Here’s the 101 on the skin microbiome and how to care for yours. The skin microbiome changes depending on the “eco-niche3,” or location. The critters also vary depending on the amount of light and whether the area is moist, dry, hairy, or oily. And the microbiome differs with age and gender. For instance, a hormonal, sweaty teenage boy sports a very different microbiome than a sedentary, postmenopausal woman. Ditto for the skin microbiome....

It amazes me how many people settle for health problems like a low libido because they think it’s normal or a side effect of aging. Just because something is common doesn’t make it normal. My job as a functional medicine practitioner is to get to the root cause of health problems like a low sex drive. So instead of just taking another pill, why don’t we actually find out why you have the problem in the first place?...

We absolutely love that many multivitamin companies are shifting to vegan formulas, but many fail to include critical micronutrients that plant-based individuals often struggle to consume enough of from diet alone. “Modern multivitamins feature a comprehensive formula (read: complete lineup of fat- and water-soluble vitamins, macrominerals, and microminerals) while simultaneously delivering powerful botanical phytonutrients like carotenoids (e.g., beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene) and antioxidant powerhouses (e.g., resveratrol, glutathione),”* mbg’s vice president of scientific affairs, Ashley Jordan Ferira, Ph....

That’s because research shows2 the body is more equipped to manage blood sugar and insulin levels after a carbohydrate-containing meal that’s high in protein. And then there is the long-term payoff. “Because of its blood-sugar-balancing effect, consuming adequate protein can help reduce risks of many health conditions whose roots lie in glycemic instability and inflammation related to that imbalance, such as diabetes3, cognitive decline4, and heart disease5, to name a few,” says Cording....

First things first, it’s important to know how much a meal delivery service can cost. Some brands charge up to $15 per serving, especially when catering to specific diets such as keto or Whole30. On the other end of the spectrum, you’ll find super-affordable options like EveryPlate. These budget picks cost just $5 per serving, but they often sacrifice on organic ingredients, customization, and variety to keep prices down. Our favorite picks fall right in the middle; they charge less than $10 per serving but still prioritize organic or locally sourced ingredients, as well as customization to suit each individual’s dietary needs....

A teeth whitening pen is top-notch for lifting stains with sheer precision since you can literally paint the gel directly on any discoloration giving you grief. Not to mention, there’s something about a pen applicator that just feels fun—painting on a minty gel sounds far more appealing than slapping on a set of whitening strips, no? Application perks aside, there are plenty of teeth whitening pens on the market that can brighten up your smile in a snap....

Research1 shows that there are multiple factors that impact sleep quality in kids—and according to Seema Bonney, M.D., founder and medical director of the Anti-Aging & Longevity Center of Philadelphia, “Sleep is especially important for toddlers, since it’s crucial for their growth and development.” Bonney notes that there are a few considerations to take (more on these later) when deciding between a toddler bed or a twin bed, and ultimately, only you will know which option is best-suited for you and your tot....