As temperatures drop, snowfall comes regularly, and the days get shorter and shorter, it’s not unusual for people to develop “SAD”: seasonally affective depression. It’s estimated that 10-20% of Americans get mild SAD with the changing seasons, especially those living in colder, more Northern places. With so many of us working from home and spending time indoors, the idea of getting in 10,000 steps seems dreary when the windchill is at -10º. Sound familiar? We feel it, too.
As we know, having a routine makes life way easier, and more fun by allowing us to create space for self-care and other activities that we enjoy. Nutrition plays a major role in how we fuel our bodies throughout the day, allows us to incorporate movement that makes us feel good, and improves overall mood. One of the newest health and nutrition trends, intermittent fasting, or IF, provides a day-to-day structured eating pattern and has been shown to have multiple health benefits.
Even with a perfect wellness routine, keeping active, and eating mindfully that we do, sometimes bloat likes to creep back in, just to remind us that it’s still there. From hydrating properly, eating all things nutritious, and moving our bodies, bloating, unfortunately, is something we can’t hide from for very long.
With some light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, many of us are eager to book our next flight to a vacation destination far, far away. Whether you’re thinking about turning up the heat in the Caribbean or experiencing snowfall in the French Alps, one thing is for sure: you won’t want to worry about a grumpy gut.
When it comes to exercise, what you do before and after the gym is just as important as what you do during your workout. Stretching and activating your muscles pre-working out as well as taking time to stretch, rest, and recover after can all ensure that your body is ready for your next movement, whether it’s a long run, yoga, or a spin class.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, so no wonder your anxiety levels may be increasing! There is a lot expected of us this time of year: holiday parties, cooking, hosting dinners, and buying gifts; It can all get overwhelming and start feeling like an impending anxiety attack instead of the holidays. With all of this increased stress comes a decrease in the time we take for ourselves, but self care is essential for getting us through, and more importantly, enjoying, the holiday cheer.
It is widely known that too much stomach acid can cause issues such as acid reflux and ulcerations in the GI tract. However, low levels of stomach acid, also known as hypochlorhydria, can also be problematic.
Vitamin D, the wonder vitamin! You have likely heard some of the many health-related claims surrounding vitamin D. Some of these assertions are true but many need more research to solidify their validity.
Omega-3 fatty acids provide a variety of health benefits. The three main omega-3 fatty acids are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). EPA and DHA are primarily found in certain species of fish while alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is found in plant sources including flaxseed and soybean oil.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S. affecting 40 million adults age 18 and older. That’s approximately 18.1% of the population! Anxiety disorders can be successfully treated but only about 37% of people suffering from anxiety seek treatment.
A plethora of harmful ingredients are unfortunately hidden in the majority of personal care products. Most lotions, shampoos, makeup and other beauty products contain chemicals such as synthetic fragrance, phthalates, parabens, oxybenzone, polyethylene, petroleum, triclosan, triclocarban and more.
For good reason, inflammation seems to be a hot topic these days. This is largely because after decades of research, wellness professionals are unveiling how systemic and extensive the effects of inflammation are on our health.