How can being too clean make us sick? Well, it turns out that excessive cleanliness or a lack of exposure to bacteria, viruses and allergens prevents the normal development of the immune system, which eventually increases the chance of disorders within this system down the road. This is called the hygiene hypothesis, and it explains why allergyContinue reading “Can cleanliness increase your risk of developing allergies and asthma?”
Category Archives: Hormonal (Endocrine) Imbalances
Reduce anxiety, naturally
Government statistics show that over 13% of people in Hong Kong aged 16 to 75 have common mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. According to a 2015 study, 27.8% of Hong Kong’s primary school children have anxiety symptoms so severe that professional help is warranted (Click here to read more on stress and anxiety inContinue reading “Reduce anxiety, naturally”
What you should know about alcohol bloating and weight gain
You drink a few glasses of wine and there it is- your stomach or abdomen expands to a point where it’s uncomfortable, noticeable and embarrassing. Why does this happen? It turns out that drinking alcohol may lead to irritation and inflammation in the stomach (i.e. gastritis) which leads to bloating. Alcohol can also cause weightContinue reading “What you should know about alcohol bloating and weight gain”
10 signs your thyroid isn’t functioning properly
Researchers say that 10% of the general population have thyroid disorders. If you’re a woman over the age of 35, take heed- Experts estimate that 1 in 3 women over 35 develop thyroid illness at one point in their lifetime. The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, produces thyroid hormones which regulate your body’sContinue reading “10 signs your thyroid isn’t functioning properly”
Are you eating these top healthful foods?
Healthful foods make you feel great and give you energy, improving your health and boosting your mood. A healthful diet generally includes a variety of fruits and vegetables of many colors, whole grains, good fats, and lean protein. Below are the top foods considered to be the most healthy (in no particular order), according toContinue reading “Are you eating these top healthful foods?”
Is the Keto Diet safe for everyone?
Have you heard of the Ketogenic (or Keto) Diet? Established in the 1920s when doctors used it as a therapy to treat epilepsy patients, the Keto Diet has become one of the most popular weight loss diets in recent years. So, what exactly is the Keto Diet and is it safe for everyone? What isContinue reading “Is the Keto Diet safe for everyone?”
2019’s “Dirty Dozen”: What are the most pesticide-laden foods?
The 2019 Dirty Dozen™ List is out! Here is the list of foods that contain the most pesticide residues: Strawberries Spinach Kale Nectarines Apples Grapes Peaches Cherries Pears Tomatoes Celery Potatoes The list is released each year by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization which uses more than 40,000 produce samplesContinue reading “2019’s “Dirty Dozen”: What are the most pesticide-laden foods?”
How to boost fertility and IVF success
Planning for a successful pregnancy? Many couples are encouraged, after a few months of trying without success, to consider assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as IUI or IVF. Though these fertility procedures help bring the sperm and egg (closer) together, they are rather costly and often stressful- not to mention not always successful. In fact, theContinue reading “How to boost fertility and IVF success”
How to protect your memory and brain health
Whether you want to sharpen your memory or prevent cognitive decline, the following tips will help keep your brain healthy and functioning optimally: Challenge your brain. Work, read, do a crossword puzzle or solve Sudoku. Play bridge or mahjong with a group, or challenge a friend to a game of chess. If you are onContinue reading “How to protect your memory and brain health”
How much alcohol is too much?
Alcohol is one of the most widely used recreational drugs in the world. Do you drink? You may be a social drinker or you may drink every day. Perhaps you drink a glass of wine once a month or you finish a whole bottle in one evening. But have you ever stopped and wondered, how muchContinue reading “How much alcohol is too much?”