There are three things almost all Boulderites have in common: we like to stay active, we value our health, and we LOVE our coffee. But do those three things go together? The answer is not as simple as choosing dark or light roast, as coffee has both benefits and risks, depending on how much you drink, how you brew it, what you add to it, when you drink it, how you metabolize it, and – most importantly – which outcome(s) you focus on. Coffee’s “Big Shots” Coffee is more than just a delicious morning beverage; its caffeine and antioxidant content give it some... Read More

Are you looking for an adventure that will take you to stunning heights? Then look no further than the Rocky Mountains of Boulder, Colorado. Biking in Boulder is an exciting way to explore the Rocky Mountains while getting in an amazing workout. In this blog article, we’ll explore the benefits of biking in Boulder and the ways it can make your Rocky Mountain experience even more enjoyable. So, grab your bike and let’s get ready to explore the Rocky Mountains on two wheels! Discovering the Beauty of Boulder on a Bicycle Exploring the city of Boulder on two wheels is a unique experience. Cycling... Read More

Boulder is famous for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and healthy lifestyle. But did you know that Boulder is also home to one of the largest and most comprehensive studies on the human gut microbiome? The American Gut Project, led by researchers at CU-Boulder and UC-San Diego, has analyzed the stool samples and dietary habits of over 10,000 volunteers from around the world and found some fascinating links between what we eat, how we feel, and what’s going on in our guts. The Gut Microbiome: Linking Your Food to Your Mood The gut microbiome is the collection of trillions of bacteria,... Read More

Antioxidants are like the superheroes of your body.  They’re tiny molecules that protect your cells from harm caused by toxins and stress like midterms, air pollution, poor sleep, and even too much exercise. How does this happen? Toxins and stress can produce free radicals, unstable molecules that wreak havoc in the body.  But what are these free radicals? Think of them as little troublemakers – they’re unstable compounds that can mess things up inside your body, including your skin, cells, organs, and even your DNA! Never fear though, antioxidants – which we consume through... Read More

When I was young, my mother went to the beauty salon to get a wash and set every week.  In between salon visits, my mother did not wash her hair.  These days, Americans seem to be almost obsessed with being clean, showering one or more times per day and washing their hair daily or almost daily.  To be sure, there are circumstances when washing daily is warranted.  If you have a job that is dirty or causes you to be exposed to toxins or disease, or if you are intensely physically active on a daily basis, you probably need to shower daily. For many of us, particularly in Colorado where the arid... Read More

Stress is inevitable. This is especially true for the 50% of the Boulder population who are college students dealing with exams, assignments, deadlines, and – this week – midterms. While some stress can be beneficial and motivating, too much can have negative impacts on physical and mental health. With mid-terms upon us, it can be tempting to compromise physical and mental health practices in exchange for some extra time in the library. However, research finds that students who take the time for self-care perform better on examinations, overall course grades, and physical and mental... Read More

Welcome to Boulder, Colorado, a vibrant and diverse city known for its beautiful landscapes, outdoor activities, and thriving health and wellness scene. From yoga studios to organic cafes, Boulder is a hub of wellness-focused activities and resources. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this guide will help you explore and take advantage of the city’s many offerings for staying healthy and happy. So put on your walking shoes and let’s discover the vibrant health and wellness scene in Boulder! Discovering the Health and Wellness Hotspots of Boulder Boulder, Colorado is a... Read More

The word inflammation is derived from a Latin word meaning “to kindle” or “to ignite”.  Inflammation is part of your immune system,  the body’s attempt at self-protection, and is designed to remove harmful stimuli and begin the healing process.  There are two kinds of inflammation, acute and chronic.  Acute inflammation starts rapidly and quickly becomes severe, and includes symptoms such as pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function.  Injury, irritation such as a sore throat, surgery, and even exercise, are examples of acute inflammation. Without inflammation,... Read More

Smoothies are all the rage these days, but are they really all they’re cracked up to be? From the green vegetable variety to the more-like-milkshake fare, we’ve got the skinny on smoothies here.     Do you want to boost your health, energy, and mood with a simple and delicious drink? If so, you might want to try smoothies! Smoothies are not only tasty, but also packed with benefits for your body and mind. In this column, you will learn how smoothies can help you improve your nutrition, digestion, immunity, cognition, and more. You will also discover how to avoid... Read More

Inflammation is your body’s natural response to injury, infection, or stress. It helps to heal and protect you from harm. However, when inflammation becomes chronic or excessive, it can cause more harm than good. Chronic inflammation is linked to many health problems, such as: Weight gain and obesity. Cardiovascular disease. Mood and depression. Cognitive function (focus, ADD, and ADHD). Brain health (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease). Sports recovery (more inflammation = longer recovery). Immune compromise. Irritable bowel disease and gut problems. Any disease ending in “itis”... Read More