Dec 26, 2013 Podcast: Is Joint Cracking Dangerous, Pros And Cons Of Too Much Muscle, Do We Really Need An Appendix (And What To Do If Your Appendix Gets Removed), Natural Remedies For Eye Circles, and Why Cyclists Don't Need Flexibility.

Have a podcast question for Ben? Use the Contact button on the app, call 1-877-209-9439, Skype “pacificfit” or use the “Ask Ben” form... but be prepared to wait - we prioritize audio questions over text questions.

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You can get these News Flashes hot off the presses if you follow Ben on Twitter.com/BenGreenfield, Facebook.com/BGFitness and Google+.

• Good read: Cheese and fat are good, gut bacteria matters (a lot) and other nutrition lessons of 2013.
• Here’s my “lucid dreaming” formula. Proceed at your own risk: 15mg melatonin, 300mg 5-HTP, 3000mg L-Tyrosine. Enjoy your night.
• Turns out the info in my book at GetFitGuy.com could be used to train KIDS with different body types.

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How to REV the Human Machine: Recover, Elevate, and Vitalize. On Dec 27th I'm going to go into professor mode and teach you how you can squeeze every last drop of excitement and living out life... and still be healthy on the outside AND healthy on the inside.

Want a done-for-you coaching package with Ben? Check out the new Black Box Coaching Package.

Grab this Official Ben Greenfield Fitness Gear package that comes with a tech shirt, a beanie and a water bottle.

Ben's new book has been released. Order it now and get entered into a raffle for over $5000 in swag! Just visit BeyondTrainingBook.com.

Don't forget to go to AudiblePodcast.com/Ben to get an audiobook of your choice, free, with a 30-day trial. After the trial, your paid membership will begin at $14.95 per month.

And of course, this week's top iTunes review - gets some BG Fitness swag straight from Ben - leave your review for a chance to win some!

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As compiled, edited and sometimes read by Brock, the Ben Greenfield Fitness Podcast "sidekick".

Aaron says:His wrist, fingers, knees, ankles and back (a little bit) crack. The way someones normally cracks their knuckles. Is this something he should be worried about? Is there anything he should take for it? Any diet changes? He runs (80 to 100km / week) and also does Jujitsu.

Horacio says:Is it possible to get strong without building big muscles? Could you explain if there is any benefit to bulking up for real sport? What are the pros and cons of big muscles? Is there an injury prevention aspect? Less potential for cramping? More endurance or power? Wouldn't all that bulk slow you down?

John says:He had his appendix removed when he was 11 or 12 (he is 34 now). He has heard all his life that the appendix is vestigial but lately he has read that it might be more important than we once thought. Given that he lives without one, what considerations should he think about in terms of lifestyle and diet?

Kate says:Lately she wakes up feeling tired with dark puffy circles under her eyes. This just started over the last few months. She sleeps very well, is otherwise very healthy and feels really good during the day. She just hates the dark puffy circles under her eyes.

Troy says:What are the best pre and post workout stretches to get maximum flexibility for cycling?

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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!

Podcast music from 80s Fitness (Reso Remix) by KOAN Sound. Buy this track now!