The idea of “pregnancy glow” sounds like an old-timey myth. The notion that you can somehow become radiant while expecting seems like folklore in this age of elevated scientific understanding. But a more luminous appearance during pregnancy can be as real as that inevitable baby bump — and there are clear medical reasons as to why. Let’s turn to Ob/Gyn Catherine Caponero, DO, to enlighten us. What is pregnancy glow? During pregnancy, some women may find that their cheeks grow rosier and their skin looks more vibrant. Those physical changes can result in what many describe as a “glowing” appear ..read more

When it comes to alcohol, the line between fiction and fact is often blurry. Whether it’s at a party with friends or through pop culture references, there are quite a few things about drinking alcohol that get misconstrued.  Things like so-called hangover cures, effects of different types of alcohol and even how much alcohol we can handle. And while it may seem harmless to live by some of these “tips,” some of these alcohol myths can put your health at risk. Chemical dependency specialist Joseph Janesz, PhD, LICDC, helps clear up the confusion around alcohol so you can drink smarter and m ..read more

It takes time, dedication and discipline to pick up a healthy habit and keep it going. But sometimes, when we’re sucked into new routines and fitness challenges, we can find ourselves a bit in over our heads. The 75 Hard Challenge, for example, puts a lot of pressure on overhauling different areas of your life by demanding that you follow these five strict rules daily for 75 days straight without stopping: Stick to a nutrition plan of your choice while avoiding alcohol and cheat meals. Exercise for 45 minutes twice a day, including one workout routine outside. Drink 1 gallon of water. Read 10 ..read more

Coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks — caffeine comes in a variety of forms, but they all have one important thing in common: The caffeine in them can be incredibly difficult to quit. If the best part of waking up is all that caffeine in your cup, it may be time to scale back. Caffeine is considered a stimulant. The white bitter substance, which is found naturally in more than 60 plants, passes into your bloodstream from your stomach and small intestine. Once in your bloodstream, caffeine stimulates your central nervous system — your nerves, brain and spinal cord — to make you feel more awake and ..read more

If you’ve been wandering the baby aisle in your local grocery store recently, you may have noticed they stock beverages labeled specifically for toddlers. But they aren’t the same as infant formula, and they aren’t medically prescribed nutritional supplements. And — because shopping for your children isn’t complicated enough — the language we use to define these toddler drinks is … well, a little on the slippery side. We spoke to pediatric dietitian Jennifer Hyland, RD, CSP, LD, to get clarity about what these beverages are, what they aren’t and whether or not they’re worth pouring your s ..read more

Maybe you’ve tried going gluten-free and it didn’t seem to ease your stomach problems. Maybe you’ve been given the general diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome but still can’t figure out exactly which foods upset your stomach. Maybe it’s actually a fructan intolerance. Fructans are a type of carbohydrate, or sugar, that some people have a hard time digesting. But the symptoms of fructan intolerance often mimic those of gluten intolerance, and to make things even more complicated, some foods have both gluten and fructans — so it can be extra difficult to figure out what’s going on in your stom ..read more

When it comes to food hankerings, there’s a good chance you might be craving sugary sweets like pastries, cookies, candy or chocolate. And while having a triple-scoop ice cream cone or eating a slice of chocolate cheesecake may taste so good, indulging too often is likely more of a craving than a once-in-a-while treat. Have you ever wondered: Why am I craving sweets? Why do I crave sugar? The reasons are partly physiological, partly psychological and partly because of the environment in which we live. “The human body functions a bit like a car — you put fuel in the tank, and then you drive,” e ..read more

Fish is not only delicious, but it’s also rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids. And eating fish, like tuna, on a regular basis can help reduce inflammation caused by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Try these for a light yet filling lunch! Ingredients 2 cans water-packed tuna, drained 1/2 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) 1/4 cup carrots, diced 1/4 cup celery, diced 1/4 cup 2% (low-fat) cheddar cheese, shredded 3 tablespoons nonfat or light mayonnaise 2 tablespoons mustard (preferably Dijon) 3 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning Directions Combine all ingredients in ..read more

You know how important exercise is for your health. Keeping your body active is essential for preventing and managing chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and more. And the benefits of exercise on your mental health can’t be overstated. But too often, we approach our fitness goals and plans a bit haphazardly. We know we should exercise, so we just … go for it.   But starting an exercise program without a solid plan doesn’t set you up for success.  “Exercise is medicine,” says sports medicine physician Michael Dakkak, DO. “And in order for medicine to be e ..read more

Many people rely on a morning cup of coffee immediately after the alarm sounds to help launch their day. You may even set the timer to get the pot brewing before you’ve rolled out of bed. “People worldwide enjoy their morning coffee,” says registered dietitian Anthony DiMarino, RD, LD. “It’s a common habit, and you may feel unsettled if something disrupts your morning ritual.” But should you push back the timing of your coffee breaks? Scientifically speaking, that’s still up for debate. Some experts believe it’s better to wait until mid-morning or afternoon to enjoy that first (or second) cup ..read more