BCAA supplements may be the talk of your gym, but are they all they’re cracked up to be? Before you make any decisions, go back to the BCAA basics. Here are 8 things you should know about BCAAs. 1. Needed by your body Getting their name from their “branched” molecular structure, there are three types…
Author: Ramona Levacy Billingslea
I am a 50-something Texan with a feisty cat and a supportive husband of 25+ years. With a Master's degree in English with an emphasis on creative writing, I have taught creative writing at Texas Tech, won awards for my writing and been blessed to be mentored by Horn Professor and poet Dr. Walt McDonald. I earn a living by helping my husband's family run a health food store, but my avocation is writing. I hope you enjoy reading about some of my triumphs and tragedies as I continue to work on figuring out what life is all about and on growing my ability to share my writing. May your own journey be a blessed one.
Myths and facts surrounding men’s emotional well-being
“Mental health is inherently a taboo topic, and I think even more so with men,” says nutritionist and functional medicine practitioner Josh Gitalis. He believes societal messaging depicting unattainable stoicism is partly to blame. This, in turn, makes it difficult for men to seek health-related help. “Unfortunately,” adds Gitalis, “this sets up many men to…
Aging Strong: Nutrients support mature bodies
Whole, Fresh Diet for Health In a first attempt to gauge global diet, doctors measured 15 fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, calcium, fiber, omega-3s, and other fatty acids, milk, red and processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages, trans-fats, and sodium in populations in 195 countries over 18 years through 2017. During this time, more than…
For Women: how hormones and stress affect our digestion
While women generally have an easier time talking about our health than do our male counterparts, one area in which we lag behind is being open about our digestive issues. Many women have chronic digestive issues that come with us to work and impair productivity, while reducing overall quality of life at home. Feeling stigmatization…
Let’s demystify menopause and perimenopause
Menopause is so seldom talked about openly. Aside from some of the most common discomforts, menopause is often shrouded in mystery, and perimenopause even more so. Let’s shine a light on both. The meaning of menopause Dr. Caroline Meyer, naturopathic doctor and energy healer, tells us that, in its most technical sense, menopause is the…
Hey Ladies 40+, Here Are 9 Must-Have Supplements For You
As we age, our bodies can’t absorb some nutrients from food as well as they did years ago. Supplements can be beneficial. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the nine best supplements for women over 40! Remember to consult your health care practitioner before starting any new vitamin regimen. Your current health, medications, or…
Can Nutrient Gaps Increase The Likelihood Of Diabetes Complications?
We all need good blood sugar management in our bodies to be our healthiest selves. Excess blood sugar circulating in the body can damage vein walls, nerves, and blood flow, as well as driving cravings that could lead to over-eating. And there are many foods out there that turn to sugar the minute your body…
The anticancer benefits of physical activity
We’ve long known that regular physical activity lowers your risks of numerous types of cancer. But what about during and after your cancer treatment? The world’s leading cancer researchers say that exercise is a “super weapon” when you’re undergoing treatment. Your exercise prescription before cancer treatment A growing number of oncologists are now prescribing physical…
New insights into immune health
Health has never been a more prominent topic or concern than in the era of COVID. But for all of us, supporting our immune system is the cornerstone of our well-being, whether we’re living in a pandemic or not. “Health is defined now by most medical establishments as a state of complete physical, mental, and…
Healthy Skin: The best offense is a good defense
As the body’s largest organ, skin’s primary role is to maintain a healthy barrier between you and potential harm from the elements, including sun and rain, bacteria and germs, and stress. But are you protecting this important ally of your immune system? Skin: A complex system of protection The skin comprises three major divisions or layers,…
Tea: Harness the Power of this Simple Pleasure
As a new season approaches, it’s common to turn our minds toward rejuvenation—detoxifying ourselves from what’s not serving us and refocusing on what nurtures us. Tea, both true tea—made from the tea plant Camellia sinensis, including green, white, and black teas—and certain herbal infusions, can help in the physical process of detoxification by supporting the body’s…
Mushrooms: A delicious food that is functional too
8 amazing health benefits of mushrooms Whether added to a salad, soup, or stir-fry, or taken in supplement form, there are a myriad of ways to add mushrooms to your diet—and why not? In addition to mushrooms’ delicious taste, their polyphenol, polysaccharide (a specialized type of carbohydrate), vitamin, and mineral contents can provide you with…
Betsy's Health Foods: Always taking your health & your budget to heart 
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