Merris has celiac disease, an autoimmune condition that affects the intestines. When people with celiac disease eat any food containing gluten, their immune system attacks the villi, tiny structures in the intestines. The result: diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, and absolute misery. Merris wanted a better solution. And when she saw me on TV one day talking about treating inflammation with food, she decided to give me a chance. After she’d followed my protocol for only four days, Merris’s severe diarrhea completely stopped....

In our very busy lives, it can be challenging to find moments for movement in our day—but keeping your body active is so vital to mental and physical well-being. That’s where a super-quick yoga routine can come in handy. For this flow, all you need is a yoga mat, a set of blocks, and a few short minutes of time. Your 4-week challenge: For the next month, I’ll be sharing yoga routines you can do from home....

Incorporating fermented foods back into our diets can improve the function of almost every system in the body. Here’s a breakdown of their most essential benefits. Thinking you might want to try out this practice for yourself? Home fermenting is super cheap and relatively easy with a touch of patience. The easiest way to reap this long list of benefits is to simply make fermented foods and eat a little every day....

There are lots of different forms of intermittent fasting (16:8, 5:2, and OMAD, to name a few), but the intended benefits are generally the same across the board, including weight loss, increased energy, and improved mental clarity. Some experts argue that fasting can cause hormonal disruptions that can lead to mood swings and fertility challenges, while others say that it’s perfectly safe, as long as you’re listening to your body and doing it right....

I’m here thanks to my old friend Bradley Willcox, who, along with his brother, Craig, and economist Makoto Suzuki, authored The Okinawa Program. Willcox is currently a professor and director of research at the Department of Geriatric Medicine at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. When I asked him to introduce me to an older Chinese American woman who might be willing to cook with me, he instantly replied, “Ruth is the one....

It makes sense, then, that the body seems to like being naked. A cursory review of the research aligns time spent in the nude with an increased sense of self-confidence and improved health. Scientists agree that sleeping naked is a good way to start, especially for male fertility. “Out of 500 men, they found those who wore boxers during the day and were naked at night had 25 percent less damage to their sperm compared to the guys who wore tight briefs or boxer briefs,” said functional medicine expert Will Cole....

“It is important to make sure you and your partner(s) are also on the same page when it comes to big issues—such as finances, discipline, schooling, space, and religion—when it comes to the children,” she adds. All of these things ought to be discussed with your partner before you come to a decision. It’s also important to consider the health of both parents, adds Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., an OB-GYN and clinical professor at Yale University....

Place your index finger at the base of the thumb. Then, on the same hand, place the tip of your middle and ring finger at the tip of the thumb. Make the same gesture with your other hand. Place both hands by your side as you sit cross-legged. Close your eyes and visualize anything that makes your heart expand: a loved one, a special place, or a warm, magnetic energy emanating from within you....

Aquarius, on the other hand, is a fixed air sign ruled by Uranus, the planet of innovation, imagination, and dramatic change. It’s the second to last sign of the astrological year and is symbolized by the water bearer, representing life-giving spiritual energy. As astrology expert and author of Astrology SOS Imani Quinn tells mbg, given that these two signs share the element of air, “the most immediate thing about their compatibility is that they both process similarly—they’re going to intellectualize things, whether that be their relationships or their own internal processing system....

What we know is that better sleep starts with a bedroom that feels cozy and comforting—and as it turns out, our sign has a lot to do with that. It’s true for adults, but also for 4-year-old Quincey: the earth sign starring in our latest zodiac-inspired bedroom makeover with Brentwood Home. Follow along as interior designer Jessica Pickens transforms Quincey’s room, using guidance from astrologer and author of The Complete Book of Dreams Stephanie Gailing....

It’s amazing just how powerful our bodies are. Even though colostrum is produced in small amounts, it is extremely high in important nutrients making it easy for newborns to digest. Everything in colostrum helps the baby thrive in their first few days of life. No wonder it’s often referred to as nature’s “first food.” Even though it may be a seemingly new concept for us today, adults have used bovine colostrum for thousands of years, particularly in the field of ayurvedic medicine....

However, using contour can be confusing, especially when it comes to picking the right product. What’s more, it’s very similar to another makeup staple you probably already own: bronzer. To follow, the difference between bronzer and contour, how to use them, and what to look for in your next purchase. Let’s dive in. Your skin’s natural undertones will of course affect just how warm and cool these are. For example, if you have naturally cool undertones, you may need just a slightly warmed-up bronzer—anything too warm may look orange on the skin....

Afterward, treat yourself to a lighter and quieter happy hour at home. Nothing says Friday like the pure decadence of Baileys Deliciously Light. It still promises the rich cocoa and vanilla flavors of Baileys Original but with 40% fewer calories and less sugar. Pour it over ice, or mix it with a little cold brew, and head to your comfiest chair or favorite spot outside. To make the most of the moment, bring a journal and empty your mind onto the page; grab a book and get lost in story; or give yourself some uninterrupted time to do nothing (really, what sounds better?...

Chronic stress (coupled with inadequate sleep) is the most common reason people get sick, Heather Moday, M.D., an allergist and immunologist, previously told mbg. “When we are run down and cortisol soars, our virus surveillance cells dip and we get sick more easily,” she explains. “Cortisol itself interferes with the ability of specific white blood cells called T-cells to proliferate and get signals from the body. In addition, cortisol also lowers an important antibody called secretory IgA, which lines the respiratory tract and gut and is our first line of defense against invading pathogens....

Allow us to say it up top: Coconut oil simply does not work well for some people, especially on the face. But for others, oh, does it work like a charm. Here’s exactly how to tell if coconut oil is right for you and how you should slather it on for the best results. One fatty acid in particular—lauric acid—has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties; it’s even been shown to kill 1Propionibacterium acnes (P....

In her new book Burning Bright, spiritual coach, reiki master, and mbg classes instructor Kelsey J. Patel shares a variety of self-care techniques, from reiki and the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) to meditation and yoga. All of these are designed to help get your body, health, and emotions back into alignment. Many of the techniques—including EFT in the excerpt below—can be performed anywhere, anytime, meaning you can get back to balanced whenever you feel the need....

In terms of storage, just know that your lip balm may change texture under certain conditions. For example, if your balm is left in the heat, your butters may melt (especially if you use cocoa butter or shea butter). Once it cools, the butters may crystallize, giving your lip balm a grainy texture. But don’t fret: “It doesn’t affect the integrity of the formula,” Blankenship says, so no need to freak out if your balm looks grainy after a few hours in the sun....

As she tells mbg, “Heat could potentially oxidize the oil, and oxidation is terrifically harmful1—but unless you keep the oil right above your stovetop (heat rises) or have a blazing hot counter, we’re talking about maybe 5- or 10-degree difference.” That won’t be enough to noticeably shorten the life span of the oil, she says, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best place to keep it. As Jim Savage of Organic Roots, a California producer of organic extra-virgin olive oil, previously told mbg, proper storage is ultimately the best way to preserve the health benefits of good cooking oils like olive oil....

Read on below, and you might consider practicing yourself. However, there are a few healthy skin benefits we can get behind: RELATED: A 5-Step Guide To Dry Brushing Your Face For Brighter Skin RELATED: How To Use A Facial Cleansing Brush + The 8 Best Picks

Blasting belly fat and tightening your core takes a few simple steps, beginning in your kitchen, and ending with basic exercises that you can do anywhere. No need for gimmicks, special equipment, or a gym membership. Here are our guidelines and exercise routines to help you achieve your fitness goals. Try blending up a green smoothie with spinach, almond butter and some fruit, or make an egg white scramble with veggies....