Day: November 29, 2019

November 29, 2019 at 10:00PM by CWC The importance of good gut health is preached on the reg, but knowing what’s “normal” isn’t so easily understood—especially since most people don’t tend to talk about their bathroom habits out in the open. Asking a colleague or even a friend if it’s “normal” to have poop that’s soft instead of formed, or if you should be worried that you feel a little gassy every day after you eat lunch, typically doesn’t happen. Often, people learn to live with symptoms they should really see a G.I. doc about. Speaking of, gastroenterologists have heard and seen it all when it comes to poop (and other factors related to the gut). No question is too big, too small, or too weird for them to give a straightforward answer. Here, gastroenterologists Niket Sonpal, MD and Will Bulsiewicz, MD—whose book, Fiber Fueled, comes out this upcoming spring—reveal eight signs of bad gut health that many people often overlook. Keep reading to find out what’s really normal—and what’s not. 1. Having any sort of discomfort after eating on a regular basis Sure, once in a while something in your salad may give you heartburn or leave you feeling constipated, but Dr. Bulsiewicz says if you feel bloated, constipated, or have diarrhea after eating on a regular basis, you should see a specialist. “Generally what’s going on here is that there’s been damage to the gut,” he says. “This could be due to infection, antibiotics, over-the-counter pain-relieving drugs, poor

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November 29, 2019 at 09:00PM by CWC Dry skin is no joke when you’re striving for a glowy complexion. Slathering on lotion is a surefire way to fight off dryness, but that’s not the only trick you should have up your sleeve. According to derms, using body wash for dry skin could be the key to unmatched softness. At first blush, moisturizing body sounds like a scam. Yes, you rub on and wash off seconds later, but it can actually help a lot to improve dry skin. “Moisturizing body washes can trap water in the skin—something soap can’t do,” says Sheel Desai Solomon, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist in North Carolina. “But as with all products, not all body washes are created equal. All of them will cleanse your skin, but it depends on which ingredients are used as to whether they will moisturize your skin. ” “The ‘good’ moisturizing body washes contain hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which are hydrating ingredients,” says Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD, founder of Mudgil Dermatology in New York City. No matter how much you use them, though, they’re never going to beat applying moisturizer after the shower. “Applying a moisturizer to damp skin after a bath or shower is still key. While many body washes do contain moisturizers, most are not sufficient enough to prevent or treat dry skin on their own,” Dr. Mudgil says. “If you suffer from dry skin, follow up with a moisturizing lotion within three minutes of leaving the bath or shower.

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November 29, 2019 at 07:00PM by CWC In the encyclopedia of abs workouts, everyone raves about the plank. It’s effective, of course, since it engages so much of your core (not to mention your arms, shoulders, and glutes), and there are dozens of plank variations you can play around with (bear planks and side planks, for instance). But, I’ve got controversial news for you: A physical therapist says there are two abs exercises that are more effective in getting a stronger core. “There are many other exercises besides a plank that can help strengthen the core,” says Adefemi Betiku, DPT, physical therapist and instructor at Club Pilates. “Basic planks predominantly tap into strengthening and activating the transverse abdominis.” However, there are plenty of other muscles in your core that you should be paying attention to, he says. Betiku’s take? “The most effective core exercises are the ones that strengthen and activate specific parts of your core, like the bicycle and Superman exercises,” he says. What’s more, he’s anti-plank because there are easy ways to wreck your form, which means not only are you not activating your core, but you could be hurting your body. “So many people experience pain with planks because of poor form,” says Betiku. “Your spine and neck should remain neutral with your hips in line with your body.” Miss that alignment and you’re missing the point of your abs workout. That said, keep scrolling for tips on slaying the most effective core-strengthening exercises that Betiku swears

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November 29, 2019 at 05:00PM by CWC When Morrocanoil launched to viral success in 2010, it introduced women on this side of the Atlantic to the wonders that argan oil—otherwise known as “liquid gold”—can work on hair. What you may not realize, though, is that using argan oil for face and skin can have just as many—if not more—benefits than argan oil for hair. Because: “liquid gold” is right. As far as skin is concerned, this stuff does it all. “Argan oil is a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer which is rich with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties,” says board-certified dermatologist Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD. All skin-types can benefit from using it, so whether you’re dealing with acne, dry skin, inflammation, or general signs of aging, it’s got you covered. “Argan oil is powerful and because it’s just one pure ingredient, it can draw into skin and you can see an improvement in smoothness, hydration, and the appearance of wrinkles,” says Josie Maran, who uses the ingredient as the backbone of her namesake skin-care line. Below, the pros share exactly how to add argan oil for face and skin into your routine, because as Maran puts it, “if you have skin, you need argan oil.” What are the benefits of argan oil for face and skin care? Hydrating: Layering an oil on your face is a great way to lock in moisture, but argan oil takes things one step further. “Argan oil is loaded with vitamin E and essential fatty acids, which help to

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November 29, 2019 at 02:00AM by CWC People think an average of 80,000 thoughts per day, 80 percent of which are negative. As brilliant as the human mind can be, it’s natural to wish that we all had a pre-programmed, “do not disturb” feature for the times when we just wanted some peace and quiet. Since none of us are blessed with such an ability, it’s important to learn not just how to clear your mind but to calm it. And Ellie Burrows Gluck, co-founder and CEO of New York City’s MNDFL  meditation studio, says that she has four tools in her toolkit for doing just that. “Meditation is without question my number one go-to for de-exciting the mind, but I find there are a couple of other things that also be effective for me personally,” says Gluck, who’s certified in Vedic tradition of meditation. “I love a follow-along dance class at Body By Simone where I have to use my mind to learn the steps. That kind of direct focus paired with the endorphin release is a pretty powerful combo for quieting my mind and releasing stress.” Moving to the beat has also been linked with overall better cognitive health, so why not crank Lizzo and bust a move? When she’s not dancing her way to a more accommodating mind, Gluck says that the simple act of touch can help refresh her brain. “Sometimes when I feel overwhelmed, hugging my husband and talking to him is very soothing. He’s

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