What is prediabetes? Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes (2).  In this condition, the body’s cells become resistant to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Consequently, this leads to an imbalance in blood sugar levels.  Normal […]

What types of cereal are good for people with diabetes? Understanding the nuances of cereal selection is key to crafting a diabetes-friendly breakfast. So, what cereal can people with diabetes eat without worrying about blood sugar spikes?  The answers lie in exploring breakfast cereals that support your health and perfectly fit the principles of a […]

What is insulin resistance? Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that plays a fundamental role in converting food into energy or storing it for later. When blood glucose levels rise after eating, the pancreas responds by producing insulin. Insulin, in turn, helps cells use sugar and lowers blood glucose levels to normal levels. […]

Understanding cancer  To discuss artificial sweeteners and their potential to cause cancer, we must first clarify the concept of cancer. Different kinds of cancers can affect the human body, but they all have one thing in common: uncontrollable growth of cells.  In our bodies, cells divide constantly to form new tissues and keep our bodies […]

What causes sugar cravings? Why do you crave sweets? Is it simply because you have a sweet tooth, or are there underlying causes? How to stop sugar cravings instantly? Read on to find out! Low Magnesium  Magnesium plays a vital role in the human body. It helps synthesize serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood. Besides […]

What are nectarines Nectarines are a type of stone fruit found in the Rosaceae family of plants, which also includes peaches, plums, and apples. Of the Rosaceae family, nectarines are most closely related to peaches, only without the tiny hairs that give peaches a fuzzy outside texture (1). Nutrition facts Like most fruits, nectarines are […]

Natural remedies for inflammation and pain From the extracts of the smallest plants to the honey of bees, the products of the natural world have made the foundations of modern medicine (2,3). It is no wonder that many of us are drawn to finding natural remedies for our ailments (4,5): natural products carry many health […]

Is ginger good for anxiety? Ginger can be a natural way to ease anxiety and improve mental well-being. With its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, ginger is being hailed as a mood enhancer without the side effects of medications. Interested in how ginger can daily brighten your mental health? Let’s dive into how this simple root […]

Can alcohol make you depressed? Find out the connection Why does alcohol exacerbate depression? After all, on most occasions, we drink alcoholic beverages just for temporary comfort. But it can instead lead to heightened feelings of melancholy. So, how exactly does alcohol affect us physically and psychologically? Alcohol’s effects on your brain and depression How […]

How can prolonged stress affect you? Understanding how stress reshapes your existence is the first step toward reclaiming control. It influences everything from the feelings that define your daily experiences to the physical symptoms that can endanger your overall well-being.  Emotionally When stress becomes a constant companion, it significantly influences your daily emotions. Understanding these […]

How to stop bad thoughts: 5 ways to handle them No one can live without negative thoughts. It’s the natural mechanism of our brain aiming to keep us safe that we can’t control (4).  Therefore, instead of asking, “How to block out negative thoughts?” let’s shift our focus to “How to stop focusing on the […]

Asparagus benefits for skin: May protect against skin aging Ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes inflammation in skin cells, which can increase the rate of collagen loss and lead to early signs of skin aging. Antioxidants can prevent or reduce the severity of the initial inflammation. Studies on cell cultures showed that asparagus extract inhibited inflammatory cascades […]

10 best foods for brain recovery A healthy diet filled with whole foods will contribute to your best health. When it comes to healing from a brain injury, there are certain foods that you should add to your daily routine. Turmeric  Curcumin, a polyphenol that is the active ingredient of turmeric, has a range of […]

TRANSCRIPT First, it’s easier to gain weight and face higher healthcare costs. For people with severe obesity, the costs will skyrocket. A 2021 study from Harvard School of Public Health shows that healthcare costs are higher for women and people aged 60–70. [1]  One reason is that your body has more fat settling in, disrupting […]

What are digestive enzymes? Digestive enzymes for protein are produced by your body. They are found throughout your digestive system, from your mouth to your small intestines (1). These catalysts break down food proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into smaller, more absorbable nutrients. When large components are broken down, it’s easier for your body to use […]

The role of probiotics for skin Probiotics are popular for their digestive health. But they can also balance your skin’s ecosystem, strengthen its defenses, and promote a healthy, radiant complexion. The best probiotic for skin health to look out for is Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium. Here’s how they achieve this.  Balance the skin microbiome Probiotics and […]

What is considered bad sleep? So, what does bad sleep look like? Here are some clear signs that your sleep could be better (1): Why is my sleep so bad? Wondering “why am I losing sleep” or “why am I not getting quality sleep”? From what you sip to hitting the gym—we’ll explore how your […]

What is the prostate? Before we study foods good for prostate health, let’s understand what the prostate is. The prostate is present below the bladder and in front of the rectum in men. It surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body (2). Anatomy and function The prostate is […]

Why deep sleep is important Getting a good night of deep sleep is important for restoring all bodily functions. Sleep affects every body system: metabolism, gut function, hormones, brain function, and libido (2, 3, 4, 5).  Studies show that deep sleep is linked to managing stress and anxiety and storing and processing fat. It is […]

Causes of oversleeping: 14 Hours – 16 Hours – 18 Hours In a world that often praises the early bird, waking up after sleeping 15 hours might make you wonder, “Is this normal?” If you find yourself routinely sleeping over 12 hours or even hitting the sleep 16 hours mark without understanding why, it’s time […]

Nutritional profile of brown rice  Based on our diligent research and rigorous study of various authentic sources, including a report published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (1). We have presented the nutritional breakdown of one cup of cooked brown rice as follows: Brown rice also contains antioxidants that nullify free radicals, thus inhibiting damage […]

What is coconut sugar? This sweetened extract contains 70 to 79 percent sucrose and 3 to 9 percent glucose and fructose, respectively (1). It has long been routinely used in places like Indonesia and the Philippines. It is prepared by heating the sap of coconut palm flowers for more than 3 to 4 hours until […]

Is honey a healthy sweetener? While sugar and honey are carbohydrates, their healthiness lies in the method used for processing. Sugar undergoes extensive processing before becoming the final product, while honey is typically in its purest form, sourced directly from nature.  To assess the health factor, let’s break down the amount of sugar in honey […]

What is breathing therapy? Breathing therapy is a physical form of therapy that is used to bring the body and mind to a state of calm by harnessing the power of different breathing patterns. When you feel stressed you might notice that your breathing feels shallow, comes faster, or is restricted. By being aware of […]

How to know if you’re stressed: Symptoms of stress Because of the fast pace of modern life, you might not even know that you are stressed. If you’ve adapted and become used to 21st-century online, on-the-go living, then you might be unfamiliar with how stress manifests for you. As mentioned earlier, stress affects every part […]

Signs and symptoms of stress In our modern world, stress seems to be an inevitable part of life. Yet, understanding when we’re stressed and recognizing the signs can be the key to managing it effectively.  If you’re wondering, “How can I tell if I’m stressed?” or “What are the physical and emotional signs of stress?” […]

How can anxiety affect you physically? Anxiety is more than just a feeling of worry or unease. The physical symptoms of anxiety are not just discomforting—they’re your body’s immediate response to stress, acting as a loud and clear signal that something’s up. But can anxiety make you physically sick? Understanding how and why can empower […]

Cryotherapy: What you should know Cryotherapy has been gaining traction beyond the realms of elite athletes and into the lives of everyday folks seeking ways to manage pain and inflammation and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the fountain of youth. What is cryotherapy? At its heart, cryotherapy is the practice of using extreme cold […]

Why are people addicted to their phones: Unveil the reasons Addiction is, according to Merriam-Webster, “a psychological need for a habit-forming behavior having harmful physical, psychological effects.” In the same logic, phone addiction is an obsessive inclination for the smartphone, which may negatively impact physical and mental health.  According to a 2011 survey conducted by […]

“Why do I feel like I look ugly?” Understanding the why Feeling unattractive is a common struggle for many people (1). You might have found yourself lamenting, “I feel so ugly compared to everyone else,” or wondering, “Why am I not pretty like everyone else?” These are painful questions, but they do not reflect your […]

How to sleep when stressed and anxious? How to deal with sleep anxiety? First, you have to understand it. At night, our bodies are biologically wired to wind down, thanks to the natural process of circadian rhythm that regulates our sleep-wake cycle, influencing the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone. However, anxiety disrupts this process, […]

Ginger and Parkinson’s disease: What is the link? After Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. It affects 1 to 2 percent of the elderly population (1).  Basically, PD stems from the gradual loss of dopaminergic neurons in a specific area of the midbrain. This leads to a shortage of dopamine, […]

What is kimchi? In Korea, there is a tradition of preparing fermented vegetables served as a side dish in most meals. Typical vegetables for making kimchi include cabbage, cucumber, or radish. Other vegetables like green onion and leaf mustard are often included in the mix.  Kimchi is more complex than it appears:  Sour taste and […]

What is sauerkraut? Before we dive into what it is that makes sauerkraut so good for your gut, here’s some information to help you understand what it is. The dish is made from white cabbage that is cleaned, chopped, or sliced with salt added. Once this is done, the cabbage is massaged to stimulate liquid […]

Constantly falling asleep when sitting: Possible causes Ever wondered, while slumped over your desk or dozing off mid-conversation, “Why can’t I stay awake?” or “Why am I falling asleep when I sit down”? It’s like your body hits the snooze button without your permission. Here, we look into the often-overlooked reasons behind this pesky problem. […]

Why do you have anxiety over nothing? Possible causes Having sudden severe anxiety is a journey where anxiety comes and goes that often leaves us questioning what’s normal and what’s not. In this part, we’ll delve into the potential reasons behind this baffling experience. Diet Feeling anxious without an apparent reason can be puzzling and […]

How to relax your mind to sleep? Before we dive into the transformative world of mental exercises, it’s essential to understand the core principle behind them: why relaxation is so pivotal for sleep. Just like a tree needs strong roots to grow, relaxing your mind to sleep is foundational to a restful night.  But it’s […]

“I want to sleep but my brain won’t let me”: Why does this happen? Are you tossing and turning, wrestling with the question, “Why is my body not letting me sleep”? Or perhaps you’re lying there, wondering, “Why does my body not let me sleep,” as a whirlwind of thoughts races through your mind. If […]

Groups of foods bad for your kidneys: Minerals and kidney health  Research suggests an association between Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and inadequate intake of some minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, iron, and zinc (2). However, an excess of minerals —notably processed sources —can also compromise kidney function. This is because minerals exist in a very […]

What is matcha? Matcha is a type of tea with a green color and has powerful health benefits, but do not let the intense green color fool you — it is made from the same species that black and green tea are made of, called Camellia sinensis.  Matcha’s distinct properties are developed by growing C. […]

Best foods that help regulate blood sugar & promote metabolic health Natural whole foods such as diverse fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Besides, these foods also provide sustainable energy for your metabolic health. To maintain a balanced diet, it’s important to include nutrient-dense, unprocessed, and unpackaged foods in […]

What is the phobia of flowers? Anthophobia is a specific type of phobia, categorized under anxiety disorders, where the mere sight or thought of flowers triggers a deep-seated fear. This condition can vary from a fear of all flowers to an aversion to specific types or even particular parts like petals or stems (1). Specific […]

Afraid of leaving the house: Is it linked to agoraphobia? Many of us, at some point in our lives, have felt uneasy about stepping outside. Whether it’s the chaos of the bustling city streets or the silence of an isolated countryside, there’s an underlying anxiety about leaving home that many can’t shake off. But is […]

What does heartbreak feel like? Experiencing a heartbreak is a personal journey, with each person experiencing it differently. One can be engulfed in overwhelming sadness, while others grapple with anger, confusion, and despair.  Naturally, none of us want an eternity spent in this sad void, but to escape it, we first need to understand the […]

What are hydration & dehydration? Before we get into dehydration, let’s define what hydration is. Hydration is the process of having sufficient amounts of water or fluid to aid numerous processes in the body essential for maintaining physiological balance (1). Water is a vital component in the human body, essential for hydration and life (2). […]

What is zucchini? Zucchini is a squash that grows on a vine and has a cylindrical form. They are usually green but can be yellow, white, or striped. Technically, zucchini is a fruit, but most people consider it a vegetable. Zucchini are picked when immature, usually under 8 inches (20 cm). If you let them […]

What is a stress response? Picture this: you’re standing at the edge of a vast savannah, your eyes scanning the horizon for predators. Your body is a coiled spring, ready to leap into action and survive (1). Fast forward to modern times, and the “predators” have become unending notifications, looming deadlines, and the constant juggle […]

What is the Bio-Energetic Synchronization Technique (B.E.S.T) The Bio-Energetic Synchronization Technique, or B.E.S.T., offers a gentle yet profound path to wellness that diverges from traditional methods.  Developed by Dr. M.T. Morter, Jr., B.E.S.T. was born out of a quest to understand the deeper connections between the body’s physical functions and its energetic counterparts. So, what […]

Intuition or paranoia: What are they? Intuition and paranoia come from similar places, but they still feel different. We often mistake one for another, but there is a big difference between them. Let’s keep reading to find out how to differentiate paranoia and intuition. Intuition or gut feeling? That feeling you can’t quite put your […]

What are the benefits of a hot tub in the morning? Hot tubs can provide several health benefits, particularly when used as part of a morning routine. Here’s a closer look at each benefit: Stress relief and mental clarity The heat, combined with the rhythmic pulse of water jets, works to ease the mind into […]

Borderline personality disorder: Signs and symptoms Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition that falls under a personality disorder and is often misunderstood.  A core feature of BPD is how an individual relates to others in the context of relationships.  Think of it as sailing through a constantly changing sea. One moment, […]

Key different signs between panic vs. anxiety attack According to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), panic attacks are sudden surges of intense fear peaking within minutes, happening frequently per day or infrequently per year. They can also occur without warning (1). As for anxiety attacks, the DSM-5 doesn’t precisely define them, […]

What is dissociation and how to get out of dissociation? According to the American Psychiatric Association, dissociation is: “a disconnection between a person’s thoughts, memories, feelings, actions or sense of who he or she is.” (1) Then is dissociation bad? Not entirely. Everyone experiences some kind of dissociation from time to time which can also […]