Most people have an enzyme within their saliva called amylase, which, like a giant pair of shearing scissors, has the ability to cut apart big and bulky starch molecules into simpler sugars. That’s the first step in making big threads of starch molecules available for the body to use easily as energy. And amylase is really good at cutting up starch. You may or may not have inherited multiple copies of the gene your body uses to make the protein amylase, called AMY1....

That’s the first line on my dating profile. Yes, really. Call me weird, but I firmly believe smart is sexy—and new research suggests I’m not alone here. Thanks to an upcoming paper1 in the Journal of Personality and Individual Differences, there’s now scientific proof that being intelligent makes you more attractive. The first half of the study focused specifically on straight people, yielding some intriguing heterosexuality-specific findings: Men and women alike preferred equally or more intelligent partners when it came to both short-term and long-term relationships....

And according to Amy Shah, M.D., there’s a perfectly good reason we might feel a little under the weather around that time of the month, and it has everything to do with our hormones. Although you might think cutting back on IF during your period is the way to go, this doc believes fasting while you’re menstruating is actually just fine—it’s only the week before that’s a no-go. Here’s why you shouldn’t fast right before your period starts and how to do it safely to reap the most benefits....

The fearful-avoidant attachment style is considered to be a combination of the anxious attachment style and the avoidant attachment style. People with an anxious attachment style are constantly seeking more intimacy and reassurances in their relationships, often coming off as “needy” partners, whereas people with an avoidant attachment style tend to do the opposite and push others away out of a fear of intimacy. But the fearful-avoidant attachment style involves a combination of both feeling anxious for affection and avoiding it at all costs....

Here’s everything you need to know about how to sext, including tons of examples for you to try with your partner and general rules to keep in mind for an optimal sexting experience that leaves both you and your partner feeling good after being a little bad. It can be as simple as the quick recounting of a memory (“last night was so hot, I loved the way you pushed me up against the wall”), or it can be a 10-paragraph erotic novel your partner writes specifically for you via text without any expectation of a response besides a “thank you....

Many realize that true healing of the skin comes from within, and we discuss the countless detox cleanses, diets and eating programs they’ve tried. So often they’re at their wit’s end because nothing has worked for them so far. Sure, herbal creams, serums, or toners applied topically are a wonderful add-on and provide more immediate healing. However, they only work if they are also used internally. Combining internal and topical treatment together is the most effective way to achieve complete, long-term results....

Whether that means getting more sleep, managing your stress levels, doing more yoga, or just enjoying the slow pace of your otherwise hectic schedule, maximizing your well-being might look completely different depending on your health goals—and your at-home quarantine itinerary will reflect that. That said, “reset” what makes you happy. Rather than purchasing items or traveling, think about what makes you truly happy during this time of social distancing. Even identifying the simplest of pleasures can help you figure out what’s the basis of your happiness....