Credit: iStock When we scroll through social media, we’re often bombarded with diet plans claiming to be the perfect solution for everyone. With so many conflicting recommendations, how do we know which nutrition patterns are actually right for us? The reality is that everyone responds to food differently. Think about eating a sugary slice of … Continue reading Can Our Genes Tell Us What to Eat?
Nutrition
Can Beetroot Juice Help Your Blood Vessels Stay Healthy?
Credit: iStock Have you ever wondered why some days climbing a flight of stairs feels easy, while other days it leaves you out of breath? Your muscles matter, but so do your blood vessels. Think of your blood vessels as highways that carry oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. Blood vessels need to be able … Continue reading Can Beetroot Juice Help Your Blood Vessels Stay Healthy?
Does It Matter What Type of Caffeine I Drink?
Credit: iStock The caffeinated beverage options in today’s grocery stores seem endless: coffee, tea, soda and energy drinks. You may wonder what’s the difference. The short version: The type of caffeine you choose to consume largely depends on personal preference. However, the type, dosage and additives in your drink may add an extra level of … Continue reading Does It Matter What Type of Caffeine I Drink?
Going Gluten-free: Is It for Me?
Credit: iStock/SeventyFour Gluten-free products are taking over grocery store shelves and social media channels, with market growth expected to increase by $8 billion by 2033. People who have celiac disease and gluten intolerance used to be the only ones who followed a gluten-free diet. But recently it has become a trend that attracts younger generations, … Continue reading Going Gluten-free: Is It for Me?
Beyond the Bugs: Could Chemicals from Microbes Help Lower Blood Pressure?
Credit: iStock/Elena Istomina Did you know that the trillions of bacteria residing in your gut actively influence one of the most critical numbers in your life: your blood pressure? For a long time, scientists mainly looked at genetics, diet and lifestyle as the key reasons behind high blood pressure. While these factors are important, there’s … Continue reading Beyond the Bugs: Could Chemicals from Microbes Help Lower Blood Pressure?
Why Do You Need Protein (And How Much) In Menopause?
Credit: iStock Protein is the building block for all the muscles in our body. We rely on protein to maintain structural support and aid in nearly all cellular processes. Our muscles are necessary for breathing, walking and balance, all of which allow us to maintain our normal activities. Loss of muscle mass (called sarcopenia) is … Continue reading Why Do You Need Protein (And How Much) In Menopause?
Alcohol and Health: Why It’s Not as Simple as One Drink a Day
Credit: iStock The mulled wine and apple cider at your local holiday market weren’t the only things brewing this holiday season. A heated debate is on about whether you should avoid alcohol completely or if you should drink small amounts for a healthy lifestyle. Studies have shown that moderate drinkers have a lower risk of … Continue reading Alcohol and Health: Why It’s Not as Simple as One Drink a Day
How Too Much Salt Makes Your Gut Bacteria Sick
Credit: iStock Salt is widely used as a seasoning in our everyday food. It is sometimes used to preserve food. The American Heart Association advises eating less than 2,300 milligrams of salt daily. Eating salt in moderation is good for the muscles and the nerves. However, eating too much salt is linked to several diseases, … Continue reading How Too Much Salt Makes Your Gut Bacteria Sick
A Fatty Truth: How Your Meat and Eggs Become Messages
Credit: iStock/4kodiak When you bite into a burger or crack an egg open, it's more than just a meal. Every fat molecule in that food carries information—tiny signals your body listens to. The way animals are raised, whether in a pasture or in conventional systems, subtly shifts the types of fats that end up on … Continue reading A Fatty Truth: How Your Meat and Eggs Become Messages
Autism, the Microbiome and Picky Eating: What’s Really Going On?
Credit: iStock/Magone Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a complex developmental condition that affects communication, behavior and social interaction. It is often marked by repetitive behaviors and highly focused interests. While the exact causes of autism remain unclear, what we do know is that its prevalence is rising. One out of every 31 eight-year-olds … Continue reading Autism, the Microbiome and Picky Eating: What’s Really Going On?