As much as we try, we can’t always munch on kale salads or eat the recommended servings of fruits to get all the nutrients we need. Thankfully, that’s where taking vitamins come in. Although it’s important to try to get vitamins from food, if you’re falling short, supplements can help make up for that deficiency, so here are five vitamins that every woman should take: Vitamin B12 – Your ability to absorb vitamin B12 from food decreases over time, which makes this one an essential vitamin. Not only does it help fight fatigue, but it also helps the body convert the food you eat into glucose, which gives you energy.…

If you’ve been diagnosed with hypothyroidism (like me), you might feel relief to finally understand why you’ve been feeling down or have had trouble losing weight, yet still a bit frustrated with the symptoms. You are not alone. Almost 5 out of 100 people 12 years and older have hypothyroidism. The majority are middle-age women, but it can impact people of all ages. WHAT IS HYPOTHYROIDISM? Hypothyroidism is one of the main types of thyroid disorders. It occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone resulting in a slower metabolism. In the United States, Hashimoto’s disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. With Hashimoto’s, the thyroid gland…

Humanity is divided in to 2 camps: the tea aficionados (like me) and the coffee addicts. Geography and national culture often pre-determines your preference. The U.S. and Italy are coffee nations, whereas the UK and large parts of Asia are firmly rooted in tea culture. With that said, many people enjoy both drinks. Some wonder how these hot beverages compare nutritionally, so here’s what you need to know: Calories – Tea leaf or coffee bean – both contain no fat, no sodium, and no carbs, so you can’t go wrong. Prepared with boiling water, both coffee and tea contain almost no calories. However, this “straight” drink is either too bitter…

Gluten free living has hit an all-time high with many people opting for a lifestyle that doesn’t include gluten to help with digestion, general health, and weight loss. There are 3 main categories for gluten related disorders so, before you decide if gluten-free is right for you, here are a few things to consider: Celiac Disease – This is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the intestines every time gluten is consumed. Damage to the intestines prevents nutrients from being absorbed, leading to diseases of malnutrition and other long-term health issues. There are over 300 different symptoms that vary from one person to another, which makes Celiac…

Research has shown that vitamin D is important to the immune system, muscle function, heart health, brain development and mood. Our best source of this vitamin is the sun or “sunshine vitamin”. As skin cancer and UV exposure concerns rise, our time in the sun making vitamin D decreases. Skin must be exposed to the sun without protection to achieve sufficient levels. Unfortunately, there are very few food sources of vitamin D. The foods that do contain the sunshine vitamin usually have small amounts. Since vitamin D deficiencies are so common, it’s important to understand the signs and symptoms. Below I have listed the some of the common symptoms of…

If you’re a little skeptical about adding calorie-rich fats to your food, you’re not alone. After decades of being told to cut it from our diets, most Americans are still warming up to the idea that certain fats can actually be good for you. Fats play a vital role in the body, from helping to carry the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K through the bloodstream, to insulating and providing protective padding to internal organs, to helping build brain tissue. Without an adequate fat supply, your body and brain simply couldn’t keep up, but as with anything else, moderation is key. Use these fats mindfully to be able to…

Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone! Since I know many of you will be enjoying the evening with a glass (or two) of Irish libations, I thought it would be helpful to share some ways to prevent a hangover. There’s nothing worse than starting a new day with a raging headache, so keep these tips in mind as you enjoy yourself tonight: Alternate Cocktails With Water – It’s a tip you’ve probably heard many times before, but staying hydrated is the number one way to prevent a hangover. Scientifically speaking, the tissues around the brain are mostly made of water, and dehydration will shrink these tissues, creating pressure in the head.…

You swear that tomorrow you will have time to pack a nutritious lunch before leaving for work, but that tomorrow rarely comes. You are convinced you will get to the gym on your lunch hour or do a workout video at night after the kids go to bed and that happens close to never. Your intentions are good, but sometimes your busy life gets in the way of your weight loss plans, but don’t give up. You can still eat healthy and squeeze in some exercise, even on the craziest days. Here are some ways busy people stay on track with weight loss: They Prep Ahead – Mornings can be…

Eating healthy can be expensive, but when you follow the tips listed below, you can eat healthy without breaking the bank. Here’s how to cut down on spending before and during your next trip to the supermarket: Make A List – Before you hit the supermarket, plan the meals you will be making for the next two or three days or even the next week so you can pick up all the ingredients you will need and take advantage of sales. Buy In Bulk – When you buy in bulk, you may buy more but you will ultimately pay less per pound. If you are buying fresh foods in bulk,…