Health Buzz: Surprising Approaches to Improving Your Health

Health news from around the web for October 6, 2011.

In this episode of Health Buzz, we're taking a look at some of the more unusual and surprising things you can do to improve your health, slim down and eat better. Our host Jamie Yuenger has a great lineup of stories that stray a little ways from the beaten path of conventional weight loss advice.

Ways Your House Is Making You Fat

The spaces we live in affect our health and habits more than we might realize. This story explores the ways your home might be holding back your weight loss efforts. For example, allowing items to collect on your exercise machine may prevent you from using it as often as you intend. Similarly, an open floorplan may cause us to migrate to the couch when we intend to get up and move--and snacks seem more accessible if you can see your kitchen.

Source: FitSugar.com

Eat Your Fruits and Vegetables for $2.25 per Day

The claim that healthy foods are more expensive than junk food is all too commonly repeated. Yes, there are many branded diet foods and health products with a considerable mark-up, however simply getting the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables each day doesn't have to be costly. This story illustrates how to do it for under three dollars per day.

Source: EatingWell.com

Laughter Yoga Is About More than Fun

You may have heard of laughter yoga, but you may not know that there's real research behind it's benefits. Our yoga expert Jill explores the world of laughter yoga, including its origins and history. Laughter releases hormones that reduce stress, make you feel good and can even help you sleep better. We walk you through a typical laughter yoga class, and provide some resources to help you find a free session in your area.

Source: DietsInReview.com

20 Reasons Bacteria Does a Body Good

There's been a lot of talk in the past few years about how bacteria plays an important role in your digestive system. In this guest post from Care2, we go beyond the usual digestive benefits and look at the many other ways probiotic bacteria is good for the body. For example, research at the International University of Health and Welfare Hospital in Japan found that probiotics may help patients being treated for colon cancer, and another study found that probiotics lessen the difficulties of chemotherapy treatment.

Source: DietsInReview.com

Recipe: Butternut Squash Brownies

This rich dessert sounds great for one of the first cold days of fall, but it also has a healthy secret ingredient. Winter squash is not only a rich source of nutrients, but it can also help curb your sugar cravings. The recipe only uses natural sweeteners: coconut palm sugar, organic unsweetened chocolate, butternut squash, and love. These brownies will please any taste bud, and your pancreas will thank you!

Source: NutritiousAmerca.com

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