8 cups of water a day keeps the doctor away…or do we need more than that? We’ve all likely heard how important it is to stay hydrated far too many times.
With the recent bloom of Hydroflasks and Stanley cups, many of us have become much more in tune as to how much water we’re drinking each day. From plain water to fun beverages, hydration has become a key pillar of our overall health and wellness, with many of us feeling a much-deserved sense of accomplishment when we hit our hydration goal of the day. Water does so much more than just prevent us from being dehydrated; from our skin to our digestive system, keeping our bodies hydrated truly helps us feel our best from the inside out.
Have you ever experienced bloating at home, only to go on a (much deserved) vacation and realize your bloat is nowhere to be found? Or maybe you’ve noticed that in times of stress, no matter what you eat, your belly hurts like never before? That’s because our brain and gut are connected in a bidirectional way; this means, whatever we’re thinking or feeling emotionally can have direct and drastic effects on our digestive system!
The best way to make sure you, and your baby, are and remain healthy is to incorporate fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins into your daily eating routines. Being a new mom is challenging; from sleepless nights to feeding your baby every two to three hours, exhaustion is unfortunately something that is hard to beat. Eating foods that are energy dense, but also high in vitamins and minerals, will give you all the energy you need to encourage recovery, increase milk production, and support rest, leaving you feeling like the best mom you can be.
Omega-3 fatty acids provide a variety of health benefits. The three main omega-3 fatty acids are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). EPA and DHA are primarily found in certain species of fish while alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is found in plant sources including flaxseed and soybean oil.
The gluten-free diet has become increasingly popular in recent years. A gluten-free diet can be tremendously helpful for some individuals but is not indicated for everyone. Gluten is a protein found in grains including wheat, rye, barley and some oats. Reasons to follow a gluten-free diet include a diagnosis of Celiac disease or a confirmed gluten-sensitivity.
IBS, or inflammatory bowel syndrome, affects individuals of all ages, even children. IBS is a common gastrointestinal disorder and it is estimated that 10-15% of the world’s population suffers from it. Women experience IBS more frequently than men.
For good reason, inflammation seems to be a hot topic these days. This is largely because after decades of research, wellness professionals are unveiling how systemic and extensive the effects of inflammation are on our health.