Category: Diet & Nutrition

Nutritional psychiatrist Uma Naidoo, MD, shares what she eats on a typical day to naturally boost mental health.

Have you ever wondered how to eat to improve your mood and mental health? I’m Uma Naidoo, MD, a Harvard-trained nutritional psychiatrist, chef, and Director of Nutritional and Lifestyle Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital.

The Food Diary of Nutritional Psychiatrist Dr. Uma Naidoo

Here’s my personal food diary for a typical Bostonian day.

Pre-Breakfast

After I wake up and do my morning meditation, I usually have a cup of golden milk with fresh ginger before I start my day. It’s been a tradition I shared with my grandmother since childhood.

It helps me ground myself, set my intentions for the day, and start off with the right mindset.

Breakfast

Having a healthy and nutritious breakfast is very important to me and for mental well-being. In fact, research shows starting your day … Read the rest

Happy 2021, astrohackers! I hope you’re starting the new month/year refreshed, rejuvenated, and optimistic about the year ahead. However, if you’re not quite there yet, I hope your January 2021 wellness horoscopes will inch you a little closer to zodiac zen. (Tip: For extra feel-good, stress-free vibes, check out our new ashwagandha gummies!)

We can all look forward to January 28, the so-called luckiest day of the year, when Jupiter (growth, healing, prosperity) conjuncts the Sun. Unsurprisingly, this typically annual phenomenon didn’t occur in 2020. Go figure! And yes, 2021’s first Mercury retrograde starts on January 30… But let’s focus on luck and light for now, shall we?

Read your sun and rising ‘scopes to start the new year right.

January 2021 Wellness Horoscopes

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 19)

With Saturn recently departing your 10th house of career and honors, look back at the progress you’ve achieved since December 2017. … Read the rest

Ever wondered why being outside is so good for you? Here’s a thorough look at five benefits of spending time in nature for your mental health, immunity, and more.

If you’re cooped up indoors or hoping to get some more wind in your sails, it’s time to immerse yourself in nature. The combination of fresh air, natural habitats, and solitude can work wonders to:

• encourage relaxation
• boost mental, physical, and brain health
• improve your relationship with yourself and others

Here’s why they say that nature is the best medicine.

5 Benefits of Spending Time in Nature We All Could Use

Curious as to why nature is calming and why most of us need much more immersion in it?

Let’s take a closer look.

1. Nature Lowers Stress

Shirin-yoku, aka forest bathing, is a widely championed form of natural therapy that’s been thoroughly studied in Japan.

The first major study … Read the rest

Do you struggle to keep up with the demands of daily life? Are worrisome thoughts constantly on loop in your mind? Fortunately, natural supplements for stress can help. Maryam Tantawy, HUM’s Director of Product Marketing and Innovation, walks us through the formulation and benefits of Calm Sweet Calm™, our sour cherry ashwagandha stress gummies.

What is Calm Sweet Calm?

Calm Sweet Calm is a vegan ashwagandha gummy supplement that helps manage the adverse effects of stress.

“When you start taking it daily, you’ll notice that your body reacts better to stress. In turn, your cortisol levels will decrease over time,” Maryam shares.

Why We Made These Stress Gummies

We made our Calm Sweet Calm stress gummies for several key reasons.

First, chronic stress and worry can lead to greater health concerns. According to the American Institute of Stress, an average of 75 percent of adults in the US experience … Read the rest

Looking for cozy comfort food that’s good for both you and the planet? Jessica Bippen, MS, RD, has a chickpea noodle soup recipe that’s a plant-based take on classic chicken noodle.

This vegan noodle soup ticks all the boxes when it comes to the flavor and comfort of classic chicken noodle soup—all the while being completely plant-based.

Hearty chickpeas and vegetable broth replace chicken and chicken broth to make this a vegan soup that anyone will love! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a comforting soup when you’re under the weather, this soup will soon become your go-to!

Nutrition Highlights

Here’s what makes this chickpea soup recipe a healthy cold-weather staple.

Onions, Carrots + Celery

Also called mirepoix, this colorful medley of veggies provides lots of flavor and nutrients to this hearty vegan noodle soup.

First, onions are a good source of vitamin C, … Read the rest

Weighted blankets are surging in popularity these days. In fact, according to 2020 data, their sales now pull in an estimated $220 million per year. But do weighted blankets really work to reduce stress and improve sleep—and are they worth it?

Here’s a look at their benefits, plus our review.

How do weighted blankets work?

True to their name, weighted blankets are heavier than normal blankets. They get their heft from beads, pellets, or simply the bulk of their fabric.

Weighted blankets are often marketed as a type of deep pressure stimulation (aka deep touch pressure), such as that from massage. You can think of their sensations similar to those of being cuddled or swaddled like a baby.

What are weighted blankets good for?

Purported benefits of weighted blankets include:

• reduced stress
• better sleep
• improved mood

These benefits apparently kick in once deep touch pressure stimulates serotonin (the “happy … Read the rest

Gaby Vaca-Flores, RDN, CLE, shares recommended vitamins to take while pregnant. Plus: additional supplements for a healthy pregnancy, other prenatal nutritional needs, and vitamins to avoid during pregnancy.

Is it safe to take vitamins during pregnancy? How about while breastfeeding?

These are two of the most common questions that dietitians get from expectant and new mothers. It’s no secret that proper nourishment can better optimize your pre and postnatal care. But exactly which vitamins and supplements should you take during pregnancy?

In this article, we’re bringing things back to science-backed basics. When it comes to supplements and pregnancy, here’s the information you need to have a safe and healthy term.*

*This information should not be used in lieu of professional medical advice. Always follow guidance from your OB-GYN and/or primary care physician.

The Importance of Prenatal Nutrition

Meeting your daily nutrient needs during pregnancy is necessary to keep up … Read the rest

Ever asked yourself if your vaginal discharge is normal? You’re not alone.

In fact, a 2017 review shared that around 10 million doctor’s visits per year are scheduled to address concerns about female discharge. So what’s up with what’s going on down there?

Fortunately, Wendy Goodall McDonald, MD, FACOG—a Chicago-based, board-certified OB-GYN—has answers. Here’s a closer look at what you should know about vaginal discharge.

First, what is vaginal discharge?

“Vaginal discharge is the shedding of cells from the vagina and cervix mixed with mucus, bacteria, and water,” Dr. Goodall McDonald explains.

In addition, the UK’s National Health Service explains that discharge helps keep the vagina clean and moist. Further, it may help prevent infection.

Is vaginal discharge normal?

Rest assured, ladies: In many cases, vaginal discharge is perfectly normal.

According to Dr. Goodall McDonald, the volume and type of vaginal discharge varies based on several factors, including:… Read the rest

Jessica Bippen, MS, RD, whips up a healthy dark chocolate bark recipe that’s boosted with feel-good ingredients. Bonus: It’s ready in about 20 minutes and is perfect for gifting!

Chocolate bark may be one of easiest desserts to make. For starters, it’s simple and holds up well. Plus, as long as you have chocolate, you can make it with just about any other ingredients you have on hand.

This particular dark chocolate bark recipe plays on festive holiday colors from dried cranberries, raw pistachios, and coconut. Plus, each of the ingredients packs in good-for-you nutrients, making for a healthy holiday treat.

Nutrition Highlights

Before we get to the main attraction, let’s first look at some nutritional benefits of this healthy chocolate bark recipe.

Dark Chocolate

Thankfully, this indulgent dessert staple comes with numerous health benefits.

Dark chocolate is rich in fiber, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, and several antioxidants. … Read the rest

Carrie Gabriel, MS, RDN, shares what you need to know about male hormonal imbalance. Included: symptoms, potential causes, and hormone-balancing tips.

While fluctuating hormones are often associated with women, men experience hormonal imbalance, too. However, the lack of conversation around this topic leaves many men in the dark about common symptoms they experience.

Keep reading to learn more about hormonal imbalance in men.

What is a hormone imbalance?

A hormone imbalance occurs when the body produces too little or too many essential hormones. These imbalances often affect the sex hormones, including testosterone for men and estrogen for women.

Hormone imbalances can lead to a number of health issues. That’s why it’s important to detect and treat them quickly.

Further, male hormones most prone to imbalance include:

• testosterone
• growth hormone
• cortisol

Why does male hormonal imbalance occur?

In many cases, hormonal imbalances are caused by stress, medications, and nutrition.

Hormonal … Read the rest