Serotonin is a neurotransmitter and a hormone that has many functions in our body. Being a chemical messenger, it has an important role in regulating our mood, healthy levels of sleep and assisting with digestion.

Pregnancy brings significant changes to the body, and it can cause back pain and discomfort in the joints. Studies show that osteopathy can assist with alleviating this discomfort and pain, and assist with other issues such as respiratory conditions, post-surgical recovery and stress and anxiety management.

Astragalus has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine in combination with other herbs. Its root is used for health care purposes. Modern day studies and research show that Astragalus can assist with anemia, diabetes, cardiovascular health and several other health conditions and issues.

The hip joints are vital to our mobility. To keep thighs and hips strong, we need to keep our glute or buttock muscles strong. Exercises can help both hip strength and hip mobility.

Selenium is an essential mineral found naturally in many foods. While in the 1800s it was considered to be a carcinogen, studies today show that it’s important for thyroid hormone metabolism, DNA synthesis, reproduction and a healthy immune system.

While plastics are cheap and offer versatile options to food packaging, studies show us that they also pose a significant threat to human health, such as impacting fertility, immune function, and causing obesity, cancer and development delays in children.

Power naps and quality sleep in general show to have a significant effect on endocrine health, most specifically on growth hormone, insulin, testosterone and progesterone.

Bacopa is one of the herbs that some of us used consistently before exams at university, since as students we needed all the help we could get with learning and retaining information before a big exam. In saying that, today research shows that Bacopa can also assist with ADHD symptoms, and has anxiolytic, antidepressant actions and antioxidant actions.

The triceps are a group of large muscles found at the back of our upper arm. Since they contribute to about two-thirds of our arm’s volume and total size, as well as having an important role in how our arm functions and operates, we need to give it proper attention when exercising.

Additional studies show that different slow breathing techniques have a positive impact on pain management, relaxation and sleep, increasing our immune system and physical performance, and managing blood sugar levels.

Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble vitamin first found in butterfat and egg yolk. It is an important nutrient for the health of our eyes, skin and immunity. Deficiency in vitamin A can increase risk of infection, infertility and growth and development issues, as noted in research done on children in Uganda.

In traditional medicine, ginger is highly praised for its healing properties. Today, modern medicine and research states that ginger possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. Therefore, it can assist with liver and respiratory health, reducing joint pain due to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, and can even positively impact metabolic health that might have been compromised due to obesity or diabetes.