And what hummingbirds may lack in size, they make up for in tenacity, she explains, noting that these birds are fierce and known to attack intruders with their long, pointy beaks and fast-beating wings. They can even drive away much larger birds, and because of this, “they were once honored in both myth and history as courageous and lively warriors,” she tells mbg. Before we break down a few more specific meanings behind this animal, it’s worth noting that you should always take your personal associations with any animal into account when trying to interpret its message for you....

Aside from gaining weight during three pregnancies (and far more than the “healthy” level for the first two) and consciously losing it afterwards, my weight has usually been “average” with a few highs and lows. Since I am fairly tall (5’8), a few extra pounds are easier to carry. Being underweight was more obvious as my long limbs looked longer than usual and along with that came comments (usually from my parents) about not eating enough....

While there are many proposed benefits of intermittent fasting, like improved digestion, better sleep, and increased energy, one question that surrounds intermittent fasting is whether or not it can help with healthy weight loss and management. There are many types of intermittent fasting, but the basic idea is that you alternate set periods of time when you eat with set periods of time when you fast, or completely abstain from food....

“When I get that scratch in my throat, I go straight for the Manuka honey,” Will Cole, D.C., IFMCP, functional medicine expert, told mbg. “This honey from New Zealand has even higher nutritional content than regular raw honey and has next-level antimicrobial properties. I’ll add a little to my dandelion tea throughout the day.” But what sets it apart from all the other wonderful honeys out there? While raw honey’s reputation as a medicinal aid is largely due to its antimicrobial activity that stems from its hydrogen peroxide3 content, Manuka honey contains additional compounds—methylglyoxal (MGO), dihydroxyacetone (DHA), and a few others—that make it even more beneficial4 for both internal and topical use....

Those stones eventually became associated with the 12 different zodiac signs, and then, the 12 months of the year. Finally, in the early 1900s, the National Association of Jewelers made the 12 birthstones official. Today, they’re often gifted on birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, and more. “Aquamarine is the blue variety of the mineral beryl,” she says, adding, “It encourages you to follow your curiosity and can help you break out of mindless routines, stale habits, and fear-based thinking....

Sure, sleeping with someone outside of the relationship behind one partner’s back is pretty undoubtedly considered cheating. But what about frequently hanging out with someone you’re sexually attracted to? The latter, and more obscure, scenario could fall under the umbrella of “micro cheating.” This subtle form of cheating doesn’t involve physical intimacy with the other (i.e. they haven’t kissed or had sex with another person), but the actions do break a couple’s agreements about romantic exclusivity in other ways....

One area that has gained a lot of interest lately is nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a coenzyme responsible for cell metabolic activity and energy production, and its role in slowing down the physical and mental changes of aging. We know that NAD+ decreases as we get older—but we also know you can support your levels through supplementation. This includes the buzzy nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplements. While they both support the production of NAD+, there are differences in how they work and the science behind them....