More Ways To Shine

When we say something is “on steroids”, we usually mean that it is super-powered, because testosterone and other anabolic hormones promote strength: they stimulate the growth of tissues. The steroids used in medications, such as those used to treat illnesses in the lungs, are different. These are synthetic glucocorticoids, copy-cats of steroids the body makes, and used for their anti-inflammatory and immune-suppressing capabilities. They are catabolic steroids that trigger

The word neurodiversity was first coined in the 1990s by Judy Singer, an Australian social scientist, who is herself on the autism spectrum. It is a combination of “neurological” and “diversity”, and originally referred mostly to autism. While it is recognized that severe autism is a profound disorder, this term has since expanded to include ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder and Tourette’s, as well as other learning and developmental differences such as dyslexia, dysgraphia

Resistant starches are a particular type of carbohydrate that resist full digestion in the small intestine, and pass through to the colon largely intact. Unlike regular starches, which are rapidly broken down into glucose for energy, resistant starches behave more like dietary fibre. They provide numerous health benefits while reducing the rapid spikes in blood sugar that are commonly associated with other carbohydrates. Resistant starches are naturally found in various foo

Many people were really surprised to hear about possible negative effects of melatonin on the heart, because it is so widely used, and there is so much research on its benefits. Melatonin is a natural hormone made in the pineal gland in the brain, in response to darkness. It is chronobiotic, setting and restoring healthy sleep cycles. It helps the body wind down in preparation for sleep. Melatonin is a popular sleep aid supplement , and research shows adults over 55 bene

Chronic sinusitis, also called chronic rhinosinusitis or just CRS , is a stubborn, long-lasting problem where the sinuses and nose stay inflamed, often for months. Lately, scientists have been paying close attention to the nasal microbiome, which is the mix of bacteria in your nose, and how it plays a big role in sinus problems like this. In recent years, the concept of "snot transplants" has emerged in scientific circles as a novel approach to treating persistent nasal and

In today’s fast-paced world, it can be tempting to rely on takeout, fast food, or restaurant meals. However, preparing and eating home-cooked meals offers numerous benefits. In January, when the weather is bad and the holiday expenses appear on your credit card, it’s a great time to try our January challenge: make all your meals at home! Cooking at home is generally less expensive than eating out. It allows you to buy ingredients in bulk, use leftovers, and avoid the premiu

New Year’s resolutions began 4000 years ago with the Babylonians, who resolved to return borrowed goods and pay their debts. The idea was that amending the past year’s omissions would gain the favour of their gods for the next year. 2000 years later the Romans offered sacrifices and prayers to appease the God Janus, the god of doorways and transitions, who had two faces, looking back into last year and ahead into the next. January is named after him, and Romans promised him

Vitamin K2 plays a critical role in directing how calcium is used in the body, and what part of the body it ends up in. Vitamin K is necessary for calcium uptake into our bones. This is very important as we want our bones to be strong and dense. On the other hand, most other organs and systems work much better when they are flexible, such as our beating heart and our pulsing blood vessels. In these systems calcium can be actively detrimental. It is a component of arterial p

Want to host a healthier holiday gathering and looking for inspiration? Offer your guests some fresh healthy options as a welcome change from rich and heavy festive meals. We propose three menus for the holidays, all from our recipe archives: Around Christmas Healthier Brunch: when you are craving more fruits and veggies! Hot mulled apple cider Green Shakshuka with good bread: toast or warm buns Simple carrot slaw Mini potatoes roasted with olive oil and herbs Choc