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Apple cider vinegar is praised as a do-it-all tonic, thanks to its plethora of benefits in the wellness space. People use it to rinse their hair, relieve allergies, and even clean the house. Here, learn how this trendy liquid can double as a nontoxic home product: There’s just one catch, though: Never try this after using a commercial drain cleaner, as the vinegar might negatively react with the chemicals.

If you’re facing the possibility of a breakup right now, don’t lose hope just yet. Just because you’re in hot water doesn’t necessarily mean you need to throw in the towel. If you care deeply about your partner and you’re both committed to making the relationship work, there’s almost always a way to rebuild. “Absent any abuse—substance, alcohol, physical, verbal—I think we have a lot to learn by staying and trying to make things work....

The vagus nerve is the longest and most complex of the 12 nerves connected to the brain and spinal cord. It has several important functions, from transmitting sensory information to aiding the movements of speech and swallowing. I’ve written a lot about the amygdala and its relationship with the fight, flight, or freeze response (the sympathetic nervous system). In the same way that oxygen from deep breaths cues the amygdala that it’s safe to stop sounding the alarm, deep breathing also signals the vagus nerve to activate the parasympathetic nervous system....

If I say “core workout,” what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? A lot of movements aimed specifically at those visible abdominal muscles? Well, today I’m going to lead you through a core workout that involves your entire core—not just your abs. Flexion is when you bring the pelvis to the ribs or the ribs to the pelvis. For example, in this workout, we’re going to go pelvis to ribs with a seated reverse crunch....

If you’re trying Vegan-uary on for size this year, diving into plant-based eating might mean leaving some of your old standbys on the shelf—which can make grocery shopping a lot more complicated. Before you head to the store, think about what you’d like to eat. Having an idea of your upcoming meals will make sure you’re not left with a fridge full of groceries but no idea what to cook....

It’s true that amino acids are the foundation of protein—one of the three macronutrients, along with fats and carbohydrates, that make up the bulk of the human diet. And yes, bodybuilders love aminos, since protein is critical for building muscle mass. There are a total of 20 amino acids that human bodies require to produce all the proteins needed to function and grow. Here’s what you need to know about them—including the benefits of the nine amino acids that are considered “essential....

Importantly, using lube doesn’t mean your body isn’t functioning as it should. Sure, the vagina naturally creates its own lubrication, but there are tons of factors that contribute to producing less than usual or situations where you’d benefit from adding more. For example, menopause, aging, metabolism, hormonal changes, birth control, and the side effects of other medications all have the ability to affect your body’s natural lubrication levels and increase vaginal dryness....

“We also offer custom gold jewelry options that can easily cost several thousand or more. When it comes to fine jewelry and genuine diamonds, the sky’s the limit,” he explains. According to Pearce, acceptable materials that are most commonly used for nipple piercing jewelry include Implant Grade Titanium (ASTM-F136), 14k to 18k solid gold (never plated or filled), and Implant Grade Steel (ASTM-F128). But the metal that makes up your jewelry isn’t the only factor....

A Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Berzin went to medical school at Columbia University and later trained in internal medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital. She is also a certified yoga instructor and a meditation teacher, and has formally studied Ayurveda. Dr. Berzin writes for a number of leading wellness sites, and speaks regularly for organizations including the Clinton Foundation, Health 2.0, Summit and the Functional Forum, on how we can reinvent health care....

In fact, doing too much cardiovascular exercise may actually be preventing you from getting the fitness results you’re looking for. Here are four indicators that suggest you may be doing just that, as well as one simple solution that can get you back on the right track: This becomes problematic because increased cardio training can lead to decreased muscle mass. If your body loses even the slightest bit of muscle, your resting metabolic rate (i....

Regardless, many of the princes—good nutrition, tempering inflammation, and approaching skin care from a holistic lens—are backed by studies, time and again. Iron is also a foundation of healthy skin as iron deficiencies can lead to sallow, dry, itchy. prematurely aging skin. Beets and carrots are excellent natural sources of iron. Figuring out your dominant dosha can help determine the right way to cleanse your skin: Vata skin is usually thin and dry, so foaming soaps should be avoided and cool, tepid water should be used when cleansing....

“They typically contain skin care ingredients to keep the skin’s natural glow,” explains Joanna Vargas, celebrity facialist and founder of Joanna Vargas Salons and Skin Care. So if you’re looking for a lightweight base that straddles both skin care and makeup, BB cream is your go-to. For even more of a skin care boost, makeup artist Alexandra Compton, product development manager at clean beauty retailer Credo, suggests mixing your BB cream with your moisturizer or face oil....

Just as models do for runway shows and celebrities for red carpets, you should be prepping your skin before an ounce of makeup touches your face. With the proper prep, your makeup will look better and stay on longer—so why not? While holiday parties may be the most timely, big event prep is a must any time of year, so save this one to look back on next time you’re going all out....

Not only can you order meal kits and premade meals directly to your door, but these convenient options are also now available with high-quality, organic ingredients that offer maximum nutrition with minimal effort. And the best organic meal delivery services don’t just use high-quality ingredients—they also offer options for various dietary preferences while prioritizing sustainability. The general rule is that organic food must be grown and processed within federal guidelines that address soil quality, animal welfare, pest and weed control, and use of additives....

Your gastrointestinal (GI) tract doesn’t have words to tell you that it is overtaxed, unbalanced, or inflamed, so it sends you symptoms like bloating, belching, and gas instead. When you can read these symptoms as signals, you gain the opportunity to truly nourish and support your unique body without judgment. Clara didn’t need to uproot her life and eat “perfectly” to banish her bloat, she simply needed to listen to her body and compassionately give it what it was asking for: rest, balance, and nutrition....

“Normally, cortisol levels oscillate in response to the circadian rhythm; however, stress can significantly disrupt the cycle,” explains dermatologist Keira Barr, M.D. “During periods of increased stress, cortisol levels rise significantly, which can have a major impact on your immune system.” “Cortisol both decreases the barrier function of the skin and increases the sensitivity of nerve fibers in the skin,” Villafranco says. “It also activates a local stress response system within the skin, causing mast cells to release histamine and cytokines, which translates to itching, redness, and swelling....

When I facilitate sessions, I’ll start by talking with a client about the energetic blockages they are facing before starting the chromotherapy machine. As my clients are lying on a table, I’ll play seven crystal sound healing bowls that align with each of the seven chakras and gently guide them through a visual meditation. The sound bowls are attuned to 432 hertz, which is considered a healing frequency1. There is an altar of crystals next to the bed, but other than that, the space is pretty minimalist since I think it’s important to keep things clear during this work....

And for what it’s worth, having a strong core can also be tremendously helpful in supporting the lower back. As for dead bugs specifically, they work the abdominals, back muscles, and even give your arms and legs a bit of a challenge. Plus, thanks to the many options and variations available with this move, it’s suitable for any skill level. The bottom line is, while the name “dead bugs” might sound a little silly, leaving this stellar move out of your workout routine would be even sillier....