Not all trends are created equal…
Let's get in to some popular wellness trends and what actually works
Thank you for being here—truly. I know how easy it is to get lost in the swirl of wellness advice online. One moment you're told to tape your mouth shut at night, the next you're buying 90 biomarker laboratory tests.
How are we supposed to know what is legit and what isn’t? Let’s get into it.
This or That
This: Perineum or “yoni” sunning
There’s a reason we say “where the sun don’t shine.” This one? Hard pass. This is some of the most sensitive, thinnest skin on our body. It is more prone to burns and sun damage. No thanks.
That: Spending time in the sun
We spend 90% of our lives indoors–and we wonder why we are Vitamin D deficient? Couple that with all of the chemical based sunscreens we are slathering on our skin, and we are setting ourselves up for hormone disruption, fertility issues, early puberty and other potential consequences in our children. Don’t be afraid to get 10 minutes of sunshine first thing in the morning. UV rays are their highest between 11am-3pm. Use common sense, mineral based sunscreen, and protective clothing.
This: Running every day
This is a real shift in thinking over the last few years. I admit, I was guilty of thinking I needed to run 30 minutes a day and that it was the cardio that was going to keep my weight in check. I was a college athlete and became part of the statistics–1 in 3 female soccer players ended up with knee damage or an ACL tear. Why? 1) Too much emphasis on cardio and 2) Strength training exercise programs that were created for men, and never adopted for women’s bodies. Bottom line: Relying on cardio-only can leave key muscles under-supported. Fast forward to what we know today about metabolism–you can burn just as many calories doing strength training as you can cardio, and muscle mass matters for longevity, bone health, and metabolism.
That: Strength training at home
You don’t have to run and get a gym membership or personal trainer. Start with 5 or 10 lb free weights. Watch my video below on how I got started. I also just got these Flybird Adjustable Dumbbells that start at 11 lbs and go up to 55, and I can do everything I need with them. I keep them underneath my desk at the office. 30 minutes, 3 times a week. Your body, your posture, and your skin will thank you.
This: Mouth tape for sleep
We shouldn’t be breathing through our mouths–it can lead to conditions such as sleep apnea and even change the structure of our face. That said–many people breathe through their mouths because they have a deviated septum or severe nasal congestion. First, address the root cause of your mouth breathing and make sure your nasal airways are clear. An ENT doctor is best for this. Then we can have the mouth tape discussion.
That: Sleep with an eye mask
Sleep with an eye mask at home and while you travel. I have this one and I like it because light can’t seep in from the sides. Sleeping in pitch black boosts your body’s natural production of melatonin, our sleep hormone, and it also down-regulates your hunger hormones. You’re welcome.
This: Colostrum supplements
Colostrum is the precursor to cow’s milk that is chock full of nutrients and immunoglobulins (to protect against infection) that is very important—FOR BABY CALVES. There is not enough data to support that human beings need those same types of nutrients or antibodies–we don’t get the same infections as cows. I’m holding off for now.
That: Daily Multivitamin
Our nutrient supply is lacking. Vitamins like Vitamin C, Calcium, and Magnesium just aren't as prevalent in our food supply as they were 30 years ago. This scientific article gets into it. So even if you are trying to eat healthy and organic, the nutrients just aren’t there. My daily multivitamin contains Vitamin C, D, K2, B12, Folate, and Magnesium. I take this one because they are non-GMO and Clean Label project certified. They also show you exactly where the ingredients are sourced from, which I think is kind of fun to learn about.
Reach out to me with questions and topics you’d like to cover, and don’t forget to subscribe to my community 🙂
With heart,
Dr. Tania