Health

Greg Bishop, Attorney of Park City, Discusses Intermittent Fasting During Retirement

Published

6 years ago

February 7, 2020

Intermittent fasting – currently in vogue in many diet and health circles – describes different approaches to fasting. As the term implies, intermittent fasting refers to periodically abstaining from food and drink (although water and non-caloric drinks are acceptable). There are several different categories of intermittent fasting, but the three most common are (1) time-restricted feeding, (2) alternate-day fasting, and (3) periodic fasting.

Time-restricted feeding refers to eating only within a prescribed block of time each day. For example, one common approach is the 16:8 diet, where you fast continuously for 16 hours and then eat only during an 8-hour block of time (such as between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM). The frequency of eating during that block of time – for example, 2 big meals versus 3 smaller meals with snacks – is largely a matter of personal preference.

Alternate-day fasting involves rotating between “fast days” and “feast days.” Under this method, a “fast day” can be thought of either as strict fasting (no food and only non-caloric drinks) or as limited to 25% of your normal daily caloric intake. A “feast day,” on the other hand, refers to a regular day of eating your normal caloric intake (in other words, the fast day does not offset going calorie crazy on the feast day).

Finally, periodic fasting is similar to alternate-day fasting in that it can refer to any occasional fasting for 24 or more consecutive hours, followed by a normal eating period. The 5:2 diet is an example of a common periodic fasting diet – eating five days each week and fasting on two non-consecutive days.

What’s the Point of Intermittent Fasting?

Attorney Greg Bishop, located in Park City, Utah, explains that the primary purposes of intermittent fasting are to lose weight and improve health. He notes that a December 2019 article published in the New England Journal of Medicine concludes that studies and clinical trials have demonstrated that intermittent fasting:

Is as effective for weight loss as standard diets (according to 6 short-term studies involving overweight or obese adults);
Promotes fat loss while maintaining muscle mass in those involved in resistance training;
Reduces the health risks associated with obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancers and neurologic disorders;
Improves multiple indicators of cardiovascular health, including blood pressure, resting heart rate, HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, and insulin resistance;
Increases neuronal stress resistance through multiple mechanisms, including bolstering antioxidant defenses and DNA repair;
Suppresses inflammation, which can be beneficial in treating rheumatoid arthritis; and
Increases verbal memory, executive function, global cognition and working memory.

Notwithstanding the growing evidence from clinical studies regarding the health benefits of intermittent fasting, there is still much that we do not know. For example, most of the clinical studies were short-term, conducted over a matter of months. Thus, the long-term impacts of intermittent fasting are not yet known. Similarly, most of the study participants were overweight young- and middle-aged adults. It remains to be seen whether the benefits demonstrated in these short-term trials of young- and middle-aged adults also apply to older adults over the long term.

In addition, even if the benefits were conclusively established, it will likely take time for people so ingrained in a culture of eating three meals per day (plus snacks) to make the transition to some form of intermittent fasting. Moreover, some may find fasting difficult because of early symptoms of hunger, irritability and reduced ability to concentrate (which should subside within a month).

About Greg Bishop, Attorney | Greg Bishop is a Park City, Utah-based attorney with extensive experience in litigation, corporate work, M&A, licensing, IPO preparation, and HR, as well as corporate and board governance. Personally, he is passionate about helping others, including spending seven years working closely with the largest organization helping the homeless in Washington, D.C. In his free time, he enjoys the outdoors, mountain biking and traveling, as well as helping others achieve personal and professional success.

Health

White Boogers in Babies: What They Mean and How to Keep Little Noses Clear

Published

2 days ago

November 4, 2025

Michelle Langton

Spotting white boogers in your baby’s nose can make any parent pause and wonder if something’s wrong. Is it a cold? An allergy? Or just part of being a baby? In most cases, white mucus is perfectly normal—it’s your baby’s way of clearing out dust, dry air, or mild irritants. Unlike adults, babies can’t blow their noses, so even small buildups can make breathing sound stuffy or snuffly.

For safe and effective relief, a nasal aspirator for baby from Momcozy can be your best ally. It helps gently remove mucus without irritating delicate nasal passages, offering comfort and clear breathing in seconds. Understanding what white boogers indicate—and when to worry—helps parents handle congestion with confidence and care.

Just Mucus: What White Snot Tells You About the Nasal Passage

White boogers are often a sign of mild dryness or early-stage congestion. When mucus lacks enough moisture, it thickens and appears cloudy or white instead of clear. This is your baby’s natural defense system working to trap dust, germs, and other particles from the air.

The good news? White mucus typically means your baby’s body is managing irritants effectively. It’s not usually a sign of infection but rather a normal part of mucus production—especially in dry or air-conditioned environments.

The Anatomy of Dryness: Why White Boogers Are Often a Sign of Low Humidity

If your baby wakes up with white or crusty boogers, it may be because the air around them is too dry. Indoor heating, air conditioners, or even fans can lower humidity levels, drying out your baby’s nasal membranes.

Dry air thickens mucus, making it appear opaque or white. This can lead to mild congestion, snoring sounds, or harder boogers around the nostrils. Running a cool-mist humidifier near your baby’s crib helps maintain ideal moisture levels in the air and keeps nasal passages naturally clear and soft.

The Pre-Color Phase: Is White Mucus Just the Beginning of a Cold?

Sometimes, white mucus can indicate the very early stage of a common cold. When a virus first enters your baby’s system, the body produces thicker mucus to trap and remove it. During this phase, mucus may shift from clear to white before becoming yellow or green as immune cells become more active.

If your baby’s only symptom is mild congestion and no fever or fussiness, there’s usually no need to worry. Keep an eye on the mucus color and texture—if it thickens or changes color alongside symptoms like irritability or poor feeding, it might be time to consult your pediatrician.

How to Help: Gently Rehydrating the Nasal Airway with Saline Solution

Rehydrating your baby’s nasal passages is one of the simplest and safest ways to handle white boogers. Saline drops or sprays help loosen thick mucus, making it easier to remove.

Here’s how:

Lay your baby on their back with their head slightly tilted.
Apply one or two drops of saline into each nostril.
Wait about 30 seconds to allow the solution to soften the mucus.
Use a nasal aspirator for baby to gently suction out the mucus.

Repeat this process before feeding or sleep times to ensure your baby can breathe comfortably throughout the day and night.

Boosting the Environment: The Key Role of Humidifiers in Reducing Dry Mucus

A well-hydrated environment does wonders for preventing nasal dryness and white mucus. By maintaining optimal humidity levels (around 40–50%), you help keep your baby’s nasal membranes moist and functional.

Running a humidifier, especially during dry or cold months, is an effective preventive measure. It keeps mucus from hardening, making it less likely for your baby to develop congestion. Pair this with regular cleaning of the humidifier to prevent mold and bacteria growth that could worsen nasal irritation.

The “Milk Crud” Myth: Distinguishing White Mucus from Spit-Up or Formula Residue

Parents often confuse white boogers with dried milk or formula residue—especially if it’s seen near the nostrils or mouth. The difference lies in texture and location.

White mucus tends to be sticky and stretchy, while milk residue looks flaky or chalky. If your baby spits up frequently, it’s possible for small amounts of milk to reach the nasal area, especially during sleep.

Safe Removal Techniques: Getting Stubborn White Boogers Out Without Irritating the Nose

When boogers become hard or stuck, resist the urge to pick them out with your fingers or a cotton swab. This can scratch your baby’s delicate nasal lining and cause bleeding. Instead, soften the area first.

You can do this by:

Applying a few saline drops to loosen the mucus.
Running a steamy shower for a few minutes to let your baby inhale warm moisture.
Using a Momcozy nasal aspirator for baby to gently suction out the softened mucus.
Wiping the outside of the nostrils with a clean, damp cloth.

These steps ensure a safe and gentle cleaning process while avoiding any harm to your baby’s nose.

When to Check In: When White Snot Is Accompanied by Other Concerning Symptoms

White boogers alone are rarely a reason to panic, but if they’re accompanied by other symptoms, it may be time to seek medical advice.

Call your pediatrician if you notice:

Persistent nasal congestion lasting more than a week.
Difficulty breathing or feeding.
Fever or irritability.
Thick white mucus that turns yellow or green with time.

These signs may indicate an infection or allergy that needs professional attention. Always trust your instincts—if your baby seems uncomfortable or their breathing changes, getting checked is the best course of action.

Summary

In most cases, white boogers in babies are simply a sign of dryness or mild congestion, not illness. Your baby’s nose is just doing its job by trapping dust and debris. Keeping the air humid, using saline drops, and clearing mucus gently with a nasal aspirator for baby can prevent discomfort and ensure easy breathing.

However, it’s important to stay observant. If the white mucus persists, thickens, or is paired with symptoms like fever or poor feeding, contact your pediatrician. With regular nasal care, proper hydration, and the right tools, you can keep your baby’s tiny nose clear, healthy, and ready to take in every breath with ease.