Feeling more stressed or anxious recently? Here is a quick morning ritual to help you feel calmer and more prepared to handle whatever comes your way. 1. Fill up on Gratitude Take a pen and paper or use your phone's notepad to write down 3 things you are grateful for. These can be big things like your health, family and friendship, or smaller things like a short queue at the coffee shop or a sunny morning. 2. Focus on Breathing Locate a cozy, calming spot to either sit or lie down. Shut your eyes and concentrate on your breathing. Inhale slowly...

GLP-1 has been hailed as a game-changer in diabetes and obesity management. Fueled by their weight-loss potential, GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic have experienced a surge in popularity, with many turning to them for weight reduction. Interestingly, GLP-1 is a hormone naturally produced in the gut after a meal. It has several important functions in the body, including: Insulin Regulation: This can help regulate blood sugar levels by prompting the pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar rises after eating. Delayed gastric emptying: GLP-1 slows down the rate at which food leaves the stomach and enters the small intestine. This...

A recent review found that probiotics can help improve metabolic health outcomes for adolescents. Conducted by researchers in China, the paper looked at the effect of probiotics on overweight and obese children for weight loss. Looking across four studies with 206 children, some participants were given probiotics, while others were given a placebo.     The Gut-Metabolic Connection The gut plays a crucial role in metabolic health, affecting digestion and nutrient absorption. It also impacts hormone and neurotransmitter production, influencing metabolism, satiety, cravings and eating habits. The paper found that probiotics might assist in lowering levels of certain substances in the...

Growing evidence is revealing a link between gut health and cardiovascular wellbeing. A recent 2023 review explored how the trillions of microbes residing in the gut impact heart health. It found that gut bacteria play a crucial role in regulating cholesterol levels, inflammation, and blood pressure – all key risk factors for heart disease. Getting To The Heart of It Regulating Cholesterol Levels- Gut bacteria have the potential to influence cholesterol production and absorption. They can potentially help to decrease LDL cholesterol levels (an indicator of high cholesterol) and raise HDL cholesterol levels (an indicator of healthy cholesterol). Managing Inflamation-  The gut microbiome plays...