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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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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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Approach This School Year Healthfully

Approach This School Year Healthfully

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There’s more to preparing for back to school than buying new clothes or uniforms and school supplies. What many don’t think about is how to prepare their children for the new schedule and the energy demands for a day of learning. I have some thoughts to share on how to approach this school year healthfully.

There can be mixed feelings about returning to school, though it brings benefits. Children enjoy seeing friends they didn’t see during the summer, and there is the anticipation of learning new things.

Children can also thrive in a more structured schedule. There are some important steps to take in adjusting to the new schedule.

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Snack Ideas For Your Summer Road Trip

Snack Ideas For Your Summer Road Trip

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simpWherever your summer travels take you, finding healthy snacks for long car rides can be challenging. If you’re planning on spending an extended period in the car, you’ll want to plan for healthy options that will curb hunger without causing a sugar high. Here are some great snack ideas for your summer road trip.

The key to balancing your snack options is not to go for the flour-based processed snacks. These are designed to be appealing, but they boost blood sugar followed by a crash.

Consuming these carb-heavy snacks will make you hungry before you reach the next exit. The key to road-trip satiety is focusing on snacks that offer protein, fat, and fiber. Read more

Electrolytes: A Key Factor In Hydration

Electrolytes: A Key Factor in Hydration

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I have written often about the importance of hydration. Drinking actual water without additives is vital for supplying your body with what plays an essential part in its function. Electrolytes play a key role in effective hydration. They are especially important in the summer when temperatures rise. Not only are we more likely to sweat, but increased activity will increase water loss.

Electrolytes are sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, and magnesium. They regulate the electric charge and flow of water molecules across our cell membranes. In the process of doing this, they play a part in numerous body functions. Read more

Wellness Is More Than Diet And Exercise

Wellness Is More Than Diet And Exercise

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Embarking on a journey toward healthy living is about so much more than just mastering your diet and fitting in regular workouts. Yes, nutrition and physical activity are considered to be cornerstones of good health. Yet wellness is more than diet and exercise.

When considering health, we tend to focus on the physical body, but wellness goes deeper – embrace a more rounded view of well-being. It’s time to recognize that full wellness includes our mental health, our relationships with others, and a sense of personal achievement.

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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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Your Gut Is Essential For Your Health

Your Gut Is Essential For Your Health

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The holidays can be a time when we indulge in more than we normally would. More food, most likely more alcohol, more activities, and less sleep. All of these can contribute to feeling behind the curve as we enter the new year. Do you know what’s at the root of this feeling? It’s your gut. Your gut is essential for your health.

There are many things that influence your gut health. These are primarily related to what you put in your mouth – whether solid or liquid – as Dana learned recently when she reached out for my help.

Dana, a young wife and mother to a 4-year-old daughter, realized she was spiraling downward and knew she needed help. She reported that she wasn’t doing well even before the holidays, but since Thanksgiving had been feeling like it was all getting worse.

Her gut was not happy – indigestion was a common experience – so she often avoided food. She also wasn’t sleeping well, which made her groggy throughout the day. All the added Christmas festivities were making things worse, so she picked up her phone to send an SOS to me.

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