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Health and Wellness

A collection of my articles with a health and wellness focus. If you'd like to send me a potential resource for a future article, or if you'd like to commission or hire me to write an article for you, you can send me an email at npyles86[at]gmail[dot]com.

Better Report •

6 Holiday Foods You Didn’t Know Were Healthy - Better Report

If you’ve been trying to stick to your health goals this year, the approaching holiday season may seem like a challenge — it’s hard to balance nutrition with all of the tasty treats this time of year brings. But you may be surprised to learn that a number of classic holiday foods have surprising health benefits. Many holiday foods “cover the components of a balanced meal: carbohydrate, protein, color, and healthy fats,”  says Tina Sergi, a registered sports dietitian.
Better Report •

Is Mouthwash Bad for You? - Better Report

Most of us brush twice a day, and some of us floss at least once. You may even include a quick swish of mouthwash in your routine, whether it’s to freshen your breath after lunch or give your mouth that super-clean feeling at the end of the night. But what if your mouthwash is doing more harm than good? There are two main categories of mouthwashes: cosmetic and therapeutic. Cosmetic mouthwashes briefly relieve bad breath, while therapeutic mouthwashes address concerns such as halitosis (chronic...
Better Report •

The Least Healthy Alcoholic Beverages - Better Report

The best option is to avoid alcohol completely — after all, “no drinking means no alcohol-related risks, such as liver damage, sleep problems, and heart or cancer issues,” Thomas says. But it isn’t always so simple, because everyone’s lifestyle is different. “If abstaining from alcohol means you avoid social situations and instead spend time on screens or feeling lonely, this is not likely the healthiest route,” says nutritionist Amelia Winslow, M.S., MPH, VP of marketing at Pop & Bottle.
Better Report •

Which Sweetener Is the Healthiest? - Better Report

Most of us know — even if we’re loath to accept — that sugar is not good for us. While the occasional sweet treat is fine, many of us have too much sugar in our diets: According to statistics published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average daily added sugar intake for Americans 2 and older was 17 teaspoons (or roughly 71 grams) in 2017–2018. That’s well over the Food and Drug Administration’s recommendation of no added sugar for children under 11 and only 10 grams of added sugar per meal for adults.
Better Report •

8 Things Your Dentist Wishes You Wouldn’t Do - Better Report

You want to keep your teeth healthy for as long as possible, and that requires practicing good oral habits. Most of us know the basics: Brush twice a day, floss at least once, and visit your dentist for regular checkups. But there are certain things that put our pearly whites at risk, from what we’re not doing (flossing, ahem) to dangerous DIY hacks. We spoke with Dr. Ann Nguyen-Chung, dentist and founder of the dental and body care brand Hippotanicals, and cosmetic dentist Dr. Bill Dorfman abou...
Better Report •

The Healthiest Meal Options at 15 Fast-Food Restaurants

To that end, we asked registered dietitian nutritionists Talia Follador and Vanessa Imus for their picks at some of the top fast-food restaurants nationwide. Keep in mind, however, that “most fast-food meals exceed sodium targets,” Follador says. “The goal isn’t perfection but rather making choices that include protein, carbs, fat, and fiber when possible. That combination helps promote satiety and prevent potential rebound eating.”
Better Report •

6 Odors Around Your House That Could Be Unsafe

Not all smells around the house are good ones — and we’re not talking about the burnt casserole from last night’s dinner. Certain odors indicate dangerous issues that require immediate attention. Here are a few of the most common, unsafe smells around your home that you shouldn’t ignore.If you smell sulfur, don’t check your fridge for rotten eggs: The smell comes from an additive to natural gas (which is itself odorless) and usually indicates there’s a dangerous gas leak.
Better Report •

Why You Should Never Go To Bed With Wet Hair

Anyone who goes to bed with wet hair could face these issues, but those with long or thick hair have increased risk. “[Long] hair holds moisture way longer, especially toward the mid-lengths and ends. So if you have long or thick hair, it’s likely staying wet for hours while you sleep,” Davis says. “Short hair usually dries faster, so the risk is lower, but your scalp is still sitting in that damp environment for a bit, so it’s not totally risk-free.” 


To make matters worse, the bacteria from...
Better Report •

Why Are People Rubbing Banana Peels on Their Faces?

Studies have shown the peel itself has even greater levels of antioxidants. However, “there is zero scientific evidence to suggest rubbing a banana peel on your face will help with any … skin conditions or signs of cellular aging,” Dr. Shamban says. She adds that the “banana or peel won’t penetrate the matrix or that skin barrier.”


The comparison to Botox is also faulty. Botox is derived from a toxin produced by bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The targeted injections weaken or paralyze facia...
The Upside by Vitacost.com •

10 Better-for-You Halloween Treat Ideas

Whether you are planning on handing out treats to little ghosts and goblins in your neighborhood or hosting a party with family and friends, Halloween is a fun time of year. With this spooky holiday just around the corner, you might already be thinking of Halloween treat ideas. While there are classic choices abound in the grocery store aisle, opting for healthier-for-you selections can allow you to indulge, guilt-free, while waiting for the next trick-or-treater to arrive.
Sleep Enlightened •

How to Sleep Better: 10 Strategies That Actually Work

There’s nothing like getting a good night’s sleep. Not only does it give you much-needed energy throughout the day, but it’s also vital for your physical and mental health. Unfortunately, it can seem impossible to get the right amount of sleep your mind and body need. Ahead, we’ll explore scientifically proven ways to sleep better at night and wake up refreshed. The right conditions in your bedroom can make all the difference in your sleep cycle. “A cool, quiet, and dark environment promotes...
Sleep Enlightened •

Blue Mind Theory: How Being Near Water Can Improve Your Sleep

Whether you love soaking in the sun or simply walking in a park, you probably know firsthand the benefits of being out in nature. Most notably, nature can help boost your mental health and leave you feeling less anxious. It could also benefit your sleep. Being near the water specifically might have extra special powers when it comes to relaxation and sleep. The concept behind this is known as “blue mind theory.” Ahead, we’ll share everything you need to know about blue mind theory and how to...
Sleep Enlightened •

How to Keep Election Anxiety From Ruining Your Sleep

A nationwide survey conducted by Myriad Genetics, Inc. finds that nearly four in 10 Americans are more anxious than usual thanks to all the election-focused news and social media posts they’re consuming this year. What’s more, a recent mental health poll from the American Psychiatric Association says 43% of adults feel more anxious now than last year, with the upcoming election being one of the biggest sources of stress. This anxiety not only affects people during the day but can also impact t...
Sleep Enlightened •

Guide to Newborn Wake Windows and the Ideal Wake Windows by Age

Babies need a lot of sleep. However, falling asleep may not come naturally to them in these early months. Your infant may feel overtired, not be tired enough, or may not have developed their circadian rhythm yet. If you’ve spent time on parenting forums or social media, you may have heard the term wake windows. Identifying your baby’s wake windows can help you promote the right sleep environment for your infant. But what is a wake window, exactly? This article will explore everything you need...
Sleep Enlightened •

What Is Lucid Dreaming?

Most of us feel like passive participants in the dream world. It seems as if our mind is guiding us along, playing out our hidden—or not-so-hidden—desires, as Sigmund Freud theorized, or expressing a deep meaning that only our unconscious mind knows, as Carl Jung believed. [1] Imagine, instead, controlling what happens. Picture yourself guiding the direction of your dream and engaging and manipulating your surroundings. That’s lucid dreaming. It’s a powerful phenomenon that studies have shown c...
Sleep Enlightened •

Can Sleep Make You Grow Taller?

Your adult height is primarily determined by your genetics, nutrition, and habits, among other factors. The human growth hormone makes you grow taller and is typically released while you sleep during your development years. Since sleep is essential to your overall health, it makes sense to assume that a lack of sleep can lead to a height deficiency. However, the science is a bit more complicated than that. Whether you’re curious about what factors contributed to your adult height or want to en...
Sleep Enlightened •

Why Don't I Remember My Dreams?

Everyone dreams, even if you don’t think you do. A study published in the scientific journal The Journal of Sleep found that those who reported they didn’t dream showed the same indications of dreaming as those who did remember theirs.

Science confirms that you dream, whether you remember or not. However, it’s not uncommon to wake up in the morning forgetting your dream.

Sometimes, you may feel you dreamed but can’t remember what happened. We’ll explore some of the reasons why you don’t rememb
Mental Floss •

11 Essentials That Will Help You Stay Safe This Summer, According to Experts

To some, the summer represents a reprieve from school responsibilities, an opportunity for fun in the sun, and a chance to get away from it all with loved ones. However, with all the excitement that awaits, it’s important to play it safe, too. From bug bites and sun damage to car trouble or getting lost on a hike, just about anything can happen when you’re away from home.

Fortunately, preparing in advance is easy. We’ve talked to a few experts to get their recommendations for what to pack in yo
Playbook •

This Low-Impact Exercise Can Add Years to Your Life

As the weather gets warmer, you may be looking for more ways to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. One of my favorite warm-weather workouts is simply lacing up my tennis shoes and going outside for a walk. You may be wondering, is walking good exercise? Absolutely! Walking is an excellent low-impact workout that offers a number of health benefits (more on those below), and just 10 extra minutes of walking per day could even help you live longer. Keep reading to learn the health benefits of daily walking habits.
Playbook •

5 Muscle Recovery Tips

One of the most important aspects of exercise and training is muscle recovery. Essential recovery time allows for your body and muscles to return to its equilibrium (aka homeostasis). Without giving your muscles time to repair between intense workouts, you increase your risk for potential injuries, soft tissue damage, and fatigue. Recovery also helps with easing the soreness in your muscles and encourages you to maintain a consistent workout regimen.

Here are a few tips...

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If you'd like to hire me to write an article or want to send me information I can potentially use in a future piece, email me at npyles86[at]gmail[dot]com.