November 24, 2018 at 07:00AM You can tell just by how sweaty the dance floor gets on a Saturday night that getting down to Cardi B and Ariana Grande in dance fitness classes can be a workout just as much as any other cardio-based activity. (And seriously thank God, because sometimes hopping on the treadmill can feel like pure torture.) Yes, it gets your heart rate up and tones your body (twerking is basically a level up from holding a squat), but the benefits don’t stop there. It turns out that when you take the time to learn dance moves—like in a dance-based fitness class—there are a lot of science-backed benefits for your brain, too. Intrigued? Here, two experts in the space go deep into the hidden benefits. Keep reading to find out how dance-based fitness classes not only work your body, but your brain, too. Photo: Getty Images/People Images 1. It strengthens neuroplasticity There are some workouts, like running or spinning, that you can do and just completely zone out. Learning choreography in a dance class can be meditative too, but in a different way. “When it comes to dance, you have to be cognitively ready to function,” points out DanceBody founder Katia Pryce. “It doesn’t take the same amount of mental processing to hop on a bike and just spin the wheels.” Just like learning a musical instrument, language, or any other new skill, learning dance moves takes focus and activates the hippocampus—the part of the brain that’s
Month: November 2018
I swapped my entire skin-care routine for CBD products, and my skin is better for it
November 24, 2018 at 05:00AM When it comes to star skin-care ingredients, you can bet that I’m diligently slathering them on every single day. Retinol? Check. Hyaluronic acid? I’ve got two just in case. CBD skincare, though? Not quite in my regimen yet. I have no good reason why it’s not: Cannabidiol, the non-psychoactive component of the marijuana plant, has been infiltrating the wellness world due to its incredible anti-inflammatory prowess. And as skin issues stemming from inflammation rise, the study-backed powerful antidote (and antioxidant, I might add) is ready to take on acne, rosacea, dryness, and free radical damage all in equal measure. So, you could say it can hang with the OG MVPs of the skin-care world. “CBD has been shown to have a soothing effect on the skin, and has been used in the treatment of acne and rosacea as well as eczema and dryness,” says Shirley Chi, MD, a Los Angeles-based dermatologist. With such a stacked resume, I collected CBD beauty products and made the decision to overhaul my current regimen with options that are decidedly more high-vibe. Here’s what happened to my skin. Photo: Getty Images/ Tomas Rodriguez My CBD skin-care life I procured CBD beauty products in every category, and for the most part succeeded minus a cleanser (I can’t part with my fave). I decided this was enough to deduce the changes in my complexion if I swapped over to all CBD products. So for the couple of weeks during my CBD experiment, I retired
How to wash your sneakers so they look brand-new again
November 24, 2018 at 04:15AM After a fall filled with hikes, apple picking, and all sorts of adventure, your sneakers could probably use a little TLC. But don’t worry: There are some easy ways to make your favorite pair of shoes look brand-new again and the best part? It’ll hardly take you any effort at all. Whether you want your former shiny white kicks to reappear or want to make now-dull colors pop again, all it really takes to get the job done is a few different materials you already have hanging out in your home. And get this: There’s even a way to use your washing machine—hello, timesaver—without causing any damage to your beloved tennies. When you’re ready to give your kicks a serious makeover, here’s how to wash sneakers at home. 1. Put them in the washing machine According to Reddit users, the best method is to remove the soles and laces, then put your shoes in a mesh sweater bag and wash them in cold water with your regular laundry soap on a medium spin speed. After they’re done, don’t put them in the dryer—just let them air-dry. And as for your laces, let them soak in a bowl of warm, soapy water for an hour, rinse them off, and let them air-dry. 2. Clean them with baking soda and a toothbrush If your white sneakers could use a refresher, grab a toothbrush. After mixing up 1 Tbsp of baking soda, 1/2 Tbsp water, and 1/2 Tbsp laundry
Ever wondered about anise? Here are 5 health benefits of the licorice-like spice
November 24, 2018 at 04:00AM Even if you’ve never heard of anise, you’ve definitely come across it before. It’s commonly referred to as anise seed or aniseed—all of which refer to the same Mediterranean plant that has a strong taste usually likened to licorice or fennel. It’s an herb and spice that can be found most often as a seed or in leaf form. “Anise is a culinary cousin of caraway, cumin, and dill,” says Dana Nahai, RDN. “The flavor profile of anise will range from fruity to bitter depending on the variety of the plant.” She adds that it’s an ingredient that’s been used across cultures for thousands of years. There are no common side effects to anise but Nahai advises that you pay attention to serving sizes when using the spice (or any spice), and to refer to your health-care practitioner should you be trying to use the ingredient medicinally. With that in mind, this is everything you need to know about anise. 5 health benefits of anise 1. It’s anti-inflammatory “The anti-inflammatory effect of anise is both historically and scientifically documented,” Nahai says, citing a study that showed that anise capsules improved symptoms in people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). 2. It can help keep you regular If you have heard of (or used) anise, it’s likely as a digestive aid. Nahai says that this is one of its most common uses, adding “it assists human digestion by inhibiting bacterial fermentation in the stomach and intestines, reducing gas production and
Why you basically feel hungover after a salty meal
November 24, 2018 at 03:00AM Have you ever woken up in the morning, after a night of not drinking at all, and felt the familiar pangs of a hangover? Headache, nausea, dry mouth—yep, all the usual suspects are present and ready to ruin your day. But, like, how? You really, truly didn’t even have a drop to drink. If you indulged in a particularly sodium-rich meal the night before (like a decadent—and soy sauce-heavy—sushi tasting menu), chances are, you’ve got yourself a salt hangover. “The main reason behind a ‘salt hangover,’ really, is dehydration,” says internist Albert Ahn, MD. “Having too much salt in the diet draws water into circulating volume, leading to increased urination. Without replenishing this water loss, you can quickly become dehydrated, especially overnight.” Sound familiar? Well, it is basically what happens when you drink too much. (Ever notice how curiously long bathroom lines at bars seem to be?) Alcohol contains ethanol, which is a diuretic, so it makes you pee. If you aren’t replenishing that volume, then voilà: Hello, dehydration and the searing headache it can bring. “The main reason behind a ‘salt hangover,’ really, is dehydration.” —Albert Ahn, MD People with diets high in salt are obviously more prone to these effects, and if you deal with certain health conditions, like diabetes or issues with the kidneys, you also may be more prone to dehydration—and thus should take extra care with your salt intake. Dr. Ahn adds that older patients and women might be more sensitive to changes
Sesame seeds are the underrated salad topping you’ve been missing
November 24, 2018 at 02:00AM You know that end of the salad bar with all the crunchy toppings like walnuts, sunflower seeds, and croutons? Chances are you’re completely overlooking a small, yet mighty nutritional add-on: sesame seeds. Sesame seeds aren’t just a final finishing touch on burger buns, breadsticks, and sushi rolls: they actually have pretty incredible health benefits to them. Wondering what exactly they are and how to start incorporating them into your meals? Keep reading. Scroll down to see the nutritional benefits of sesame seeds, potential side effects, and ideas for using them in your meals. Health benefits of sesame seeds 1. They protect against free radicals. A review of several small studies found that eating sesame seeds could help fight oxidative stress, an imbalance between free radicals (which can damage cells and are linked to signs of aging and disease) and antioxidants in your body. 2. It may increase production of vitamin E. Sesame seeds have been shown in a small study to up the levels of tocopherols in the body, which is a precursor to vitamin E. Why that matters? Vitamin E helps lower inflammation, promotes eye health, and is good for your skin. 3. They’re high in healthy fats. You don’t have to be an all-out keto devotee to know that healthy fats are massively important to your body—especially when it comes to brain health. And one tablespoon of sesame seeds has 4 grams of fat—mostly the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated kind (you know, the good stuff). Sprinkle some sesame seeds on your
This Fiber-Filled Soup Is The Perfect Post-Feast Detox (And It’ll Make Your Skin Glow!)
November 24, 2018 at 01:00AM Get ready for a full-body reset. Continue Reading… Author Caroline Muggia | Life by Daily Burn Selected by iversue
5 Weird But Effective Ways To Hit Your Happy Weight — And Maintain It
November 24, 2018 The trick is totally changing your approach. Continue Reading… Author Liz Moody | Life by Daily Burn Selected by iversue
THIS Is Why You Break Out Every Time You Travel
November 23, 2018 at 11:00PM The solution: breathe. Continue Reading… Author Colleen Travers | Life by Daily Burn Selected by iversue
This Is How Long Halle Berry Fasts Each Day
November 23, 2018 at 10:00PM Plus, easy ways to get started on your IF journey! Continue Reading… Author Caroline Muggia | Life by Daily Burn Selected by iversue