The Skin Microbiome: Why Skin Barrier Function Will & Should Be Top Of Mind

So let 2021 be the year we start actually treating our skin like a barrier. Your skin barrier and microbiome are complex things. It’s always easier to talk about what we do know. However, we know that having balanced skin flora helps your body crowd out potential pathogens on the skin. And that’s just skimming the surface. Modern lifestyle gets in the way of your skin’s primary function. So that’s your skin barrier when it’s functioning optimally....

December 10, 2020 · 2 min · 316 words · Shannon Moore

11 Healthy Rice Alternatives + How To Enjoy Them, From Nutritionists

This cruciferous veggie transforms intomashed potatoes,gnocchi, and, of course, rice. Cauliflower also tends to have higher fiber content than regular riceparticularly white rice. Quinoa Quinoa, though it may seem like a grain, is actually a seed. These noodles are a gluten-free, low-carb substitute for pasta, rice, or other grains. How to use it:Kelp noodles can be used infish souporpad thai. And when she says low-carb, she means it. “Some research indicates that shirataki may help tolower blood sugar and cholesterol2,” Davis adds....

December 9, 2020 · 1 min · 187 words · Harry Montgomery

How To Support Someone Without Enabling Them, From A Therapist

Have you ever had the urge to help someone you love, followed by a nagging feeling of doubt? Maybe you wondered, “Wait. Am I being supportive hereor am I enabling them?” Most of us are conditioned to behave in pro-social ways, to be helpful and “good.” At a young age, we learn our behaviors affect those around us for better or worse. What it means toenablesomeoneand why it’s a problem. There’s a big difference between supporting someone and enabling them....

December 9, 2020 · 3 min · 436 words · Sharon Berg

This Derm-Approved DIY Foot Peel Will Save Your Cracked, Callused Heels

Let’s chat about foot care for a moment. Callused, cracked heels are justinevitable,right? For smooth, crack-free feet, you’ll want to slough away excess dead skin. Enter: the almighty foot peel. Below, see how derms suggest pampering those soles with your own DIY solution. Foot care just got a lot more fun. Why you should exfoliate your feet. Perhaps you’ve never thought twice about exfoliating your feet, save for a monthly pedicure or two....

December 5, 2020 · 2 min · 271 words · Kathleen Johnson

7 Benefits of Spirulina: The Blue-Green Algae Superfood Supplement

You may have heard some hype aroundsea vegetableslatelyand for good reason. These unique veggies pack all kinds of nutritious benefits that are worth noting. The benefits of spirulina. Spirulina was originally classified as a plant but has since beenreclassified1as bacteria. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals. So what makes spirulina so great from a nutrition standpoint? And finally,manganese4helps your body develop and function properly throughout your life. It’s a good source of plant-based protein....

December 4, 2020 · 2 min · 275 words · Jacob Rodriguez

The Age-Old Question, Answered: How Often Should You Wash Jeans?

Let’s be realwho washes their jeans every time they wear them? Here are the four questions you should ask yourself when deciding whether or not to wash those jeans. Do they smell? What material are they made of? Have they stretched out? “Denim shrinks because of the cotton content,” Guenza tells mbg. Has it been over 10 wears? And that’s 10 timesat most, barring any spills or smells. The bottom line....

December 4, 2020 · 1 min · 104 words · Maria Fry

Should You Really Be Baking With Honey? Docs & Dietitians Answer

Heres what they have to say about the sticky, sweet syrup. Health benefits of honey. Honey is a natural ingredient harvested from honeycombs. It has been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes for centuries. Bonus: its alsogreat for the skin. Is it ever a bad idea to use honey for baking? According to Ayurvedic practices, heating honey brings out toxic properties and should therefore be avoided. Those following a plant-based diet also want to avoid honey since its an animal byproduct....

December 3, 2020 · 1 min · 124 words · Angel Farley

Ever Wondered Which Vinegar Is Best For Cleaning? Here's What One Expert Says

Vinegar is the cheap, do-it-all cleaner that everyone ought to have on hand. While it’s not a disinfectant, it certainly holds its own against tough stains and grime. White vinegar andapple cider vinegarboth work wellbut which one is better? We consulted green-cleaning expertTonya Harristo find out. The difference between white vinegar and apple cider vinegar. It’s colorless, unlike ACV, and is relatively stronger than ACV as well. Why white vinegar is the way to go....

December 2, 2020 · 1 min · 143 words · Laura West

6 DIY Ways To Use Baking Soda To Exfoliate Your Skin

Read: Its a do-it-all, multi-use wonder, that might even already be in your store-bought products. DIY face scrub Most of us need a little exfoliation from time-to-time. (For those with dry or sensitive skin can stick to once, if at all.) Baking soda makes for a particularly potent granular exfoliator if you feel your skin needs some extra help. Your face is delicate, so do be mindful to check that you scrub is more emollient than exfoliator....

December 1, 2020 · 2 min · 319 words · Bradley Wheeler

6 Problems With The Love Languages, From A Couples Therapist

As we opened our session, Jeff burst out with, “We have readThe Five Love Languages10 times. Still, it seems she constantly finds fault with me. Nothing is ever enough.” The problem with the love languages. This lack of attention to the details can oftentimes lead to an ineffective program of its teachings. This useful information is an essential part of any couple’s tool kit for skillful loving. But there are many things people tend to get wrong about the love languages....

December 1, 2020 · 2 min · 379 words · Kyle Long

How To Make A Healthy Vegan Pesto Featuring Greens Powder

Made with antioxidant-richmindbodygreen’s organic veggies+, this sauce is all benefits, no-compromise. Unlike traditional pesto, we swapped out the Parmesan cheese to make this sauce totallyvegan. Plus, with the addition of olive oil, it offers plenty of healthy fats. The real benefits, however, come courtesy of our nutrient-dense greens powder. And if we haven’t sold you on this already, it’s also really easy to make.

December 1, 2020 · 1 min · 64 words · Rose Klein

4 Reasons It's Important For Parents To Set Healthy Boundaries With Kids

In some families, the child’s voice even takes over. With this, however, there has been an exponentialrise in anxiety disorders in children and teens1. Secure boundaries set by the parent (not negotiated by the child) reduce anxiety. Predictability reduces uncertainty, and that reduces anxiety. Children have undeveloped prefrontal lobes. According to child developmental psychologist Jean Piaget, “magical thinking"predominates in children aged two to seven. This “magical thinking” is what makes children amazing and so full of wonder....

November 30, 2020 · 2 min · 226 words · Tanya Coleman

A Guide To Constructive Play For Parents: Benefits, Types & 7 Expert Tips

What is constructive play. Whenever a child is creating (or “constructing”) something, they are engaging in constructive play. “Kids need nature, they need unstructured time, and they need play. “Math is much more than just learning arithmetic and solving equations. Creative Creative play involves their imagination while also dealing with the tangible. Tips on how parents can encourage constructive play. The best way to support constructive play with your kid is to be there and be present....

November 30, 2020 · 1 min · 96 words · Tyler Shaw