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Research Improvement Process

Framework for reviewing and enhancing wellness topic pages.


## 📖 The Story

[Create a narrative showing someone who tried to change everything at once and failed vs someone who followed a systematic process. Show the value of structured improvement]


## 🧠 The Science

The Science of Behavior Change

Habit Formation

  • How habits are built (cue-routine-reward)
  • Timeline for automaticity (66 days average)

Change Psychology

  • Stages of change model
  • Why willpower isn't enough

Systems vs. Goals

  • Why systems outperform goals
  • Building identity-based habits

## 🚶 Journey

The Improvement Timeline

Phase 1: Assessment (Week 1-2)

  • Complete baseline evaluations
  • Identify patterns and priorities
  • What to expect: Clarity and direction

Phase 2: Planning (Week 2-3)

  • Set specific goals
  • Design action plan
  • What to expect: Motivation and focus

Phase 3: Implementation (Month 1-3)

  • Execute the plan
  • Track progress
  • What to expect: Initial results, some setbacks

Phase 4: Refinement (Month 3+)

  • Adjust based on feedback
  • Optimize and expand
  • What to expect: Sustainable change

## 📸 What It Looks Like

Example Improvement Processes

Example 1: Sleep Improvement

  • Week 1: Baseline sleep tracking
  • Week 2: Consistent wake time
  • Week 3: Evening routine
  • Week 4: Environment optimization

Example 2: Nutrition Improvement

  • Week 1: Food diary
  • Week 2: Protein at each meal
  • Week 3: Add vegetables
  • Week 4: Meal timing

## 🚀 Getting Started

Your Improvement Process

Step 1: Choose ONE area

  • Pick your highest-priority pillar

Step 2: Define success

  • What does improvement look like?

Step 3: Identify ONE habit

  • The smallest action that moves you forward

Step 4: Design the trigger

  • When and where will you do it?

Step 5: Track and adjust

  • Review weekly, adjust as needed

## 🔧 Troubleshooting

Common Improvement Problems

"I keep falling off track"

  • Habit too big (make it smaller)
  • No clear trigger (add one)
  • Environment working against you (redesign it)

"I'm not seeing results"

  • Too soon (give it 4-8 weeks)
  • Wrong metric (measure behavior, not just outcome)
  • Wrong priority (reassess)

"I lost motivation"

  • Relying on motivation (build systems instead)
  • No celebration (add rewards)
  • Isolated effort (find accountability)

## ❓ Common Questions

Q: How do I know what to work on first? A: Take assessments and start with lowest score OR the pillar affecting others most.

Q: How long should I focus on one area? A: Until it's habitual (usually 6-12 weeks) before adding another focus.

Q: What if I fail? A: Failure is data. Analyze what happened and adjust. Never two misses in a row.

Q: How do I stay motivated long-term? A: Shift from motivation to identity. You're someone who [does the behavior].


## ✅ Quick Reference

Improvement Process Checklist

PhaseKey Actions
AssessComplete pillar assessments
PrioritizeChoose ONE focus area
PlanDefine habit + trigger
ExecuteStart small, track daily
ReviewWeekly check-ins
AdjustModify based on data
ExpandAdd next focus when ready

Page-by-Page Process

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ For Each Page: │
│ │
│ 0. SCOPE → What SHOULD this topic cover? │
│ Define the ideal scope based on │
│ name, purpose, and audience needs │
│ │
│ 1. REVIEW → What do we currently have? │
│ │
│ 2. IDENTIFY GAPS → Compare scope vs current = gaps │
│ │
│ 3. DISCUSS → For each gap: │
│ • Add basic context here? (small) │
│ • Add deeper section here? (medium) │
│ • Needs its own page? (large) │
│ │
│ 4. RESEARCH → Find info + sources for gaps │
│ │
│ 5. ENHANCE → Deepen existing content with more science │
│ │
│ 6. UPDATE → Write the content: │
│ • Fill gaps on this page │
│ • Create/update other pages if needed │
│ │
│ 7. LINK → Cross-reference related topics properly │
│ │
│ 8. CITE → Add proper DOI links and citations │
│ │
│ 9. NEXT → Move to next page │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Step 0: Defining Scope

For each topic, answer these questions:

QuestionPurpose
What is this topic?Core definition
Why does it matter?Relevance to health/goals
What should someone understand after reading?Learning outcomes
What sub-topics fall under this umbrella?Coverage boundaries
What's adjacent but belongs elsewhere?Scope limits
Who is the audience?Depth calibration

Gap Size Decision Framework

For each identified gap, categorize and decide:

SizeCriteriaAction
SmallSimple concept, 1-2 paragraphsAdd a note or brief mention on current page
MediumImportant concept, needs explanationAdd a new section on current page
LargeComplex topic, could stand aloneCreate/update separate page + link to it

Quality Checklist

Before marking a page complete, verify:

Content

  • All scope items covered (at least basic context)
  • Science explained clearly (mechanisms, not just facts)
  • Practical application included
  • Common questions addressed
  • Areas of scientific debate noted

Structure

  • Follows template (Story → Science → Practical → Takeaways)
  • Mermaid diagrams for processes/relationships
  • Tabs for comparisons or options
  • Collapsible sections for reference content
  • "For Mo" admonitions where relevant

Sources

  • All claims have citations
  • DOI links included (not just "PMC 2022")
  • Evidence tiers assigned (A/B/C/D)
  • Mix of primary research and expert sources

Connections

  • Links to related topics in same pillar
  • Cross-pillar connections noted
  • Adjacent topics referenced (with links)

Citation Format

Inline Citation

Research shows protein needs increase with age ([Morton et al., 2018](https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2017-097608)).

Sources Section Citation

**Morton RW, Murphy KT, McKellar SR, et al.** A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of the effect of protein supplementation on resistance training-induced gains in muscle mass and strength in healthy adults. *Br J Sports Med*. 2018;52(6):376-384.
DOI: [10.1136/bjsports-2017-097608](https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2017-097608) | [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28698222/)
![Tier A](https://img.shields.io/badge/Evidence-Tier%20A-brightgreen)

Progress Tracking

Nutrition Pillar

PageScopeReviewGapsResearchUpdateLinkCiteStatus
macronutrientsComplete
proteinComplete (new page)
carbohydratesComplete (new page)
fatsComplete (new page)
micronutrientsComplete
vitaminsComplete (new page)
mineralsComplete (new page)
gut-healthComplete (rewritten)
meal-timingComplete (rewritten)
supplementsComplete (10-page folder)
practical/Complete (5-page folder)
hydrationComplete (enhanced)
digestionComplete (enhanced)
blood-sugarComplete (enhanced)
metabolismComplete (enhanced)
digestive-issuesComplete (enhanced with IBD, H. pylori, diverticular, gastroparesis, candida)
food-sensitivities/Complete (5-page folder)

Goals Section (/docs/goals/)

PageScopeReviewGapsResearchUpdateLinkCiteStatus
index (understanding-goals)Complete (new page)
eating-for-goalsNeeds Revisit (align with 7 goal categories)
movement-for-goalsNot started (future)

Movement Pillar

PageScopeReviewGapsResearchUpdateLinkCiteStatus
(to be added)

Macronutrients Scope (Detailed)

Page 1: macronutrients.md (Overview)

Purpose: Introduction to macros as a concept, cross-cutting topics, how they relate

Topics to Cover:

TopicDescription
What are macronutrientsDefinition, why "macro"
Calories per gramProtein: 4, Carbs: 4, Fat: 9, Alcohol: 7
Energy balanceCalories in vs out fundamentals
Thermic Effect of Food (TEF)Protein: 20-30%, Carbs: 5-10%, Fat: 0-3%
Hormonal responsesInsulin, glucagon, incretin hormones
Appetite hormonesGhrelin, GLP-1, PYY
Metabolic flexibilityAbility to switch between fuel sources
Alcohol as 4th macroMetabolism, effects beyond calories
Bioavailability overviewWhy absorption varies by source
Macro ratios by goalGeneral guidelines + goal adjustments
The nutrition hierarchyCalories → Protein → Food quality → Ratios
How macros work togetherSynergy, balance
Quick comparison tableSide-by-side of all 3 macros

Links to: protein.md, carbohydrates.md, fats.md


Page 2: protein.md

Purpose: Deep dive on protein - the building macro

Topics to Cover:

TopicDescription
What protein doesBuilding, repair, enzymes, hormones, immune
Amino acids20 total, 9 essential, conditionally essential
Complete vs incompleteAnimal vs plant, combining proteins
Protein quality scoresPDCAAS, DIAAS - what they measure, scores
BioavailabilityHow well different proteins are absorbed
Requirements by populationSedentary, active, athletes, elderly, fat loss
Protein timing & distributionPer-meal targets (20-40g), meal frequency
Leucine threshold~2.5g trigger for muscle protein synthesis
Muscle protein synthesisHow protein triggers MPS, refractory period
Absorption ratesFast (whey) vs slow (casein) proteins
Nitrogen balanceHow body maintains protein equilibrium
Protein turnoverConstant breakdown & rebuilding
Protein and satietyWhy protein keeps you full
Plant vs animal proteinBioavailability, leucine, practical tips
Protein digestionStomach → small intestine → amino acids/peptides
Protein mythsKidney damage, bone health, "too much"
Best protein sourcesFood list with protein content

Page 3: carbohydrates.md

Purpose: Deep dive on carbohydrates - the energy macro

Topics to Cover:

TopicDescription
What carbs doEnergy, brain fuel, glycogen, protein sparing
Carb chemistry basicsMono-, di-, polysaccharides
Simple carbohydratesGlucose, fructose, galactose, sucrose, lactose
Complex carbohydratesStarches, how they differ
FiberSoluble vs insoluble, fermentation, SCFAs
Resistant starchCarbs that act like fiber
GlycogenMuscle & liver storage, capacity, depletion
Brain and glucoseWhy brain needs ~120g/day
GluconeogenesisMaking glucose from protein/fat when carbs low
Glycemic index/loadBasics (link to blood-sugar.md for deep dive)
Carb timingAround exercise, activity levels
Carb digestionAmylase, brush border enzymes, GLUT transporters
Carb myths"Carbs make you fat", "all carbs are bad"
Best carb sourcesWhole food sources list

Page 4: fats.md

Purpose: Deep dive on fats - the essential macro

Topics to Cover:

TopicDescription
What fats doEnergy, hormones, cells, brain, vitamins
Fat chemistry basicsFatty acids, triglycerides, saturation
Saturated fatsWhat they are, sources, current evidence
Monounsaturated (MUFAs)What they are, sources, benefits
Polyunsaturated (PUFAs)Omega-3, omega-6, essential fatty acids
Omega-3 vs omega-6Ratio, why it matters, modern imbalance
EPA & DHAWhat they do, sources, requirements
Trans fatsWhat they are, why avoid, where they hide
CholesterolDietary vs blood, current understanding
Fat-soluble vitaminsA, D, E, K - why fat needed
Fat and hormonesTestosterone, estrogen, why not too low
MCTsMedium-chain triglycerides, unique properties
KetogenesisMaking ketones from fat (low-carb)
Fat digestionBile, lipase, micelles, chylomicrons
Cooking with fatsSmoke points, which to use when
Fat myths"Fat makes you fat", saturated fat debates
Best fat sourcesHealthy fats food list

Promises Tracker

When we link to an adjacent page, we're making a promise that the linked page will deliver that content. This section tracks all promises made from improved pages to pages not yet improved.

How to Use This Tracker

  1. When improving a page, add any new outbound links to this tracker
  2. When improving a target page, check what promises were made and ensure they're fulfilled
  3. Mark promises as ✅ when the target page delivers the promised content

Promises to: blood-sugar.md ✅ FULFILLED

Promised FromPromise (What User Expects to Find)Fulfilled?
carbohydrates.mdDetailed glycemic management strategies
carbohydrates.mdGlycemic index, glucose management

Summary: blood-sugar.md now covers:

  • ✅ Glycemic Index (GI) - detailed explanation with categories, factors that affect GI
  • ✅ Glycemic Load (GL) - formula, daily targets, watermelon vs bread example
  • ✅ Blood glucose regulation (insulin, glucagon, other hormones)
  • ✅ Postprandial glucose - targets, CVD risk connection
  • ✅ Dawn phenomenon - morning blood sugar rise, management strategies
  • ✅ Reactive hypoglycemia - sugar crash cycle, symptoms, prevention
  • ✅ The 73% solution - food order research for flattening glucose curve
  • ✅ Practical strategies - tabs for food choices, meal composition, timing, movement
  • ✅ Testing and monitoring - standard tests and CGM insights
  • ✅ Insulin resistance - progression, signs, reversibility

Promises to: digestion.md ✅ FULFILLED

Promised FromPromise (What User Expects to Find)Fulfilled?
micronutrients.mdHow nutrients are absorbed
gut-health.mdMechanical and chemical digestion process

Summary: digestion.md now covers:

  • ✅ Mechanical digestion (chewing, stomach churning, peristalsis)
  • ✅ Chemical digestion (enzymes, stomach acid, bile)
  • ✅ Nutrient absorption process (where each nutrient is absorbed)
  • ✅ Digestion timeline (how long food takes to digest)
  • ✅ Cephalic phase digestion
  • ✅ Migrating Motor Complex (MMC)
  • ✅ Factors affecting digestion (age, stress, medications)
  • ✅ Detailed enzyme tables (pancreatic, brush border)
  • ✅ Bile mechanics and enterohepatic circulation
  • ✅ Villi/microvilli structure

Promises to: digestive-issues.md ✅ FULFILLED

Promised FromPromise (What User Expects to Find)Fulfilled?
gut-health.mdSIBO coverage (symptoms, testing, treatment)
gut-health.mdCandida/yeast overgrowth coverage
gut-health.mdOther gut conditions

Summary: digestive-issues.md now covers:

  • ✅ SIBO: symptoms, breath testing, treatment protocols (rifaximin, herbal), prevention
  • ✅ Candida: what it is, evidence-based perspective on controversy, when to suspect, practical approach
  • ✅ IBS: types (IBS-D, IBS-C, IBS-M), Rome IV criteria, evidence-based treatments
  • ✅ IBD (Crohn's/UC): overview, 2024 AGA nutrition guidelines, flare vs remission management
  • ✅ H. pylori: symptoms, treatment, supportive diet
  • ✅ Diverticular disease: prevention (high fiber), flare management (low fiber), myths busted
  • ✅ Gastroparesis: causes, symptoms, stepped diet approach
  • ✅ GERD: triggers, management, PPI considerations
  • ✅ Dysbiosis: causes, signs, restoration strategies
  • ✅ Leaky gut: causes, associated conditions, healing interventions
  • ✅ Low-FODMAP diet: full protocol with elimination, reintroduction, personalization
  • ✅ When to see a doctor: red flags clearly outlined

Promises to: food-sensitivities/ ✅ FULFILLED

Promised FromPromise (What User Expects to Find)Fulfilled?
gut-health.mdFODMAPs explained in detail
gut-health.mdIntolerances and elimination diets
digestive-issues.md"Identifying problematic foods"
digestive-issues.mdDetailed gluten sensitivity and elimination protocols (from celiac section)

Summary: food-sensitivities/ folder (5 pages) now covers:

  • ✅ FODMAPs: full explanation, Monash categories, low-FODMAP protocol → elimination-diet.md
  • ✅ Food intolerances vs allergies vs sensitivities: clear definitions, spectrum diagram, IgE vs non-IgE → index.md
  • ✅ Lactose intolerance: mechanism, genetic variations, lactase persistence, management → common-intolerances.md
  • ✅ Fructose malabsorption: mechanism, GLUT5 capacity, symptom triggers → common-intolerances.md
  • ✅ Histamine intolerance: "histamine bucket" concept, DAO enzyme, comprehensive food lists, management → common-intolerances.md
  • ✅ Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS): Salerno criteria, fructan debate (2018 landmark study), diagnosis algorithm → gluten-sensitivity.md
  • ✅ Elimination diet protocol: 3-phase approach (prep, elimination, reintroduction), multiple protocols (6-FED, comprehensive, low-FODMAP, AIP) → elimination-diet.md
  • ✅ Reintroduction process: systematic testing, interpretation, tracking → elimination-diet.md
  • ✅ Testing options: valid tests (breath, skin prick) vs questionable tests (IgG controversy) → index.md
  • ✅ Food chemicals: salicylates (AERD), oxalates, amines, glutamates, sulfites, FAILSAFE diet → food-chemicals.md

Promises to: hydration.md ✅ FULFILLED

Promised FromPromise (What User Expects to Find)Fulfilled?
minerals.mdElectrolytes and fluid balance✅ FULFILLED

Summary: hydration.md now covers:

  • ✅ Water requirements - Lines 165-187 (with individual variation factors)
  • ✅ "8 glasses" myth debunked - Lines 189-220
  • ✅ Electrolytes: sodium, potassium, magnesium - Lines 271-314 (enhanced tab)
  • ✅ Signs of dehydration - Lines 75-116 (tabs with cognitive research)
  • ✅ Signs of overhydration (hyponatremia) - Lines 122-162 (dedicated section)
  • ✅ Hydration for exercise - Lines 247-289 (with sweat rate variability)
  • ✅ Practical strategies - Lines 225-340
  • ✅ Myths vs Facts - Lines 355-367 (visible section)

Promises to: meal-timing.md ✅ FULFILLED

Promised FromPromise (What User Expects to Find)Fulfilled?
protein.mdWhen to eat protein (timing strategies)
carbohydrates.mdCarb timing strategies
macronutrients.mdWhen to eat (general timing)
digestion.mdMMC optimization, meal spacing for gut health

Summary: meal-timing.md now covers:

  • ✅ Protein timing: per-meal distribution (20-40g), leucine threshold, around exercise, before sleep (casein)
  • ✅ Carb timing: pre/post workout, glycogen replenishment, 4:1 CHO:PRO ratio
  • ✅ Meal frequency: 3 vs 6 meals research (no metabolic difference)
  • ✅ Intermittent fasting: TRE (16:8, 14:10, 18:6, OMAD), IF (5:2, ADF), extended fasting
  • ✅ Circadian eating: chrononutrition, chronotype differences (larks vs owls)
  • ✅ Pre/post workout nutrition with specific recommendations
  • ✅ MMC and meal spacing: 90-120 min cycles, 3-4h gaps, SIBO connection
  • ✅ Late night eating effects
  • ✅ Breakfast debate (nuanced view)
  • ✅ The "anabolic window" reality check

Promises to: supplements/ ✅ FULFILLED

Promised FromPromise (What User Expects to Find)Fulfilled?
fats.mdFish oil and omega-3 supplementation
protein.mdProtein powders and BCAAs
gut-health.mdProbiotic and prebiotic supplements
vitamins.mdWhen and what to supplement
minerals.mdWhen food isn't enough
digestion.mdDigestive enzymes, betaine HCl supplements

Summary: supplements/ folder (10 pages) now covers:

  • ✅ When supplements make sense (and when they don't) → index.md
  • ✅ Omega-3s: fish oil, algae oil, EPA/DHA ratios, quality markers → essential.md
  • ✅ Protein powders: whey, casein, plant proteins, when to use → sports-nutrition.md
  • ✅ BCAAs: do you need them (probably not if eating enough protein) → sports-nutrition.md
  • ✅ Probiotics: strain selection, CFU counts, quality markers → digestive.md
  • ✅ Prebiotics: supplement forms vs food → digestive.md
  • ✅ Vitamin/mineral supplements: quality markers, forms to choose → vitamins-minerals.md
  • ✅ Digestive enzymes: When needed, types, how to use → digestive.md
  • ✅ Betaine HCl: For low stomach acid, how to use safely → digestive.md
  • ✅ Third-party testing and quality assurance → index.md
  • ✅ Red flags in supplement marketing → index.md
  • ✅ CLA and weight management → weight-management.md
  • ✅ Adaptogens (Ashwagandha, Rhodiola) → sleep-stress.md
  • ✅ Immune support (Elderberry, Echinacea, Turmeric) → immunity-herbal.md
  • ✅ Joint/bone health (Glucosamine, Collagen) → joint-bone.md
  • ✅ Heart/brain health (CoQ10, Lion's Mane) → heart-brain.md

Promises to: metabolism.md

Promised FromPromise (What User Expects to Find)Fulfilled?
macronutrients.mdEnergy expenditure, metabolic rate (implicit from TEF discussion)✅ FULFILLED
blood-sugar.mdHow glucose is processed and used for energy✅ FULFILLED

Summary: metabolism.md should cover:

  • ✅ Components of energy expenditure (BMR, TEF, NEAT, EAT) - Lines 339-506
  • ✅ What affects metabolic rate - Lines 365-419 (factors + age-related decline)
  • ✅ Metabolic adaptation (adaptive thermogenesis) - Lines 508-616 (major section with studies)
  • ✅ "Boosting" metabolism - what works and what doesn't - Lines 746-792 (Myths vs Facts)
  • ✅ Metabolic health markers - Lines 727-742 (biomarkers table)
  • ✅ Glucose metabolism and energy processing - Lines 103-175 (Carbohydrate Metabolism tab)

Promises to: practical/ ✅ COMPLETE

Promised FromPromise (What User Expects to Find)Fulfilled?
(multiple pages)Practical eating strategies, meal prep, implementation

Summary: practical/ folder now covers (5 pages):

  • index.md - Core principles, behavior change hierarchy, hand portions, plate method
  • grocery-shopping.md - Lists, budget strategies, unit pricing, seasonal produce, cheap protein table
  • food-labels.md - Reading labels, %DV rules, hidden sugars, NOVA classification, UPF identification
  • meal-prep.md - Three approaches (minimal/batch/full), templates, batch cooking schedules
  • eating-situations.md - Restaurants, social eating, travel, damage control mindset

Promises to: eating-for-goals.md ⚠️ NEEDS REVISIT

Promised FromPromise (What User Expects to Find)Fulfilled?
(goals section)Goal-specific nutrition aligned with 7 goal categories⚠️ Partial

Current status: Page exists with content but needs to be restructured to align with the 7 goal categories defined in understanding-goals.md:

  1. Body & Composition
  2. Performance & Energy
  3. Health & Longevity
  4. Mind & Mood
  5. Life Stages & Reproduction
  6. Recovery & Healing
  7. Values & Practical Life

Current content (to be reorganized):

  • Fat loss, muscle gain, body recomposition → Body & Composition
  • Endurance, strength, performance → Performance & Energy
  • Longevity → Health & Longevity
  • (Missing) → Mind & Mood nutrition
  • (Missing) → Life Stages nutrition
  • (Missing) → Recovery nutrition
  • (Missing) → Values-based eating

Location: Moved from /wellness/nutrition/ to /goals/body-composition/.md


Promise Fulfillment Checklist

When improving a target page, verify:

  • All promises from source pages are addressed
  • Content depth matches what was implied by the link
  • Bidirectional links work (target links back to source where relevant)
  • Mark promises as ✅ in tracker above

💡 Key Takeaways

Essential Insights
  1. One thing at a time - Focus beats multitasking for change
  2. Systems beat goals - Build processes, not just targets
  3. Small beats big - Tiny habits compound into transformation
  4. Environment beats willpower - Design your surroundings for success
  5. Identity beats behavior - Become the person who does the thing

This document tracks our systematic improvement of the wellness research.