Friday's Top 5 Tips and Trends

How are your New Year’s resolutions going? Stay on track with these new tips and trends in the world of natural health.

1. Vitamin D may contribute to baby’s muscle development

If you’re pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, here’s some good news about vitamin D: a new report has found that when mothers have higher levels of vitamin D in their bodies while pregnant, their babies have stronger muscles. Vitamin D is already well known for its role in strengthening bones, but this role in muscle strength may come as a surprise. Speak with your health care practitioner to ensure you’re getting enough of this important vitamin—some of us may require supplementation.

2. Is there an “asthma diet?”

According to new animal research, a high-fibre diet may help those suffering from asthma. The theory is that fibre in the diet helps feed healthy bacteria in the gut, which then boosts the immune system, leading to reduced asthma symptoms, and so far, the results are promising. Although it’s still too soon to apply the results to humans, most of us can benefit from adding extra fibre to our diets.

3. Beat Blue Monday!

How did you feel this past Monday? If you were a bit down, you weren’t alone. The first Monday after the holidays is called “Blue Monday” because of the post-vacation letdown in getting back to the daily grind. Researchers also observe a surge in depression in the winter months following December. Sound familiar? Learn more about seasonal affective disorder, or find ways to change up your routine and become inspired.

4. Celebrate National Bread Month

There’s nothing like freshly baked bread straight from the oven—especially this time of year when we’re craving rich, hearty meals and comfort foods. Since January is National Bread Month, why not try these delicious alive homemade bread recipes that are healthy too?

5. Conflict of interest in sugary drink studies?

If you hear reports that there’s no connection between sugary soft drinks and obesity, consider the source. A new report that examined 17 studies on the subject found a very suspicious conclusion: of the studies that received no funding from the soft drink industry, 83 percent found a direct link between the sugary drinks and weight gain or obesity. The reverse was also true: 83 percent of the studies supported by the industry didn’t find a direct link. Hmm … if you drink soft drinks, you might want to think twice about “diet” options as well—new research is linking artificial sweeteners to weight gain as well.