Kristen N. Smith, PhD, RDN, LD
We live in a diet culture, one in which we are constantly exposed to the “next best way to weight loss.” If you’ve toyed with trying one of these trends on for size—Keto, Vegetarian, Atkins, Whole30—or if you’re the type who just dives right in, you likely already know that … Read More
Estrogen in men plays an important role in the regulation of testosterone, several brain functions, bone health, skin health, sexual function/libido, cardiovascular function, and cholesterol regulation. Normally in men, testosterone and estrogen are maintained in the correct balance. When estrogen levels in men increase, testosterone levels tend to decrease, so … Read More
If you often experience tired legs when the rest of you is wide awake, it could be time to have your cardiovascular health checked and to evaluate your muscular fitness. Tired legs can actually be a symptom of several conditions, but typically the feeling is caused by decreased blood flow … Read More
A recent study published in the journal, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, reveals that moderate exercise performed two days per week was as beneficial to sedentary participants as exercising six days per week. The study asked previously sedentary women, ranging from 60 to 74 years old, to perform … Read More
Isometric exercise is a type of strength training in which the length of the muscle doesn’t change and there’s no visible movement at the joint. In other words, you’re tensing the muscle without actually moving. Also known as static strength training, isometric exercises include such positions as holding yourself in … Read More
Sarcopenia, the loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, is a major problem as people age. It can lead to disability, osteoporosis, falls, hospital stays, and even death.[1] Wondering how to prevent sarcopenia? Taking a few natural steps now can improve muscle health and help maintain autonomy and well-being into … Read More
Have you been told you need to exercise for your bone health, but are confused about what are the best osteoporosis exercises? Are you wondering if walking is enough to build your bone density? Maybe you’ve heard that you need to do weight-bearing osteoporosis exercises, but you’re not sure what … Read More
The American Heart Association (AHA) defines heart failure as a condition in which the heart does not pump blood as efficiently as it should. As a result, the heart cannot keep up with its workload, preventing the body from getting enough oxygen to operate normally. In some cases, the heart … Read More
Every serious exerciser eventually hits a wall. If you don’t vary what you do, muscles get used to it and no longer make improvements or strength gains. It’s called plateauing. You may be working as hard as ever but not getting any measurable benefit. That’s a clear signal to reevaluate … Read More
Energy Drink Dangers A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that energy drinks can cause abnormal heart electrical activity and increase blood pressure. Forty healthy volunteers between the ages of 18 and 40 were given two unmarked 16-ounce bottles of different commercially available … Read More
