Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
jeudi 16 février 2017
Camila Cabello Tried to Reach Out to Fifth Harmony After All the Drama - It Didn't Go So Well
Buckle up because Camila Cabello's interview with Billboard is her most revealing yet. The now solo singer had lots to say about why she left Fifth Harmony and the dramatic way it all went down on social media.
When asked if she had been in touch with her former bandmates, Camila candidly answered no, but it all turned emotional once she revealed she did try to reach out to them, adding: "I don't want to get into the details of that, because it was really intense and it's hard for me to talk about. It makes me sad." It sounds like the drama kept going even after all the Instagram back and forth.
But though the details of her departure from 5H are juicy, the best part of the interview gave away lots of details on her upcoming solo album, now confirmed to be coming this Fall. (Insert celebratory emoji here!) Her sound, according to her producers, is a mix of Rihanna's Anti, Shakira, and R&B pop, with a touch of Cuban influence. If you can't picture that, maybe the names of two of the tracks that might be included in the album will help: "Havana" and "It's Only Natural."
Read on for more from Camila and to check out the gorgeous images that were shot (all with just an iPhone 7) to accompany the interview.
Donald Trump's Latest Press Conference Gave the Internet Yet Another Glorious Meme
As President Donald Trump addressed reporters and the nation in his latest press conference, the internet was hard at work trying to meme every moment it could. It was the only activity that kept some people laughing as Trump went on rant after rant, without fully answering reporters' questions. He then went on to say, "The leaks are absolutely real, the news is fake, because so much of the news is fake." This statement puzzled the internet, since if the news about the leaks is real, how is the news fake? Save yourself from trying to figure out what Trump meant and instead read some of the hilarious memes about it.
Our Dream Cast For American Horror Story Season 7: The 2016 Election
Ryan Murphy has unveiled the theme for American Horror Story season 7, and we're 90 percent sure he's serious. The creator announced that the upcoming season will tell the story of the 2016 election (which feels more like an American Crime Story theme, but what do we know) and that it's likely a Donald Trump character will appear. We know that Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters have already been cast and while we're not sure where Peters fits in, we have a great suggestion for Paulson. In fact, we've gone ahead and cast Murphy's frequent collaborators as eight major figures from the election. Fingers crossed that all of this comes true.
Every Steamy Picture We Have of Ana and Christian in the Fifty Shades Movies
Ever since Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan stepped into the roles of Ana and Christian, they've been heating up our TVs with their onscreen romance - and we just can't get enough. While Fifty Shades of Grey was filled with some sexy moments, it was Fifty Shades Darker that really left us hot and bothered. I mean, who could resist Christian's scruff? Even though we have to wait nearly a year for Fifty Shades Freed, we can still reminisce on all the steamy moments the pair shared in the last two films.
20 Snaps That Prove Style Is in the Olsen Family's DNA
There's no doubt the Olsen twins are known for their success in fashion, wearing and designing their own covetable labels like The Row and Elizabeth and James. When the duo steps out, we always take note of their outfits and lately, we've counted one more Olsen sister, Elizabeth, into the mix.
The youngest the trio has appeared in editorial spreads for Nylon and blockbuster hits like Captain America: Civil War. Like Mary-Kate and Ashley, Elizabeth not only has acting chops, but she's also a full-fledged fashion girl. She sits front row at Fashion Week, attends the MET Gala annually, and like her sisters, has a similarly chic aesthetic - though Elizabeth's style is more playful and feminine. While she does coordinate with her sisters, usually in black, on the red carpet (it's more fun!), when she's on her own, her personal style shines through.
Read on for 20 snaps of Elizabeth (FYI her birthday is today) that prove excellent style runs in the Olsen family.
There's Official "How Bow Dah" Merchandise For Sale and We're Kinda Into It
Some memes are just meant to be worn - or at least that's what Danielle Bregoli, the teenage girl behind the "cash me outside howbaw dah" meme, wants you to think. The teen has released a merchandise line and it's about as ridiculous as you can imagine.
Danielle's line, called the "CASH ME OUSSIDE HOW BOW DAH" Collection, collaborated with LA brand PizzaSlime to bring you everything you could ever want: t-shirts, blankets, hoodies, tote bags, and more for sale. A lot of it is reasonably priced, so if you wanted a piece of this meme in your life, you can make it happen.
Of course, not to be outdone, the internet is also selling plenty of merchandise on sites like Redbubble and Etsy. Ahead, see the collection from Bregoli, as well as some Etsy picks.
Important Question: Will Eva Mendes Attend the Oscars With Ryan Gosling?
Ryan Gosling has been a very handsome, very welcome award season presence this year thanks to his beautiful performance in La La Land. While we've seen a ton of him on the red carpet with his costar Emma Stone, there's one person in his life that we've seen literally zero of these past few months: his partner, Eva Mendes. Ryan and Eva began dating in 2011 and have two daughters together, Esmeralda and Amada. And though Ryan did open up about Eva and her late brother, Juan Carlo, in his Golden Globes speech, Eva has yet to be his date to any award season events. Now that Ryan is nominated for (and has a pretty good chance at winning) an Oscar, we have to wonder if a best actor nod is enough to get Eva on the red carpet.
The notoriously private couple hasn't done a red carpet together since the screening of The Place Beyond the Pines at the Toronto Film Festival in 2012 - they were technically together but also both starred in the film, so they didn't attend as dates as much as costars. Will Eva step out for the Academy Awards? Only time will tell, but we're pretty convinced that she will. Ryan has been nominated for an Oscar one other time, for his role in Half Nelson back in 2007, but they weren't a couple yet. With a year full of professional and personal success for Ryan, wouldn't it be the ultimate act of love and support for Eva to accompany him on his big night this time around?
I Tried a Pooping Stool and This Is What Happened
I'm pretty comfortable talking about poop. And no, it's not just because I've pooped in front of an entire hospital room while giving birth, or that I've been pooped on more than once, have accidentally stepped in a dirty diaper (also more than once), and have even taken a bath with my daughter and saw her little poop floating in the water beside me.
No, you see, since college (so for about 18 years!), I've dealt with digestive issues thanks to my nervous stomach coupled with some insanely severe lactose intolerance with a side order of sugar sensitivity. I've seen specialists galore, had to explain my embarrassing pooping details on too many occasions, and even had to have a rectal exam with my two kiddos in the room. Fun stuff. So yeah. I'll talk about pooping to anyone because I've had some pretty crappy experiences (pun intended), and if me talking about it somehow helps you, it's totally worth it.
Which brings to me one of my favorite topics surrounding poop - the pooping stool. If you've never heard of one, it is going to change your life. There's a brand of pooping stool called the Squatty Potty with an ad featuring an adorable pooping unicorn, but I just use the little step stool I got for my kids when they were potty training - it works great. I seriously think this pooping stool has become the cure to my digestive issues, and here's why.
When you're sitting on the toilet and you place your feet on the stool, it raises your knees above your hips so you can assume a squatting position. This helps to relax the puborectalis muscle that squeezes around the place where the colon meets the rectum, which allows your colon to empty quickly and completely.
Before using the stool, I used to wait until I had the urge to go, which caused bloating, gas, and feeling sluggish and just not myself. Plus that feeling would usually come at a not-so-great time, which made me hold it, and then I'd be all constipated. I remember taking my dog on a woods walk and I thought about how much better I'd feel if I, too, could poop on command. Then it dawned on me. If I wanted to be regular, I had to choose one time to go every day so my body would get into the rhythm.
First thing in the morning seemed like the best time - just go and get it out of the way. The thing is, I had a 5:45 a.m. CrossFit class, so that meant I had to get up even earlier to make sure I had 10 to 15 minutes to sit and relax. With my feet up on the stool and not even the slightest urge to go, I was amazed that within less than five minutes, it happened. It was like magic. I pooped and actually felt like I was done.
So it's been like that for seven months, and although not every morning is perfect, most are, and it's helped tremendously with easing any bloating or other digestive issues. There's nothing like the feeling of a good poop in the morning so you don't have to worry about it for the rest of the day. If you long to be regular and the idea of a pooping stool sounds intriguing, I say give it a whirl. This could be the one thing that ends your constipation for good.
I Tried a Pooping Stool and This Is What Happened
I'm pretty comfortable talking about poop. And no, it's not just because I've pooped in front of an entire hospital room while giving birth, or that I've been pooped on more than once, have accidentally stepped in a dirty diaper (also more than once), and have even taken a bath with my daughter and saw her little poop floating in the water beside me.
No, you see, since college (so for about 18 years!), I've dealt with digestive issues thanks to my nervous stomach coupled with some insanely severe lactose intolerance with a side order of sugar sensitivity. I've seen specialists galore, had to explain my embarrassing pooping details on too many occasions, and even had to have a rectal exam with my two kiddos in the room. Fun stuff. So yeah. I'll talk about pooping to anyone because I've had some pretty crappy experiences (pun intended), and if me talking about it somehow helps you, it's totally worth it.
Which brings to me one of my favorite topics surrounding poop - the pooping stool. If you've never heard of one, it is going to change your life. There's a brand of pooping stool called the Squatty Potty with an ad featuring an adorable pooping unicorn, but I just use the little step stool I got for my kids when they were potty training - it works great. I seriously think this pooping stool has become the cure to my digestive issues, and here's why.
When you're sitting on the toilet and you place your feet on the stool, it raises your knees above your hips so you can assume a squatting position. This helps to relax the puborectalis muscle that squeezes around the place where the colon meets the rectum, which allows your colon to empty quickly and completely.
Before using the stool, I used to wait until I had the urge to go, which caused bloating, gas, and feeling sluggish and just not myself. Plus that feeling would usually come at a not-so-great time, which made me hold it, and then I'd be all constipated. I remember taking my dog on a woods walk and I thought about how much better I'd feel if I, too, could poop on command. Then it dawned on me. If I wanted to be regular, I had to choose one time to go every day so my body would get into the rhythm.
First thing in the morning seemed like the best time - just go and get it out of the way. The thing is, I had a 5:45 a.m. CrossFit class, so that meant I had to get up even earlier to make sure I had 10 to 15 minutes to sit and relax. With my feet up on the stool and not even the slightest urge to go, I was amazed that within less than five minutes, it happened. It was like magic. I pooped and actually felt like I was done.
So it's been like that for seven months, and although not every morning is perfect, most are, and it's helped tremendously with easing any bloating or other digestive issues. There's nothing like the feeling of a good poop in the morning so you don't have to worry about it for the rest of the day. If you long to be regular and the idea of a pooping stool sounds intriguing, I say give it a whirl. This could be the one thing that ends your constipation for good.
Sriracha Seasoning Stix Are About to Make Your Food Really Lit
Huy Fong Foods is partnering with Sugarmade to create seasoning sticks that will make it easier than ever to give all of your food that inimitable taste of sriracha. According to the newly launched website for the Sriracha Seasoning Stix, the product is meant to be cooked simultaneously with meat, fish, or poultry for added flavor and heat.
Want some more good news? The sticks won't just be limited to the classic sriracha flavor. They'll also be releasing sriracha butter garlic sticks, sriracha teriyaki sticks, and a mystery blend that will be determined by consumers.
The life-changing products are slated for a February release and will likely be exclusively available online. Sugarmade was initially offering free samples prior to their release, however, they have now completely sold out. To stay informed on any news regarding the Seasoning Stix, submit your email address and you could receive free shipping once they are officially available.
The Best Frozen Entrees From Trader Joe's, Hands Down
In case you haven't ever explored the magical place that is the frozen aisle at Trader Joe's, let us enlighten you. There's no shame in turning to frozen meals when you have zero time to cook, but if you're going to do it, you should know what's actually worth buying. Keep reading to find out which frozen meals POPSUGAR editors pick up and why, and look for them on your next Trader Joe's run.
Parents, Be Warned: This Over-the-Counter Drug Has Highly Alarming Effects on Children
If your child is suffering from constipation, you may want to think twice about giving them Miralax to alleviate their symptoms. Since 2014, the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has been conducting a study about potential disturbing side effects of the over-the-counter drug on kids who consume it.
When the FDA-grant-funded study first began, the federal agency stated that Miralax powder contains polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350), which may degrade into two different toxic ingredients found in antifreeze. A description of the study found on the National Institutes of Health website explains this alarming discovery a bit more in depth.
"The Food and Drug Administration has received a number of reports of adverse events in children taking PEG products," the FDA said. "The Agency has conducted a review that documented a number of reports of neurological and psychiatric events associated with chronic PEG use in children."
Although the study is still in progress and its findings have therefore not been released yet, many parents are coming forward to confirm the FDA's suspicions. Jeanie Ward told ABC6 about how her daughter Nicole was told to take Miralax when she was just 3 and a half years old, even though the drug is typically not recommended for anyone younger than 17 years of age.
Ward described her daughter's "near psychiatric events with paranoia, mood swings, aggression, and rage" after consuming Miralax. Nicole, who is now 19, expressed how she was a "very, very happy child," but that she started "hating everybody" and "wanted to kill everybody" in second grade. "I'm mad that this happened to me," Nicole told ABC6.
But Nicole isn't the only one who has been negatively affected by the medicine, as more than 4,000 parents have joined the Facebook group titled Parents Against Miralax (PEG 3350) to share their stories. The group members discuss the cons of the drug as well as how to approach doctors about its harmful effects.
Until the results of the hospital's study are released, it may be best to consult your child's doctor and avoid giving them Miralax for constipation. You can also try natural ways to relieve their discomfort, such as fiber-rich foods or prune juice.
ICYMI, There's a Finnish Word For Getting Drunk at Home in Your Underwear
Did you know there is a Finish word for drinking at home in your underwear? Indeed, Finland's Tourism Board put together a dictionary (complete with accompanying emojis you can download) of "hard-to-describe Finnish emotions, words, and customs." Included in the list of 56 phrases is kalsarikännit (pronounced cal-sar-y-cuhn-eet). It describes the "feeling when you are going to get drunk home alone in your underwear – with no intention of going out. A drink. At home. In your underwear. And there is a word for it."
If only we knew how to casually use kalsarikännit into a sentence. The Chicago Tribune questions what part of speech is kalsarikännit? Frankly, I don't know either. Until I cross paths with a Finnish person who can correct me, I guess I'll just use it as an ambiguous verb-noun-adjective. "Sorry, friends. Tonight calls for a kalsarikännit. I literally cannot wear pants a minute longer. I have only the physical strength to hold a glass of wine. You can find me on my couch. Bye." Thank you Finland for legitimizing this awesome, totally relaxing custom.
You May Be Buying “Fake” Extra-Virgin Olive Oil - Here’s How to Stop
Image source: POPSUGAR Photography / Annie Gabillet
As consumers, we have to stay vigilant about the food products we buy. Take honey: did you know that most bottles, including those labeled as pure honey, are diluted with high-fructose corn syrup? Unfortunately, extra-virgin olive oil is another common grocery item at risk of deceptive labeling.
The Problem
Sixty-nine percent of imported extra-virgin olive oil sold in California was falsely labeled.
The news has been filled with reports suggesting we can't blindly trust the extra-virgin olive oil on our store shelves. Recently, Italy increased its penalties for olive oil counterfeiting after investigators leaked details of a massive olive oil fraud. Around 7,000 tons of extra-virgin olive oil were labeled 100-percent Italian, though they included oil from other countries like Syria, Turkey, Morocco, and Tunisia. And you might have caught the 60 Minutes investigation of olive oil fraud in Italy, which looked into how the mafia helps perpetuate the food crime.
Extra-virgin olive oil is made by simply crushing olives and retaining juice. In order to get that designation, the olive oil must be manually pressed and no chemicals can be used. The oil must also maintain its complex flavor profile. The unprocessed and unrefined olive oil is called "virgin" because it is the most pure form.
In 2010, Researchers at the University of California, Davis, published a devastating study that found that 69 percent of imported extra-virgin olive oil sold in California was falsely labeled. Dan Flynn, the executive director of the UC Davis Olive Center, explains: "we found that often the quality of the olive oil did not meet extra-virgin standards."
You may have heard of this study when it was featured in a widely-shared New York Times infographic about olive oil fraud in 2014. It's important to note that the New York Times piece inaccurately sensationalized the study's findings by suggesting that 69 percent of olive oil sold in the US was cut with cheaper oil or doctored with chemicals. The paper released an extensive correction. Imported olive oil brands also took issue with the fact that the study was funded in part by the California olive oil industry.
What the UC Davis researchers did find was that 69 percent of imported olive oil labeled "extra virgin" had been compromised. Issues included samples that were oxidized, adulterated with cheaper refined olive oil, or made from olives that were damaged, overripe, or improperly processed. Some samples had a combination of these problems. The Times piece originally implied that all 69 percent has been adulterated with cheaper oil, which was not the case, but the actual results should cause you concern. In their summary, the study's authors state that "sensory tests showed that these failed samples had defective flavors such as rancid, fusty, and musty."
While there are instances of outright and sophisticated olive oil fraud, a consumer is more likely to find a bottle with such poor quality that the oil inside does not live up to the extra virgin label. Maia Hirschbein, oleologist at California Olive Ranch, who points to the UC Davis study, as well as investigations from Consumer Reports and the National Consumers League. "If the oil is old, was made from bad olives, or was bottled in clear glass that exposed the oil to light, it can be of poor quality."
California Olive Ranch meets high standards and is growing rapidly in popularity.
Image source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Why It Matters
Getting ripped off isn't the only thing at risk when you buy substandard olive oil - it could also have health effects. Many of us know that extra-virgin olive oil is better (or at least more expensive), but not why. Because it is less processed than other olive oil, extra virgin olive oil retains more of the original flavor and healthy properties of olives. You'll recognize it by its fruity, bitter, or pungent flavors.
"The primary health benefit of extra virgin olive oil is the antioxidant property which we call polyphenol," explains Hirschbein. "Those reduce oxidation in your body and will help prevent things like cancers and heart disease."
If you're not buying the real thing, you're not getting these real health benefits.
Flynn agrees with that assessment: "The health benefits from quality extra-virgin olive oil come from two things: antioxidants and high monounsaturated fat. Studies indicate that these elements are associated with benefits for reducing blood pressure, inflammation, diabetes, Alzheimer's Disease, some cancers, and obesity." If you're not buying the real thing, you're not getting these real health benefits.
Quality olive oil has so many health benefits that the FDA actually recommends eating two tablespoons to reduce the risk of heart disease. Looking at past research, it almost seems like a wonder drug. Olive oil can reduce the need for blood pressure medication. It can help lower your cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of Type II Diabetes. It can prevent osteoporosis by helping the body absorb calcium. It can ward off obesity thanks to its nutrient-dense, satiating nature. The antioxidants help counter oxidation from the sun and thus prevent the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It can counter free radicals in your body that eventually cause other types of cancer. According to one Spanish study it can also help reduce the risk of mental illnesses, like depression. And another in France found that it reduced the risk of strokes.
When you're eating an oil that is older or isn't actually extra virgin, Hirschbein says, you'll be using an oil that "doesn't have those extra benefits that extra virgin does." You wouldn't want to take expired or damaged medicine, so you shouldn't settle for substandard olive oil.
Who Can You Trust?
Since the UC Davis findings came out, Flynn says "there has been increased awareness among professional buyers." The people stocking our grocery shelves now pay more attention to quality problems and their ability to acquire legitimate product. One such vigilant professional is Lauren Winstead, global Buyer for Whole Foods Market's private label brands. "We test 365 Everyday Value oils for their pH levels, peroxide value, UV extinction, fatty acid composition, sterol composition, wax content, steroidal hydrocarbons, and pesticides to ensure it meets our requirements," she says. And the brand also packages oils in dark glass or tins to protect the oil from light, which can negatively affect the quality of oil.
California Olive Ranch is also committed to authentic extra-virgin olive oil, and has seen a rise in demand as consumers become educated. "Half of the retailers in the US have transitioned to stocking California olive oil. That wasn't the case when we first started in 1998," Hirschbein tells us. Today, she says, California Olive Ranch is the number-four brand in the US and the fastest growing olive oil brand in America. Brands like California Olive Ranch are certified by the California Olive Oil Council (COOC), which uses stricter standards than international requirements. If you see the COOC seal, it means the oil has been submitted for a blind tasting by the board and meets high chemical and sensory standards to qualify as authentic extra-virgin olive oil.
What You Can Do
"Olive oil is simply a fruit juice and it's perishable."
In addition to choosing certified brands with a proven track record, there are other tell-tale signs that an extra-virgin olive oil is legit and things you can do to keep it that way. "Olive oil is simply a fruit juice and it's perishable," explains Hirschbein. If too much time passes from harvest to consumption, it will lose its extra-virgin luster, she says. To makes sure you don't let that happen, here's what Hirschbein suggests:
- Look for a fresh fruit smell: Give your oil a smell and if it reminds you of fruit and herbs that's good. If it smells like band aids or crayons it is of poor quality.
- Never buy oil in a clear bottle: Instead, go for oils that come in dark or opaque bottles so the light can't damage it.
- Try to find a harvest date: Oils in the northern hemisphere are produced at the end of each calendar year. Oils from the southern hemisphere are made around May and June. Olive oil is good one-and-a-half to two years past the bottling date.
- Look for seals of certification: Third-party certifying agencies should give your bottle the stamp of approval. You can find a list of producers who certify their oil with the California Olive Oil Council here.
- Opt for single country of origin: You want oil that comes from one place, not oil that is blended across multiple countries. Often, labels have confusing two letter codes on the back that stand for the four or more countries that the oil came from.
- Don't go for the cheapest: Often, a low price is a sign that the oil may be old or of poor quality. The average price of olive oil is $4 to $5 per half liter. To get quality, you should double that. Expect to pay $8-$10 for a half liter for a good, everyday olive oil, and up to $25 for nice finishing oil.
- Keep it stored in a dark cool place: Try keeping it with your flour and other dry baking goods.
- Resist the urge to savor your favorite olive oil: When you splurge a fancy oil it's tempting to save it for special occasions. Once opened, aim to finish your bottle of olive oil within 30 to 60 days, as it begins to oxidize like wine once exposed to air. If stored correctly and unopened, you can keep for up to two years.
- Buy smaller bottles: If you know you go through olive oil slowly, purchases smaller bottles that you can store unopened.
The Beauty of Buying Local
The easiest solution for avoiding doctored olive oil may be right here at home in the USA. You can be more certain about the quality if you ditch imports for California-grown extra-virgin olive oil. In the UC Davis study, nine out of 10 California samples were confirmed authentic, a much better rate than the imported oils. You had a one in 10 chance of getting a bad oil when you bought California-grown, versus an almost seven in 10 chance for the international oils. Since the study, a proactive American olive oil industry has stepped up pressure to make sure domestic oil is held to appropriate standards. As a result, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) adopted chemical and sensory standards for olive oil.
You don't have to sacrifice taste either. "California supplies only about 5 percent of domestic consumption," Flynn notes, "but California has been recognized in international competitions as being capable of producing very high quality." A recent blind tasting of supermarket olive oil by Cooks Illustrated magazine, gave their top prize to California Olive Ranch's Everyday Extra Virgin. Some popular import brands were described as "nothing special" or similar to vegetable oil.
Just like the California wine industry in the 1970s, the California olive oil industry could be poised to take on the European establishment. Grapes and olives grow in similar climates, so if California has been conducive to producing fine wine, it should have no problem with olive oil. There are already signs of a boom: there were four million gallons of California extra-virgin olive oil produced during the 2015–16 harvest, compared to just 2.4 million gallons during the 2014–2015 harvest.
Brands like California Olive Ranch want to make sure that their products remain affordable, too. A half-liter bottle of basic extra-virgin olive oil is stocked at Wallmart for less than $8 and can also be found at Costco. Hirschbein explains: "One of our priorities at California Olive Ranch is to offer good extra virgin at an affordable price, so you can use it every day." When you realize how good the real thing is, you'll want to do just that.
You’ll Do Anything to Get Your Hands on One of Altuzarra’s Fall Coats
If Joseph Altuzarra's Spring 2017 runway was playful and spunky, Fall's collection is the polar opposite. The designer took a muted turn this season, influenced by paintings from the 1500s he found at the Met Museum. That's not to say he didn't put a modern spin on the vintage dresses he studied. Altuzarra brought in plenty of opulent details - lavish fur collars, swirling embroideries, and jacquard - and contrasted them with knee-high, thick-soled combat boots.
Models stomped down the runway, many of them equipped with elbow-length gloves (a la Victoria Beckham), pearl headbands, and gold chandelier earrings that shook back and forth. Slitted skirt sets and velvet suits were appropriate for Altuzarra's devotees like Amal Clooney, who might dare to wear them on the job. But at the end of the lineup were shimmering maxi skirts and gowns in eye-catching jewel tones, all of which were cinched with casual belt straps to give the Altuzarra lady her flavorful twist. Emily Ratajkowski and Jennifer Lawrence will surely take note.
Finally, Altuzarra's new coats will make you swoon. Whether you choose a quilted trench or a smartly stitched cape (either of which you can pair with the trunk-like cases), this outerwear will last you a lifetime. And to think it was all inspired by a 16th century portrait.
Tyler Florence's Hack Will Forever Change the Way You Make Mashed Potatoes
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry
Food Network chef Tyler Florence shared his mashed potatoes recipe with us, and I immediately had to try it. Traditionally, potatoes are cooked in water before being mashed together with butter and cream (or milk). However, Tyler suggests cooking the potatoes in the cream itself, so no potato-y flavor is lost. He explains, "Potatoes have a really delicate, beautiful minerality to their flavor profile, and when you cook potatoes in water and you pour that water down the drain, you've extracted all the flavor of the potato. So what I do with mashed potatoes - because you finish them with cream and butter anyway, right? - is I'll take that same cream and butter and add that to the potatoes and cook the potatoes in cream and butter." Would that actually work? Would it actually taste good? I had to find out.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
As Tyler instructed, I added "cold, peeled, chopped potatoes, cream, butter, and olive oil" to a pan. He also told us, "I like garlic. I like sage and rosemary flavor combinations, and a little bit of thyme." To my pot of 3 pounds of potatoes, I added enough half and half to just barely cover the potatoes. Frankly, I was scared about using straight cream, which is why I deviated slightly from his instruction. I then added about 3 tablespoons of salted butter and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. I added a few cloves of peeled garlic and half a bunch each of sage, rosemary, and thyme. I also included a significant amount of salt (at least a teaspoon) so the potatoes could absorb some of the flavor while cooking. I covered the pot and allowed it to simmer on medium until the potatoes became fork tender, about 20 minutes. The aroma in my kitchen was unbelievable.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Anna Monette Roberts
Here's what Tyler told us to do next: "When the potatoes are tender, I put a bowl on the counter and a colander inside that bowl. I pour the potatoes through the colander, and the cream will collect on the bottom. Then I'll put the potatoes back into the pot and take the potato-infused garlic cream and fold that back into the potatoes, and it's the most incredible flavor profile. It's the best mashed potato you'll ever taste in your entire life." And so, I did just that. I drained the potatoes, collecting the rich liquid while discarding the herb stems. I then mashed the potatoes, adding back in the liquid until I created velvety smooth mashed potatoes with little specks of garlic and herbs. I salted and peppered to taste and served up with my lemon-garlic-parsley roast turkey and gravy. These mashed potatoes are pure heaven. I can now agree with Tyler's affirmation; they really are the best mashed potatoes I've ever tasted in my entire life. And even though I was scared it would be a huge flop, I'm never going back to any other method again.
26 Crazy and Delicious Casserole Recipes That Are Definitely Not Your Grandma's
While the word 'casserole' might make you cringe, remembering mushy tuna noodle casserole your grandma used to make, rest assured there are foodie-approved ones out there - quinoa risotto with truffle oil, pizza lasagna rollups, and chicken florentine artichoke bake, just to name a few. Not many things are more reliable for a fast and easy dinner than casseroles, but you shouldn't be afraid to branch out and get creative. There's nothing average about these unique recipes, from the ingredients to the flavor.
Donald Trump Thinks Drugs Are Cheaper Than Candy, So the Internet Made It a Hilarious Meme
During Donald Trump's latest press conference, the president touched upon several subjects like the allegation that campaign aides were in touch with Russian intelligence, jobs in America, and the confirmation of officials to his cabinet. While there are plenty of moments to laugh and wonder if this is truly happening to America right now, the internet focused on one moment during Trump's speech - drugs. The president said, "We're becoming a drug-infested nation. Drugs are becoming cheaper than candy bars, and we're not going to let it happen any longer." Of course, the internet lost it - drugs are cheaper than candy bars?! It's currently only one of several memes from Trump's press conference. Check out some of the best ones ahead, and try to forget that this is really happening to our country right now.
One Foot In at NYFW: Street Style Edition
New York Fashion Week kicked things off on Wednesday at a balmy 65 degrees. As if February wanted to make a point, its Thursday follow-up featured a wrathful bout of snow. And, much like the snow, we've discovered all the trends that are sticking. What's most evident? Streamlined silhouettes are here to say, as are structured bags. An ample dusting of color was also spotted throughout the streets. But in true New York fashion, things were coated in distinctly deeper tones, like black and navy.
One thing we can attest to: accessories, as always, are key. To really get a handle on things, take a peek. (What we mean is: so far, we're loving the bags.)
Bus Driver Goes Out of His Way to Build a Ramp For a Girl in a Wheelchair on His Route
I'm so proud of my husband!! Tom Mitchell, my hubby, is a mechanic for our school system and is sometimes asked to drive bus routes. About 2 months ago, he was driving a special needs route that he had driven a couple of times. Each time he noticed this one mother would have to bring her daughter, who is in a wheelchair, up and down about 3 or 4 steps anytime they would leave or enter the house. He could see how difficult it was for this mom to maneuver her daughter and her wheelchair on the small landing in front of her apartment, and he didn't feel the temporary aluminum detachable ramps were long enough or sturdy enough to be considered safe. This really made my husband uneasy and concerned. He wanted to do something to help this little family out and to make sure they had a safer ramp and one that would make going up and down safer and easier for both mom and daughter. After making some phone calls and discussing his ideas with some of his co-workers, Anthony Puckett & Mike Greene, they came up with a plan. Tom got in touch with David Adams at the Lowes on Lowes Dr. Mr. Adams was able to work some charitable magic and donate all of the wood needed to make this family a deck and ramp. Today, Tom, Anthony and Anthony's son Nick along with Anthony's brother Randell, & Mike met up at the families house and they completely built the deck and ramp. All on their own time, with their own tools, and all out of the kindness of their own hearts!!! I know these guys didn't do it for a pat on the back or for any recognition what-so-ever....but I can't help but feel proud to be married to such a kindhearted and giving man! He noticed someone who could've used some help, and without being asked, he did something about it! Even his friends/co-workers and their family got involved because they are kindhearted and caring people as well. In a world where so much hate is being spread around, I just wanted to share that there are still good people out there, doing good deeds, and that humanity still exists!!! ❤❤❤
Posted by Jennifer Mitchell on Sunday, January 15, 2017
Tom Mitchell is a mechanic for his local school district, but also picks up a few bus routes from time to time. While driving a special needs route a couple months ago, Mitchell noticed that one of the girls in a wheelchair on the route had to be brought down a few steps by her mother each morning.
Although they appeared to have detachable metal ramps set up, Mitchell could see how hard it was for the girl's mom to maneuver the chair on the landing in front of the door and felt that the ramps looked unsafe. He knew that he had to do something to help this family out, so he made a few phone calls and made some real-life magic happen.
"He wanted to do something to help this family out and to make sure they had a safer ramp and one that would make going up and down safer and easier for both mom and daughter," said Mitchell's wife, Jennifer, in a post to Facebook. "After making some phone calls and discussing his ideas with some of his coworkers, Anthony Puckett and Mike Greene, they came up with a plan."
After getting a local Lowes to pull some strings and donate all of the wood needed to make the ramp, Mitchell and his co-workers went over to the family's house on a Sunday morning and built a new deck with a ramp "on their own time, with their own tools, and all out of the kindness of their own hearts." In her Facebook post, Jennifer shared a video of photos showing the process, the lovely finished product, and the excited faces of both the girl and her mother.
"I know these guys didn't do it for a pat on the back or for any recognition whatsoever, but I can't help but feel proud to be married to such a kindhearted and giving man!" Jennifer said. "He noticed someone who could've used some help, and without being asked, he did something about it! . . . In a world where so much hate is being spread around, I just wanted to share that there are still good people out there, doing good deeds, and that humanity still exists!!!"
Beyoncé Danced Off Her Grammys Loss at an Afterparty With Jay Z and Kelly Rowland
As we're sure you're already aware, Beyoncé did not take home the award for album of the year at the Grammys on Sunday night. Adele won instead, and although the decision came as quite a shock to a lot of Bey's fans (Adele included), it didn't stop her from having an incredible night afterward. Once she knocked the collective socks off of everyone who watched her gorgeous, goddess-themed performance and kicked it with Laverne Cox, Beyoncé and husband Jay Z headed to an afterparty thrown by Bey's little sister Solange, who took home her own Grammy that night. Once there, the "Love Drought" singer changed into a beautiful white gown that accentuated her baby bump, and they danced the night away with friends.
"There were [a] lot of A-list stars in attendance like Beyoncé, Jay Z, Solange, Kelly Rowland, Tracee Ellis Ross and Janelle Monáe," a source told E! News. "Beyoncé was sitting down in a beautiful white long dress, and Jay Z stood by her side, head bobbing to the music. Solange was very hospitable and chatted with all her guests." Despite the loss, Beyoncé remains the most nominated woman in Grammy history, and she could not look more radiant thanks to her pregnancy glow. In other words: she has plenty of reasons to dance.
Tinashe's "Company" Gets Sexier With The Fitness Marshall's Dance Cardio
The Fitness Marshall is here to make your workouts more fun. Whether you like punchy pop like Justin Timberlake and Ariana Grande, electronic music from The Chainsmokers, or hip-hop from Missy Elliott, there's a dance for you. Today's fun and sexy R&B tune from Tinashe will get your heart pumping and body sweating in under five minutes - all with the best coaching from our favorite dance trainer on YouTube.
Tinashe's "Company" Gets Sexier With The Fitness Marshall's Dance Cardio
The Fitness Marshall is here to make your workouts more fun. Whether you like punchy pop like Justin Timberlake and Ariana Grande, electronic music from The Chainsmokers, or hip-hop from Missy Elliott, there's a dance for you. Today's fun and sexy R&B tune from Tinashe will get your heart pumping and body sweating in under five minutes - all with the best coaching from our favorite dance trainer on YouTube.
What the Hell Is Going On in This My Super Sweet 16 Trailer?
My Super Sweet 16 was never MTV's most wholesome show, but the reboot is looking . . . extreme? The network released a tongue-in-cheek teaser on Thursday, and the way they're marketing it now is incredibly bizarre. The teaser features a girl doing drugs with her parents - her dad is washing his face with cocaine like it's a Neutrogena ad - as a cover of the original theme song plays. The press release states: "The hit reality series returns with a format open to girls and boys wishing to significantly increase their followers on social media by showcasing their extravagant parties with the help of MTV." I feel old.
Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler Go For Broke in The House's Hilarious First Trailer
If you had Will Ferrell or Amy Poehler as your parent, it seems pretty likely that your pricey college tuition would be in the bag. If you had parents who looked like Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler but were actually just a regular suburban couple strapped for cash who resorted to starting an underground basement casino to help put their daughter through school, then you'd be living the plot of The House. "I'm not going to tell my daughter she can't go to college," Ferrell explains in the first trailer for the upcoming comedy. "So we resorted to a life of crime." Seems legit. Catch The House when it hits theaters on June 30.
A Tribute to Blair and Chuck, Gossip Girl's Most Iconic Couple
When it comes to Gossip Girl, Blair (Leighton Meester) and Chuck (Ed Westwick) will forever go down as the show's most iconic couple. Not only did we swoon over Chuck Bass and his devilish charm, but there's a big part of us that aspired to be as great as Blair Cornelia Waldorf. While they were extraordinary on their own, together, they were a force to be reckoned with. Even through all the drama and heartbreak that came with the Upper East Side, they managed to persevere, like only soulmates can do. As the show celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, let's look back at how Blair and Chuck's epic love story came to be.
Check Out This Year's First-Time Oscar Nominees
Every year, the Oscars bring a rush of excitement about Hollywood's most buzzed-about cinematic masterpieces. This time around, the list of nominees features quite a bit of excitement. In addition to a notably diverse group compared to 2016, Viola Davis also became the first black actress to get three nods, and La La Land earned 14 nominations, thereby tying the record held by Titanic, Ben-Hur, and Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. As always, there's something else to note about this year's potential winners: 10 of them are vying for their very first Oscar! Keep reading to see all the first-time nominees.
This Deadly Pregnancy Condition Affects Thousands of Moms Every Year
Preeclampsia is a condition that affects five to eight percent of all pregnancies, which is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine and also causes slower blood flow to the placenta. Symptoms of preeclampsia can be easy to miss, as they overlap with other pregnancy traits like swelling, weight gain, and headaches.
In severe cases, preeclampsia can lead to maternal complications such as kidney and liver malfunction, stroke, pulmonary edema, and eclampsia (seizures) or other complications that severely affect the baby such as restricted growth, placental abruption, and premature birth. Moms-to-be who already have problems with high blood pressure are considered to be at risk for preeclampsia and should be very cautious from the beginning of their pregnancy.
Mara Rosner, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NYU Langone Medical Center, suggests her patients at risk for preeclampsia take a baby aspirin nightly starting from the first trimester. "The exact mechanism for how baby aspirin staves off preeclampsia is not known, however it is speculated that aspirin helps at-risk patients to have more normal placental development," she said.
Although preeclampsia can occur at any time during a pregnancy, it is most common during the final trimester. Unfortunately, the only real treatment once you've been diagnosed with preeclampsia is delivering the baby. "At early gestational ages, if it is safe for the mom, we try to stave off delivery in order to allow the fetus more time to grow," Dr. Rosner said. "In some cases, for the safety of the mother, delivery cannot wait."
Heather Rupe, MD, DO, OB/GYN, at the Womens Group of Franklin, also noted that if the preeclampsia is very severe, the mom may need further medication, such as a magnesium drip, to treat it.
Moms with the condition should be monitored very, very closely by a doctor to ensure their safety, as well as the babies'. And though delivering a baby prematurely to fight preeclampsia can cause her to have common complications related to early birth, leaving it untreated could result in death. According to the Preeclampsia Foundation, preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are responsible for 76,000 maternal and 500,000 infant deaths each year.
As with anything else during pregnancy, if you are experiencing any unexpected symptoms, seek medical attention.
18 Selena Gomez Bikinigrams That Prove She's Definitely a 10
If there's one thing we love about Selena Gomez, it's that she's always game to show off her stylish swimsuits. After all, she's hot and she knows it. In fact, when the star called the TJ Show and was asked to rate her hotness on a scale from one to 10, she said, "On a good day, I would say - like a premiere day - I would be a good nine. And then, on my every day, I feel like a six. Gosh, that sounds so bad! I feel like a six or a seven."
But from the look of Selena's sun-kissed bikinigrams, for which she changes her style based on the prints, colors, and cuts of her suit, we'd say she's a definite 10 - even when she's on the beach with no makeup on. Scroll to find 18 times Selena proved she can work a swimsuit like it's nobody's business.
What It's Like to Be Both Mexican and Jewish
Although you may think that all Latinos are Catholic, this is incorrect. I was born in Mexico City and, like my parents, I was raised Jewish.
My life in Mexico was pretty simple; I lived in a Jewish bubble. I went to a Jewish day school, had only Jewish friends, and lived in a primarily Jewish neighborhood. While I was aware that I was a minority, it never really affected me. I loved participating in traditionally Mexican events. One of my favorite memories of Mexico is when my mom took me to the cemetery to join the Día de los Muertos festivities. I was amazed at all the unique and beautiful colors, food, and photos that decorated the graves.
I never felt ashamed of being Jewish and only later realized that some Mexicans didn't consider me a "real Mexican." One day, a local vendor walking around Mexico City's Centro Histórico called me a güera (blonde). He was basically calling me a gringa due to my pale skin. It caught me by surprise and probably hurt me more than I could even understand at that time.
My life changed when I moved to Miami when I was 8 years old. I no longer went to a Jewish school, most of my friends weren't Jewish, and the people I met were from all over Latin America. My Latino-Jewish friends understood my background and upbringing perfectly, and most of them were raised with similar experiences. Just like me, they had grown up in Jewish neighborhoods in places like Colombia or Venezuela and moved to Miami seeking a better and safer life. I also had a lot in common with my non-Jewish Latin friends. We bonded over food and culture, as well as our nagging Latino parents.
My first real culture shock occurred when an American-Jewish girl asked me if it was my dad who was Mexican and my mom Jewish, or the other way around. She couldn't fathom both my parents being Jewish and Mexican. Since then, I've probably gotten asked a variation of this question a million times. Even other Jewish people have a hard time understanding my background. People ask me, "If you're a Mexican Jew, then that has to mean you're Sephardic, right?" or "You can't be Ashkenazi, you're from Mexico" or even, "How are you white AND Mexican?"
Judaism includes several ethnic divisions, but Sephardic and Ashkenazi are two of the most common. A Sephardic Jew is someone whose family originates from places like Spain, Turkey, Portugal, and Greece; an Ashkenazi Jew's family originates from Central and Eastern Europe and Russia. A lot of people assume that because I'm from a Spanish-speaking country, my ancestors must have come from Spain, but I have no connection to Spain whatsoever. Three out of my four grandparents migrated from Russia, Lithuania, and Poland to Mexico after the Holocaust, making me three-fourths Ashkenazi. I'm also a fourth Sephardic because my paternal grandfather migrated from Turkey to Mexico in the 1900s.
On the Jewish sabbath, my family dines on Mexican-Jewish dishes like like gefilte fish a la Veracruzana or schnitzel with salsa verde.Another part of my upbringing that people are intrigued by is what food is served in my house. Sometimes, we eat traditional Mexican food like sopes and taquitos, and other times we eat Jewish food like matzah ball soup and kugel. Every Friday night on the Jewish sabbath, my family dines on Mexican-Jewish dishes like like gefilte fish a la Veracruzana (fish patties cooked in a spicy tomato sauce) or schnitzel with salsa verde. The only time my family can't enjoy traditional Mexican dishes is when they don't meet Jewish dietary laws and include food like pork and shellfish, which aren't kosher.
My Mexican-Jewish traditions didn't seem that unique to me until I moved to Boston for college. It was then that I realized I couldn't relate to many American-Jewish traditions. Many of my new American-Jewish friends had gone to Jewish schools, attended a Jewish sleepaway camp every summer, and joined Jewish youth groups during the school year. I had never stepped foot in a sleepaway camp, and the last Jewish school I had attended was in Mexico.
However, it was the different song and prayer tunes they used in synagogue that really opened my eyes. Songs that I had learned in Mexico and Miami were completely different in Boston. I ultimately realized that these are differences that every foreigner deals with. College introduced me to people from different parts of the world, of different cultures and religions. Although some Latinos viewed me as a faux-Latina due to my religion, others saw beyond that and saw me as one of them.
If there is one thing that being a Mexican-Jew has taught me, it is the importance of both my family and my heritage. I may not know what's ahead for me, but I do know this: my kids will be raised in a Spanish-speaking home with chilaquiles for breakfast, baklava for dessert, and Shabbat dinners every Friday night.
The Weeknd's New Music Video Has So Many Cameos, Including Drake and A$AP Rocky
On Thursday, The Weeknd dropped a new music video for his song "The Reminder." It may seem like a pretty innocuous video at first, but the devil's in the details. Not only is there dark imagery that shows Hollywood catching fire (a pretty strong commentary in and of itself), but the video is also loaded with cameos. The most obvious, of course, are Drake and A$AP Rocky, but you'll also notice Bryson Tiller, the rappers Nav and Belly, and so many more individuals that The Weeknd has worked with over the years. See if you can pick out all the familiar faces.
Marchesa Sewed Fresh Flowers into Models' Hair - and It's the Prettiest NYFW Look
Don't you love it when beauty is as pretty as it is clever? The fresh flowers sewn into the models' hair at the Marchesa Fall 2017 show were exactly that, and we can't stop swooning over the fresh look.
We can see this totally being a practical thing for all those upcoming Summer festivals. It's also savvy trick for bridal hair, as a way to keep flowers in place throughout the day - and dancing all night.
The Moroccanoil hair stylist team, lead by Antonio Global Ambassador
Antonio Corral Calero, literally used a needle and thread to create the style. They relied on a whip-stitch technique, looping the thread around the stems and through the hair, which carefully secured the colorful buds and greenery.
Three models wore the flowers, while the remaining cast wore ultraluxurious velvet bows in moss green and inky black. The velvet bows were wrapped into a messy, glorious chignon that fit in perfectly in with the sophisticated, "Imperial China" inspiration that Marchesa designers, Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, had when creating the collection.
"It was about personalizing the models depending on what they were going to be wearing," Calero said backstage. "What makes it to be quite modern is that there is a deep side part, and we are sweeping everything to the side, and leaving just a little bit of space in between some pieces [on the forehead]. It's fashion forward, and it's easy to wear."
The hair stylists used the Moroccanoil Dry Texture Spray ($11) to "create a little bit of texture" and to prevent the hair from looking "too clean looking," said Calero. They also used a bit of Moroccanoil Smoothing Lotion ($11) at the root "to create a bit more hydration and dimension."
Keep reading to see more images of this gorgeous runway moment!
How Much Is Jennifer Lopez Worth? The Answer Will Shock You
With a list of gigs you could never say out loud without running out of breath - World of Dance producer and judge, star of Shades of Blue, headliner of a Las Vegas residency, award-winning singer with a Spanish album in the works - it might come as no shock that Jennifer Lopez is, to be blunt, rolling in dough. But the actual number of her net worth might make you fall off your chair.
According to Forbes, J Lo made a whopping $39.5 million in 2016 alone, making her No. 68 on its list of 100 highest-paid celebrities, behind other Latinos like Lionel Messi and Sofia Vergara. But that was just one year (12 months, people!). In 2012, J Lo took the top spot on that same list, earning $52 million and dethroning Oprah Winfrey, who had held the top spot in 2011. Several outlets report Jennifer has accumulated all those hefty paychecks into a net worth of around $320 million - that includes beauty contracts, real estate, and more. All we have to say is wow!
This Is What Solved My Extreme Bloating Problem That 4 Doctors Couldn't Figure Out
A lot of things changed when I moved to San Francisco. I was much colder. I bought my first real jacket. I tried Philz Coffee for the first time. I started a new job. And, out of nowhere, my stomach started ballooning arbitrarily throughout the week making me look three-to-six-months pregnant at any given moment, for no apparent reason.
Things that didn't change: my diet, my exercise routine (OK, I started doing a lot more SoulCycle), and my overall health. I wasn't eating more food or less healthy food, so I knew it wasn't weight gain . . . especially when my pregnant-looking belly would mysteriously disappear by morning, and I was back to a flat stomach. But sometime during the day, I'd eat a peach or go to a cardio workout, and BAM: back to bloat. Biiiig bloat. I would snap photos to send to my mom (as you'll see below) because I couldn't believe what was happening to me, and I was horrified.
For 11 months, I wasn't comfortable with my body. I couldn't wear fitted clothing (aka, ALL of my activewear), because I knew at some point, my lower abdomen would jet out, and anyone who didn't know me would assume I was with child. I've been so afraid to eat, because I knew that anything could trigger my stomach, from a piece of fruit to a sip of sports drink. Yet then there would be days when I said "eff it!" and ate Cinnamon Toast Crunch and milk, and nothing happened. It made absolutely no sense.
I've never felt more more ashamed of my appearance, or more uncomfortable in my own skin . . . and I'm even ashamed to admit that! My body simply didn't feel like mine. And the worst part was that it didn't seem like there was an explanation or end in sight.
I saw so many doctors and went through so many labs; my initial appointment was to see if it was hormonal. It wasn't. I saw an OB-GYN. I had two ultrasounds. I tried the low-FODMAPS diet (it didn't go well). I had my blood tested for a thyroid imbalance. My doctors were stumped, and I was frustrated to the point of many angry tears.
"For 11 months, I wasn't comfortable with my body . . . I've never felt more more ashamed of my appearance."
Two glimmers of hope seemed to come at once: my doctor referred me to a phenomenal GI, and one of my close friends referred me to an acupuncturist and naturopathic doctor here in the city. Although I had been through so many appointments and tests already with no results, I tried to remain optimistic. And these were still two avenues I hadn't tried!
First up was my acupuncture visit with Dr. Magnolia Ng of Advance Health SF, and then my GI appointment with gastroenterologist, Dr. Daniel Conlin. Two very different doctors from very different backgrounds seemed to know the source immediately: stress. It was the first time anyone had brought up the idea that something mental could trigger such a strong physical reaction, but they both seemed certain. Stress was the one factor that did come into play when I moved. Long-distance move to a new city, new job, new everything equals one stressed out me. I didn't even notice because everything has been so go-go-go.
Dr. Conlin didn't cut any corners in his approach, and he didn't just write me off saying, "you're stressed, just calm down!" and send me on my way after collecting a copay. He tested my blood and breath for celiac, SIBO, h. pylori, IBD, and post-infection bacterial overgrowth (everything came back negative). He asked me to eliminate dairy, despite the fact that he didn't really think I was lactose intolerant. He went through so many avenues, but kept coming back to the idea that it was probably stress-induced. I asked him if I was a "freak case" or if he had seen this in other patients, and he said, "You're definitely not alone; I see this in many young women your age, typically high-achieving, A-type college grads who work here [in San Francisco] in some kind of fast-paced tech or startup company." It was like he read my bio. He knew. I knew. It was stress.
What I appreciated most about Dr. Conlin was his approach to treatment. He said if it was a celiac or SIBO case, he'd have different recommendations, but for me, he thought acupuncture, charcoal tablets, ginger root, and ginger tea, and specifically Align probiotics would be helpful in my treatment (he noted that it's the only brand he recommends, so I went with it). His openness to natural treatment despite coming from a Western background increased my trust in him and made me more comfortable in my health journey.
It was hard to explain to family and friends that stress was causing arbitrary abdominal distention, so I wanted to learn more. Apparently, an influx of stress can upset the microbiome (the ecosystem of good and bad bacteria in your gut, which can influence nearly all areas of your health). I spoke with Amie Valpone, nutritionist and founder of TheHealthyApple.com, who gave me some incredible insight as to what has been happening in my body. "Having too much non-beneficial bacteria in your gut has been linked to many health issues such as heart disease, fibromyalgia, eczema, asthma, depression, cancer, autoimmunity, allergies, obesity, autism, and allergies," she said . . . and in my case, inexplicable abdominal distention.
"We are so caught up in our busy lives that we don't realize how stressed out we are - that's when the health issues start to appear out of nowhere."
"When our microbiome is out of balance from stress, we get an imbalance of non-beneficial bacteria such as yeasts, parasites, and bad bacteria that take over and make us feel bloated, tired, and bring along a host of unwanted symptoms that range from person to person."
She went on to say that "change in diet, travel, processed foods, and stress from work, our family, friends, and so forth," can trigger this imbalance, but "we are so caught up in our busy lives that we don't realize how stressed out we are - that's when the health issues start to appear out of nowhere." It was amazing to hear those words of affirmation, because that's exactly what I had experienced. It was totally out of nowhere, and I truly had been so caught up in my busy life.
My gut was off thanks to stress, which caused the inexplicable bloating (that couldn't be attributed to anything I was eating) and the mission now was to use different natural remedies together to restore balance and get me out of a place of stress (that's a work in progress, honestly). "The goal is to address the underlying root cause of why your gut is imbalanced in the first place, instead of covering up your symptoms with a Band-Aid approach," said Amie. "That's where food, stress, mind-body practices, and probiotics come into play."
Dr. Ng had an additional approach to pair with my acupuncture treatments for both stress and energy blockages in my abdomen: Chinese herbs. She prescribed and gave me a bottle of Mu Xiang Shun Qi Pian, or "BloatEase," to take three times a day. "Emotional upset such as frustrations or worry, overwork, and a constitutional or genetic weakness can make a person prone to digestive disorders," she told me. The herbs and the acupuncture were intended to set things right again. She also mentioned to me the importance of using both traditional Eastern medicine in combination with Western medicine - and my recovery has been a testament to that.
The combination of treatment has been absolutely life changing for me. The Chinese herbs, probiotics, and acupuncture treatment (along with continuing to eat a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and staying on my workout schedule) has helped restore my body to its natural shape. The bloating is going away, even though I still have to work on de-stressing. When it does happen, the bloating has decreased in size, severity, discomfort, and frequency, and I'm finally starting to feel comfortable with my body again.
What did I learn from all this? For one, Western and Eastern medicine aren't mutually exclusive, and in fact, when they're used together, they've got a symbiotic, 360 approach that can be even more effective than if either were used on their own.
I've also learned to advocate for my health. If you're not getting answers, don't give up. Make another appointment. Bug your doctor. Ask for another referral. Don't take no for an answer. The world of healthcare is freaking nuts, and if you don't advocate for yourself, no one else will. I got pretty lucky in the way that my doctors were really helpful and responsive when I pushed, but I still had to jump through a lot of hoops to get the treatment I needed. Don't be intimidated, don't give up, and most of all, don't stress. A solution is out there for you, too.
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