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When you're feeling backed up, the struggle to find relief is real. While there are plenty of medications and supplements available to help ease constipation, sometimes, you just want an easy and natural alternative. Well, we’ve got one for you: blowing bubbles. Yes, you read that right. Some say that blowing bubbles for constipation relief is legit. Karan Rajan, MRCS, MBBS, a surgeon with the U.K.’s National Health Service (NHS) and health and science content creator, suggests that this playful-sounding trick might actually work. In one of his recent TikTok videos, Dr. Rajan explains that changing how you breathe—whether by pretending to blow bubbles, blowing out a candle, or even making an elongated “moo” sound—can activate your vagus nerve (a main component of the nervous system) and trigger wave-like contractions (aka peristalsis) to get things moving. These gentle breathing techniques mimic the mechanics…

The best things in life are free, but the next-to-best things are on sale—and this weekend is no exception. With a host of exciting promotions from some of our favorite wellness brands, this is the perfect time to stock up on essentials or treat yourself to something special. Notable discounts are available from Patagonia, Cozy Earth, REI, and several others. Here’s a breakdown of the best deals you won’t want to miss. Shop the Best Sales This Weekend Backcountry The deal: Mega-outdoor retailer Backcountry is offering up to 40% off current and past-season styles from brands such as Mountain Hardwear and The North Face. Shop the sale. Patagonia The deal: Patagonia’s Winter Sale features hundreds of items, including fleeces and winter jackets, marked down up to 40% off. Shop the sale. REI The deal: REI is slashing prices on past-season winter and year-round…

As a health journalist, I understand the challenge of navigating the overwhelming sea of information available about women's health online. In an era dominated by AI-driven search engines, distinguishing legitimate medical advice from dubious wellness claims can be a daunting task. It's a common reality that many women face, making this topic all the more critical. From menstruation to fertility and, indeed, menopause, there remains significant ambiguity surrounding women's health. Notably, over 1 million women in the U.S. experience menopause annually, yet studies suggest that a staggering 80 percent of them have limited understanding of this natural transition. Often, they never learned about menopause during their education or harbor negative perceptions about this life phase, which contributes to discomfort in discussing their concerns with healthcare providers. Introduce Roon, an innovative application that integrates AI technology with doctor-approved advice to provide women with reliable…

It's Friday night, you're staying in, and while you’d usually wind down with a makeshift margarita, you’ve resolved to leave the liquor behind. Drinking less is always a good idea, but it’s especially true if you have a sensitive stomach. Alcohol is a toxin, and it can cause inflammation in the digestive tract that can lead to uncomfortable symptoms, according to the MD Anderson Cancer Center. And sure, canned mocktails that are ready-to-go are great for many occasions, but if you enjoy the ritual of mixing up your own concoction, we’ve got you. With gut-healthy ingredients and tasty combinations, these gut-friendly recipes are ready to be shaken (or stirred) right at home. They bring all the flavor and fun and won’t cost you a nagging hangover the next day. Best Gut-Friendly Mocktails 1. Turmeric Tonic Alcohol’s golden days might be long gone, but…

When I started training for my first half marathon nearly 18 years ago, I didn’t even own a simple Timex watch ($35). I followed handwritten, photocopied maps to navigate group training runs through hilly Atlanta neighborhoods and had zero insight into data like my heart rate, stride length, or pace.Fast forward nearly 20 years and more than 200 races later, and I now have 24/7 access to a dizzying array of metrics—heart rate variability, stress level, sleep stages, and more—thanks to not one but two personal fitness trackers: a Garmin Fenix 6S ($700) and a Whoop band ($239). These are just two of dozens of devices designed to help consumers optimize and track wellness data—but is this gamification of our health healthy? Yes and no, says Alissa Paladino, CPT, an Atlanta-based certified personal trainer.“Fitness trackers provide accountability and motivation and can give awareness…

More often than not, you probably have some form of music playing while you work out. Whether it’s your Spotify Wrapped on repeat, a playlist made by your instructor, or your own personalized mix of exercise hits, music is a game changer when it comes to exercise. But what if we told you it also helps improve your workouts? “From a scientific perspective, music can elicit several emotions, from motivation to calmness,” explains therapist Jessica Thomas, LMHC, founder and clinical director of MyMindset NYC Counseling Services. “Depending on the type of music you’re listening to, you can train your brain to work harder at the gym, calm your heart rate down, energize you, and much more.” More recently, there has been a surge in research surrounding the connection between mindset and music, particularly how the music you listen to before your exercise session…

Valentine’s Day is often dubbed a “Hallmark holiday,” and while celebrating love is always a vibe, the cheesiness that tends to come with it? Not so much. Sure, giant teddy bears and heart-shaped everything have their fans, but if you—or the guy in your life—prefer to keep things low-key, there are tons of non-cheesy Valentine’s Day gifts for him that still let you say “I love you” without being overly saccharine. Think thoughtful, not corny. Whether it’s a personalized keepsake, a practical upgrade (because his slippers are begging for retirement), or a fun gift you can enjoy together, there are plenty of options that strike the perfect balance. And yes, I’ve included some of the classics like chocolate and jewelry—but with a modern twist that makes them feel fresh, not cliché. Ahead are 20 Valentine’s Day gift ideas that are thoughtful but not…

As Valentine’s Day approaches, the quest for love takes many forms, and this year, ClassPass is taking a refreshing approach to matchmaking. Instead of the usual dinner dates or heart-shaped gifts, why not break a sweat and meet someone special while engaging in a fitness activity? This innovative idea is part of their nationwide ‘Sweat Your Heart Out’ series, designed to combine fitness with the excitement of singles events. Scheduled for February 12 and 13, 2024, the ‘Sweat Your Heart Out’ classes will take place in cities across the U.S., held in various venues such as gyms, workout studios, and even indoor golf clubs. This unique fitness-focused dating concept welcomes all participants, whether single and ready to mingle or simply looking to foster new friendships. The aim is to turn fitness, sports, and exercise into a social experience where connections can flourish. As…

Chickpeas have become synonymous with plant-based and vegetarian diets, largely driven by initiatives like “veganuary,” a month-long plant-based eating challenge originating in the UK and gaining traction worldwide. However, it's time to recognize that leaving chickpeas solely for vegan diets or only acknowledging them during efforts to reduce meat consumption is a disservice to this remarkable legume. Chickpeas are not only a delicious addition to any dish but are also a fiber and protein powerhouse beneficial for anyone looking to enhance their meal rotation. Dallas-based dietitian Stephanie Wells, MS, RD, LD, ACSM-CPT, emphasizes their nutrient density, saying, "As a legume, chickpeas are incredibly nutrient-dense." Their versatility means you can enjoy them as crispy snacks, in savory sauces, or blended into creamy dips. If you're not sure where to begin, let’s dive into a comprehensive overview of chickpeas, including their nutritional benefits, how they…

Let’s talk about your hip abductors—those sneaky muscles on the sides of your hips that you probably ignore until they’re tight, sore, or messing with your mobility. Whether you’re a gym rat, a runner, or just someone who spends way too much time glued to a chair (hey, no judgment), your hip abductors deserve some TLC. They’re the muscles that help you move your legs out to the side and stabilize your pelvis, which is kind of a big deal for everything from walking to crushing leg day. When these muscles get tight, you might feel it as stiffness in your hips, pain in your lower back, or even strain in your knees. Basically, tight hip abductors don’t just make you uncomfortable—they can mess up your movement. That’s where stretching comes in. The right stretches can loosen up those muscles, improve your hip…