Wellness For Real People

Sip and Savor: Why Gratitude Deserves a Place in Your Daily Ritual At Khandu Tea , we believe well-being starts in the heart—and it’s not just about what we brew, but how we view our lives. Here's what a recent Harvard Health Blog article reveals about the power of gratitude: 1. Gratitude Boosts Health & Happiness Studies show that gratitude isn't just feel-good fluff. It’s tied to i...

Sip, Strengthen, and Thrive: How Strength Training Fuels Longevity When it comes to living longer—and living better—few things pack as much punch as strength training. A recent article from ACE Fitness highlights how this powerhouse practice helps extend not just our lifespan, but our health-span (years spent free of chronic disease) and strength-span (ability to move and function well with age) (...

Sip & Reflect: Khandu Tea Reviews “5 Things to Know About Diet Culture” At Khandu Tea, we believe that wellness isn’t just about what you sip — it’s also about how you think and feel. We recently dove into the University of Colorado Boulder’s “5 Things to Know About Diet Culture” (published February 7, 2024) and wanted to share a warm, thoughtful pour of insight: What’s Diet Culture, Really? D...

We discuss Jenette Restivo’s article, "Low-carb snacks: Easy and healthy options for any time of day," which offers practical guidance for those seeking nutritious, low-carbohydrate snack choices to maintain energy levels and curb hunger between meals. Understanding Low-Carb Snacking A low-carb snack is typically defined as containing 5 grams of carbohydrates or less per serving. Opting...

We dive into an article by Lisa Catanese, ELS, Health Writer at Harvard Health which discusses the pros and cons of noise and its impact on sleep. White noise has gained popularity as a sleep aid, but its effectiveness and safety are subjects of ongoing debate. What Is White Noise? White noise consists of all audible sound frequencies played at equal intensity, resembling the static of an untuned...

We discuss the Harvard Health article "Pay Attention to Concentration" which delves into the common challenges of maintaining focus, particularly as we age, and offers practical strategies to enhance concentration. Understanding Concentration and Executive Function As we grow older, it's natural to experience occasional lapses in concentration—like forgetting a recent conversation o...

We discuss an article that explores the Portfolio Diet's potential in promoting heart health and reducing cardiovascular disease risk. While it doesn't claim the Portfolio Diet is the ultimate diet for everyone, it highlights its significant benefits, especially concerning cholesterol management and heart disease prevention. What Is the Portfolio Diet? Developed by Dr. David J. Jenkins i...

So, your doctor delivered the news: your blood work suggests you are prediabetic. If you’re anything like me, panic begins. Your mind is racing. How could this happen? Questions flood your mind, especially about your diet. What should you eat? What should you avoid? How can you control this condition? Is it reversible? These tips are based on research from Tara Seymour, advanced practice clinical...

How often have you sat down in front of the TV with a bag of popcorn or chips and before you know it, the whole bag is gone? In our fast-paced world filled with distractions, the act of eating often becomes a mindless routine. But what if the way we eat could profoundly impact our health and well-being? Enter mindful eating—a simple approach that not only enhances our relationship with food but al...

Dr. Alan Poisner, at the age of 88, stands as a testament to the power of walking. He started competitive racewalking at 50…yes, 38 years ago, he has since earned an impressive list of achievements, securing five gold medals in international competitions and setting records at the National Senior Games. But his expertise isn't just in winning races – it's also in understanding the profou...

Do you feel like you've already mastered the art of a healthy lifestyle? Linda DuVal offers five simple-and-powerful ideas to help you thrive: 1. Mindful Eating:  Nourish your body with an abundance of fresh, unprocessed foods. Hydration is key; strive for at least 64 ounces of water daily. Moderation is the name of the game for caffeine and alcohol. A balanced diet sets the stage for vitalit...

Loneliness can cast a long shadow. The impact of loneliness on our well-being is profound, with links to heart disease, depression, and even a shorter lifespan. However, there are ways to combat loneliness and cultivate happiness by enhancing your social network. Let’s explore three helpful strategies to develop meaningful connections. 1. Find Your Tribe One effective way to combat loneliness is t...

A good night's sleep is a cornerstone of overall well-being, influencing your physical health, mental clarity, and daily performance. However, achieving restful sleep isn't always as easy as drifting off when you lay down; it's also about fostering healthy behaviors throughout the day, and particularly in the hours leading up to bedtime. Sleep hygiene is a set of practices designed...

We’ve all heard it: "Eat your fruits and veggies!" Yet, in the overwhelming sea of choices at the grocery store, which ones truly pack the biggest nutritional punch? Well, brace yourself for a surprise, because according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one of the healthiest veggies isn't a leafy green, but rather, it's watercress, boasting a perfect sco...

The next time you are in a challenging conversation, try validation. It is an incredibly helpful tool for defusing intense emotions. Validation, the art of acknowledging someone's feelings and viewpoint without necessarily agreeing, is a potent strategy that can foster understanding and trust in emotionally charged situations. Validation serves as the cornerstone of dialectical behavior thera...

Just how bad can sugary drinks be for your longevity? Hint: Pretty bad! When it comes to managing diabetes risks, dietary choices play a crucial role in maintaining stable blood sugar levels. A recent study conducted by Harvard University, published in April 2023 by The BMJ, sheds light on an essential aspect of blood sugar management: the impact of sugary drinks on cardiovascular health and overa...

Weight loss medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy have become popular topics lately. And while they can help with weight loss,  Andrea Petersen argues that maintaining overall health requires more than just relying on medication. According to Dr. Amanda Velazquez, director of obesity medicine at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, “When people lose a lot of weight quickly, they lose not only fat but als...

Feeling drained? You’re not alone! Millions of us experience burnout at some point in our lives. Sometimes it lasts for a short season, and for some people it becomes a chronic problem. Here are three effective ways to replenish your emotional well-being when in the middle of burnout and exhaustion: 1. Carve Out Time for Yourself: Taking time for personal rest and rejuvenation is not a luxury but...

How do you recover from the daily stressors of life? And why is it so important for our long-term health? Today we discuss recovery tips to help you feel your best from Joe Todd, M.S. Sports Medicine, and certified strength & conditioning and tactical coach. Why is recovery so important? “You cannot pour from an empty cup.” Joe explains that in order to feel your best and have the energy neces...

Did you know that 1 in 3 American Adults, an alarming 96 million people, have prediabetes? Prediabetes often goes unnoticed due to its lack of overt symptoms. Prediabetes is characterized by blood sugar levels that are higher than the normal range but don't quite reach diabetes status. Recognizing the risk factors and clues, such as being overweight, inactivity, family history, and persistent...

Perhaps you’ve heard about it on the news, or from your healthcare team. But what exactly is the Mediterranean diet? And why should you care? The Mediterranean diet, characterized by a primarily plant-based eating plan, has gained recognition for its potential health benefits. The diet, based on the dietary traditions of Mediterranean countries, emphasizes foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole g...

Can you believe that over 70 million Americans are sleep deprived!?! It's time to debunk the myth that sleep is merely a luxury and instead recognize it as the necessity it truly is.  Sleep is necessary for restoring nutrients and refreshing the mind. Dr. Nancy Foldvary-Schaefer offers some surprising ways sleep deprivation can impact our health. From constant tiredness to changes in mood, in...

Grocery prices are on the rise! So what can we do to stay on budget, while still eating healthy? Registered dietitian nutritionist, Lauren Larson, shares some great tips:  Planning ahead is crucial  While it can be tempting to just roam the aisles and throw whatever catches your eye into the cart, those impulse purchases quickly add up. “Look at what you have in the freezer and the pantry, and cho...

Could prolonged sitting be as dangerous to your health as smoking? A growing body of evidence suggests it might. However, on the positive side, a recent study reveals that incorporating just five minutes of light walking for every 30 minutes of sitting can help counteract these harmful effects. The study was published in the Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise journal (January). It rev...

Can meditation be as effective as an anxiety medication? A recent study suggests that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), can be as effective as antidepressant medication in reducing symptoms of anxiety disorders for some people. The study randomly assigned nearly 300 participants to either take an antidepressant daily or participate in an MBSR program, which included daily meditation and w...