Sugar: it’s the food everyone knows is bad for them, yet seems impossible to give up. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t blame yourself. Humans have been designed to crave sweets because in ancient times, foods with sugar were hard to come by. Today, however, the pendulum has swung in the opposite direction: it’s downright difficult to avoid sugar because it’s in so many foods. And as a result, even people who are avoiding …
3 ways sugar affects your weight
You probably already know that sugar is bad for your health. Today we’re going to take a closer look at at one of the biggest risks of eating too much sugar: weight gain. We know that sugar contains calories, and excess calories are one of the reasons people gain weight. But sugar has a unique ability to cause weight gain in some other not-so-obvious ways. Much of this has to do with the fact that …
From the doc: 5 reasons too much sugar is bad for you
Sugar can be found in all kinds of foods, from the obvious (cakes and cookies) to the surprising (marinara sauce and salad dressing). We know that sugar contains excess calories, which can contribute to higher body weight — and the health problems that go along with being overweight. But what if you’re overall pretty healthy and aren’t trying to lose weight? Should you still cut back on sugar? Yes — and I’ll give you a …
How to keep your gut healthy this holiday season
Your gut health forms the foundation of your overall health. Your digestive system is connected to everything else that happens in your body, and your gut is responsible for absorbing nutrients and guarding against foreign substances. So if you have a healthy gut, there’s a good chance that your overall health is good as well. If your gut is out of balance, however, it can have a negative effect on other functions throughout your body. …
Facts about hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been the topic of numerous conflicting reports over the past few decades. Some clinical trials suggest that HRT poses an increased risk of certain health conditions, while other studies demonstrate this therapy’s effectiveness in relieving symptoms associated with menopause and reducing the risk of diseases such as osteoporosis and heart disease. If you’re considering hormone replacement therapy, it’s important to understand the facts so that you can make an informed …
12 stress relief tips for a happy holiday season
Do you dread the holiday season because of the amount of stress it causes? Studies show that the holidays increase stress levels for many people, especially when it comes to demands on their time and financial difficulties. You can’t avoid the holidays, but you can take some simple stress-relief steps to minimize stress and make it to January without sacrificing your mental well-being. Here’s how: 1. Forget perfection Whether it’s your holiday party, your big …
Stress, hormones, and low sex drive
Sex has been shown to promote health benefits: it’s good for your heart, improves sleep, releases feel-good endorphins, and provides feelings of pleasure. But at certain points in your life, you may notice that your sex drive just isn’t what it used to be. When a person has a low sex drive, they may experience problems in their relationship with their partner. A lack of intimacy can lead to physical and emotional drawbacks as well. …
From the doc: How to take a technology break
Our smartphones, tablets, and computers offer a lot of conveniences. We can email, text, and call people from almost anywhere. We can watch any movie we want, anytime. Technology has enabled us to be in constant contact and to be entertained at any moment — but this isn’t always healthy. In fact, technology addiction is a real phenomenon, and it’s interfering with our professional and personal lives. People are texting and driving, risking their own …
From the doc: The benefits of fasting
Have you ever tried fasting? Intermittent fasting is a hot topic in the weight-loss and wellness communities, but it’s not without controversy. Some medical professionals warn that fasting diets are nothing but a dangerous trend, but the benefits of fasting have been extensively studied and are well documented. Before starting any type of fasting diets, make sure you understand how to do so safely, and get the approval of your doctor. Fasting is nothing new. …
From the doc: 4 evidence-based benefits of omega-3 fatty acids
For many years, dietary fats had a bad reputation. Low-fat diets promised weight loss, and people were told that eating fat would make them gain weight. But fats are actually necessary for several processes throughout the body, and certain kinds may even help you lose weight. You’ve probably heard of omega-3 fatty acids, but are you getting enough of them in your diet? Fats aren’t necessarily bad for you; in fact, some are actually good …
