In the world of nutrition, some nutrients stay in the background despite playing crucial roles in your health. Cysteine is one such compound. Often referred to as l-cysteine, it comes in a few different molecular derivatives like N-Acetyl-L-cysteine or cystine. And though it may not appear in popular headlines, this semi-essential amino acid plays a

I was 13 when I went on my first diet. I had been struggling with my weight for about six years, and my obsession with how I looked was starting to dominate my life. I only had two to three shirts that I felt comfortable in. The only thing that mattered was that they didn’t

Reviewed by Denise Asafu-Adjei, M.D., MPH A few years back, PN co-founder John Berardi, PhD, posted a shirtless photo of himself on his 47th birthday. He called it his “anti-regress pic” and thanked 30 years of squats, deadlifts, presses, and chin-ups—among other exercises—for his chiseled six-pack, pumped chest, and bulging biceps. The question many commenters

The human body is full of bacteria. Believe it or not—this is a good thing. Living microbial communities play a vital role in human health. These “microbiomes” can be found in the gut, the skin, the mouth, the respiratory tract, and more. Over the past couple decades, scientists have made numerous discoveries about how the

“I just bought a new BPA-free tupperware set.” This comment, coming from my friend Anna, caught me off guard. Anna’s a highly competent law professional. She’s a critical thinker and she fights in the heavyweight division when it comes to cutting through BS. But the Anna I knew was falling into some painful traps that

There are few things more frustrating than hitting the gym regularly only to see lackluster results. If you’ve been in this situation, there’s a good chance you’ve already addressed the usual culprits: nutrition, hydration, and the structure of your workouts. (If not, this article is a great starting point!) Here’s the thing—building and maintaining muscle

Reviewed by Helen Kollias, PhD and Brian St. Pierre, MS, RD At some point in my mid-40s, the scale started climbing. A pound or two turned into five, then 10, then 20. It seemed as if I was doing all the right things: Eating less, moving more, rinse, repeat. Yet, the harder I worked, the

The human body’s capability is mind-boggling. Countless conscious and unconscious functions keep you moving, thinking, and…well, living. Like a well-oiled machine, it performs the same critical processes day after day. But of course, your body is not a machine—it’s an organism. As it turns out, humans are pretty complex. And to understand how the body

Traditional medicine has used plants to support health for centuries. And over time, many of these plants—and their health benefits—have been adopted throughout the world. Think milk thistle. Milk thistle, also known as Mary thistle or holy thistle, is a flowering plant native to Mediterranean countries. Traditionally, it has been used to support liver and

Green tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world. It has been a staple drink in China for thousands of years, where the practice of steeping tea leaves originated. From there it spread to other east Asian countries and eventually, Europe. Green tea has several health benefits and has been consumed both

When it comes to alcohol consumption and health, one claim is repeated time-and-time-again, “A glass of red wine with dinner is good for you.” But is this actually true? Let’s investigate. As it turns out, red wine contains the plant compound resveratrol—the factor behind many of the red wine health claims. Read on to learn

As modern neuroscience delves deeper into the complexities of the human brain, gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, remains a key player in this intricate biochemical orchestra. GABA has become a popular supplement ingredient because it promotes a calm nervous system and feelings of relaxation. If you’re curious about how it works, you’re in the right place.

Breathe in…breathe out. You typically do this 22,000 times a day, and yet it’s something most of us take for granted. It’s true, you don’t have to think much about it, your body just does it—first you inhale, then you exhale. But while taking a breath may seem simple at first glance, under the surface

In the hustle and hurry of today’s world, meal prep is all the rage. Hundreds, if not thousands, of articles, blog posts, and videos exist on the subject. Social media is full of meal-prep recipes, tips, tricks, and more. When confronted with all of this content, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where this article

A bad sunburn can ruin even the best moments. Between the pain and the peeling, it can be days—a week even—before your skin returns to normal. Discomfort aside, excessive UV exposure can damage your DNA. And that’s always bad news. To avoid all this, it’s best to slather on some sunscreen. Easy enough, right? Well,

As your body’s largest organ, your skin is your first line of defense against toxins and external threats. And it’s also the first thing people see, so we take care of it to look our best. Luckily, your skin’s function and appearance are connected. Dry, cracked skin is more vulnerable to environmental effects. On the

At this point, you’ve probably heard of the vegan diet. And there’s a good chance you know a handful of vegans. Veganism and other plant-based diets are becoming more and more mainstream with every passing year. According to one survey, only 1% of consumers in the U.S. identified as vegan in 2014. By 2017, that

The human body is a complicated system, to say the least. And for thousands of years, various cultures and societies have developed their own understandings of the human body and how to treat its various illnesses and ailments. One of the oldest existing examples of these treatment systems is Ayurveda (also called Ayurvedic  medicine), a

Body language is a powerful communicator. Your posture, the way you hold your body, exudes confidence. It can show others if you are listening to them or even express if you’re feeling shy, tired, and so much more. And, as it turns out, it can also affect your health. The ties between posture and health

Everything you remember, from the meaningful to the mundane, shapes how you see the world…and yourself. In many ways, your memories make you who you are. But let’s set the philosophical aside for a moment and talk practical. Throughout your day, it’s your memory that lets you perform simple tasks like finding your keys or

“Sitting is the new smoking”—this is the latest catch phrase surrounding health. Yes, perhaps it’s a bit alarmist, but the notion holds true. Sitting for extended periods can be detrimental to your health. And alas, many of us spend most of the day sitting. One study reveals more than a quarter of American adults sit

A good workout session can leave you feeling tired, sore, invigorated, happy—the list goes on and on. So, what exactly is going on inside your body? Read on to know the physiological changes your body goes through during exercise, the lasting effects—and just about everything in between. Exercise and Its Supporting Body Systems Your body

In the not-so-distant past, cell phones were a new and exciting technology. Now it seems you can’t go anywhere without seeing a smartphone in nearly every hand. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing—they are awfully practical. If you’re trying to call a friend, find the nearest coffee shop, or simply keep up with the news,

For some of us, there’s nothing better than curling up with a good book on a rainy day and reading for hours on end. And for others, there’s nothing worse. No matter which side you fall on, one fact remains the same: reading is good for both your physical and mental health. This news likely

Although people have been drinking alcohol for thousands of years, the role boozy beverages play in a healthy lifestyle is hotly debated. Some argue that teetotaling is the healthiest option, while others tout the health benefits of a daily glass of red wine. If you’re not sure what to believe…read on. At the end of