but it doesn't always do the trick. ~ In my response, I talk about the GSR2 Biofeedback Device and the EMWave2. I also talk about SuperEssentials Fish Oil and recommend Omega 3-Omega 6 Fatty Acid ratios, plus testing with a company like WellnessFX. Brock mentions Heat Factory Hand Warmers. Audio Question from Ty @ 00:47:09 He wants to know at what point there is a benefit in supplementing with branch chain amino acids. What threshold, in intensity and duration, should he set to beginning supplementing. ~ In my response, I talk about Recoverease  and also Master Amino Pattern. Lance asks @ 00:51:41 I have a question about how best to use Master Amino Pattern and Wobenzyme Proteolytic Enzymes to help me recover between consecutive weekends of long racing. I understand to use MAP before and after but the timing confuses me. Since the enzymes need to be on an empty stomach, and post race calories are important too, what is the best way to combine everything? Also should I continue in the following days? If so, how much and when? I'd also like to ask about tart cherry juice? Is there something special about tart cherries, or is the same effect in other juices like pomegranate, since it looks like the same active ingredient? ~ In my response, I talk about Tart Cherry Juice. Josh asks @ 00:57:59 In your blog post "The Hawaii Comedy of Errors" you mentioned that you had a bout with saddle sores. I too have had an ongoing battle with them ever since I started cycling. I've tried many different saddles and nothing has been especially wonderful. My saddle is slightly pivoted downward and I have been properly fitted. Tri-shorts make it worse than cycling bibs and, earlier in the season, they were so bad that I nearly had a full-blown infection. I've tried EVERY cream/natural remedy with no relief. I was thinking of getting an Adamo Road saddle, but wanted to get your opinion on what to do first. ~ In my response, I talk about Adamo ISM saddle, Hammer Nutrition Seat Saver (use 15% discount code 80244), SkinSake Ointment, and Tea Tree Oil. Prior to asking your question, do a search in upper right hand corner of this website for the keywords associated with your question. Many of the questions we receive have already been answered here at Ben Greenfield Fitness! ====================================== [contact-form-7 id="6222" title="Ask Ben"]====================================== See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Click to Subscribe to All Ben's Fitness & Get A Free Surprise Gift from Ben. Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode. Oct 6, 2012 free podcast: Why Do I Stink When I Workout? Also: how to get rid of skin tags, remedies for eczema, the correct way to do a single leg quad stretch, managing high blood pressure and high cholesterol, how long should your "long run" be, and even more about muscle cramps. Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the tab on the right side of the screen, call toll free to 1-877-209-9439, Skype to “pacificfit” or scroll down on this post to access the free “Ask Ben” form. If you have trouble listening, downloading, or transferring to your mp3 player just e-mail ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com. Also, please don't forget to leave the podcast a ranking in iTunes - it only takes a minute of your time and it helps grow our healthy community! ----------------------------------------------------- News Flashes: To get these and other interesting news flashes every week, follow Ben on Twitter and Google+. At the equivalent of just 1 cup per day, coffee makes you smart and focused. Eggs NOT as bad as cigarettes and are, in fact, good for you. Here's a new egg study - with good study methods. Full circle folks. NOT snacking & grazing actually increases metabolism and stabilizes appetite. And here's that video we promised about 5 exercises you can do while lying in bed... courtesy of www.oedb.org College Hacker series:   ---------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: MyList (save all the things you love that rock in one place) - Check out a complete list of recommendations from this podcast episode at our facebook page. Ben will be in Kona next week - follow all the Ironman World Championship fun at Endurance Planet's Facebook page. ----------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: As compiled and read by Brock, the Ben Greenfield Fitness Podcast "sidekick". Audio Question from Gregg @ 00:13:28 Has recently lost weight and is noticing some skin tags. Would like to know how to get rid of them himself (without going to see a dermatologist). Audio Question from Carlos @ 00:19:35 After every workout he gets a bad odour on his clothes and skin (after 45min-1hr run). ~ In my response to Carlos, I mention Dr. Brommer's soap,  oil of oregano,  Hammer Nutrition Cool Feet (use 15% referral discount code 80244). Also take a look at this homemade deodorant. Audio Question from Lisa @ 00:28:07 She has had eczema for a number of years but it has gotten worse lately. She would like to know if there are any diet changes that would help get rid of it. Audio Question from XPRS00 @ 00:32:16 He would like to know why you lean forward while doing the single leg quad stretch? ~ Take a peek at my own morning stretch routine. Audio Question from Kevin @ 00:36:09 Has been trying to change his diet (maybe ketogenic?) to beat blood pressure and cholesterol issues that run in the family. His BP is a little high but not bad (borderline). He would like to try to get it down without taking meds. ~ In my response, I mention NutraRev as a Coenzyme Q10 source. Also fish oil, Minerals, Azumio Stress Doctor and Stress Check apps, and WellnessFX. Audio Question from a helpful husband @ 00:49:26 He is helping his wife train for a "bucket list" marathon. He wants to know if she should do a 20 mile long run (LSD) even if it will take her longer that 3 hours (she runs at a 15:00/mile pace). Matt says @ 00:54:57 I recently attempted a 100 mile run and had to drop out halfway because of quad cramping and blisters. I ran 50 miles in 8:36, had good energy during the race and had even splits for the two 25 mile loops. In fact I was in first place in the 100 and would have had third if I hadn't dropped out. Was it the lack of calories (I only had about 200 during the entire race)? When I tired to run faster, or when I had to step up on a rock, both quads would seize up for several minutes. This started during the last 10-15 miles of the run. I want to add that none of this would be possible if I wasn't keto adapted. ~ In my response, I talk about taurine. Prior to asking your question, do a search in upper right hand corner of this website for the keywords associated with your question. Many of the questions we receive have already been answered here at Ben Greenfield Fitness! ====================================== [contact-form-7 id="6222" title="Ask Ben"]====================================== See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Click to Subscribe to All Ben's Fitness & Get A Free Surprise Gift from Ben. Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode. Sep 26, 2012 free podcast: What Is Detoxification and How Can You Detox Your Body? Also: how to get rid of a keloid, muscle twitches and cramps, should children do endurance sports, multivitamins for kids vs. adults, how to increase reps quickly, and is cold exposure before a workout beneficial? Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the tab on the right side of the screen, call toll free to 1-877-209-9439, Skype to “pacificfit” or scroll down on this post to access the free “Ask Ben” form. If you have trouble listening, downloading, or transferring to your mp3 player just e-mail ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com. Also, please don't forget to leave the podcast a ranking in iTunes - it only takes a minute of your time and it helps grow our healthy community! ----------------------------------------------------- News Flashes: To get these and other interesting news flashes every week, follow Ben on Twitter and Google+. Very interesting that in this study of elite marathoners they're doing at least 2-3 fasted, low carb runs per week. Cumulative daily sleep of 7-9 hours might not be as important as total daily sleep of 7-9 hours. Doing your interval running on flat treadmill vs. uphill treadmill could be better! ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: MyList (save all the things you love in one place) - Check out a complete list of recommendations from this podcast episode at our facebook page. Ben writes custom training plans - like the one in today's testimonial. Find out how to get your own custom training plan. In the intro - we mention 110% compression and the Rumble Roller. Also, later we mention the new app Lift and that you can follow us on Strava - if you dare... Brock and Ben. ----------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: As compiled and read by Brock, the Ben Greenfield Fitness Podcast "sidekick". Audio Question from AJ @ 00:18:23 He injured his hip playing indoor soccer. Very large bruise that stuck out about an 3/4 of an inch. When it healed it left a bump about the size of a quarter that he can move around with his finger. He thinks its a keloid (a type of scar which is composed mainly of collagen). He has had an xray and it is not a bone fragment. It bothers him after racing (can barely run). What can he do to minimize the pain and get ready for next season? ~ In my response to AJ, I mention Apple Cider Vinegar. I also mention Helichrysum Oil for reducing scars. Audio Question from Cathy @ 00:26:12 She enjoys the way a cold bath or a soak in a lake/ocean makes her feel but she has doesn't know if it is right for her. Her naturopathic doctor told her that her detoxification pathways are not open, so she can't shed all the toxins out of her system, and has "toxic overload". Her naturopathic doc recommended that she do saunas to increase her sweating. The problem is that it is hard for her to sweat (needs to be 95-100 degrees) even in the sauna she needs to be jumping rope or something. She also has poor circulation and raynaud's syndrome. Should she be using cold therapy at all? Also, how can she increase her sweating, since exercise doesn't really make her sweat. ~ In my response to Cathy, I mention Sweet Sweat. I also mention this secretor test. Audio Question from Charlie @ 00:50:47 He's been training for a couple marathons over the last 6-8 months. After each run he has noticed that his quads and calf muscles twitch uncontrollably (sometimes for days). Is this normal or is he lacking something in his nutrition? Also Chrissy says: Do you know anything about a popcorn sensation in the calf muscle after running followed by severe muscle cramps? This started happening to me about 2 years ago after running a half marathon and now occurs after running even short distances (a couple miles) and, sometimes, after a bike ride. The cramping can get so severe that I feel like I did an intense calf workout. I’m 36 and have been running road races since I was in my early 20’s. Because of another injury to my hip, I’ve decided to take a break from running altogether. I want to return to running and tris once my hip gets better, however I do not want to feel like I have aliens living in my calves. ~ In my response to both Charlie and Chrissy, I mention topical magnesium. Audio Question from Jeff @ 01:00:29 A few podcasts ago we talked about a very young girl who has been doing half marathons at a high level and Ben was concerned about that. Jeff's 10-year-old son is doing a short triathlon soon and loves to run and wants to "be like his dad". If he continues in his desire to run long distances (more than 3 miles at a time), is this something Jeff should reign him in on? He wants to encourage his son but not if it is detrimental to his development. What are your thoughts on youngsters in endurance sports and is there anything in particular he should be concentrating on nutritionally? ~ In my response to Jeff, I mention Lavamagazine.com. Audio Question from Keith @ 01:10:24 He is planning to buy some liquid multivitamins that you recommended. He noticed that some of them are "for kids" and is wondering if there is a difference between then beyond flavour? Also, are there specific vitamins that children should be taking and is there any danger in giving an adult product to a child? ~ In my response to Keith, we discuss Kid's Liquid Multivitamins. Audio Question from McKade @ 01:15:29 He is in the military and wants to know how to best increase his number of pushups, pullups, situps and chinups. What schedule would you recommend to increase these quickly. ~ In my response, I mention the Naked Warrior book and Ultimate Warrior Workouts. Audio Question from Scott @ 01:22:25Wants to know what your take is on doing cold exposure before a workout. Is there any research that suggests that there would be an increase in strength output (reps or weight) or delayed muscle fatigue leading to greater work capacity. Prior to asking your question, do a search in upper right hand corner of this website for the keywords associated with your question. Many of the questions we receive have already been answered here at Ben Greenfield Fitness! ====================================== [contact-form-7 id="6222" title="Ask Ben"]====================================== See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(I do not condone riding your bicycle while using your phone or exercising at the gym while talking on your phone. Do not be that person...) In today's post, I'm releasing an audio interview with "Fitness For Geeks" author Bruce Perry. Bruce and I geek out on how you can use technology to get a [...] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Click to Subscribe to All Ben's Fitness & Get A Free Surprise Gift from Ben. Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode. Sep 19, 2012 free podcast: How To Know If The Supplement You're Taking Is Safe Also: resistance training for triathletes, tips on clearing your lungs, Gerson Therapy for treating cancer, when is it safe to mix fats and carbs, and are hydration and electrolytes the only causes of muscle cramping? Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the tab on the right side of the screen, call toll free to 1-877-209-9439, Skype to “pacificfit” or scroll down on this post to access the free “Ask Ben” form. If you have trouble listening, downloading, or transferring to your mp3 player just e-mail ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com. Also, please don't forget to leave the podcast a ranking in iTunes - it only takes a minute of your time and it helps grow our healthy community! ----------------------------------------------------- News Flashes: To get these and other interesting news flashes every week, follow Ben on Twitter and Google+. This study says it's useless to warmup before your triathlon - but they didn't look at bike warmup, only swim/run. Yet more evidence that those special, curvy-bottom exercise shoes don't actually do anything special. Low cholesterol may cause depression/increased risk of suicide. Fat is good for the brain, folks. While talking about cholesterol and depression, Ben mentions the book Primal Body, Primal Mind. ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: Go to www.audiblepodcast.com/ben - and sign up to claim your very own free audiobook. MyList (save all the things you love in one place) - Check out a complete list of recommendations from this podcast episode at our facebook page. Ben mentions the Sufferfest Cycling Videos - a great high intensity indoor cycling workout. Nutrition Survey - Struggle with adhering to your diet? We want to help. Please tell us about your nutrition difficulties. This is open to everyone regardless of your current level of health and fitness. Ben's Superhuman Performance Encoder wristband and Entrainer Drops - are now available. ----------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: As compiled and read by Brock, the Ben Greenfield Fitness Podcast "sidekick". Audio Question from Ben (at 00:14:47) Older brother who is 38 just did Wildflower and Toughman. In prep for next triathlon, he wants to do some resistance training. What do you recommend for him? The standard body building moves? ~ In my response I mention my book at www.thestrongtriathlete.com for faster, more intense cardio-esque weight routines OR my Ultimate Weight Training Guide book at for more traditional strength and power training routines for triathletes. Audio Question from Clayman (00:22:57) He just started using an advair inhaler and is doing much better. Can you give him more ideas of how to unlock the mucus from his lungs? Audio Question from John (00:32:00) Has increased his testosterone and got his knee fixed and is looking forward to starting the Tri-Ripped Program. Have you done any research on the Gerson Therapy for cancer? What would you recommend to a friend if they had cancer? ~ In my response to John, I recommend he listen to episode #204, in which I talk about the book Fourfold Path To Healing. I also mention The Burzynski Clinic and the Burzynski Movie. Audio Question from Jorge (00:39:22) Just did Ironman Canada and is very happy with his results and wants to thank Ben for all his help and knowledge. He also has a question about supplements - do you know if there is an organization or website that certifies the quality of supplements? ~ Here is a timely news story to illustrate the potential issue. Audio Question from Keerthi (00:48:42) He heard you say on the podcast that eating toast with scrambled eggs can cause oxidation of the fatty acids and that is not good for your health. He has also heard you say that it is good to mix fats with starches to reduce the Glycemic Index of those starches. Sounds like a mixed message? He wants to know how much fat he can safely add to the carbs (how much ghee in white rice)? Also does it matter what type of fats? Audio Question from Seth (00:58:28)Just finished the 70.3 in Muskoka where he had a new issue of cramping in his quads about a half mile into the run. The cramps were bad enough that he had to walk. Has worked with a coach to improve his efficiency. Has never cramped on the bike. He had decent fuelling and had to pee 5 times during the race. Could he have leaked out all his electrolytes? Prior to asking your question, do a search in upper right hand corner of this website for the keywords associated with your question. Many of the questions we receive have already been answered here at Ben Greenfield Fitness! ====================================== [contact-form-7 id="6222" title="Ask Ben"]====================================== See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's audio episode, you're going to learn the best way to implement a "triathlon training minimal time" approach, in a insider interview with Ironman champion Sami Inkinen, who trains just 8-12 hours per week. Sami is just coming off an amateur Ironman winning time of 8:24 at Ironman Sweden, and last year, his finishes [...] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Click to Subscribe to All Ben's Fitness & Get A Free Surprise Gift from Ben. Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode. Sep 12, 2012 free podcast: How High Intensity Interval Training Can Fix All Your Problems And Turn You Into An Unstoppable, Superhuman, Rockstar. Also: why you get diarrhea, tennis specific training, how eliminating grains effects your energy level, returning from a partial rotator cuff tear, reasons for exercise induced migraines, low-weight high-rep vs. high-weight low-rep, what is "block training", how and why to widen your "Q-Factor", and combating fatigue during your period. Have a podcast question for Ben? Click the tab on the right side of the screen, call toll free to 1-877-209-9439, Skype to “pacificfit” or scroll down on this post to access the free “Ask Ben” form. If you have trouble listening, downloading, or transferring to your mp3 player just e-mail ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com. Also, please don't forget to leave the podcast a ranking in iTunes - it only takes a minute of your time and it helps grow our healthy community! ----------------------------------------------------- News Flashes: To get these and other interesting news flashes every week, follow Ben on Twitter and Google+. What do you think is worst for diet? Sleep deprivation, boozing or TV watching? Can Yerba Mate cause cancer? - www.caring4cancer.com/go/cancer/nutrition/questions - articles.latimes.com/2009/mar/16/health/he-nutrition16 - www.elephantjournal.com/2012/09/yerba-mate-and-cancer/ ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: Nutrition Survey - Struggle with adhering to your diet? We want to help. Please tell us about your nutrition difficulties. This is open to everyone regardless of your current level of health and fitness. Ben's Superhuman Performance Encoder wristband and Entrainer Drops - are now available. There are now time-stamps in the transcripts - of each of the latest podcasts. This makes it much easier to find the audio section you are interested in hearing. Listener Daragh finished his first Ironman - in 9:55:07 using Ben's Triathlon Dominator program. ----------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: As compiled and read by Brock, the Ben Greenfield Fitness Podcast "sidekick". Audio Question from AJ: He is a competitive cyclist and mountain bike racer. His weakness is his gut. Doesn't do well on solid foods and has switched to liquid calories. Has trouble with diarrhea especially when he is travelling. Has diarrhea a few times a week. Looking for causes and solutions. ~ In my response to AJ, I mention the Genova Parasitology test. I also mention the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, and the free Specific Carbohydrate Diet e-book. Audio Question from Carlos: Question about HIIT. Most programs says you should go high for 30 and low for 30 seconds. Would it better to use a Heart Rate Monitor and go hard/fast until I hit 180 bpm and then go slow until I hit 140bpm? ~ In my response to Carlos, I mention the complete guide to interval training article. Audio Question from Chris: In the past Ben has mentioned playing tennis. He is curious - what are the exercises and training routines that you have found to help with knee health and joint health when it comes to tennis? What training tips would you have? ~ In my response to Chris, I mention Capraflex. Audio Question from Jennifer: She has dropped grains out of her diet (except for quinoa). Does plenty of exercise and eats a lot of fruits and vegetables. She's found that she is really tired since changing her diet. What can she add to her diet to add energy but maintain the comfortable weight that she is at. ~ In my response, I mention lab testing with WellnessFX. Audio Question from Mike: Has a problem with his left shoulder. He's working out 3-5 times a week, doing intervals and weights. Lifting moderately heavy. Had a partial rotator cuff tear a few years ago. Rested it for 3 weeks and it healed up. Now every day that he lifts he gets pain the next day. What can he do to help with that? ~ In my response, I recommend this free report on Muscle Imbalances Revealed. I also mention the 7 minute Rotator Cuff Solution. Erin asks: Going for a run of 20 minutes or more often causes me to develop an aura migraine. Initially I get the bright spots in my eyes and if I continue running it will progress into the full-blown migraine. It only ever happens when I run in the morning and is made substantially worse when the weather is hot. Interestingly, I do a lot of other indoor sports and this doesn't happen during those training sessions, regardless of intensity. Can you suggest why this might be happening and what I can do to avoid it? ~ In my response to Erin, I reference my How to Get Rid of Migraine Headaches podcast with Ted Morter. Longbow asks: You mentioned in one of the earlier podcasts that recent research showed lifting lighter weights with more reps has the same result as the heavier weight with fewer reps. If the benefit is the same and the goal is "lift to failure", wouldn't it be better to lift lighter weights so the chance of getting injured is smaller? ~ In my response to Longbow, I mention this podcast that I did with Art De Vany. Also this podcast with Cary Nosler. Craig asks: I've heard a couple of things about "block training" (emphasizing one triathlon discipline at a time). What is your opinion on this? Dan asks: I was wondering what you thought about pedal spacers to widen the "Q-Factor". Is there a way to figure out what is the right pedal width for your body (besides getting a custom-fit)? Does hip-width have some correlation to foot-width? Jill asks: My monthly cycle can bring on some extreme fatigue with me unable to wake up to an alarm to exercise. It can be extremely frustrating and cuts down on the time I have to put in long sessions on the bike. As my exercise time drops off during this week every month, I feel I lose fitness and it seems to take a week or two to get back into a good groove, and then it happens again! Do you have any suggestions of herbs, supplements, etc that I could use to combat this fatigue? Is going on birth control pills the best option? ~ In my response to Jill, I mention Katylynn Wlesch's 21K Trail Run. I also mention my recommendations for estrogen dominance. Prior to asking your question, do a search in upper right hand corner of this website for the keywords associated with your question. Many of the questions we receive have already been answered here at Ben Greenfield Fitness! ====================================== [contact-form-7 id="6222" title="Ask Ben"]====================================== See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.