Life Blog
Cutting-edge information and tips for creating health in all areas of life – wellness, nutrition, fitness, attitude, and relationships
January 16, 2025
Managing IBS: When Almost Everything You Eat Gives You Gas or Stomach Pain
There’s so much confusion and misinformation about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Most of it comes from the fact that symptoms vary from one person to the next and doctors don’t really know what causes it. IBS is a painful condition that affects the large intestine causing what seems like constant abdominal pain, gas and diarrhea. While most people have mild to moderate symptoms, for some it’s a debilitating condition. It affects nearly 20 percent of the population and is the second most common reason why people miss work and school (the number one excuse is the common cold). IBS has no visible signs like inflammation, polyps or tumors, so it’s diagnosed by a process of elimination. And while the symptoms can be treated with diarrhea medication, laxatives, nerve pain medication and antibiotics, they can also be managed with dietary and lifestyle changes. Figure Out Your Triggers Tracking your diet and keeping a food journal is the easiest way to figure out which foods give you stomach pain or gas. Most “attacks” happen right after meals, so it shouldn’t be too hard to figure out what’s causing your symptoms. Keep in mind that there are also non-food triggers, the most common is stress. If you think some of your symptoms are caused by stress, it’s time to explore stress reduction methods like counseling and exercise. Eat a Low FODMAP Diet Research has shown that a low FODMAP diet provides relief for more than half of IBS patients. FODMAP refers to Fermented…
How To Stick With Your Health & Fitness Resolutions In 2021
January ushers in a fresh start; out with old in with the new! We dream about the things we want to have, be, or do. We vow that things will be different this year so we create ambitious plans to make our dreams come true. According to surveys, most people give up on their resolutions…
Learn More5 Reasons Whole Foods Are Better
We hear a lot about “whole foods” these days. Eating less processed foods and more whole foods is healthier for us. A whole food is any food that remains in its natural form, free of any artificial additives, preservatives, or other man-made ingredients. Examples include fruits and vegetables. Processed foods are stripped of their natural…
Learn MoreAchieve Your Fitness Goals in 2021
According to research, most people quit their New Year’s resolutions about the third week of January. For some reason, that fiery inspiration fades fast. We’ve all been there. Take fitness, for example. The gym is packed at the beginning of January, but not so much by the end. Sound familiar? Why do people give up…
Learn More5 Ways To Start Practicing Self-Care In 2021
There’s a lot a talk about “self-care” these days. All it means is that you take time to look after your physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional wellness. It’s hard to enjoy life if you don’t love yourself enough to care for your needs. Many people do a pretty good job taking care of others but…
Learn MoreThe Gift of Fearlessness
Fear is a parasite that feasts on your hope and dreams. Whether it’s the fear of loss, missing out on something, or the fear of rejection, fear drains your soul of life and joy. Fear paralyzes. How much does fear rule your life? Is it turning you into a person you don’t like? Is it…
Learn MoreInvest in YOU and Your Personal Development in the New Year
2020 is almost over. It started pretty well, didn’t it. We made our resolutions and watched the fireworks light up the January sky, but then things went downhill pretty fast after that. The next thing we knew, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving us with no choice but to stay in quarantine…
Learn MoreWhat is “Major” Depression
Depression is a mood disorder that causes feelings of despair and lack of interest. There are varying degrees of depression from mild, to temporary episodes of sadness, to severe, persistent depression. The most severe form of depression is major depression, also known as clinical depression or major depressive disorder. It can affect people of any…
Learn MoreExercise and the Brain
Exercise benefits every aspect of our health. It works for weight management, boosts energy, and builds a healthier heart (not to mention you’ll look better and have more confidence.) But exercise benefits more than just the body; it’s good for the brain and improves cognitive function; a fit body generally leads to a fitter mind….
Learn MoreStop Beating Yourself Up! Why You Should Be Thankful For YOU This Thanksgiving
Think about it for a second…how long do you beat yourself up for a mistake or wrong decision? How long do you punish yourself for taking the wrong path? Does getting down on yourself make things any better? No. It only fills your life with misery and frustration, maybe even bouts of depression. And while…
Learn MoreHow To Be More Productive
Don’t you like to get things done? Yes, of course, because being productive makes you happier. Sometimes it’s easy to fall into the habit of spending time on wasteful activities, fooling ourselves that being busy is being productive. But all it does is keep you stuck and slow down your productivity. The goal of productivity…
Learn MoreOvercoming Hectic Situations and Stress in Your Life
Are you stressed or overwhelmed by life? If you answered yes, then this article is for you! Being overwhelmed by difficult situations can take a huge toll on your life, leaving you mentally exhausted and drained. This type of stress can be dangerous to your health if you don’t manage it properly. We can all…
Learn MoreHow To Prevent or Reduce Prostate Cancer Risk
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. It can occur in the prostate gland, a small walnut-shaped gland that produces seminal fluid. It commonly affects men over 40 years of age, but it can affect males of any age. Prostate cancer usually grows slowly and is initially confined to…
Learn More