How to do Parsva Sukhasana (Sideways Seated Pose)
Parsva Sukhasana, also known as “Easy Pose with a Side Stretch” or “Sideways Seated Pose,” is a variation of the traditional Sukhasana (Easy Pose) with an added lateral stretch. This gentle stretch can help relieve abdominal discomfort due to overindulging during the holidays. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to practice Parsva Sukhasana. 1. Begin […]
Making the Switch to Vegetarianism: Benefits and Downsides
Different groups have followed plant-based diets throughout human history. In ancient Egypt, meat consumption was seemingly reserved for wealthier Egyptians, including royalty; one analysis of hard and soft tissues from 5500–1500 BCE revealed that even middle-class Egyptians more commonly consumed plant-based foods such as wheat and barley than they did fish or meat.1 In ancient […]
Commercial Plant-based Meat Alternatives: Pros and Cons
Plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) have come a long way, with novel PBMAs aiming to accurately mimic the taste and texture of meat, but how do they measure nutritionally? This article gives an overview of the health and environmental effects of PBMAs, comparing them to meat products. Nutrition and Health PBMAs work well as meat […]
Superfood Spotlight: Tea
Tea, including green teas, black teas, white teas, and herbal teas, has been associated with a range of health benefits. These benefits are primarily attributed to the presence of antioxidants, polyphenols, and other bioactive compounds in tea leaves. Here are some of the health benefits of tea. Chronic Disease Tea contains a high concentration of […]
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Eases How Fibromyalgia Pain is Experienced by the Brain
According to a recent study, patients with fibromyalgia who underwent cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) experienced significantly greater reduction in pain interfering with daily activities and pain catastrophizing, compared to patients who did not undergo CBT. Furthermore, patients who underwent CBT reported that their fibromyalgia had a significantly lower impact on their daily lives. Co-first author […]
Oral Health as We Age
Maintaining good oral health is an important, but easily neglected, aspect of healthy aging. In this article, we detail common oral health conditions in adults over the age of 65 years, as well as the impact of oral health on general health and nutrition. Common Oral Health Conditions Caries. One of the most common oral […]
Mouthwash
Mouthwash can be a helpful addition to your oral health routine, as it can clean places that are hard to reach with a toothbrush. There are two basic types of mouthwash: Cosmetic—temporarily controls bad breath Therapeutic—contains active ingredients that help reduce or manage certain conditions (e.g., bad breath, gingivitis, caries) Therapeutic mouthwashes utilize different active […]
Know Your Nutrients: Fluoride
Fluoride is a mineral that plays an important role in keeping teeth healthy. Through remineralization, fluoride repairs damage to enamel, the protective layer of the teeth, thereby making teeth more resistant to decay (caries).1 About 99 percent of fluoride absorbed and retained by the body is stored in the bones and teeth. Although adults only […]
Foods that Promote Oral Health
Maintaining good oral health is essential for overall well-being, and your diet plays a significant role in this. Here are some foods that can promote oral health: Water—Staying hydrated is crucial for saliva production, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria in your mouth, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.1 Drinking fluoridated […]
Social Engagement Reduces the Risk of Cognitive Decline as We Age
Maintaining an active social life can reduce the risk of cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease among elderly people through various mechanisms, primarily by promoting mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Here’s how social engagement contributes to cognitive health. Stimulates cognitive functions Engaging in conversations, participating in group activities, and playing games have been shown […]
5 Ways to Power Up Your Walking Routine
Walks are a wonderful way to exercise while enjoying the fresh fall air—and if you want to add a challenge to your daily walk, try implementing some of the tips below. Walking Intervals Rather than walking at a steady pace, alternate between walking faster and slower. Implementing intervals can help improve your heart rate,1 and […]
How to do Vrikshasana (Tree Pose)
The Tree Pose, known as “Vrikshasana” in Sanskrit, is a popular yoga pose that helps improve balance, focus, and flexibility, while promoting a sense of calm and inner strength. Practice it regularly to improve your balance and overall well-being. Here’s how to do the Tree Pose step by step. 1. Start in Mountain Pose […]
