You’ve heard that iron is a nutrient critical for energy, but did you know it’s not just your heart or other muscles that need iron to be energized? Your brain’s cells, called neurons, demand considerable amounts of iron too. Our brains use iron to power many important tasks, including making new neurons, adding a protective myelin coating to axons (long neurons), developing synapses (spaces where the neurons communicate), and synthesizing neurotra... Continue Reading

If you think that stress is affecting your digestion, you could be right. The old narrative in medicine was that the cause of IBS is not clear. A modern perspective acknowledges the impacts of gut microbes and stress on digestion. I will share what we know now and provide some easy and accessible ways to feel better. Stress and Digestion Woes Stress is a normal part of life, as are digesting and eliminating. Yet, if you are reading this, your exper... Continue Reading

If you think that stress is affecting your digestion, you could be right. The old narrative in medicine was that the cause of IBS is not clear. A modern perspective acknowledges the impacts of gut microbes and stress on digestion. I will share what we know now and provide some easy and accessible ways to feel better. Stress and Digestion Woes Stress is a normal part of life, as are digesting and eliminating. Yet, if you are reading this, your exper... Continue Reading

Sunscreen, cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing regularly, you may think you’re taking pretty good care of your skin. These are important steps but they’re external remedies, and as we all know, beauty is more than skin-deep. Healthy, glowing skin comes both from what you put ON the outside and what you put IN the inside. Outer beauty reflects and radiates from inner health.   Step 1: Hydrate The first thing you need to do for happy skin is to ... Continue Reading

Just like you, your skin needs healthy boundaries to live its best life Your skin is your largest organ, wrapping you in multiple tissue paper-like layers. Amazingly, these fine layers are strong enough to protect you and complex enough to perform important physical, metabolic, and immune functions. Without the barrier provided by your outer layer of skin, you’d be at unmitigated risk from the elements. Getting plenty of good, undamaged fats helps ... Continue Reading

Should I set a resolution to lose weight this year, or not? Every year, millions of people make New Year’s Resolutions to live their best lives and be their best selves. Losing weight is usually at the top of the list. The six most common New Year’s Resolution goals include: Lose weight Eat healthier Exercise Improve a relationship Read more Improve finances Why you should not set a resolution These goals should make you happier, so why should... Continue Reading

As previously featured on onbetterliving.com   Even if you have the willpower of champions, the last few months of the year can make it challenging to stick to a healthy routine. With the colder weather of winter and less daylight, naturally, we feel more fatigued, want to eat more, and do less. Add that to the extra stress of holiday travel and to-do’s, food-filled festivities, alcohol-laden social gatherings, and sweets lurking around every cor... Continue Reading

Previously featured on onbetterliving.com If you want a glowing complexion and you’re not working exfoliation into your skincare routine, you’re missing out on its benefits. The best part is you don’t need fancy or expensive skincare products. Instead, try this easy and rejuvenating Mānuka Honey + Vanilla Face Scrub that smells and tastes as irresistible as it feels. Made with only 4 skin-friendly ingredients: Mānuka honey from Flora, sugar, vanill... Continue Reading

Healthy digestion is more than getting food into your stomach to satisfy those hunger pangs. Of course, chowing down on delicious things is part of the fun. But having truly healthy digestion means you’re breaking down food your body can easily absorb. You then use those nutrients for energy, cell growth, and tissue repair so you stay healthy. The digestive system, also known as the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract), is basically one long passagewa... Continue Reading

It’s universally accepted that humans can taste five dominant basic flavors: sweet, salty, savory (umami), sour, and, of course, bitter. While salty or sweet are pleasing to our taste buds, bitter foods like grapefruit or broccoli with their unmistakable strong and pungent character aren’t always as easy to get down the hatch. The reason for that lies in our evolution. While not all bitter compounds are dangerous, plants began producing these bitte... Continue Reading

Ah, Thanksgiving—a time to gather with loved ones, reflect on what makes us feel grateful, and stuff our faces with rich, fatty, glorious food. (We’re pretty sure the word “piehole” has its origins in this gluttonous holiday.) No shade if you overindulge this Thanksgiving and experience the attendant digestive issues, i.e., bloating, abdominal pain, and a massive desire to nap. But if digestive distress is an everyday occurrence for you, it’s not j... Continue Reading

Chai tea (masala chai) from India and boba (bubble) tea from Taiwan are two of Asia’s most beloved sweetened milky tea beverages. Their popularity has spread throughout the world and for good reason - they’re insanely delicious.  For the best of both worlds, this refreshing recipe for Healthy Iced Chai Boba Tea will hit the spot. This recipe combines delicious, fragrant, and spiced chai tea with the addicting creaminess and unique textures of bubbl... Continue Reading