Health Archives - FoodTrients

July 17, 2026

Published by Grace O

Your Gut Loves Variety—Here’s Why Whole Grains Belong on Your Plate

Last week, we explored the simple challenge of eating 30 different plant foods each week to support a healthy gut microbiome. The wonderful thing about this challenge is that it doesn’t have to be complicated—every fruit, vegetable, herb, spice, bean, nut, seed, and whole grain counts. This week, I’d like to shine a spotlight on one of my favorite food groups for gut health: whole grains. When I visit my local farmers market during the summer, I’m always inspired by the colorful produce that fills every stand. Fresh kale, sweet peppers, mushrooms, herbs, and crisp vegetables remind me that the […]

July 9, 2026

Published by Grace O

30 Plants a Week: A Simple Longevity Habit

Forget the latest superfood craze. Nutrition experts say one of the simplest ways to support a healthy gut—and potentially a longer, healthier life—is by eating a wider variety of plant foods every week. When people think about longevity, they often picture expensive supplements, restrictive diets, or the latest “miracle” superfood. But researchers studying the gut microbiome are pointing to something much simpler: variety. Instead of focusing on one “perfect” food, scientists have found that people who eat a greater diversity of plant foods tend to have more diverse gut bacteria—a hallmark of a healthier microbiome. Since gut health has been […]

June 30, 2026

Published by FoodTrients

Take the Strong Path To Aging Better

What is sarcopenia? The term “sarcopenia” was invented recently by Irwin Rosenberg. In 1989, he first referred to loss of skeletal muscle mass and size as “sarcopenia,” by combining the Greek word for “flesh” (Sarx) with the Greek word for “loss” (penia). At the time, it was thought that the degenerative process being described was led by the loss of lean muscle mass with aging. Today, it is understood that inactivity causes muscles to lose strength through a process of denervation, the loss of nerve supply that signals muscle cells to act. It impacts all of us as we age, […]

June 30, 2026

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Top 50 Foods for Energy and Performance

You can’t be active or workout without the right fuel for your body. The food you eat makes a huge difference in athletic performance and also for a quick stop at the gym. Foods that contain energy in the form of carbohydrates and protein in addition to certain vitamins, antioxidants and stimulants known to boost performance top the list of 50 foods for physical activity. Here they are: 1. Almonds The key to using almonds to fuel activity lies not only in their caloric density – a useful combination of healthy unsaturated fat, protein and carbohydrates – but also in […]

June 30, 2026

Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO

Calm Your Mind and Body: The Power of Lemon Balm

Stress comes in so many forms and affects the body in different ways. There’s emotional stress, schedule or time-related stress, work or school related pressure, and even stress on the body from environmental toxins or other damage. A lot of this is unavoidable – it’s part of daily life – and the body has ways to adapt to it but if stress builds up, it can lead to disease, inflammation and unbalanced hormones. There are ways to help the body naturally adapt to stress in all forms and the powerful herb lemon balm has been used for centuries for this […]

May 7, 2026

Published by Grace O

Eat the Rainbow: Phytonutrients for Healthy Aging

Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate how the simplest meals—often the most colorful—can be the most nourishing. Growing up and through my travels, I’ve always been drawn to vibrant fruits and vegetables, not only for their beauty, but for how they make you feel. We’ve explored how stress, fiber, and gut health all play a role in how we feel each day. But how do we bring it all together—simply and naturally—on the plate? One of the easiest and most effective ways is to eat a variety of colorful, whole foods. The Power of Color in Food The vibrant […]

April 27, 2026

Published by Grace O

Your Gut Is Your Second Brain: How Food Affects Mood, Stress, and Aging

We often think of our brain as the center of how we feel—our mood, our stress, our energy. But there is another system in the body quietly influencing all of these: the gut. Often referred to as the “second brain,” the gut is home to trillions of microorganisms that play a vital role in how we feel each day—not just physically, but emotionally as well. I’ve always believed that the foods we choose each day are deeply connected to how the body functions as a whole. One of the most powerful of these connections is the one between the gut […]

April 23, 2026

Published by Grace O

Fiber Is the New Protein: Why Everyone Is “Fiber-Maxxing”

For years, protein has dominated the wellness conversation. From protein shakes to high-protein snacks, it became the nutrient everyone focused on. But in 2026, the spotlight is shifting—and fiber is finally getting the attention it deserves. Welcome to the era of “fiber-maxxing.” It may sound like a trend, but this movement is rooted in something much deeper: a growing understanding that fiber plays a central role in gut health, inflammation, metabolism, and even how we age. The Missing Nutrient in Modern Diets Despite all the attention on healthy eating, most people still fall short when it comes to fiber. The […]

April 16, 2026

Published by Grace O

Lowering Cortisol Naturally: What You Need to Know (and What to Eat)

There are so many things in life that elevate stress—work, family, children, and the day-to-day responsibilities we all carry. Over time, especially as we age, that constant pressure can take a real toll on the body. That’s one of the reasons it’s so important to nourish ourselves with foods that help manage daily stress and support overall well-being. We all experience stress, but when it becomes constant, the body begins to feel the effects. Cortisol—often called the stress hormone—plays an important role in keeping us alert and energized. The challenge comes when it stays elevated for too long. That’s when […]