When you embark on food and lifestyle changes with health in mind, what defines “success?” For many people, weight loss is the primary marker of change they focus on when they are trying to eat better and exercise consistently. But weight change is only one possible outcome of improvements to … Read More
Caffeine is a naturally occurring substance found in coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate. [1] People use caffeine for the effects that it has on nerve cells of the brain. These effects include increased alertness, energy, and concentration. About two-thirds of daily caffeine consumption come from drinking coffee. [2] One eight-ounce … Read More
Have you ever been jerked out of sleep by a sudden twitch or uncontrolled muscle movement, or noticed jerks and twitches in your sleep partner? You are not alone, since these movements during sleep occur in up to 70 percent of people. They are commonly called sleep starts or hypnic … Read More
Insomnia is now at epidemic levels. Up to half of Americans are wondering how to beat insomnia and suffer from at least one of the four cardinal insomnia symptoms: Difficulty falling asleep Inability to stay asleep Waking up in the early morning Experiencing nonrestorative sleep Almost a quarter of the … Read More
The human brain is a truly remarkable and highly complex organ. Neurons are the brain cells that carry messages throughout the brain, nervous system, and body. It’s estimated that healthy adults have around 100 billion neurons, each connecting to 10,000 other neurons—an impressive network indeed! Brain atrophy "is a common … Read More
Hashimoto’s disease is the most common thyroid disease in the United States, affecting 5 in every 100 people. An autoimmune disease that frequently leads to hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormones), it is eight times more common in women. According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), “Hashimoto’s thyroiditis occurs when … Read More
Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) is a climbing shrub native to the tropical parts of the United States which produces a beautiful, delicate flower that develops into a large, fleshy fruit. Traditional herbalists enjoy a number of passion flower benefits, using it, for example, as a sleep aid, especially when patients … Read More
Has a friend ever bragged about how refreshed he feels after just four or five hours of sleep the night before? Do you know a child who resists going to bed at a reasonable hour because she “doesn’t feel tired?” Do you find yourself on an inconsistent schedule when it … Read More
Every year, millions of Americans are hit by cold, flu, and other respiratory infections. While the common cold will rarely cause serious complications, the flu and other infections—such as Legionnaire’s, pneumococcus, and mycoplasma—can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening complications, especially in the young, the elderly, and the chronically sick. … Read More
There’s no shortage of drinks, foods, and supplements promising a quick burst of energy. Problem is most give you a jolt and follow with an energy crash. An occasional extra cup of coffee may not be harmful, but if you’re constantly reaching for a sudden energy boost, it’s time to … Read More
