Author: News Room

8 min readThe foods you eat influence so many important bodily processes, including your immune system. In fact, this is one instance in which eating the right foods to boost immunity may actively strengthen your body’s ability to fight off invaders. According to research in Frontiers in Nutrition, nutrition plays an essential role in maintaining the optimal immune response to viruses, bacteria, and other illnesses.Why is adjusting your diet one of the best ways to strengthen your immune system naturally? Because the digestive tract houses 70% of the immune system and a large part of the gut microbiome, explained Mary…

3 min readLet’s be honest: Who among us doesn’t like to start their day with a good bowel movement? Yet as great as it feels to go before you need to go anywhere, sometimes the digestive system needs a little nudge—and enjoying the number-one breakfast to help you poop is an excellent place to start.Meet the experts: Rudolph Bedford, M.D., a gastroenterologist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA; Lavanya Kethamukkala, R.D.N., C.L.T., L.D.N., a registered dietitian nutritionist and founder of Nourishing Expert in Apex, N.C.Choosing the right foods to eat for breakfast can absolutely help you…

3 min readNew research suggests that people can train their brains to be better at multitasking.While a lot of practice is required, doctors say people can try this at home, too. Good news for people who struggle to walk and chew gum at the same time: Researchers have found that you may be able to “train” your brain to juggle multiple tasks at once.The study, published in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, “trained” volunteers’ brains by having them use a game-like app. (The app asked them to sort algorithmically generated images of cars into two categories, depending on which base…

6 min readIt’s easier than ever these days to switch to a plant-based diet: Vegan restaurants are popping up all across the country, supermarkets are filled with plant-based frozen meals (we particularly love PlantSpired and Amy’s), and food delivery services, such as Purple Carrot, will do all the shopping and prepping for you.But even if you’re not ready to go full-veg, research suggests cutting out meat a few times a week is better for your health and for the planet—and your animal friends will thank you.Still, many people wonder, is it possible to get enough protein on a veggie diet?…

Lupus, aka systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE, is a chronic autoimmune disease. It happens when the immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues by mistake, causing inflammation, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Lupus can damage several parts of the body, including the skin, kidneys, heart, and joints, and it can cause a red rash.While lupus is best known for its “butterfly” rash that appears across the nose and cheeks, the disease can also cause scaly rashes all over the body, per NIAMS. “The rash can present as circular,” Dr. Cutler says. The symptoms of lupus vary, but…

5 min readTaking steps to improve your gut health is about much more than healthy digestion. Per the Cleveland Clinic, it also helps keep your immune system functioning optimally and supports your nervous system and endocrine system. What you eat can have a powerful impact on the good bacteria living in your gut—and filling your plate with the best probiotic foods for gut health is an excellent place to start.Meet the expert: Tara Gidus Collingwood, M.S., R.D.N., a registered dietitian nutritionist and sports nutrition consultant based in Florida.First, a quick primer: Probiotics are the tiny microorganisms (mostly bacteria and yeast)…

4 min readEight daily habits could help you live a longer and healthier life, according to one study. The researchers say that incorporating just one or two into your daily routines may have a positive impact on your lifespan.Experts explain how many of the habits support heart health and lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S.Some days, it feels like we are being bombarded with too much health advice to process it all, let alone decide what to incorporate into our own lifestyles. So when we came across a study that identified the…

2 min readWhat you eat can play a powerful role in the health of your heart. Filling your plate with the best foods to lower cholesterol or sipping on the best teas for heart disease can go far toward improving your heart health. Another smart choice to make: Reaching for the number-one snack for heart health when you have the munchies between meals.Meet the experts: Tracy Paeschke, M.D., a preventive cardiologist at Heart Health Prevention and Wellness; Michelle Routhenstein, M.S., R.D., C.D.C.E.S., a preventive cardiology dietitian at EntirelyNourished.com.The best snacks (for anyone) contain both protein and fiber to help give…

6 min readBetween a long day of work, a commute, walking the dog, fitting in a workout, and more, finding the time to make a satisfying and healthy dinner for yourself or your family is easier said than done. But it turns out that when we eat dinner may have a bigger impact on our overall health than we might realize. This begs the question: When actually is the best time to eat dinner?Meet the Experts: Dana Cohen, M.D., integrative medical doctor and co-author of Quench; Michelle Routhenstein, M.S., R.D., preventive cardiology dietitian and certified diabetes educator; Gretchen Zimmermann, R.D.,…

4 min readCounting calories is a proven method for weight loss, but many find it difficult.A new study suggests that intermittent fasting may be as effective as calorie-counting—and, for some, may require less mental effort.Dietitians say that while some may find intermittent fasting simpler to follow, it’s not for everyone.Most people know that eating fewer calories than you burn—also known as practicing a calorie deficit—is a proven, effective weight-loss method. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy; counting calories can be a hassle.The good news? New research suggests intermittent fasting may be as effective as calorie-counting for weight loss. Even better, it…