Lifestyle – Madison Ayers Writes

A Beginner’s Look at Home-Fermentation

“You might be aware of the fact that you are not quite alone in your body—you are also the home to trillions of bacteria and other microbes that make up what’s called the gut microbiome. These many microbes are crucial for countless aspects of our health, including our brain function, immune system, digestion, heart health, and metabolism. . .

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with taking a probiotic supplement, but they’re simply not necessary if you’re aiming to improve your gut health. Humans have been feeding their microbiomes practically since we began feeding ourselves; we just didn’t understand the immense benefits we were receiving.

Fermented foods have long been a staple of the human diet, as fermentation (the process of microorganisms like yeast or bacteria breaking down sugars in food and producing carbon dioxide, as well as either alcohol or acid) is a means of preserving perishable food. Fermented foods can provide even more benefit than an expensive probiotic supplement—plus, they’re delicious!”

Five Science-Backed Daily Habits to Improve Your Summer Routine

“Although New Year’s Day is the typical time of year for resolution-setting, life often gets in the way of our plans. But losing momentum toward achieving a specific goal doesn’t have to mean that all hope is lost! Mid-year is also a great time to reevaluate your routines and goals, especially with shifts in lifestyles as we enter into summer.

Longer days mean more time to introduce and get comfortable with healthy habits. I’ve slowly implemented the following five habits into my days and have found vast improvement in both my physical and mental health. This list isn’t aimed at any specific end goal, but instead includes evidence-based, common-sense choices that are quick and easy to fold into the busiest of days. Plus, they can be completely free.”

#KidsatSephora: The tween and teen obsession with elaborate skincare

“Walk into a Sephora or an Ulta today and you might notice an influx of a new demographic of shoppers: young teens or preteens. I don’t mean high school girls shopping for new mascara and concealer (been there!), but instead a much younger girl on the lookout for expensive skincare products. From cleansers and scrubs to retinol creams and vitamin C serums, increasingly younger girls are buying it all. But where did these #kidsatsephora come from and why are they here?

Adult women are now beginning to complain about the rise of these “Sephora Babies” — the preteens rummaging through beauty store shelves and destroying tester products and displays, all in the name of creating the perfect skincare routine. Teens with nary a wrinkle are also turning to products marketed as “anti-aging,” with harsh ingredients not meant for young skin. Meanwhile, those of us in our 20s or 30s are starting to obsess over how old we look. It’s no wonder teens believe they might do good to pick up a bottle of retinol cream before they start showing smile lines, too.”

How to Start a Garden: Tips for Beginners

“Imagine entering your backyard to find a perfectly ripe tomato, warmed by the sun. You pluck your fruit from the vine and savor a bite, or plunge your hands into the earth to reveal a perfectly (or imperfectly) formed carrot, dirt still clinging to its tiny white root hairs. While the offerings of your backyard garden might look similar to the grocery store vegetables you have stored in your crisper drawer, they taste anything but. A fresh tomato has a sweetness unmatched by anything wrapped in plastic, and while homegrown lettuce lasts only hours or days once picked, it brings a tenderness that makes the simplest of salads taste gourmet.”

Read more on starting a garden for beginners at Verily Magazine.