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Cutting-edge information and tips for creating health in all areas of life – wellness, nutrition, fitness, attitude, and relationships

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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…

Most of us spend our workdays indoors under artificial lights in front of a computer screen. Then we go home and plop down in front of the TV continuing to bask in the glow of yet another screen. Unfortunately, so much time spent inside is having a negative effect on our physical and mental health….

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There’s so much confusion surrounding dietary cholesterol. Some people believe it’s harmful and should be avoided at all costs, while others believe it’s totally fine. Cholesterol is essential for good health. The liver actually produces cholesterol, which aids in the production of essential hormones, bile and vitamin D. So, why does cholesterol get such a…

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Millions of people suffer from chronic back pain. In fact, it’s the leading cause of disability among young Americans. Back pain doesn’t just happen; it’s usually triggered by certain things such as lifting heavy items, poor posture, extra weight, smoking, bad diet and fatigue. Overworking Your Back Muscles Why does your back hurt after a…

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When people “quit sugar” they often switch to an artificial, calorie-free sweetener. Today, these sweeteners are widely used in soft drinks, chewing gum, candy, jellies, dairy products and many other foods and drinks. There are six FDA approved calorie-free sweeteners: acesulfame, aspartame, neotame, saccharin, Stevia and sucralose. Any product that is labelled “sugar free” or…

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When you awaken in the middle of the night with a throbbing headache, what’s the first thing you do if your preferred pain reliever doesn’t work? Do you reach for your phone or computer and start researching symptoms online to figure out what might be wrong? That’s what most people do. Eight in ten Americans…

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As far as body parts go, ears don’t require too much cleaning. As long as you wash them when you are taking a shower and gently clean the canal with a washcloth to get rid of the excess wax, you should be fine. Remember the old saying that you shouldn’t put anything smaller than your…

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Everyone dreams of living their healthiest life and looking their best. In fact, the two most common New Year’s resolutions are to eat healthier and exercise more. Sadly, only 8% actually achieve those resolutions. One thing that separates achievers from the rest is tracking. Simply put, winners are trackers because they’re committed to measuring progress….

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The results are in! Grateful people eat healthier, sleep better and take better care of themselves. They are mentally and physically healthier. You’re probably wondering what gratitude has to do with your physical health. Well, it turns out that being grateful about the little things helps you make better decisions for your health. You are…

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What would you give to wake up feeling energetic, well rested and ready to conquer the world every single day? It goes without saying that your morning sets the tone for the rest of the day. The more productive your morning, the likelier you will have a more productive rest of the day. Studies by…

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You’ve probably come across a detox program or two in your pursuit of better health. These programs are based on the idea that your body is constantly accumulating toxins and needs a “spring cleaning” every now and then. These programs usually involve a combination of fasting, juicing, eating selected foods, taking supplements and enemas. The…

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How do you feel when you get home after a long day? Relieved or more stressed? You probably already know that a messy, disorganized home can make it very difficult to relax and unwind. What may surprise you, though, is that a clean and organized home can be just as stressful if you make the…

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Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is the main cause of tooth loss; one in three adults have it. Their gums are constantly irritated and inflamed, and bacteria is slowly destroying the tissues and bones that support their teeth! Gum disease occurs when bacterial plaque builds up along and underneath the gum line. The bacteria produces…

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