An update on Vitamin D and COVID-19
This week, I’m revisiting vitamin D and its role in COVID-19, especially given the pandemic’s current state. Updated research has given us a clearer picture of vitamin D levels in relation to the severity of COVID-19 cases.
Adaptogens: how they help
Adaptogens are herbal pharmaceuticals. They work to counteract the effects of stress in the body. Stress takes a toll on the body, especially over extended periods. It can harm neurological, endocrine, and immune systems. Adaptogens “adapt” their function to mitigate the body’s stress response.
The Art of Moderation
There are generally two ways to perceive moderation: if I include something notoriously ‘off-limits’ in my diet or health plan, in smaller amounts, how will I be able to stop myself once I start? Or the flip side, I can have part of anything as long as I don’t eat the WHOLE thing.
Three Strategies to Give you a Boost this Winter
As a Chicago-area resident, I have noticed our days are definitely getting cooler and darker! Less sunlight decreases the feel-good chemical, serotonin, which influences appetite, mood, and sleep quality.
Excitotoxins: too much for taste buds to handle
Excitotoxins, usually amino acids, are added to foods to make them taste better. Well, more like taste buds on steroids!
Caffeine: Friend or Foe?
Is caffeine bad for you? No, (phew!). It enhances focus and metabolism, reduces the risk for Alzheimer’s disease, and reduces certain liver and pancreas conditions.
Plan with Purpose
Do the words “meal planning and preparation” fill you with an overwhelming feeling? Here’s the thing: if your idea of meal planning begins about an hour before you’re going to eat, it’s too late. By then you’ve resorted to foods that you didn’t start out wanting to choose and you’ve nabbed something quick, prepared, or processed.
Secrets Your Skin Is Telling You
We all want great skin. If we have it, we want to keep it and, if we don’t, we’ll look to see how we can improve it. Often, exactly what we try to cover up is a message from the skin telling us that something is wrong. It’s these messages that need our attention.