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Do You Really Need Prebiotic Supplements

Do You Really Need Prebiotic Supplements?

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Prebiotic supplements seem to be having a moment in every wellness shop.

They promise to feed your gut bacteria, improve digestion, and get your whole digestive system back on track. And while there can be a place for supplements, most people would benefit from starting somewhere much simpler—and a whole lot cheaper.

Your gut bacteria need food, too.

Prebiotics are essentially the fibers and plant compounds that nourish the beneficial bacteria already living in your gut. And the good news is that you don’t have to buy them in a bottle. Your grocery store is full of them.

Before you spend money on another supplement, take a look at what you can put on your plate. Here are some of the prebiotic-rich foods worth adding to your meals first.

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What’s Really In Your Food?

What’s Really In Your Food?

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A conversation in the cereal aisle, shared as a guest article from Dr. Tiffany Troso-Sandoval.

This Is Not A New Conversation

Back in the 1970s and 80s, researchers were already sounding alarms about nitrites and nitrates in our food. A 1978 FDA study raised concerns. By 1985, studies were linking these preservatives to gastric cancer. The food industry pushed back hard, and the debate faded into the background noise of nutritional science.

But the evidence never really went away. It just kept quietly accumulating.

I was standing in the cereal aisle of Whole Foods last December with my daughter, Gabriella, home on winter break from her neuroscience program. She picked up a box of granola and started reading the ingredient list out loud.

Problems In The Box

“Potassium sorbate. Sodium benzoate. Calcium propionate.” She paused. “Mom, we literally just covered these in organic chemistry. Potassium sorbate is a salt of sorbic acid. It’s a weak acid that disrupts microbial cell membranes by interfering with amino acid transport.”

I looked at the box. Healthy-looking granola. Wholesome packaging. A laundry list of preservatives.

“Keep reading,” I said.

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Why Keto May Work For Others – But Not You

Why Keto May Work For Others – But Not You

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January is the time of year when many are seeking to counter the effects of added indulgence during recent holidays. Social media and marketing are replete with advertisements of this diet and that one, all promising to provide the results you desire.

Many have started the ketogenic diet, and I have received a few messages from women who are frustrated. They are doing Keto with their husbands, who are losing weight, but they are gaining. I, too, have been in that frustrating situation in the past. What may be driving these different results?

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Is Your Body Bailing Out On You

Is Your Body Bailing Out On You?

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Have you ever reflected on symptoms you are experiencing and thought, “Getting old sucks?” Perhaps you’ve said it out loud to a friend. I hear it frequently. When I ask clarifying questions, they often provide a list of the symptoms they are experiencing. They may comment that they are getting old. Or they may use wording that implies their body is falling apart. But is it really? Is your body bailing out on you?

Even if you look healthy, your body could be experiencing shifts in the way your metabolism functions. It’s a normal response to the information that you give your body through the food you consume. Yet, that food may be secretly working against you.

In reality, your body isn’t bailing out on you. You aren’t “just getting old,” even if your doctor implies that. And it’s not just in your head. For my female readers, it’s likely that your body signaling a deeper challenge – perimenopause.

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Are You Aging—Or Just Overloaded with Toxins?

Are You Aging – Or Just Overloaded with Toxins?

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Have you ever been told that your fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, or stubborn weight gain are just “signs of aging”? Many people hear this from their doctors when they complain about feeling sluggish, foggy, inflamed, or simply “off.” The underlying message? Accept it. It’s just part of getting older.

But what if it’s not aging at all? What if these symptoms are actually signs that your body is struggling under the burden of accumulated toxins?

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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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Got Belly Fat?

Got Belly Fat?

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We like having curves, but not that kind. Frustrating as it is, belly fat doesn’t indicate a need for a diet. It is actually an indication of a deeper imbalance related to hormones. If you’ve got belly fat, your body is calling for help.

It is not unusual for belly fat to appear in women after the age of 50, even those who are otherwise skinny and athletic. And it isn’t just a women’s issue because men can develop belly fat, too.

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10 Areas to Optimize Your Healthy Life

10 Areas To Optimize Your Healthy Life

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What does a healthy life mean to you? For most people, “healthy” means not having nagging symptoms and having energy for life’s activities. There is a lot going on in our bodies that is not on our radar, yet we can influence its function positively with our choices. Yes, your choices make a huge difference!

Did you know that the average American spends the last decade or more of their lives in what I call the 4 D’s: diseased, depressed, disabled, or demented? Americans rank 83rd globally for living a healthy life. Yikes! That’s not the “norm” that I want to live, and I’m sure you would agree. Here are 10 areas to optimize your healthy life.

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Reclaim Your Health with Whole Foods

Reclaim Your Health With Whole Foods

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The month of January tends to bring a focus on reclaiming health. Perhaps the holidays introduced a variety of tempting foods, or there were added occasions for consuming alcohol.

There may also have been more on the schedule which crowded out the focus on movement or exercise. A great place to start is to reclaim your health with whole foods.

A “whole foods” (or real food) diet centers around consuming foods in their most natural and unprocessed form. It’s a lifestyle choice gaining traction for its numerous health benefits and relative simplicity.

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4 Pillars Of A Healthy Metabolism

4 Pillars Of a Healthy Metabolism

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A healthy metabolism is essential for many aspects of your body’s function, from energy levels and moods to weight control and overall health. A sluggish metabolism can lead to fatigue, difficulty with weight loss or gain, poor digestion, and muddled thinking.

While many factors affect metabolism, there are a few key things you can do to keep yours working well. Let’s explore the four pillars of a healthy metabolism.

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