December 16, 2019 at 04:00PM by CWC For the last 10 years, it seems the term “superfood” was on everyone’s tongue (and in everyone’s smoothie). But those superfoods? Fruit with deep blue or vibrant red hues, greens with a hearty, leafy texture, or seeds only found deep in some remote village in Peru. Yet there’s one the world has seemingly missed, although its existence has benefitted and been harvested by Greeks for more than 2,500 years, and first mentioned even centuries before by ancient Greek physicians Hippocrates, Dioscorides, and Galenos. Mastiha is a sap that drips from the pistacia (or mastic) tree and hails from one part of the Greek island Chios, in the northern Aegean Sea near Turkey. The sap (pronounced: mas-tee-ha and also known as mastic) hardens in the shape of semi-translucent waxy tears that somewhat resemble tiny pieces of rock candy, and it has been used for centuries to aid in digestion, stomach issues, skin problems, and more. The resin is traditionally chewed as a gum to freshen breath, as well. “Chios mastiha has a long history of being used as the first natural chewing gum, and that alone is interesting,” says Artemis Kohas, founder of mastihashop in New York, who also notes that it was used as a spice for dishes and a natural remedy for ailments. “Add in that the resin comes from one island on the planet, must be hand-cultivated (making it fair trade), is [currently] run by a cooperative, and has many recognitions
Category: Your Healthiest Relationship
Cortisol affects everything in your body—including your fertility
December 16, 2019 at 02:00PM by CWC When things get stressful, the human body back-burners a lot of otherwise critical systems in order to focus its efforts on the production of the hormone cortisol. Why? Because cortisol, also known as the “stress” hormone, gives the body the boost it needs to survive. Among other things, it increases glucose (read: sugars) in the bloodstream, helps your brain use those sugars more efficiently, and aids in getting tissue repair going if needed. This whole process is super useful during, say, a saber tooth tiger attack. “Imagine if you’re trying to run away from a tiger. Your body doesn’t want you to be menstruating or ovulating—it wants to save all your hormones to keep the cortisol functioning so you can run faster,” says fertility reproductive endocrinologist Jane L. Frederick, MD. “It’s really a survival hormone.” These days, however, we’re generally no longer running from imminent death. Yet our bodies often think we are due to the chronic stress endemic of modern life. If this stress isn’t managed, its constant triggering of cortisol can wreak major havoc on immunity, digestion and, as too many people have experienced first-hand, reproduction. The “flatlining” effect of cortisol on fertility Nicole Jardim, certified women’s health and functional nutrition coach, says that when the body produces too much cortisol over long periods of time, that cortisol has a “dampening effect” on the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). When GnRH runs low, the hypothalamus—the body’s hormone control center—fails to send
Why do people talk in their sleep, anyway—and what can they do about it?
December 16, 2019 at 02:00PM by CWC For many (lucky) people, sleeping entails closing their eyes, drifting off, and waking up rested, ready to take on the day. For others, though, the nighttime routine involves walking around in their sleep, or even chatting up a storm while soundly snoozing. The National Sleep Foundation defines sleep talking—also known as somniloquy, if you want to get fancy—as talking during your sleep and waking up with absolutely no recollection of it, until your significant other or bedmate or roommate points it out, that is. But still, why do people talk in their sleep in the first place? And can anything be done to stop the practice from happening? Well, most pressing to note is that although sleep talking may seem like a bit of a strange habit (and probably not one that’ll endear you to any bedmates), it’s nothing to worry about from a health perspective. “Sleep is the most important thing for the mind and should be considered a mental vital sign, like blood pressure and pulse are for the body,” says psychiatrist and sleep-medicine specialist Alex Dimitriu, MD. “Any disturbance in sleep is worth looking into, but sleep talking, alone, is quite normal.” Cue: Sigh of relief. Also of note, says Petra Hawker, PhD, sleep psychotherapist and author of A Little Book of Self Care: Sleep, is that sleep talking is more common in men and young children, and the chatter can range from complete gibberish to crystal clear (albeit strangely
CoverGirl is launching clean makeup, including a $10 “skin milk” foundation we can’t put down
December 16, 2019 at 01:00PM by CWC As more and more makeup products straddle both the makeup and skin-care categories, it’s becoming easier to add pigment while nourishing your skin in one fell swoop. Now, with CoverGirl’s Clean Fresh line, the trend is coming to a drugstore near you. Launching today, CoverGirl—one of the most iconic makeup brands in the United States—introduces a four-product collection of easy-to-use, clean makeup essentials that function as the “jeans and T-shirt”of your makeup bag. As with all CoverGirl products, Clean Fresh is cruelty-free, plus the line is vegan and formulated without parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, sulfates, fragrance, or mineral oil to give consumers cleaner options for their skin. CoverGirl’s four-product Clean Fresh collection functions as the “jeans and T-shirt”of your makeup bag. In the line are the Skin Milk ($10), a super sheer foundation spiked with aloe vera and coconut milk (real talk: I can’t put it down); the Cooling Glow Stick ($9), which functions as a highlighter or shimmery bronzer depending on the shade you go with; the Lip Oil ($11), a non-sticky lip treatment with pigment; and the Cream Blush ($9), a high-pigment punch to your cheeks (though can work on your lids and lips if you want) that contains hyaluronic acid for moisture. The foundation comes in 14 shades, but according to the brand it matches 99 percent of all skin tones and undertones because of its shade adaptability—aka since the formula is so sheer, it melts into your skin so that
All you need for a stronger back and core is a kettlebell and a chair
December 16, 2019 at 12:00PM by CWC [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJ-_QFYgBDw] The best workouts are the ones that give you the most bang for your buck in the shortest amount of time. It’s why people have begun flocking to megaformer workouts, which offer cardio, strength training, and flexibility at the same time, and why we’re so excited about this week’s Trainer of the Month workout, which works your forearms, back, and core in only four easy moves. Trainer Roxie Jones has put together a simple seven-minute series that will fire up all three major muscle groups with nothing more than some kettlebells and a chair. The workout utilizes unilateral movements that work both sides of your body evenly for some serious all-over strength, and will leave you sore for a full 24 hours. Jones suggests grabbing a light kettlebell, anywhere from 10 to 25 pounds. To make sure you’ve got the right weight, rack the kettlebell and see if you’re able to lift it properly in one hand—without swinging it or relying on the other hand for support. Once you’ve got that done, cycle through these four moves. Repeat the entire series for a total of three rounds, which you will definitely be feeling tomorrow. 1. Assisted single arm bent over row: Place one hand on a chair with a kettlebell in your other hand. Keep your hips back and your back flat, tightening your core, and plant your feet hips width apart. Pull the kettlebell up as if you’re trying to tuck
I’m due to give birth on December 25, and these are the essentials keeping me sane
December 16, 2019 at 04:30AM by CWC The first thing I did when I found out I was pregnant—after telling my husband, my mom, and my BFF who had predicted I was knocked up (accurately, it turns out)—was calculate the due date. The big day? December 25, 2019. Beyond hoping it didn’t happen exactly then—give the kid a chance at their own special day!—I didn’t think much about it as the months passed. And suddenly, I was in my third trimester. One benefit of pregnancy is you have a built-in reason to lean into JOMO (joy of missing out, for the uninitiated). If I’m too tired to make it to that holiday party, boom: I simply don’t have to go, no questions asked. It’s a beautiful, albeit Prosecco-free, thing. The one celebration I can’t skip, though? The one with my own family. And because I could be in labor on Christmas day, that means both sides are coming to me. But because the exhaustion and the swollen feet are real, I refuse to let hostess duties stress me out. Instead, I’m outsourcing the heavy lifting to these handy essentials, which, with one simple “add to cart” mean I don’t even have to waddle my way to the store. Pregnant? Not pregnant? Either way, these must-haves will save you from a hostess meltdown. Slip into your maternity (or non-maternity) leggings and cozy up: We’ve got shopping to do. Scroll down for the stress-free holiday hosting essentials you need—whether you’re in your
What to expect, cosmically, from the last winter solstice of the decade
December 15, 2019 at 10:00PM by CWC By the end of the week, on Saturday, December 21, 11:19 p.m., EST, the sun moves from bold and blunt Sagittarius into stern and stoic Capricorn, heralding the official change of seasons. The northern hemisphere’s winter solstice of 2019 happens when the sun’s most direct light reaches the Tropic of Capricorn. This isn’t because the sun itself is moving, but rather we, on planet Earth, are hurling through space and traveling in a new quadrant of the sky in a new season, relating differently to the sun. In the north, this night marks the longest of the year. And with temperatures dropping, calls increase to get cozy indoors, making winter the ideal time to restore what Traditional Chinese Medicine would refer to as our yin energy. Yin energy is vital to our well being, and nourishing it provides many benefits—it specifically helps to combat the challenges of aging, helping the body to feel supple, restored, and bright. Soon, the length of day will gradually expand as the sun enters a cycle of rebirth. But it’s so important to linger in this moment of darkness while it lasts. Getting quiet and nurturing yourself provides way more long-term energy than another shot of espresso will land you. In fact, more than any other time of year, staying mindful of caffeine consumption now will deeply impact your well-being. This week, specifically, provides the perfect conditions for sleep, so take advantage. Since this cosmic event marks not
8 delicious, gut-friendly snacks that registered dietitians love
December 15, 2019 at 08:00PM by CWC Sorry, high-protein everything—we’re all about fiber right now. Why? The nutrient found in foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, and grains, has been linked a whole slew of health benefits from more regular digestion to promoting the health of your gut microbiome. Hell, it can even improve your skin. And unlike protein, most of us aren’t getting enough of it in our diets. That’s where high-fiber snacks come in. They can help you more easily meet your daily fiber quota without feeling like you have to load up all at one meal and risk gastrointestinal distress. Speaking of gut health, here’s the 101 on the topic straight from a dietitian: [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpAjl3cFn6A] “Since the standard recommendation of 25 grams for women and 30 grams for men is just an average, it’s helpful to know that the real recommendation is a minimum 14 grams for every 1000 calories consumed,” says Kelly Jones, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN. Adding in fiber to snacks—at least four grams per serving, she says—is an easy way to make sure you’re getting enough each day. But instead of scouring labels all day at the grocery store, we asked a few dietitians to share some of their favorite high-fiber snacks. These picks are sure to keep you and your gut happy. Keep reading for the best high-fiber snacks for optimal gut health. Photo: Courtesy of brand 1. Enlightened Bada Bean Bada Boom Crunchy Broad Beans ($22 for 24) Fiber: 5 grams per serving
A derm says this post-shower mistake could be what’s making your skin so dry
December 15, 2019 at 06:00PM by CWC [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTuLmx0JslY] Your skin-care routine starts in the shower. Everything from the temperature of the water to the ingredients in your body wash make a significant difference in how your skin feels when you step out. But according to board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, there’s a critical—and common—mistake that people are making after they turn off the water that could be making their skin dry. In the latest episode of Dear Derm, Dr. Gohara delivers a deep dive into everything you need to know about dry skin—from what could be causing it to exactly the products you should be using to get it to go away. A few of the common culprits are hardly surprising: a dry environment, harsh ingredients, and physiological factors could all be coming into play. But according to Dr. Gohara, the way you, well, dry off your face after you wash it could be what’s making it feel dehydrated throughout the day. Bath towels aren’t exactly the smoothest thing to rub all over your skin, and drying off too intensely could compromise your barrier. “We all know that over-exfoliating is a problem. People scrub left and right trying to get rid of pimples, trying to get rid of wrinkles, trying to get rid of this and that. I tell my patients every day, ‘exfoliating is for toilets, not for skin,’” says Dr. Gohara. “Be gentle to your skin.” Her suggestion? Pat your face dry instead of wiping it, then slather on your favorite moisturizer.
Should you be washing your gloves? Here’s the germy truth—and exactly how to clean them
December 15, 2019 at 04:00PM by CWC When’s the last time you washed your gloves? If the answer is “never,” you’re in the majority. Every winter, you wear them daily, touching germy surfaces like door handles and—let’s be honest—using them as a tissue for your runny nose. As expected, that makes them nothing short of a hot bed for bacteria. In a 2015 study conducted by Good Morning America, gloves of all different materials were swabbed for bacteria and viruses. While some samples tested positive for coronavirus, which is commonly behind winter colds and infections, there were also more serious discoveries. Nine came back with potentially harmful bacteria, including staph and MRSA. And, keep in mind, this was with a very small sample size. Never washing your gloves isn’t the best idea for your health. (It also makes them smell.) The good news is it’s incredibly easy to clean them, and these are the best tactics to use this season. How to wash your gloves, according to the material 1. Cotton Cotton gloves might not be the warmest option, but they’re certainly the easiest to clean. Put them in the washing machine just like you would your other clothes. Either wash them separately, or toss them in with lights or darks, depending on the color. Then lay them out flat to dry, as they will shrink in the dryer (unless you’re not using heat). 2. Wool Wool is more delicate, so you have to be gentle. Instead of using the