5 Exercises To Help With Sciatica

People with sciatica often avoid exercising because they don't want to aggravate the condition. Unfortunately, avoidance makes the problem worse. Physical therapists recommend trying at least five exercises to improve mobility and reduce pain.

1. Pelvic Tilt

To perform the pelvic tilt, lie on your back. Bend your legs, bringing your feet toward your butt, and put your arms flat by your sides.

Before lifting your hips off the floor, tighten your core muscles. Putting pressure on your bike like you were pressing it into the floor, lift the pelvis and hips slightly and hold, remembering to breathe.

After a few seconds, release the hold, lowering your hips back to the floor. Repeat the exercise eight to 12 times.

2. Knee-to-Chest

The knee-to-chest exercise targets the upper thigh and lower buttocks. Again, lie on your back, legs bent and feet flat. Keeping one foot flat on the floor, lift the other, bringing the knee to your chest.

Your back should remain flat against the floor. Continue to hold the knee to your chest for about 30 seconds. After you release, do the same with the opposite leg. Repeat the exercise two to four times on each side.

You can increase the difficulty level by keeping one leg stretched and flat on the floor while lifting the other. Another version of the exercise requires lifting both knees to the chest simultaneously.

3. Glute Bridges

Glute muscles play a significant role in managing sciatic pain. If the muscles are too tight, they can press on the nerve. Glute bridges help to stretch and loosen the muscles.

Lie on the floor on your back. Bend your knees and place your feet about shoulder-width apart. Keep your arms at your sides, relaxed. Pushing into your heels, lift your hips. Your body should make a straight line from the knees to the shoulders. Hold the position for a few seconds before slowly lowering your hips to the floor. Do two to three sets with eight to 10 reps, and focus on form.

4. Standing Hamstring Stretch

Changing things up, you will need to stand for the hamstring stretch. Also, hold on to something to ensure balance and safety. This exercise is best used with a designated raised platform, like a stair step.

Stand tall with one foot on the step and the other on the floor. The toes on the step should point upward. Keep your back straight and lean forward slightly. You should feel tension or pulling in the hamstring area. Hold the position for 30 seconds.

Swap legs and repeat the exercise. Perform a minimum of two to three reps with each leg.

5. Deep Gluteal Stretch

The deep gluteal stretch might be a little challenging for those with limited flexibility. Like other exercises for sciatica, you will start on the floor with your legs bent. Raise your left ankle and rest it on your right knee.

With hands together and fingers laced behind your right thigh, pull the thigh toward your upper body. Your head and back should remain on the floor. Hold the position for 30 seconds before releasing and repeating on the opposite side. Perform two or three reps per side.

If you have sciatica, give any of the above exercises a try. However, talk to your doctor first.

6 Reasons To Consider Adding Hemp Seeds to Your Diet

Hemp seeds may not seem like a popular nutritional addition to your diet, but they are full of healthy protein, fats, and other vitamins and minerals. The seeds come from the Cannabis sativa plant, which is the same hemp plant that produces marijuana.

While hemp seeds contain trace amounts of THC, they do not have enough of the compound to induce psychoactive properties. Therefore, many professionals consider hemp seeds safe and beneficial.

Not convinced? Nutritionists point to at least six health benefits of hemp seeds as reasons to try adding them to your diet.

1. Nutritional Value

Hemp seeds are members of the nut family. Often called hemp hearts, the seeds have a mild, nutty flavor. Over 30% of the seed is fat, with much of that content being two essential fatty acids — linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid. Also, the seeds contain a fair amount of gamma-linolenic acid.

Besides a healthy fat content, over 25% of hemp seed calories come from protein. The high-quality protein source is richer than comparable chia seeds and flaxseeds.

Finally, the seeds are an excellent source of other vitamins and minerals. Some of the nutrients in hemp seeds include:

  • Vitamin E
  • Potassium
  • Magnesium
  • Sulfur
  • Calcium
  • Iron
  • Zinc
  • Phosphorous

2. Skin Condition Relief

As a resource of polyunsaturated fats and essential fatty acids, hemp seeds provide a good balance between omega-6 and omega-3. The balance between these essential fatty acids can affect the immune system.

Inflammation is an immune system response that can aggravate certain skin conditions, such as eczema. Hemp seeds can reduce symptoms of such conditions because it provides an optimum ratio of fatty acids. Also, some research indicates hemp seed oil can reduce the need for skin medication, relieve dry skin, and reduce itchiness.

3. Plant-Based Protein

As a complete protein source, hemp seeds provide all essential amino acids. They are also excellent protein options for people on plant-based diets. Researchers suggest hemp seeds provide protein amounts similar to beef and lamb by weight. For example, two or three tablespoons of hemp seeds are equivalent to about 11 grams of protein.

4. Digestive Health

Whole hemp seeds provide soluble and insoluble fiber, 20% and 80%, respectively. Fiber is crucial to a healthy diet. Unfortunately, shelling hemp seeds eliminates nearly all fiber benefits.

5. PMS and Menopause Relief

PMS and menopause can cause physical and emotional symptoms in up to 80% of women. Prolactin is likely responsible for many adverse PMS symptoms. Hemp seeds contain gamma-linolenic acid, which produces prostaglandin E1. Prostaglandin E1 can help reduce the effect of the hormone, easing menstrual symptoms. Also, some studies indicate GLA can help with menopause, but it is not yet clear how this works.

6. Heart Health

According to the CDC, in the U.S., one person dies every 34 seconds from cardiovascular disease. Hemp seeds can reduce the chances of heart problems with the amino acid arginine. The amino acid produces nitric oxide. The gas molecule forces blood vessels to dilate, lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart issues.

Hemp seeds are excellent sources of fiber, protein, and other essential nutrients. Try adding a couple of spoonfuls to recipes every week. Talk to your doctor before adding any new food to your diet.

Health Benefits of Getting a Pet

Pets can make life more enjoyable and fulfilling, but they’re also a lot of work. When you’re a little more “mature” like I am, you may wonder if you have the energy to look after an energetic little animal. If you’re on the fence about whether to go adopt a furry family member, science says the investment of your time and money is well worth it. I have learned that there are so many health benefits you can enjoy when you have a pet in your life. Here are some of my favorites.

Reduced Stress Levels

Stress is just a regular part of life for many people, but too much stress can cause a lot of health problems. Here are just a few of the dangerous health conditions linked to chronic stress:

  • Sleep problems
  • Weight gain
  • Muscle pain and tension
  • Headaches
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Memory and concentration issues
  • High blood pressure
  • Digestive problems
  • Stroke
  • Heart disease

Yikes! That’s a pretty ugly list if you ask me. It can be hard to reduce your stress naturally, but science shows that owning a pet lowers stress and improves heart health. If you have any doubt about that, all you need to do is snuggle with a cuddly puppy or play with a mischievous kitten and notice how your stress seems to melt away.

Increased Physical Activity

When you own pets, you’re responsible for making sure they get enough exercise for good health. This means that you’ll need to get out and exercise, too! Walking a dog is a great way to boost your physical health and make sure your cardiovascular system is always being tested and improved.

Even if you have a cat and you don’t take it for walks, you can still get in some exercise by playing with it. Try pulling a string around the house for your cat to chase. You’ll be surprised how quickly you can work up a sweat just trying to keep the string out of your cat’s reach!

Improved Mental Health

Poor mental health is a growing problem these days. Anxiety and depression rates are skyrocketing, and it’s easy to become the next statistic. But having a pet can help reduce your likelihood of developing a mental health disorder. If you already have a mental health disorder, a pet may help you manage it.

Being around pets can lower stress hormones that contribute to anxiety. Research shows that veterans who have post-traumatic stress disorder often feel an improved sense of well-being and better mental health when they have a service dog by their side.

Dogs have a sixth sense and know when you’re feeling down. That’s why they often come up and lick your face or curl up next to you when you’re sad or worried about something. If you want to have the longest, happiest life possible, the key may be to add a furry family member to the mix.

Decreased Loneliness

Many older adults live alone. A life of solitude can become very lonely. A loving pet provides an important sense of companionship. Pets are extremely loyal and make excellent companions for those who have lost a spouse or who have never married. Even empty nesters who have each other but no longer have children in the home can benefit from the companionship of one or more pets.

Having a pet can also make it easier to make friends with other pet owners in the neighborhood. Try taking your dog to local dog parks to become acquainted with other people in your area.

It’s easy to see why so many people choose to welcome pets into their homes. Even though they require time and money to care for, pets give back so much more to us.

How To Assess Outdoor Air Quality — and Why You Should

Before heading outside for a workout or enjoying the fresh air, you may take several steps to prepare for the outing. From checking the weather to putting on sunscreen to donning appropriate attire, there are several measures you may go through to ensure your comfort and safety while away. Yet, like so many others, you may overlook one crucial factor: air quality.

Most people automatically assume they enter a world of “fresh air" when they step outside. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Several regions throughout the U.S. are affected by high pollution levels, which drastically reduce air quality. Air quality can still be poor in places not traditionally affected by pollution when certain environmental factors are present. Regardless of where you live, it’s important to know the air quality level in your region that day, as polluted air can adversely affect your health.

How Outdoor Air Quality Affects Your Health

Outdoor air — which is the air that flows from the ground level to miles above the earth’s surface — is a valuable commodity that provides life-sustaining gases and shields the earth from harmful radiation. However, when pollutants contaminate the air, they interfere with those essential gases and hinder its ability to protect the planet and its occupants. As a result, instead of breathing in healthy gases, humans and animals in polluted areas breathe in pollutants. These pollutants can compromise not just environmental health but also human health.

The effects of polluted air on human and environmental health are well documented. Below are just a few examples of how air pollution affects life on earth:

  • It has been linked to several human health effects, including asthma attacks, heart attacks, bronchitis, restricted activity days, respiratory symptoms, missed work and school days, and premature mortality.
  • It damages essential crops and reduces visibility.
  • It has been linked to increased incidences of acid rain.
  • It weakens the planet’s protective ozone layer, contributing to climate change.

Though only the first point demonstrates a direct effect on human health, the remaining points all indirectly affect you, your loved ones and your community.

How To Check Outdoor Air Quality

Checking outdoor air quality is as simple as checking indoor air quality. However, whereas with your indoor air quality, you can simply refer to your thermostat, you would refer to the air quality index with outdoor air quality. You can do this via an app, such as the FiltreteÔ Smart App, or a website, such as IQAir.

Regardless of which source you use, the index should give you a number between 0 and 500. This number refers to the level of air pollution present that day. A score of “0” means there is no pollution, while a score of “500” means the air poses an immediate danger to life. If air pollution is present, the index should identify what the pollutant is and how much of it is present.

Finally, the index should provide a five-color grading scale, with green meaning “clean” and red or maroon meaning “heavily polluted.” Each color code comes with specific advice for being outdoors.

Checking air quality levels before heading outside is simple yet can have a profound impact on your health. Prioritize your health and well-being, and take 30 seconds out of your day to check the air quality in your area before heading outdoors.

6 Tips for Avoiding Back Pain in the Car

Back pain is a common problem for people who drive long distances. Sitting in the same position for so long tires out the muscles that are supposed to keep your spine aligned. When these muscles spasm, it feels like an electric current coursing through your back. Bad posture can put pressure on sensitive nerves, triggering sharp pain or persistent throbbing. Follow these six simple tips to enjoy your next road trip a lot more.

1. Rest Your Feet

The more comfortable your lower body, the better it is for your back muscles. When you’re driving down the highway, put on cruise control, put both feet on the floor evenly and let them rest. It’s OK to be alert and stretch your legs out at the same time.

2. Create a Slouch-Free Driver’s Seat

Avoiding slouching is easier than you think. Just customize the driver’s side, so it’s naturally good for your back:

  • Pick a good seat angle: A common misconception is that good posture means a completely vertical driver’s seat. In reality, the best seat angle for natural spine alignment is 100–110 degrees. That means you should lean your seat back a little.
  • Find a comfortable distance: If you normally sit too far away from the steering wheel, it’s tempting to slouch forward, which hurts your neck, shoulders and back. On the other hand, sitting too close to the pedals makes your knees feel squeezed in. At the right distance, your knees should comfortably rest at the same height as your hips, and you shouldn’t need to stretch forward to drive.
  • Nudge the seat with your lower back: Now that your seat angle and distance are right, the rest is easy. Let your seat do its job of supporting your spine by pressing your lower back against it.
  • Use the headrest correctly: Give your neck a rest. Position the headrest so the back of your head naturally hits the middle of it. Keep your looking straight ahead. You shouldn’t need to lay your head back.

3. Carry Your Wallet in Your Front Pocket

Do you remember the story of the princess and the pea? Anything in your back pocket can throw off the alignment of your spine and strain your muscles. Sitting on a thick wallet for hours is the worst.

4. Support Your Lower Back

Lumbar support encourages your spine to follow a healthy curvature. Some vehicle trims include front seats with great lumbar support. If yours doesn’t, it’s easy to improvise. Roll up a towel and place it behind your back at belt level.

5. Take More Driving Breaks

Drive-throughs aren’t your friends. If possible, stop for 15–20 minutes at least every two or three hours. Get out, use the bathroom, do some warmup stretches, walk around and eat something healthy. It may take an extra half-hour to reach your destination, but you’ll enjoy the whole trip a lot more.

6. Strengthen Your Core Muscles

One of the best ways to prevent lower back pain is to go on the offensive. Working out is good for your body for so many reasons, but fighting off back pain is a big one. When your abdominal muscles are in great shape, they give your spine more support.

Taking care of your lower back mostly involves giving those muscles a break. Without pain, life feels like an open road.

Wine and Health: Settling the Debate

Many people enjoy a glass of wine after a long day's work. While some people may only partake a few times per week, others enjoy one glass of red wine every day.

Some wine enthusiasts claim they only drink it because of the taste, but others claim they drink it for their health. It is no secret that some research suggests specific wines have health benefits. However, the question is whether those benefits outweigh the risks associated with alcohol consumption and whether wine is the best and only way to achieve specified benefits.

Wine Health Benefits: The Long and Short of It

A glass of red wine is not a caloric hit to the diet; it doesn't pack a sugar punch either. However, all wine is not created equal. The wines that pack the most significant health benefits in a glass are those made with the right ingredients, primarily the right grapes.

Pinot Noir, made from Pinot grapes, is among the healthiest wines. The grapes have a thin skin, resulting in low tannins and high levels of resveratrol, the beneficial compound in wine. Still, experts recommend moderation when consuming alcohol of any kind.

Alcohol consumption, specifically overconsumption, can result in higher risks of cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers. Additionally, drinking too much alcohol can lead to addiction and dependence.

The CDC suggests that moderate drinking equates to fewer than two drinks per day for men and fewer than one drink per day for women. Nutritionists and dieticians also recommend that you do not start drinking in the first place.

Ultimately, while wine might offer some health benefits, it is not the only way to achieve them. A healthy diet and routine exercise are and always will be the best way to maintain health.

Healthy Wine Myths and Their Beginnings

Wine can support heart health and reduce the risks of dementia. However, the benefits of the beverage do not make it healthy. Wine lacks micro and macronutrients, and it maintains a proven track record of adverse biological effects. However, the drink contains bioactive compounds with health benefits.

Primarily, wine contains antioxidants, such as polyphenols. Polyphenols are found in grape skin and have cardioprotective benefits, like improving good cholesterol or lowering blood pressure. The association between antioxidants and wine created the rumor of wine being a healthy drink, but that is not exactly true.

Moderation Is Key to Everything

Wine is an alcoholic beverage. Alcohol can lead to addiction and other well-documented health problems. Still, in moderation, wine can provide some health benefits. However, it is necessary to mention any health benefits you can get from drinking wine; you can also get through exercise and adopting healthier dietary habits.

You do not have to justify drinking wine; it tastes good, and you're an adult. However, if you are drinking wine or considering drinking it purely for health benefits, don't. There are healthier and, honestly, less risky ways to obtain antioxidants and any other perceived value from drinking. Focusing on a healthy diet and adopting an exercise routine is vital to sustained health more than drinking wine.

4 Most Common Vitamin Deficiencies

Most people think of nutrient deficiency as something that used to happen to pirates and other people who lacked access to healthy foods. But surprisingly, nutrient deficiencies are still reasonably common. Even though most people have easier access to food than previous generations ever had, much of the food consumed in the standard American diet is nutritionally poor. For this reason, vitamin deficiencies are still commonly found in people of all ages.

If you think you may be dealing with a vitamin deficiency, there are a few symptoms that could confirm your suspicions. Here are four of the most common vitamin deficiencies and their associated symptoms.

1. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a very important vitamin for both mental and physical health. It helps boost immunity and helps combat diabetes, cancer and other diseases. It also helps strengthen muscles and bones. There are two main ways the body gets vitamin D—food and sunlight. Fatty fish, egg yolks, mushrooms and liver are all excellent food sources of vitamin D. Exposure to sunlight also stimulates the body to create vitamin D.

Many people are deficient in vitamin D without even knowing it. Some people may not get sufficient sunlight exposure to create vitamin D. Others may not be able to convert sunlight into vitamin D. Still efficiently, others may not eat sufficient vitamin D-rich foods to maintain healthy levels of this vitamin in their bodies.

Whatever the cause may be, deficient vitamin D levels are associated with the following symptoms:

  • Depression
  • Bone loss
  • Heart disease
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Multiple sclerosis

If you think you may have a vitamin D deficiency, you may want to take a vitamin D supplement and increase your intake of fatty fish and other vitamin D-rich foods.

2. Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 (also known as cyanocobalamin) helps maintain nerve cell health and is required to form red blood cells. It is easy to get vitamin B12 from animal-based products (such as poultry, red meat, milk and fish). Despite its abundance in these products, many people are still deficient in vitamin B12. Vegetarians and vegans need to be especially careful to ensure they get enough vitamin B12 from the plant-based products they eat.

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include:

  • Sore tongue
  • Anemia
  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Yellow or pale skin
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Headaches

Vitamin B12 supplementation can help minimize the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency. For vegetarians or vegans, good food sources of vitamin B12 include fortified cereals, nutritional yeast and fortified non-dairy milk products.

3. Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 (also known as pyridoxine) is important for brain development. It also has important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. People with autoimmune diseases are more likely to have vitamin B6 deficiencies.

Symptoms of vitamin B6 deficiency include:

  • Sore or cracked lips
  • Skin rashes
  • Mood swings (including irritability and depression)
  • Glossy, sore tongue
  • Weakened immune function
  • Tingling in the feet and hands
  • Fatigue
  • Seizures

Foods that are high in vitamin B6 include bananas, turkey breast, pork, fish, prunes, and baked potatoes (with skin). You can also supplement with this important vitamin.

4. Folic Acid

Folic acid is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for pregnant women and infants. Deficient folic acid can lead to neural tube defects in children, which is why the U.S. Food and Drug Administration mandates that all cereal grain products be fortified with this nutrient.

Folic acid deficiency symptoms include:

  • Premature gray hair
  • Growth problems
  • Fatigue
  • Tongue swelling
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Mouth sores
  • Shortness of breath
  • Weakness

Good food sources of folic acid include vegetables, fruits and fortified cereals. If you don’t consume enough folate-rich foods, your folate levels can become deficient in a matter of weeks.

If you’re concerned that you may have a vitamin deficiency, it’s important to try to rectify it as soon as possible. Good health starts with what you put into your body, so focus on eating nutrient-dense foods and limiting your intake of nutrient-poor foods and treats.

7 Advantages of a Workout Buddy

If you're looking for a way to reach your fitness goals and have a lot of fun along the way, you should find a fitness buddy. This can be a friend, family member or partner. You won't believe how many benefits it can have on your workouts.

1. Stay Motivated

When you have a fitness buddy, both you and your buddy can encourage each other to reach your goals. This keeps you motivated long term.

We all need someone to tell us that they’re proud of us from time to time. It feels really good when your friend tells you they can start to see those sculped abs peeking out.

2. Push Yourself Harder

You may notice your exercise buddy's legs, glutes or abs and think “I wish I looked like that.” They’re going to gaze upon your toned arms and think the same. Far from being a bad thing, a little friendly competition pushes you to reach your goals more quickly.

One study from Kansas State University found that people who worked out with a partner who was fitter than them exercised up to 200% longer and harder than someone working out alone. That’s almost triple the calories burned!

3. Have More Fun

The main reason I love having a workout buddy is that it’s more fun. Going to the gym with a friend is like spending time together at a coffee shop, except with tank tops and fitness watches. You can laugh, joke around, talk about the weather or gossip (gasp!) — all while lifting weights or cycling.

4. Stick To Your Exercise Commitment

You know your buddy is counting on you. This gives you another reason to push yourself. It’s a lot harder to hit the snooze button in the morning when you know a friend is waiting for you at the park.

5. Get Better Results

A workout buddy can improve your exercise performance and results. The other person can see things you can’t. They can correct positioning errors and help you avoid hurting yourself.

A classic example is pushups. From your point of view, you’re acing them! That’s when your workout buddy tells you your butt is jutting out and you’re not actually doing a pushup. With some good-natured nudging, you’re going to burn way more calories.

6. Watch Time Fly

When you exercise alone, your mind is completely focused on the burn. You feel all the aches, you count every sit-up and you have way too much free time to think. It’s so boring!

Things are different when you hang out with your workout buddy. Those 30–45 minutes zip by and you have a blast.

7. Mix Business and Pleasure

Couples can enjoy an added benefit when working out together. Some studies suggest that all the sweating and adrenaline and closeness can lead to more romance. Whether it’s just a quick smooch or something a little more playful, this relaxing time together is good for your heart on many levels.

Choose a Workout Buddy You Like Spending Time With

The best workout buddy is someone positive that makes you feel comfortable and happy. You can tell you made the right choice if you look forward to your sessions together.

Can't find a suitable human just yet? An energetic dog can also be an exercise buddy!

Functional Foods: What Are They, and Why Should You Be Eating Them?

The concept of “functional foods” is growing in popularity and as society becomes increasingly focused on health, wellness and self-care. Though all foods are functional to an extent in that they satiate appetite, provide taste and offer some nutritional value, there are certain foods that are so high in vitamins and nutrients that they have powerful health benefits. Evidence suggest that these foods — known as functional foods — may safeguard against disease, promote healthy growth and development, and prevent nutrient deficits. So, which foods are considered functional and what kind of value do they really provide? Find out below.

Defining “Functional”

Though a buzzword in recent years, functional foods are not a new concept. The term originated in Japan in the 1980s when, in response to rising health care costs, the country’s government began approving certain foods for their health benefits. Once the concept caught on in the United States, where the FDA regulates what manufacturers can and cannot say regarding the health benefits of certain foods, health organizations began attempting to come up with a definition. Below are two definitions of functional foods, as provided by the Mayo Clinic:

  • Functional foods are those that provide benefits that go beyond its basic nutritional value because of what it contains. For instance, soy is considered functional because it is a protein that is proven to reduce cholesterol levels — a benefit that goes beyond its nutritional value.
  • Functional foods are also foods that have been fortified to add health benefits. A common example of a fortified “food” is orange juice, which is often calcium-fortified to improve bone health.

Though the latter types of foods are healthy, most people can agree that foods that are naturally rich in vitamins and minerals are better for the body.

Examples of Functional Foods

There are two types of functional foods: conventional and modified. Conventional foods are simply those that naturally contain vitamins, minerals, heart-healthy fats and antioxidants. Modified foods are those that are fortified with additional ingredients to boost their health benefits. Examples of conventional foods are as follows:

  • Fruits and vegetables, particularly cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, kale, apples, oranges, bananas and berries
  • Nuts, such as cashews, macadamia nuts, almonds and pistachios
  • Whole grains, such as oats, brown rice and couscous
  • Seeds, such as flax seeds, pumpkin seeds and chia seeds
  • Seafood, such as salmon, mackerel, cod and sardines
  • Legumes, such as black beans, navy beans, chickpeas and lentils
  • Herbs and spices, particularly cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne, ginger and pepper
  • Certain beverages, such as green tea, black tea and coffee
  • Fermented foods, such as kombucha, tempeh, kimchi, sauerkraut and kefir

Examples of modified foods include several dairy products, fortified grains, fortified juices, fortified eggs and fortified cereals.

The Benefits of Functional Foods

There is ample evidence proving that those foods deemed as “functional” do, in fact, have several health benefits beyond their nutritional value. Though some foods have more and more powerful benefits than others, many conventional and fortified functional foods help to correct nutrient deficiencies, promote healthy growth and development and prevent disease. A few examples of functional foods at work include those that contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help to reduce inflammation, promote heart health and boost brain function; iron-fortified foods, which reduced rates of childhood anemia in Jordan by nearly 50%; and foods that are rich in folic acid, which can help to reduce the prevalence of neural tube defects by as much as 70%.

Incorporating Functional Foods Into Your Diet

Incorporating functional foods doesn’t have to be — and shouldn’t be — difficult. So long as you maintain a well-balanced diet rich in whole foods, your body should get the vitamins and minerals it needs to function optimally. To fill nutrient gaps, add fortified foods to your diet where necessary.

Adaptogens: The Secret to Amazing Stress Relief

Stress is frustrating. The last time I went to my doctor for a checkup, she told me that my blood pressure was too high and my waist weight was creeping up again. That was a shock because I eat healthy meals with fresh veggies, avoid salt and go for a walk every day.

“Have you been stressed lately?” she asked. I just looked at her. I think it’s safe to say that most of us have been feeling stressed the last few years. I never imagined it could cause so many problems with my healthy lifestyle.

The bigger surprise was what the doctor told me afterward: “I want you to try taking adaptogens for a couple of months.” I had never even heard of adaptogens before!

What Are Adaptogens?

Adaptogens are plant compounds that naturally lower anxiety. These herbs make you more resistant to the effects of stress hormones. They reduce anxiety and all the negative effects that come along with it.

How Does Stress Affect Your Body?

Cortisol, your body’s stress hormone, gets your heart racing at the drop of a hat. This can trigger countless issues:

  • Physical symptoms: Low energy levels, headaches, high blood pressure, chest pain, digestive problems, weakened immune system, weight gain, physical pain and inflammation
  • Emotional symptoms: Sadness, depression, panic attacks, lack of desire to see other people and no enjoyment from things you used to like
  • Mental symptoms: Lack of motivation, mental exhaustion, concentration problems (brain fog), trouble sleeping, irritability

How Do Adaptogens Work?

When stress hormones are too high, you feel anxiety rushing in. The effect is even worse when you have low levels of “happy” hormones that should create feelings of calm. Adaptogens alleviate stress by lowering negative hormones and boosting positive brain chemicals. They keep your body’s systems in balance.

What Are the Benefits of Adaptogens?

With the help of adaptogens — plus good habits such as exercise and sleep — you can turn the tables on anxiety:

  • Higher energy levels
  • Fewer sad days or panic attacks
  • Increased positive feelings
  • Stronger immune system
  • Improved mental focus and endurance
  • Better physical stamina
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Less weight gain

What Are the Best Adaptogens for Your Mood?

If you’ve ever relaxed with a cup of licorice root tea and your favorite book, adaptogens have already helped you with stress relief. Here are my favorites:

  • Ashwagandha: Promotes feelings of overall wellbeing and happiness
  • Rhodiola rosea: Helps with tiredness and mental fatigue
  • Cordyceps: Increases physical stamina
  • Licorice root: Promotes calm and relaxation
  • Siberian ginseng: Boosts energy levels
  • Holy basil: Lowers stress, anxiety and depression
  • Turmeric: Increases mental focus, alleviates stress and fights inflammation
  • Astragalus root: Helps with physical, mental and emotional stress

That’s all there is to it — healthy, natural herbs that alleviate anxiety. Personally, I prefer taking these adaptogens in a stress-fighting supplement because it helps me get the right amount of every day. Other people sip teas made with these herbs when under a lot of stress.

No plant can change the way you look at stressful events, but adaptogens can keep your body from going into red-alert mode constantly. That way, you worry less about things that aren’t a big deal. And when truly stressful events happen, you can stay in control and find a solution instead of “losing it.”