Tag: health

  • 8 amazing health benefits of mushrooms

    8 amazing health benefits of mushrooms

    8 amazing health benefits of mushrooms

    A delicious food that is functional too

    Whether added to a salad, soup, or stir-fry, or taken in supplement form, there are a myriad of ways to add mushrooms to your diet—and why not? In addition to mushrooms’ delicious taste, their polyphenol, polysaccharide (a specialized type of carbohydrate), vitamin, and mineral contents can provide you with a bounty of health benefits.

    1. Boost immune system

    Research has shown that mushrooms help to stimulate the activity of microphages—white blood cells within the immune system—to help fight off foreign bodies more effectively. At the same time, anti-inflammatory effects of mushrooms can work to enhance the immune system’s overall efficiency.

    2. Fight inflammation

    Rich in antioxidants, mushrooms offer significant anti-inflammatory effects. Research indicates that eating mushrooms regularly can help reduce inflammation associated with the development of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and arthritis.

    3. Offer anti-cancer properties

    Polysaccharides, contained in mushrooms, have been found to induce apoptosis—cancer cell death. Further, anti-inflammatory effects of mushrooms can help reduce chronic inflammation that can lead to the development of cancer.

    4. May help fight diabetes

    Mushrooms have been found to help lower blood sugar levels. Their bioactive metabolites, such as their polysaccharides and proteins, have been found to work as successful anti-hyperglycemic agents in diabetes treatment studies. Still, more research is needed to discern how mushrooms may be effectively used in the fight against diabetes.

    5. Support gut health

    Mushrooms can help support your gut health in two ways. First, they provide your body with prebiotics—nutrients that act as food for the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Second, mushrooms, such as cremini mushrooms, provide your system with helpful bacteria that can help populate your gut to improve your digestion and immune responses.

    6. Offer antifungal and antibacterial effects

    Mushrooms possess both antibacterial and antifungal compounds that help them survive, making them a natural source of antibiotics and antifungals that can be utilized by humans. Some mushrooms have been found to offer compounds with considerable activity against bacteria such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis.

    7. Protect the liver

    Some mushroom extracts have been found to provide liver-protecting properties. Study findings suggest that eating mushrooms on a regular basis can alleviate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). These findings are believed to be linked to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of mushrooms.

    8. Reduce allergies

    While mushrooms have been found to stimulate the immune system in certain circumstances, they have also been found to help suppress immune response in other instances—making them potentially beneficial in the battle against allergies. Beta-glucans, which are contained in mushrooms, have been found to help reduce the severity of symptoms in those with ragweed allergies by 52 percent when taken as a supplement.

    Article courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Beauty fruits

    Beauty fruits

    Beauty fruits

    Fruit recipes to get the glow

    Bountiful, beautiful, and bursting with flavor, these fruit-filled recipes deliver your body what it wants without sacrificing great taste. Incorporating fruit into meals with a variety of colors, textures, and flavors keeps you feeling satisfied so you can focus on enjoying every bite. How sweet is that?

    Berry and Rhubarb Granola Crisp

    A one-dish solution to busy mornings, it’s fruit and granola in a single delicious bake.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 8
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    Topping
    • 1½ cups quick-cooking rolled oats
    • 1 cup blanched whole almonds
    • ⅓ cup lightly packed brown sugar or coconut sugar
    • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 7 tablespoons coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted
    Fruit filling
    • 3 cups fresh or frozen sliced strawberries
    • 2 cups fresh rhubarb, sliced into 1/2 in pieces
    • ⅓ cup maple syrup
    • 3 tablespoons orange juice
    • 3 tablespoons arrowroot starch

    Method
     

    1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
    2. For Topping: To blender or food processor, add all topping ingredients except coconut oil and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Pulse in coconut oil until combined; the mixture will stick together when pressed between two fingers.
    3. For Filling: In large bowl, mix to fully combine all filling ingredients. Tip into 8 x 8 in baking dish or 9 to 10 in round baking dish, spreading fruit evenly. Distribute topping loosely over fruit.
    4. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, until rhubarb is tender when pierced with knife, and filling is bubbling around edges. Cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
    5. Enjoy!

    Grapefruit and Fennel Salad with Chicken and Avocado

    A riot of textures and flavors, this salad offers something new in every bite.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 4
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    Dressing
    • ⅓ cup olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
    • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
    Salad
    • 4 cups baby arugula
    • 1 Small bulb fennel, cored and shaved or thinly sliced
    • ½ Head radicchio, cored and torn into medium pieces
    • 2 cups cooked chicken breasts or thighs, shredded
    • 1 Ripe avocado, flesh cut into cubes and scooped out
    • 1 Large grapefruit or navel orange, peeled and segmented or sliced
    • ¼ Red onion, thinly sliced
    • 2 tablespoons toasted sunflower seeds
    • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

    Method
     

    1. In medium glass jar, shake to emulsify all dressing ingredients.
    2. In large bowl, toss together arugula, fennel, and radicchio with two-thirds of dressing. Transfer to platter or divide among 4 shallow bowls. Top arugula mixture evenly with chicken, avocado, grapefruit, and red onion, and then drizzle over remaining dressing. Sprinkle each serving with sunflower seeds and dill, and serve immediately.
    3. Enjoy!

    Whipped Yogurt with Lime and Fruit

    Lime, vanilla, and soothing honey turn Greek yogurt into a special occasion-worthy dessert.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 4
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (at least 2% milk fat, without thickeners or gums), cold
    • ¾ cup heavy whipping cream (at last 35% milk fat) or chilled coconut cream, cold
    • 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, plus more for serving
    • ½ teaspoon lime zest, plus more for serving
    • 2 teaspoons lime juice
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
    • Pinch of salt
    • 2 cups fresh fruit such as diced kiwi and mango, blueberries, and cherries, cold

    Method
     

    1. To stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, add yogurt, cream, honey or syrup, lime zest, lime juice, vanilla, and salt. Begin whisking on low to incorporate ingredients, then slowly turn the speed up to high and whip until thickened, 4 to 5 minutes. Cover and chill completely for 2 hours or up to 1 day, or serve right away (it will not be as thick if you skip the chilling).
    2. To serve, spoon and swoop whipped yogurt into small bowls and top with fruit. Drizzle with additional honey and top with an extra sprinkle of lime zest. Serve immediately.
    3. Enjoy!

    Article Provided by Alive Magazine

  • Put your heart into it

    Put your heart into it

    Put your heart into it

    How our emotions affect our well-being

    More and more is being understood about the ways our hearts, minds, and contexts are interconnected. How we feel affects our health, and so, too, does our environment.

    Reuniting thoughts, feelings, and health

    “I believe it is important for one to realize that our thoughts and emotions, which are heavily connected, can impact our hearts,” explains Ashlene Crichlow, registered provisional psychologist. Whether directly or indirectly, Crichlow says that our thoughts and feelings affect all areas of our lives.

    The health science of emotion

    But how do emotions affect our heart physically? Naturopathic doctor Caroline Meyer says that “when the heart is in a state of coherence, its rhythm regulates and blood pressure lowers. In states of anxiety, worry, and anger, the heart becomes dysregulated, putting excess strain on this organ.”

    How we feel influences disease prevention, injury recovery, and longevity, and the specifics of this increasingly integrative science are compelling. Our feelings, thoughts, and somatic experiences are woven together in an interlinking, intercommunicating network.

    Research shows that our mind-heart-body system affects our immune system and overall well-being. High positive emotions promote healthy BMI and blood pressure, whereas low positive emotions increase the risk of heart disease.

    Heavy, healthy emotions

    “Of course, we have all experienced grief, heartache, sadness, anger, and fear,” affirms Meyer. “These emotional states, although temporary, can create psychological patterns that persist,” she adds, and, in turn, we might need to shift our behavior. Meyer explains that it’s important to attend to difficult emotions, rather than try to push them away.

    Contexts of emotional well-being

    It’s crucial to remember that environment, upbringing, and culture play a significant role in how one sees and interacts with the world.

    Crichlow says, “When an individual has experienced adversity, disconnect, or trauma, they might have a more pessimistic viewpoint and struggle with cognitive distortions that could negatively impact their overall well-being.”

    A helping hand for the heart

    Meyer encourages each one of us to support our well-being by remaining open and curious in our moment-to-moment awareness.

    “This is the key to balance and to health,” she says. “I recommend to all of my patients to check in with their heart, their emotional center, several times per day. Ask ‘How am I feeling?’ and ‘What do I need in this moment, heart?’”

    Should our emotions overwhelm our hearts and minds, Crichlow emphasizes the importance of both carving out time for joyful habits and pastimes as well as connecting with a “trusted mental health professional who can work on things like boundaries, coping, and acceptance that can contribute to one’s level of life satisfaction.”

    Healthy outlets for emotional release

    • Get physical, and use active well-being to uplift mood.
    • Tap into positive stress, which is called “eustress.”
    • Heal your heart with humor.
    • Immerse in nature to support your mental health.
    • Give voice to your emotions through creative expression.
    • Connect with others who make you feel good.
    • Spend time reflecting upon purpose and meaning.
  • Find fitness joy

    Find fitness joy

    Find fitness joy

    You don’t need to choose function over fun

    By round of applause, who’s excited about their daily (or intended daily) workout? Crickets? But do you get excited about beach volleyball, pickleball, dancing, hiking …? Hobbies can be fun and physical!

    Fitness-life balance

    The buzzwords in today’s workplace include “work-life balance.” The phrase refers to the need for workers to have enough personal time outside of work so they are effective, engaged, and motivated workers while at work.

    The same balance is necessary for your workouts to be effective, when considering fitness and your life. In fact, the stakes are perhaps higher when it comes to your workout and fitness choices, because unfocused and disinterested workouts can result in injury.

    Find strength in sport and health in hobby

    It’s a commonly asked question: “What is the best exercise to keep you heathy?”

    Well, what do you think the answer is? CrossFit? Barre class? Yoga? High-intensity interval training? Low-impact steady-state training? The real answer is simple: the best exercise to keep you healthy is the exercise that you’ll actually do!

    There is a well-established and commonly understood connection between exercise and positive mental health. Less studied and understood is the significant positive correlation between positive mental health and exercise adherence. But, sure enough, it works both ways!

    This means that just as some people can spiral downward into negative mental and physical health, they can also lift themselves upward toward positive mental and physical health! The key is to find an activity that you enjoy doing and that still gives you bang for your buck.

    Healthiest hobbies

    Here’s a taste of some fun activities, caloric expenditure, and physical benefits (which, as we know, also carry mental health benefits).

    Gardening

    Gripping, bending, walking, lifting, stretching: gardening has it all, not to mention the mental benefits of taking care of plants, the mental exercise of planning over space and time, vitamin D, and fresh air. And you can burn a similar number of calories as you would at a fitness facility—“… there is a gym outside many a window,” as Sir Richard Thompson, past president of the Royal College of Physicians in London, UK, once said.

    Golf

    Depending on your sex, whether you walk or ride a golf cart, and how many holes you play (not to mention how many balls you have to go looking for), you can burn between 531 and 2,467 calories, on average, per 18 holes. Include hand-eye coordination, core strengthening, and “one-with-nature” benefits, and you’ve got one heck of a healthy hobby!

    Pickleball

    The average 65-year-old burns about 350 calories per 60-minute doubles match. Not only that, but cardiovascular conditioning, flexibility, and hand-eye coordination are all challenged in this most enjoyable tennis adaptation.

  • 6 ways to strengthen your natural immunity

    6 ways to strengthen your natural immunity

    6 ways to strengthen your natural immunity

    Simple lifestyle choices to keep you feeling good

    Fighting off germs is busy work for our immune systems, but we can make it easier on ourselves. Discover how small lifestyle choices can keep our immune systems ready for action—and make a big difference in our long-term health.

    According to Lisa Osborne, an assistant microbiology and immunology professor, there are simple things we can do to keep our immune systems strong. They come down to listening to what your mother told you growing up: “Activity, healthy diet, sunlight when you can get it. We know these are critical factors for mental health as well as physical health and supporting immune function,” she says. Osborne also strongly encourages vaccination.

    1. Eat well

    Healthy immunity starts on your plate. Focus on whole grains, fresh produce in an array of colors, and healthy proteins such as nuts and seeds to help your body produce infection-fighting white blood cells.

    2. Get moving

    Regular, moderate physical activity bolsters the immune system and its ability to fight off illnesses, including cold and flu viruses. According to the World Health Organization, adults should aim for 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise each week, with two sessions of strength training for best overall health.

    3. Get some sleep

    A good rule of thumb is to aim for at least seven hours of sleep each night. If you’re having trouble sleeping, set a consistent schedule, and avoid screens, alcohol, caffeine, and large meals before bed. If worry is keeping you awake, keep a notebook beside your bed to clear your head.

    4. Tackle stress

    Too much stress can disturb your immune response and lower your protection against infectious illnesses. To help lighten the load try meditation, yoga, or any form of movement.

    5. Prioritize your social life

    Perceived social isolation has been linked to impaired immunity and a whole host of other health issues. To combat loneliness, create and maintain meaningful social connections, stay in touch with loved ones, say yes to activities you enjoy, volunteer, or participate in book clubs or community groups.

    6. Consider supplements

    Check with your health care practitioner before taking a new supplement.

    vitamin Cmay help prevent and treat systemic and respiratory infections and help shorten colds
    vitamin Dmay help reduce the incidence of cold and flu, help control infections, and reduce inflammation
    magnesiumplays a key role in keeping the immune system strong
    zinchelps the immune system fight infections and heal wounds
    quercetinhelps stimulate the immune system and possesses antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic properties
    elderberriesmay reduce inflammation, lessen stress, and ease symptoms or reduce duration of cold and flu symptoms
    oil of oreganohas antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties

    Article Provided by Alive Magazine

  • How the gut and the lungs are connected

    How the gut and the lungs are connected

    How the gut and the lungs are connected

    What you eat can keep your respiratory health in top shape

    There was a time when we assumed that the gut is for eating and lungs are for breathing. Not long ago, research revealed that they communicate, and that means that your choice of food may help lower your risk of respiratory illnesses.

    What is the gut-lung axis?

    Bacteria get into the lungs from your mouth, from the air you breathe, and from the gut, hence both environmental factors and your gut microbiota will affect respiratory health. Metabolites such as short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) reach the lungs through the lymphatic system and blood circulation. They help reduce inflammation, repair the gut lining, and protect against lung infections.

    Though lungs have fewer bacteria than the gut, they are still a dynamic environment with ability to impact immunity.

    The gut-lung dialogue

    A healthy gut microbiome means better respiratory health and intact mucous layers in the gut and respiratory system. Gut dysbiosis (imbalance), on the other hand, increases the risk of asthma and allergies. Also, chronic respiratory illnesses occur more often in people with irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease.

    Antibiotic treatments, anti-ulcer, and anti-reflux medications affect the gut microbiota and can increase the risk of asthma, allergies, and upper respiratory infections.

    From the lung end, influenza and pneumonia can cause gut dysbiosis and can impact the renewal of intestinal cells.

    Microbiome 101

    Bacteria start colonizing the gut from birth, thriving as they feed on breastmilk prebiotic sugars. Then come solid foods, which further build the gut microbiome.

    Fiber and exposure to dirt help increase the diversity of bugs in our body microbiome, boosting overall health. Because the gut is not an isolated organ, any gut imbalance, or dysbiosis, will affect various parts of the body.

    Dysbiosis can occur at any age and for many reasons: environmental, unhealthy lifestyle, diet, and/or medication. The microbiome tends to become less robust as we age—yet another reason to maintain a fiber-rich diet.

    Supplements for digestive health

    Oral probiotics can reduce the severity of asthma attacks and allergy symptoms in children. They can also improve the gut barrier and reduce inflammation. However, given the multitude of options, consult with a health professional for best suited probiotic supplement.

    Meanwhile, munch on naturally fermented foods such as sauerkraut and kimchi regularly. They contain probiotic bacteria and prebiotics, plus vitamins and minerals formed during fermentation.

    Other supplements that may help include:

    • L-glutamine
    • Vitamin D
    • Vitamin C

    Check with your health care practitioner before taking a new supplement.

    Eating for trillions

    FoodsBenefits for our microbiomes
    legumessoluble and insoluble fiber; resistant starch
    flaxseedssoluble fiber
    chia seedssoluble fiber and mucilage
    fruitsoluble fiber; boosts respiratory health
    berriespolyphenols which impact gut microbiota directly or are metabolized into beneficial compounds
    leafy greenssoluble and insoluble fiber; complex carbohydrates that gut bacteria metabolize into pathogen-fighting compounds
    whole grainssoluble and insoluble fiber, resistant starch, and complex carbohydrates

    Article Provided by Alive Magazine

  • It’s Time for Digestive Enzymes!

    It’s Time for Digestive Enzymes!

    It’s Time for Digestive Enzymes!

    Do you experience the following after eating?

    1. Digestive distress

    2. Reduced energy

    3. Irregularity

    Well you’re not alone. Nearly 1 in 3 people in the U.S experience some kind of digestive problem.* And Enzymedica’s digestive enzymes can help!

    What are digestive enzymes?

    Enzymes are the super-efficient worker bees of your digestive system. They facilitate the chemical breakdown of foods, so that your body can send its nutrients off to cells to be converted into usable energy. Different enzymes work on different types of foods, and sometimes your body needs a little extra support making them depending on your diet.

    Take the quiz below to find out which enzyme is right for you!

    (You may need to refresh the webpage for the quiz to pop-up)

    Take the Digest 360 Quiz

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    *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

    Resources:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CkQ8BYJJ1XG/

    https://enzymedica.com/blogs/ingredient-science/enzymes-vs-probiotics

    https://enzymedica.com/blogs/digest-this/what-are-digestive-enzymes-and-what-do-they-do

    https://enzymedica.com/collections/all?limit=60

  • Sleep better tonight!

    Sleep better tonight!

    Sleep better tonight!

    Try sound therapy for sleeping

    If you’re looking for a natural way to achieve relaxation and promote sleep, listen up! Sound therapy has been found to relieve stress, pain, and tension and increase spiritual well-being. It can also promote healing by sending you off to a sound snooze.

    What is sound therapy?

    “Sound therapy uses sounds, special instruments, voice and/or music, which are then played for the client in therapeutic ways to achieve certain frequencies and promote holistic well-being,” explains certified sound therapist May Globus.

    In Globus’s view, this therapy is both science and art, developed through the centuries. Sound therapists use instruments and modalities gathered from cultures including from Asia and Egypt, along with Indigenous cultures.

    Instruments used during a sound therapy session might include crystal bowls, gongs, drums, rattles, and tuning forks. Some, like Globus, also use their voice. During a sound therapy session, the client lies down with eyes closed and absorbs the sound frequencies created by the practitioner, says Globus.

    A sound way to improve sleep

    Some research shows that one particular method of sound therapy can prompt the brain to operate at a brainwave pattern that promotes relaxation, lowers anxiety, and makes it easier to fall asleep more easily and more soundly. One small study also found that sound therapy that creates this brainwave state also creates three other chemicals associated with sleep: DHEA, cortisol, and melatonin.

    Globus sees this borne out in practice. When she conducts her routine post-session check-in, most of her clients say they experienced a deep sleep.

    Getting started on sound therapy

    If you’re serious about experiencing sound therapy, Globus believes it’s best to start out by seeing a certified practitioner or by attending a group sound therapy session.

    “That way, you can feel the frequencies and vibrations in your body for an extended period of time,” says Globus. During a session, some people will feel physical sensations, some will see colors, and, for others, memories and scenes will come to mind.

    If you find this experience enjoyable, says Globus, you may want to visit a specialty store that carries sound therapy instruments, such as a sound bowl. Look for the one that resonates with you, suggests Globus. Then, you can make it part of your nightly bedtime ritual.

    Sound therapy is also easily accessible through YouTube. “Amazing practitioners from around the world upload videos of themselves playing bowls and other instruments,” says Globus.

    Supplements to help when you’re tired all the time

    Fatigue can have a wide variety of causes. It can come from conditions such as diabetes or other chronic illnesses or from lifestyle habits such as poor sleep management or stress. Consult your health care practitioner to eliminate any underlying conditions if you’re experiencing long-lasting and unexplained fatigue.

    You may find the following supplements helpful in supporting a stressed and fatigued system.

    • Melatonin
    • Magnesium
    • Valerian root
    • Lavender
    • Passionflower

    Article Provided by Alive Magazine

  • Power Your Immune System with MegaFood

    Power Your Immune System with MegaFood

    Power Your Immune System with MegaFood

    Looking to power your immune system? Look no further than Immune Defense by MegaFood 🎉 Loaded with Vitamin C, Zinc & Black Elderberry, and herbs like Echinacea and Andrographis – your immune system will be locked and loaded, ready to go! Go ahead and show your immune system some love ❤️

    Immune Defense

    Starting to feel a cold coming on? Take two tablets three times per day for five days to get that immune boost you need!

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    Blood Builder Liquid Iron

    Did you know their Blood Builder Liquid Iron is clinically shown to:

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    ✔️ increase iron levels and reduce fatigue*
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    Resources:

    https://megafood.com/blogs/all/blog-product-edu-acute-defense-immune-system-boost-html?q=acute%20defense

    https://megafood.com/products/blood-builder-liquid-iron-once-daily?_pos=3&_sid=254ff4a57&_ss=r

    https://megafood.com/products/immune-defense?_pos=1&_sid=db72b83f8&_ss=r

    https://megafood.com/blogs/all/blog-product-edu-lets-talk-immune-health-html

    https://megafood.com/blogs/all/blog-elderberry-winter-immune-herb-html

    https://megafood.com/blogs/all/the-health-problems-caused-by-low-iron

  • How to maintain muscle and bone health

    How to maintain muscle and bone health

    How to maintain muscle and bone health

    Let’s be proactive

    It’s a natural part of the aging process: degradation and loss of our cartilage, bone density, and muscle strength. So, what can be done throughout those intervening years? How can we manage joint pain and bone and muscle loss before they become unbearable? Read on.

    A lifetime of wear and tear

    Dr. Pascal-André Vendittoli is an orthopedic surgeon with a sub-specialty in hip and knee replacement. He says that past the age of 40, we lose about 1 percent of our bone density annually. He adds that for many people, the degradation can be more severe.

    “We know that in the general population there are about 15 percent of people who will really suffer from wear and tear on their knees and hips throughout their life. They will need to receive treatments to try to improve their condition. This can be a medical treatment, or a surgical treatment to replace the joint with a prosthetic,” says Vendittoli.

    Vendittoli emphasizes that surgery is a last resort, to be considered only once the chronic discomfort and lack of function interferes with daily tasks such as walking, standing, or being able to perform your job.

    Managing joint pain and bone and muscle loss

    Manage stress

    Naturopathic doctor Amanda Capasso says that one of the most important steps in managing bone loss is managing stress. This will reduce your body’s natural hormonal reaction to anxiety and worry, which can be damaging.

    “Having long, chronic elevated cortisol is not great for bone health. It creates a lot of inflammation, and it just changes … your bones, how much calcium they release back into your bloodstream, and how much they take out.”

    Capasso says that stress reduction can be as simple as reorganizing your priorities and giving yourself a little bit more time for a walk, or yoga, or meditating.

    She says that your stress reduction should not be an additional burden to your already busy life. “Some people are going to hate meditating, and some people are going to hate yoga … So it’s just individualizing care and finding what works for them. For a lot of people … it’s just taking a bath or going to get your nails done.”

    Consider your diet

    Diet also plays a big role in bone and muscle health. Capasso has seen a lot of success with patients who have switched to the Mediterranean diet—reducing red meat and adding more vegetables, oils, and fish.

    Exercise

    Both professionals agree that there is no substitute for regular exercise. Vendittoli says, “When it comes to hips and knees, you cannot stop moving. Quite the opposite … It could become a vicious circle. When you have pain from wear and tear in your joints and you stop moving, it becomes worse and worse.”

    If you are experiencing joint or muscle pain, Vendittoli suggests switching to a less impactful activity such as walking instead of running, or swimming instead of tennis.

    Article Provided by Alive Magazine