An Important Blood Marker For Your Metabolic Health

An Important Blood Marker For Your Metabolic Health

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If you see your doctor for annual physicals, you likely have lab tests done as well. I’m wondering how often your doctor looks at your lab report and says, “you’re fine.”

But there may be some things that your doctor isn’t seeing. There’s an important blood marker that is often overlooked.

According to experts, over 93% of Americans are metabolically unhealthy and at risk for chronic diseases like Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease as they age. The typical labs done with a physical are Complete Blood Count, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, and Lipid Panel, but an important one is missing. Fasting Insulin is a marker that can be beneficial for your preventative care.

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Why Muscle Matters More Than You Think

Why Muscle Matters More Than You Think

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When we think about metabolism, it’s often in the context of how quickly our bodies burn calories or how hard it feels to maintain a healthy weight as we age. But there’s an unsung hero in this equation that doesn’t get enough credit: muscle. Let’s explore why muscle matters more than you think.

Muscle isn’t just about looking toned or being strong. It’s an active tissue that plays a key role in your metabolism, your energy levels, and your overall health as you age. It’s like a hidden engine, quietly working behind the scenes to keep your body running efficiently. And yet, so many of us don’t realize how vital it is until we start to lose it.

Let’s dive into why muscle matters so much and how building and preserving it can transform your health—not just today but for years to come.

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Vital For The Human Body

Vital For The Human Body

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Sodium, or table salt, has a rough history. Food labels trumpet their lack of it. Doctors caution using it. Everyone seems to be avoiding it.

But at what cost? Given the messages touted in the media, you might think that sodium is toxic. But nothing could be further from the truth. Sodium is vital for the human body to survive!

Sodium is a crucial electrolyte stored primarily in the fluid that surrounds all our cells. Our kidneys use electrolytes to regulate the amount of water in the body. This is an important job as our bodies are about 60% water.

When we have high levels of sodium, the kidneys retain water. When we have too little sodium, the kidneys release more water.

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You Can Counter Seasonal Mood Changes Naturally

You Can Counter Seasonal Mood Changes Naturally

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Fall and winter bring shorter days. During this time of year, many people experience periods of sadness or feeling unlike their usual selves. These mood changes often begin and end when the seasons change. You can counter seasonal mood changes naturally, without getting caught up in antidepressant medications.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression characterized by a recurrent seasonal pattern. Most people with this challenge report seasonal depression, fatigue, and/or low mood.

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A Life Review Can Help You Redirect

A Life Review Can Help You Redirect

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What has been your practice at year end in recent years? Do you float along on the river wherever it takes you, or use your paddle to direct your path? You can take a different approach this year. Starting with a life review can help you redirect if you aren’t where you want to be.

As we close out one year and begin another, it’s a great opportunity to take some time to reflect on the past twelve months. What have you accomplished, both small and large? What were your highlights and lowlights? What did you learn?

Taking a good, hard look at your life can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly powerful. It allows you to see where you’ve been and where you want to go. It gives perspective on your choices and helps you learn from your mistakes. And perhaps most importantly, it allows you to set realistic goals for the year ahead.

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Moving Past Depression – The Science Behind Exercise

Moving Past Depression – The Science Behind Exercise

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We live in a world where depression affects millions. Many suffer in silence, while others go to their doctors where they are given medication. But there may be a better way. A groundbreaking study has recently revealed that a powerful solution may be as close as your exercise shoes. Lace up those shoes and discover an effective way for moving past depression.

A study published in the British Medical Journal has shed light on the notable effects of exercise in treating depression. The researchers analyzed data from over 14,000 people with major depressive disorder across 218 trials. They found that engaging in movement like walking or jogging two to three times a week showed the best outcomes.

Their symptoms improved by an amazing 63%! In comparison, antidepressant medications alone produced only a 26% improvement along with concerning side effects.

Dr Michael Noetel, the lead author of the study, emphasized the significance of this study, “Exercise may therefore be considered a viable alternative to drug treatment. We also found evidence that exercise increases the effectiveness of SSRIs, so offering exercise may act as an adjuvant for those already taking drugs.” This research has the potential to revolutionize the way depression treatment is approached.

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Smells That Hinder Your Health

Smells That Hinder Your Health

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What smells do you encounter regularly during the day? The smells of foods you eat? Or smells from your clothes when they are fresh from the laundry? Or perhaps from your shampoo, soap, and other hygiene products? I would imagine that it hasn’t occurred to you that there may be smells that hinder your health.

It’s a sad fact that many of the smells we encounter each day are from chemicals that are toxic to your body. One of the more prominent chemicals is phthalates (pronounced fthal-eyt) which are endocrine disrupting chemicals. That’s a fancy term for chemicals that mess with your hormones.

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6 Underrated Sleep Hacks For Better Rest

6 Underrated Sleep Hacks For Better Rest

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Do you find yourself frequently tossing and turning, struggling to get the restful sleep you crave? It might feel like you’ve tried everything—cutting back on caffeine, creating a bedtime routine, limiting screen time. But some lesser-known approaches may make all the difference. Here are 6 underrated sleep hacks for better rest.

Give some of these more unconventional strategies a try:

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Don't fear flu season. Build up your inner army

Build Up Your Inner Army

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We are now fully into fall and winter isn’t far away. This is the time of year that many people delight in cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage colors, while others fear “flu season.” If you find yourself catching whatever bug seems to be visiting your community, you may be in the latter category. No need to fear. My purpose today is to empower you to build up your inner army to fight on your behalf.

Many of us pay little attention to our bodies until we are hungry. We take for granted the amazing, unseen internal work that is happening every moment. Did you realize that your heart is pumping around 2,000 gallons of blood through its chambers each day? Not only that, but your kidneys filter about 40 gallons of blood to produce 1-2 quarts of urine. And there are trillions of good bacteria – called the microbiome – on your skin and inside your body working tirelessly to protect you.

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A Health Coach’s Guide To Smart Snacking

A Health Coach’s Guide To Smart Snacking

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Snacking often gets a bad rap, but when done right, it can be a powerful tool to keep your energy levels steady, curb cravings, and even support your overall health goals. The key is to choose foods that nourish your body rather than satisfy a momentary craving. To help you do that, here is a guide to smart snacking.

Contrary to what you may think, snacking isn’t just about filling the gap between meals. It’s about providing your body with the nutrients it needs to maintain energy, support cognitive function, and keep your metabolism running smoothly. When you snack wisely, you can avoid the blood sugar spikes and crashes that lead to fatigue, irritability, and overeating later in the day.

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