In 1908, a Russian scientist named Elie Metchnikoff argued that people in Bulgaria were living longer and healthier lives because they were regularly eating yogurt. He believed that the bacteria living in yogurt have the power to foster healthy microbiomes, which profoundly influence people’s health.
Read MoreWhether enjoyed in batches during the holidays or as an occasional indulgence, chocolate is an American favorite. The average American consumes 9.5 pounds of chocolate per year. But that’s nothing compared to the average Swiss, who consumes around 20 pounds of chocolate per year!
Read MoreHave you been feeling nutty lately? Maybe you should consider adding nuts to your life! Nuts are becoming a popular health fad, and many people may be wondering whether nuts are actually worth the hype. According to the USDA, nuts are considered an integral part of a diet that’s low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
Are you feeling nauseated, exhausted, debilitated, and possibly irritated? Before you have your next drink, you should know what the research says about blaming it on the alcohol. According to the National Institute of Health nearly 88,000 people (around 62,000 men and 26,000 women) die from alcohol-related causes every year. This makes alcohol-related incidents the 4th most common preventable cause of death in America.
Read MoreThe sweet and smoky fragrances of a cup of Joe in the morning (or afternoon, or at any time of the day really) rarely fail to arouse our senses and minds. It’s no wonder that 54% of Americans drink coffee every day. Although many of the components are the same, coffee is prepared in a wide variety of ways that determine the balance of chemicals and nutrients that end up in your cup.
Read MoreIt’s not uncommon to hear people talking about how they are addicted to cheese, are chocoholics, or just can't get enough of bread. While we may throw around the term “addiction” loosely when we discuss our favorite foods, food addiction is actually a highly contested term, and many scientists and doctors still debate over whether or not this is a real concept.
There is a constant debate about drinking soda, particularly on drinking diet vs regular. Some believe that diet soda is worse because of the “cancer-causing chemicals,” while others believe that regular soda is worse because of the “sugar.” In terms of popularity, though, the competition is close.
Read MoreSuperfoods are foods that provide health benefits, contribute more than the required nutrients in the human diet, and potentially help certain medical conditions. They may have a higher than average quantity of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that can potentially lower one’s risk of disease or enhance any other component of physical or emotional health.
Read MoreThrough soft drinks, syrups, and desserts, Americans consume an average of 27 pounds of high fructose corn syrup per year. The consumption of high levels of fructose, a sugar found naturally in small concentrations in fruits, has long posed concern because of its purported role in the obesity epidemic.Through soft drinks, syrups, and desserts, Americans consume an average of 27 pounds of high fructose corn syrup per year. The consumption of high levels of fructose, a sugar found naturally in small concentrations in fruits, has long posed concern because of its purported role in the obesity epidemic.
At a loss for time? Try doing nothing: relaxation can go a long way for the heart, mind, and body. Busy-ness is an addiction of the modern-day century. Think that’s too grand a statement?
Read MoreWith almost half a million people worldwide who are 100 years of age or older, there is now research that points to what these centenarians have in common. While good diet, frequent exercise, and other lifestyle factors are important, one factor seems to dominate them all: successful stress management...
Read MoreInspirational quote of the day: “believe in yourself.” The first step towards success is optimism and confidence--even when it comes to optimizing your physical health. In fact, a positive attitude can benefit your bodily health more than you may think...
Waking up on the wrong side of the bed, feeling cranky, being a Debbie Downer, acting like a party pooper, being down in the dumps, and getting asked “why the long face?” No matter how it is described, a bad mood can put a damper not only on the individual, but on people around them. But what exactly does it mean to be in a bad mood?
Read MoreMillions of people devoted their time and energy to chasing “happiness” and even more time attempting to define and quantify it. Even the Founding Fathers of the United States believed that all shared an equal right to the “pursuit of happiness.” So what exactly is this elusive “happiness” and why does it have such a hold on humanity?
Read MoreIt has long been known that utilizing the five senses can stimulate regions of the brain associated with emotions and memory. Sensory receptors located throughout the body and head connect to nerve fibers that convey feelings of sensation to the brain, indirectly or directly causing emotional responses...
Most of us are already familiar with the fact that exercising regularly can have benefits such as maintaining a healthy weight and improving cardiovascular health. As if we need yet another reason to exercise, there is also the suggestion that physical activity may also improve one’s mood and increase feelings of happiness...
Read MoreThe transition from winter to spring is often rainy and cold, which conjures up thoughts of snuggling in a warm blanket with a hot chocolate in hand, drifting between napping on the couch, and changing the channels on the TV. Even the most motivated exercising go-getters are tempted by this couch potato habit...
Read MoreOur founding fathers were not messing around when they established our nation upon the words “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” The study of how individuals lead meaningful and fulfilling lives and enhance their experience of love, work, and play is a field known as positive psychology, and it has been growing more than ever...
Read MoreTo get better acquainted with the rising popularity of health coaching and what it entails, Total Wellness obtained an inside look from Julie Skrupa, an American Association of Drugless Practitioners board-certified health coach...
Read MoreThe average person spends about one-third of his lifetime sleeping. Though this may be surprising in the college culture of pulling all-nighters and taking power-naps, it is true that much of our time is devoted to simply resting. Despite the clear importance...
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