The best way to someone's heart is through their stomach, or so the old adage goes. Believe it or not, there's more truth behind it than you may think. While the saying elicits images of cooking dinner for your sweetheart, it also holds true for your actual heart and digestive system — of which your stomach plays a central role. (more…)
When you think of inflammation, you probably picture the rash you get from poison ivy or a bump that swells up when you hit your head. There's another silent form of inflammation that occurs within your body, and it does not usually come with any painful symptoms — but it can seriously impact your health. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and diabetes are all linked to this type of constant, low-level inflammation. The good news? You can influence your body's background levels of inflammation by eating specific […]
Imagine you're on your way to a crucial job interview. You're stuck in traffic and worried you'll miss the appointment. You can't take an alternate route, and time is ticking. If you could see your cells, you would realize that your body is most likely responding by releasing cortisol, a "stress hormone." Stressful situations, lack of sleep, and even busy lifestyles can elevate cortisol levels in your body. However, when cortisol levels stay high for long periods, it can have a negative effect on your health. Fortunately, you can easily […]
The human heart is an organ that we all cherish, and for good reason! Be it the rush of love or the pumping of blood, our hearts are our life force. Yet the leading cause of death in the world is not malnutrition, starvation, or violence, but heart disease. With growing accessibility to unhealthy food and more sedentary lifestyles, the world is facing a heart crisis. Scientists have gathered a wealth of evidence on factors that affect heart health. The bottom line? Your risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular and coronary […]
Fats often get a bad rap, but the truth is, your body needs healthy fats for energy production, nutrient absorption, and overall cell health. Along with carbohydrates and protein, fats provide energy, maintain brain and heart health, and even help reduce inflammation in the body. Every cell in your body uses fats and their building blocks — called fatty acids. You have probably heard of omega-3 fatty acids, which many people buy as supplements. You may have even heard of omega-6s — a fatty acid that people often get too […]
