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:
As women enter perimenopause and menopause, the changes in their bodies can be both physically and emotionally challenging. Hormones like estrogen and progesterone receive a lot of attention in this season. Yet, there is another crucial hormone that plays a significant role in navigating perimenopause and beyond.
Known by many as the “love hormone,” oxytocin is not just about bonding and affection—it also has profound effects on stress management, mood regulation, and overall well-being.
My goal is to bring you information on how oxytocin impacts women during perimenopause and menopause, and how to boost it. I believe that understanding this hormone can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling experience during these transitional years.
Do you view wellness as a challenge? In light of all the different messages you hear from the media, living in wellness could seem hard. Yet, from the functional perspective, seeking relief from symptoms or disease is relatively simple.
Now before you check out on me, let me clarify that reversing disease isn’t easy, but it is as simple as minimizing, maximizing, and prioritizing. Let me explain the functional approach to support the body’s healing process.
We all have a lot on our plates. You may work long hours in a business where you are responsible for the needs of your company, employees, and customers. Or you may work even longer hours in your home, raising a family.
It is all too easy to neglect your own health and self-care, which can be detrimental to your goals. There are several reasons you should consider beginning a yoga or meditation practice as part of your plan for success.
I see an increasing number of people with symptoms that they think are just part of getting old. But those nagging symptoms may be their body’s cry for support, no matter what their age.
When I was in school for integrative nutrition, I began to realize my body was sending me signals. I was cold no matter what the season, my hair was thinning as were the outer third of my eyebrows. And then there was the brain fog, low blood pressure, stubborn weight gain, dry skin, and history of PMS.
One area that is often overlooked is the small butterfly-shaped thyroid in your throat. This little gland is your body’s regulator. When it isn’t working well, many functions in your body can seem sluggish.
I suspected my thyroid and took the normal approach – making an appointment to see my doctor for lab work and physical. With those completed, my doctor’s conclusion was “you’re fine.” But I walked out of the office reviewing my symptoms, which had not been acknowledged and thinking there’s more to learn.
You see, the only thyroid-focused marker that had been run was Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. TSH is not actually a thyroid hormone but is released by the pituitary to signal the thyroid to release T4. It is not a reliable measure of thyroid hormone in your body.
From delicious, fancy dinners to spending quality time with loved ones, there’s nothing better than this time of year. However, it all seems to pass by so quickly, and before we know it, we’re back to work and feeling just as burnt out as before. What if we were to slow down the pace? Here are a number of ways to savor the season with practical tips for slowing down.
Gratitude fuels happiness. Shifting your thoughts to things for which you are grateful, can help you see the joy in life, even if it’s just the little things. Practicing gratitude not only improves your spiritual and mental well-being but also improves your health. Here are some health benefits of gratitude and tips on how you can practice it daily. Remember, it’s more than saying thank you! Read more
How is your metabolism? Metabolism is what we call the chemical reactions in the body that turn food into fuel. Our bodies need this to do everything from moving to thinking. If your metabolism is sluggish, your thyroid needs support.
Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that wraps around your windpipe in your throat. The hormones it produces affect all aspects of your metabolism. Read more
These days it is nearly impossible to avoid stress. Many are looking for ways to manage their stress, yet you may find greater benefit if you increase your stress resistance with your vagus nerve.
What is the vagus nerve, you ask? The vagus nerve forms a bi-directional “super highway” between your brain and the majority of your internal organs. Vagus means “wandering” in Latin, an appropriate name for the longest nerve in the body that meanders around your chest and abdomen. Read more
Do you have a friend (or two) who claims that “getting old sucks?” Many struggle with growing numbers of symptoms that they attribute to aging, but few realize that most of those symptoms are actually caused by inflammation. What about you? Are your symptoms aging or inflammation?
I firmly believe that many of the symptoms we attribute to age are avoidable. Some call this inflammation that comes with (or accelerates) aging “inflammaging.” Yet there is good news! With proper nutrition and lifestyle strategies, you can slow this inflamm-aging process and reduce your risk of health issues. Read more
