We often hear about the benefits of physical activity, and it is arguably one of the most beneficial and impactful things you can do to improve your health. Physical activity includes any bodily movement that improves cardiovascular conditioning, muscle strength, and/or flexibility.

7 lifestyle tips for better sleep: Sleep hygiene is a collective group of habits you can use to improve your sleep!

Underactive thyroid, known as hypothyroidism, is a condition in which the thyroid gland, found at the base of the front of the neck, is unable to produce sufficient thyroid hormones to fulfill the body’s needs. Approximately 5% of individuals aged 12 and older suffer from hypothyroidism. Primary hypothyroidism may occur due to dysfunction of the thyroid gland, which is commonly caused by an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s disease. In a small number of cases, hypothyroidism results from dysfunction of the hypothalamus and/or pituitary gland in the brain, referred to as secondary hypothyroidism.

Commonly referred to as omega-3s or essential fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) consisting of long carbon chains with two or more double bonds. They are known as essential fatty acids because they are a required component of every diet and are necessary to maintain human health.

The concept of mindfulness, with historic roots in Buddhism, is now accepted and used worldwide. Mindfulness is a mental state defined as “the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally to the unfolding of experience moment by moment.” This involves focusing your attention on thoughts, emotions, events, and surroundings as they occur, without assigning judgment or meaning to them.

Healthy biological aging and longevity involve not only extending an individual’s lifespan but also improving health and quality of life while aging. Both genetic and environmental factors, such as diet and lifestyle, are believed to be involved in the process of biological aging. Age-related chronic diseases include cardiovascular diseases (e.g., heart disease and stroke), cancer, type 2 diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease). These chronic conditions are among the leading causes of mortality and contribute to a reduced quality of life. Fortunately, modifiable lifestyle habits can help prevent chronic disease and improve longevity.

Intermittent fasting (IF) is an umbrella term that encompasses a number of different fasting regimens, which involve consuming few or no calories for a predetermined period of time. The concept of fasting in religious and medical practice has been established for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Chinese, Greek, and Roman civilizations. Even research on human evolution indicates that early humans in hunter-gatherer societies spent extended periods of time with access to very little or no food. Today, individuals still choose to follow fasting regimens for spiritual and health reasons.

Did you know that there are over 60 different names for sugar? Typically, you will be able to recognize if an ingredient is present in a food by referring to the ingredient label. However, certain dietary ingredients may be listed under a different name or may be derived from a certain food, making them difficult to recognize.

Maintaining digestive health is essential to ensure proper absorption of nutrients and to support the function of other body systems, such as the immune system. The health of the gastrointestinal system, particularly the gut microbiota, even impacts mental health through its connection with the central nervous system, often referred to as the gut-brain axis.

A healthy diet is one that provides adequate energy and all the necessary nutrients to maintain optimal health. Macronutrients, required in higher amounts in the diet, include carbohydrates, fats, and protein. Micronutrients, required in relatively smaller amounts, include vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients (beneficial substances found in plants).

Collagen is the primary structural protein in the body, essentially acting like the “glue” that holds us together. It has several roles in the body, including providing elasticity and strength to our skin, repairing and replacing skin cells, and maintaining the health of joints, bones, ligaments, tendons, hair, skin, and nails.

Breathing exercises, known as Pranayama in Eastern traditions, are used for therapeutic purposes, including relaxation and improving well-being. According to the National Institutes of Health, deep breathing exercises are defined as an active process involving conscious regulation of inhaling and exhaling .

Known as the body’s “powerhouses”, mitochondria are organelles or structures found inside cells that are essential for energy production. Mitochondria play a role in aerobic metabolism and the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is used as energy to drive cellular processes. With the exception of red blood cells, all human cells contain hundreds to thousands of mitochondria.

The autoimmune protocol diet (AIP) is based on the Paleolithic (Paleo) diet and consists of a three-phase elimination protocol. The goal of the protocol is to eliminate certain dietary factors to identify potential triggers of intestinal inflammation, dysbiosis (microbial imbalance) in the gastrointestinal tract, and symptoms of food intolerance.