Collagen supplements and collagen-rich bone broth are hot health trends in the U.S. in recent years. And some people have been sold on the benefits of collagen for much longer. Women in China have eaten collagen-rich donkey hide to improve their complexions for thousands of years. Chinese women still line up to eat donkey hide at Wang Pang Zi Donkey Burgers in Beijing, hoping the collagen-rich hide (which resembles thick, wet leather) will keep their skin healthy and beautiful. An assortment of drinkable collagen supplements also fly off the shelves in China and Japan.But is collagen … [Read more...]
What Is the Low FODMAP Diet?
Larah Brook developed embarrassing digestive problems soon after she turned 40. “The bloating was constant with peaks soon after each meal, and the numerous trips to the bathroom were wearing me down,” she explains on her blog.Eventually, a physician diagnosed Brook with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a condition that affects 10 to 15 percent of people. The symptoms include chronic or relapsing abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and/or cramping.Brook’s doctor referred her to a registered dietitian, who put Brook on an elimination diet called the Low FODMAP Diet. … [Read more...]
Research-Backed Benefits of CBD Oil
The world of cannabis goes far beyond stoners who get the munchies. In fact, the body of research on the health benefits of cannabidiol, also known as CBD oil, has grown exponentially in the past decade.Thousands of years ago, doctors and healers across the globe prescribed cannabis because they believed they’d witnessed its purported medical benefits firsthand. In the last half century, modern science has brought cannabis back to the forefront and has shed light on the biological processes behind the healing properties it is believed to have.Although we still need more research to … [Read more...]
A Case for Home Cooking: Why Ordering Healthy at Restaurants May Not Be So Healthy
Dining out is a fun indulgence. Who doesn’t enjoy having someone else cook? But if you’re trying to eat healthier, home cooking is the way to go. For the most part, even ordering lighter fare at restaurants isn’t as good for you as preparing food at home. Keep reading to learn why home cooking is a real value meal, and find tips for eating healthier on occasions when you dine out.The Trouble with Restaurant FoodThe average American dines out 185 times a year, or three and a half times a week. Unfortunately, restaurant food may not be doing us any favors. In general, it’s high in … [Read more...]
Why Being a Bookworm is Good for Your Brain and Body
For people who love to read, curling up with a good book feels utterly indulgent, especially when paired with a cozy chair and a steaming cup of tea. But here’s some news that’s worth putting your book down for: Reading is actually good for you (in more ways than one)!Benefits of ReadingIt’s like exercise for your brain We all know physical exercise is good for our bodies, so it makes sense that an activity like reading, which exercises your brain, is beneficial to neurological health. The type of reading you do (e.g. lightly skimming a page versus focusing closely on the text, … [Read more...]
What Is ASMR and Can It Help You Relax and Sleep?
Thousands of people visit YouTube every day to watch strangers whispering, brushing their hair, folding napkins, turning magazine pages, and tapping their fingers. Why? For some people, these mundane sensory experiences trigger a pleasurable, relaxing tingling response in the scalp or spine. Some people compare the sensation to carbonated bubbles spreading through the back of their heads or sand trickling down their head and shoulders.The sensation has been dubbed Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR), a technical-sounding but nonclinical term. Some people call it “brain tingles.” … [Read more...]
Experiencing Abdominal Pain? Where it Is May Help Explain What it Is
Abdominal pain can come in a wide variety of forms. This stands to reason: The abdomen houses many of our internal organs (not to mention muscles and connective tissue). While it’s unreasonable to expect everyone to have a full understanding of what every type of abdominal pain could mean, a skilled clinician is likely able to discern the problem plaguing her patient based on the patient’s history. And that means that having a basic knowledge of your abdominal anatomy—as well as an understanding of some of the common ways physicians characterize pain and the types of questions they may ask—can … [Read more...]
How to Floss and Brush Your Teeth Better
If you’re like most people, you brush twice a day. But if you mindlessly move your toothbrush around your mouth, your oral hygiene routine may be ineffective or worse: It may be harming your tooth enamel. Keep reading to learn the best way to floss and brush to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Bone Up on Brushing Humans have been brushing their teeth since 3500 B.C. In ancient Babylonia people chewed on the ends of sticks to create a frayed end for tooth scrubbing. Over time and across cultures, people have constructed toothbrushes out of sticks, bones, and animal hairs, and made toothpaste … [Read more...]
How to Make the Switch to More Natural Beauty Products
The natural beauty industry is booming and there’s good reason. As consumers become more conscious about what goes in their bodies, they’re also thinking about the ingredients they put on them. Mainstream beauty products often contain harsh chemicals that are not strictly regulated. Plus, one study reported that the number of complaints to the FDA regarding allergic reactions has increased. While natural beauty products aren’t regulated either, we tell you what to look for when selecting safer products, and how to make the transition to a cleaner beauty routine. Why You Should Make the … [Read more...]
5 Health Benefits of Mustard (Plus Fun Ways to Enjoy More of It)
Plain yellow, spicy brown, tangy Dijon, pebbly whole grain: However you like your mustard, its uses extend far beyond your sandwich, burger, wrap, or hot dog. In addition to adding flavor and depth to foods, all varieties of mustard have plenty of notable health benefits. Here are five new ways to enjoy this tangy condiment and do your body some extra good too. 1. Benefit: Fight or prevent cancer and other diseases Mustard seeds come from a plant that’s in the same Brassica botanical family as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower. Brassica vegetables have several notable nutritional and health … [Read more...]
