Hypochondria: are you afraid of getting sick?
It's safe to say that no one likes to be sick, so it's natural for us to have a healthy degree of fear and anxiety about it. Some people, however, do suffer from a mental health disorder that exacerbates this fear and manifests in unhealthy ways. We're talking about illness anxiety disorder (IAD), also known as hypochondriasis or hypochondria. Indeed, having an irrational fear of being, or becoming, ill can really have a negative impact on one's life. In this gallery, we explain what illness anxiety disorder really is, as well as its symptoms, risk factors, and possible treatments. Click on to learn all about IAD.
2024-01-25T07:10:19Z
9 Best Magnesium Supplements Of 2024, According To Experts
What dietitians want you to know. If you haven't stopped hearing about magnesium supplements lately, you're not alone. The buzzy wellness trend is everywhere nowadays, from the viral "sleepy girl mocktail" on TikTok to claims that you can take magnesium for sleep, digestion, and even weight loss. But can the popular mineral really support your health? And if so, what are the best magnesium supplements to take? “Magnesium has become the MVP of minerals in recent years, and for good reason,” says Lisa Moskovitz, RD, CEO of Virtual Nutrition Experts and author of The Core 3 Healthy Eating Plan. “It's a macro mineral (meaning our body needs it in larger quantities) and electrolyte that our body relies on for various reasons including nerve and muscle function, bone health, proper heart rhythm, blood pressure and blood sugar regulation, as well as energy production.” Magnesium may help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis, says Alona Pulde, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician and chief executive officer and co-founder at WeHeal. Another bonus? Magnesium has also been shown to support mood and brain function, and low levels of the mineral have been linked to anxiety and depression, she adds. Luckily, there are many supplement options out there to choose from depending on your health goals. Here are some of the best magnesium supplements to take and what to consider before starting your routine, according to dietitians. Meet the experts: Jenn Baswick, RD, is a registered dietitian and founder of The Intuitive Nutritionist. Lisa Moskovitz, RD, is a registered dietitian and CEO of Virtual Nutrition Experts and author of The Core 3 Healthy Eating Plan. Alona Pulde, MD, is a board-certified family medicine physician and chief executive officer and co-founder at WeHeal. What To Consider When Taking Magnesium Supplements Not all magnesium supplements are created equally, and different types target specific conditions, says Moskovitz. “Magnesium glycinate is beneficial for promoting better sleep, mood stability, and blood sugar regulation, while magnesium citrate and chloride are more effective at fighting constipation,” she says. The most easily absorbed forms are magnesium aspartate, magnesium citrate, magnesium lactate, and magnesium chloride, Dr. Pulde adds. Approximately 2.5 to 15 percent of Americans experience magnesium deficiency with rates even higher in those with diabetes or alcohol use disorder, according to a recent study. If you experience a loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, and/or numbness in your limbs, talk with your doctor about a magnesium supplement because you may be deficient, says Dr. Pulde. If your doc gives the all-clear, try taking magnesium supplements with meals and at the same time each day, says Dr. Pulde. Most female adults need 310 to 320 mg a day, while men need 400 to 420 mg per day, she says. It’s best to take magnesium supplements at least two hours apart from other medications to avoid digestive upset, Baswick adds. And if capsules aren't your thing, most people can get the recommended intake by eating magnesium-rich foods like legumes, nuts, seeds, quinoa, oatmeal, spinach, kale, and avocado, Dr. Pulde says. Taking magnesium can also negatively interact with certain antibiotics, high blood pressure medications, antacids, and laxatives, affecting their absorption and efficacy, Dr. Pulde says. So always consult your provider first.
2023-07-17T11:16:02Z
The mystical and powerful plants of ancient medicine
Since the dawn of humanity, we have been finding ways to use the gifts of the earth to our advantage and for our survival. Whether through hunting animals, discovering fire, or foraging for plants and berries, our ancient ancestors subsisted off the land. Through luck, trial and error, and maybe a bit of intuition, ancient peoples discovered the wonderful and incredible healing powers of the plants, herbs, flowers, and trees that grow around the world. Ancient civilizations quickly began to put these plants to use in the pursuit of keeping themselves healthy, alive, and thriving. Intrigued? Read on to learn about some of the most important and useful plants of ancient medicine.
2024-01-18T22:32:44Z