HealthYour 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 […]READ MORE
April 27, 2026
Published by Grace O
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
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
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 […]
April 9, 2026
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO
A green smoothie can be blended in a matter of seconds and makes for a delicious breakfast, snack, or post-workout recovery drink. Juicing can remove fiber from fruits and vegetables, taking away some of the nutritional benefits of these foods. Making a smoothie or shake instead is simpler (just throw in the whole ingredient and blend!) and keeps the fiber intact for increased satiety. Instead of basing your beverage on fruit, make vegetables your main ingredient and flavor with sweet fruit and other culinary flavors like cinnamon or vanilla. Feel free to swap in your personal favorites if desired. Ingredients […]
March 30, 2026
Published by FoodTrients
Most nutritionists agree there is no one dietary pattern that’s ideal for everyone. In addition to your unique combination of genes, medical history, cultural and family background, taste preferences and daily living patterns, you apply your own set of values to your eating approach. Some people may focus on preventing or managing disease, others on protecting the environment, some on managing weight, others on enjoying what they eat and so on. Prioritizing what matters to you can help determine your eating style. The six dietary patterns discussed here have dominated headlines over the past few years. We’ve tapped nutrition experts […]
March 30, 2026
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO
Herbs have been used in traditional and folk medicines for centuries for treating illness. People throughout the ages also had something on their minds that we still do today…longevity. Some herbs do in fact have research indicating they help with healthy aging for a variety of reasons. Whether an herb is improving sleep, lowering stress, or boosting antioxidant status, they are likely working against biological processes that cause the body to age. DNA damage, free radical damage and dysfunction of the body on a cellular level all may contribute to aging issues including disease of the heart, neurological system, or […]
March 3, 2026
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO
Digestive health is a critical part of overall wellness. The foods we eat can influence everything from our mood and immune system to how efficiently our bodies absorb nutrients. Staying well is the focus of the sixth part in our series exploring the nine health benefits at the core of FoodTrients® and all of our recipes. What you eat matters, which is why we explore one of these incredible anti-aging benefits each month and show how the right foods can help support long-term health. You may be familiar with the phrase “gut health,” but understanding its true importance requires looking […]
February 10, 2026
Published by Dr. Mark Rosenberg
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. According to the latest data from the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease accounts for nearly 1 million deaths per year, continuing to surpass cancer and other major causes of mortality. Beyond the human toll, heart disease remains one of the most expensive health conditions in the country, costing the U.S. over $400 billion annually in healthcare expenses and lost productivity. Most people focus on the obvious risk factors — diet, exercise, smoking, and alcohol. But there’s another potential contributor that doesn’t get nearly […]
February 10, 2026
Published by Grace O
Valentine’s Day brings warmth and joy to the often gloomy month of February. And let’s be honest—what’s Valentine’s Day without chocolate? As a child, I cherished the rare occasions when my parents treated me to American-made chocolates as a special reward, making each bite even more delightful. Later in life, my husband won my heart with roses and decadent chocolates on this romantic holiday. It’s no surprise that chocolate has become synonymous with love! The great news is that chocolate is an honest-to-goodness FoodTrient! Dark chocolate is loaded with vitamins, antioxidants and even some fiber. Sugar, butter, milk and admittedly other […]
February 10, 2026
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO
Hypertension, a common cardiovascular concern affecting 1.3 billion people worldwide, is also called high blood pressure. It’s a condition that requires a multifaceted approach to management with a focus on preventive care. While medication plays a crucial role, dietary choices can significantly impact your blood pressure levels and should be a first line treatment. In this article, we explore five Foodtrients® foods that provide blood pressure management benefits that you can start incorporating today! Before we dive into the foods you should be including, be sure that you have a plan to know your numbers and have meaningful discussions with […]
February 10, 2026
Published by FoodTrients
From the moment we are born, our cells begin to age. But aging does not have to mean decline. World-renowned surgeon Dr. Steven Gundry has been treating mature patients for most of his career. He knows that everyone thinks they want to live forever, until they hit middle age and witness the suffering of their parents and even their peers. So how do we solve the paradox of wanting to live to a ripe old age—but enjoy the benefits of youth? This groundbreaking book holds the answer. Working with thousands of patients, Dr. Gundry has discovered that the “diseases of […]
January 14, 2026
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO
Sleeping well is one of the most critical things we can do for our health. Working out and eating right can only take you so far if your body is stressed from lack of sleep. It is needed to calm stress hormones like cortisol, to support the natural immune system, for repair and for cleaning out the brain – yes, that happens each night when you sleep! Foods that contain critical nutrients for sleep (including magnesium, calcium, B3, B6, B12, certain amino acids, antioxidants and melatonin regulators) top the list of 50 foods that support great sleep and should be […]
January 13, 2026
Published by Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO
February is not only a time to celebrate love and relationships but it is also American Hearth Month. This important theme helps to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease including stroke. The good news is, though heart disease affects many people and is the leading cause of death for Americans, that your risk can be lowered by up to 80 percent by making good diet and lifestyle choices. Important factors for heart health: Manage your stress Exercise regularly Focus on sleep Consume alcohol in moderation Meet with your doctor to discuss labs and testing to monitor your health Eat heart healthy […]