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“Although certain types of approved pesticides can be used in organic agriculture, they are often natural substances, whereas conventional agriculture uses harsher man-made pesticides,” says registered dietician, Erika Fox, RDN. Additionally, Fox says organic produce is grown using natural fertilizers compared to conventional, which uses (you guessed it) synthetic fertilizer. Our soil contains critical microbial life that typically gets destroyed when crops are sprayed with pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and so on....

While choosing the best running leggings and running shoes is absolutely integral, there’s one piece of apparel I beg you not to neglect: socks. The best running socks, however, will allow you to forget they’re even there—a comfy, silent supporter through every stride. Fortunately, sock companies are making innovative pairs with runners’ every need in mind, from breathability to cushion. What are the best running socks, you ask? As mbg’s fitness editor and a dedicated runner, I’ve rounded up some top-notch socks to add to your drawer, stat....

Here’s your easy-to-follow guide to what makes cookware “toxic,” how to find cleaner materials and brands, and how to use them safely. Because all you should have to worry about in the kitchen is nailing that recipe. For a long while, these chemicals were used to give nonstick materials like Teflon their slick coating. There’s research suggesting that exposure to PFAS can cause hormone disruption, reproductive issues2, and certain cancers3 in animals and humans—though scientists are still unsure about the level of exposure needed to affect health....

Does the person who asks these questions get answers? Do the answers build self-esteem? Does the problem keep reappearing? A higher-quality question would be, This is a very interesting situation, what do I need to learn so that it never happens again? or, What can I do to make this situation better? If you want more energy, excitement or happiness in your life, simply ask yourself the following questions on a consistent basis:

You can take up playing chess, learning a new language, or juggling. And playing boardgames can stimulate your thinking, as well as your hand-eye coordination. You can even do something simple like learn a new direction to drive to work, type or scroll with the opposite hand, or combine your senses by eating while listening to music with your eyes closed. Walk outdoors where the terrain isn’t predictable so that you’re perfecting your balance and working your foot-eye coordination at the same time....

While conventional small-talk questions (think What do you do for work? Where did you grow up? etc.) might be necessary at the start, asking thoughtful questions can foster a more intimate friendship, and asking lighthearted questions can keep the relationship playful—both of which are important traits in a lasting friendship. As important as asking questions can be, it’s equally important to make space for active listening. That’s where reciprocity comes into play....

Sometimes it’s just not possible to make it into a studio for class, and many of us may be stuck in our homes looking for the best way to practice. Regardless, developing a home yoga practice and committing to it is a profound tool for deepening into your own personal relationship with yoga.

Common cold viruses infect the nose, throat, larynx, and sinuses, causing sore throat, hoarseness, cough, achiness, and congestion but lack the severe symptoms of fever and extreme exhaustion that you get with the “flu,” or influenza. You can “catch” a cold through respiratory droplets in the air but also from touching contaminated surfaces, where they can live for up to three hours outside the human body. We tend to catch more colds in the fall and winter months, when the virus is more contagious and replicates more easily....

It is estimated that over 159 million Americans consume tea every day. And, no doubt, some of those tea-drinkers are in it for more than just the delicate flavor. And while they all offer certain health benefits, green tea is often the tea of choice for the health-conscious crowd. Here, let’s break down how exactly green tea got its status as a veritable health hero and why. The therapeutic properties1 of green tea have been known for thousands of years, and now, modern science has been confirming these properties and more....

To become a fat burner, go four to six hours between meals. The key is to include what I like to call the “satiety trifecta” in every meal. (“Satiety” is the medical term for feeling full.) Adding fiber, healthy fats, and clean protein to your plate will ensure you feel fuller longer every time. The only exception to the four-to-six-hour rule is when you work out. You can always have half of a protein bar pre-workout or a protein shake afterward, even if it’s between meals....

It’s also worth noting there’s limited research on this topic, so we can’t draw any hard conclusions. However, there are certainly science-backed properties of a bath that could alleviate certain cold symptoms. And finally, as with any home remedy, check with your doctor before pursuing a regimen like this—especially if you’re pregnant or have any heart or liver illness. If you’ve never done this before, 20 minutes is plenty. Especially with the added ginger, the bath will cause you to sweat more than usual, and it will feel quite hot....

These innovative at-home tests help determine which foods (and supplements) are ideal, and which are not so great, all based on our genetics. Below, find my detailed Viome at-home test review. I’ll walk you through my experience, how Viome holds up to its competitors, and share whether my results were easily digestible (pun intended). Alice Williams, a physician and health enthusiast, explains that the gut microbiome is a collection of trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms that live in the digestive tract....

I love adding resistance bands to my workouts because they help me increase intensity, build more muscle, and create definition. Plus, they won’t break the bank or take up space like dumbbells or other bulky equipment.

But don’t just take my word for it. The micro French mani is having a major moment right now, and the hype is only expected to grow in 2023: According to Pinterest’s annual trend report, searches for “micro french nails” are up 235%. Below, you can learn how to master this universally flattering look—and make it your own. “It’s not overpowering, especially if you are wearing a fun, over-the-top, [holiday] themed outfit,” adds Rachel Apfel Glass, founder of GLOSSLAB....

And while you can use aloe vera alone as a conditioner or hair mask, we wanted to take it next level. So we tapped into a few experts to get their take on how to whip up a DIY leave-in conditioner and mask combo using a few other ingredients you’ll likely already have in your pantry: Aloe vera’s benefits for skin and hair are well known. It’s chock-full of vitamin A, C, and E; minerals; and water (hello, hydration)....

If anger is ill-affecting our family, friendships, or work relationships, we need to take a step back and assess. Anger can be both a cause and a symptom of emotional instability, mental health challenges, and even a hormone imbalance. No matter the trigger, it is important to determine if the severity or frequency of angry outbursts is truly damaging. Functional and healthy anger occurs when an individual’s personal boundaries are violated, he explains....

And if you’re reading this before you give a substantial loan, Norris recommends outlining a repayment plan prior. “You should always set up rules for paying back at the beginning,” she says. “But if that didn’t happen or didn’t get respected, then you find a time for a calm ‘official’ discussion.” And before entering the conversation, there are a few things you need to consider yourself: What was the money being used for?...

The process has been connected to weight loss, better insulin control, and even a reduced risk of conditions like heart disease and cancer. Enter the process called autophagy. During autophagy, the body marks damaged parts of cells, unused proteins, and other junk in the body for removal and clears them out. This is a form of cellular cleansing and, really, the true meaning of a detox. Autophagy also helps deliver nutrients1 to cells that need them....

A naturally occurring compound, betaine anhydrous is an amino acid derivative composed of the amino acid glycine and three methyl groups. In the body, its primary role is as a methyl donor, transferring those extra methyl groups to other compounds. This is important for promoting a healthy methylation cycle, keeping our metabolism running smoothly, and supporting liver detoxification.* Betaine is often talked about as a pair with its more mainstream sidekick choline, an essential nutrient often included with B-complex supplements because its benefits are very similar....