Blog Posts by TheDailyZeel

By: StacyAtZeel

In the ongoing debate surrounding the nutritional value of organic produce, according to recent findings, conventional fruits and vegetables may contain comparable doses of vitamins and minerals to their seemingly healthier counterparts.

That's not to say we should go tossing all we've come to know and accept about organic foods out the window along with our summer whites. Stanford researcher and lead author of the study did confirm that organic fruits and vegetables had a 30 percent lower risk of contamination with pesticides than non-organic items.

When it comes to the perfect combination of supermarket smarts and a moderate approach to making healthy decisions, Zeel Expert dietitian and mommy blogger Laura Cipullo knows best. Here, we touch on a few key facts from this Registered Dietitian's discussion on the importance of buying organic (you can find the article in full here).

1. Know the basics. The USDA recognizes six countries and more

By: StacyAtZeel

A common condition incurred by athletes, especially long-distance runners, plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury that occurs when the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. The result: pain, discomfort, difficulty walking and a general sense of ouch!

While the tender, achy feeling can develop over time, someone who realizes that they have plantar fasciitis may be looking for quick relief. We turn to Zeel Experts from around the country for practical tips to relieve this pesky, painful condition.

Manage it with massage. "The inflammation in the plantar fascia can be the result of any of the muscles that have tendons or connective tissue running into the bottom of the foot," explains Aurora, Ill.-based massage therapist Fardeen Arif. "Ideally, you would massage all the muscles of the lower leg, along with the retinaculum of the leg and foot. Pressure should be firm, gradually going to deep and finishing light."

DIY foot-work.

By: StacyAtZeel

On the quest for total body health and wellness, we'll inevitably be met with new tips and terms along the way. And while the Chinese therapy known as gua sha may be widely known among eastern medical practitioners, at least among us city dwellers, some may be less aware.

Not long ago, Dr. Oz touted gua sha as a viable means of treatment for everything from digestive problems to back pain. We turn to Zeel Expert Edward Gousse, a licensed acupuncturist in New York City, to learn more about the increasingly popular modality.

1. What is the main premise of gua sha?

The main premise of gua sha, physically, is the raising of stagnant blood to the surface of the skin. Like many forms of liquid that remain in one area too long, stagnant blood will begin to accumulate unwanted particles as well. Blood is not so different in that, when it stops moving or moves slower than usual, other pathogens the blood was trying to move stay in that one area,

By: StacyAtZeel

Most of us know that sunshine has direct ties to our mental states of mind, and that a lack of fresh air lends to sadness, depression and a general sense of woe. What you might not know is that a lack of vitamin D, that essential nutrient we get from the sun, plays an even larger role in our health and well-being - think the number on the scale.

Vitamin D deficiency extends to summer as well as the cooler months. Explains registered dietitian and Zeel Expert Lauren Slayton, it's very much linked to insulin, and a deficiency can affect insulin levels and, therefore, weight.

With an itch to learn more, we reached out to nutrition guru Natasha Uspensky and asked her the same question. Is a lack of vitamin D linked to weight gain?

"That is 100 percent true!" Natasha responds. That's not all either. "Vitamin D deficiency is linked to increased risk of disease, increased stress response, anxiety, depression and weight gain," she adds. "And most

By: StacyAtZeel

There's a reason why it's called an addiction; to quit smoking is no easy feat. For individuals who are trying to put down the cigarette, or who have tried in the past and failed, acupuncture may offer a breath of fresh air.

As Scottsdale, Ariz.-based licensed acupuncturist Annie Porter explains, while acupuncture can be of great assistance in eliminating this habit, "It is not a magic bullet." Annie points to a protocol set forth by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association that utilizes five points in the ear to treat all sorts of addictions. While some points are known to calm the spirit and reduce the anxiety of addicting habits, others target the fight or flight response, sedate pain, or detoxify the organs that are sullied by years of smoking.

Andrew Park, an alternative wellness provider in Manhattan, confirms Annie's explanation. "Much like any other addictions like drugs and alcohol, research supports acupuncture to be effective

By: StacyAtZeel

Working out with a personal trainer, even just a few times in one's life, can be key to exercising properly each time you pick up a weight, unfurl a mat or hop on a machine. As for push-ups, it's definitely in your best interest to get these simple old-school exercises right - they can do wonders for your body.

Says Zeel Expert Franklin Antoian, "The best way to get maximum benefit from push-ups or any other exercise is to use correct form."

Push-ups can be a great, efficient exercise for the entire body, but for maximum results, Charlotte-based personal trainer Christina Tyler recommends military style. That means:

• Keep your back flat. Sometimes, doing your push-ups in front of a mirror can help to visualize this streamlined look.
• Keep your tummy and hips tucked. Again, a mirror will show you where you're sagging and how to better tighten up your core.
• Breathe! Lots of people hold their breath while exercising because, for

By: StacyAtZeel

The fountain of youth may be more attainable than you think. According to a recent study, women in Hong Kong have mastered the art of living long, healthy lives, surpassing former reigning champion Tokyo with an average life expectancy of 86.7 years.

So, what's their secret?

Get Moving

The trick: Exercise is one of the primary reasons behind why Hong Kong's female population is so resilient. Women (and men too!) visit the local YWCA on a regular basis well into their 90′s and even 100′s in search of daily group dance classes and slow-moving therapies like tai chi.

What you can do: Be proactive. Tai chi studios are popping up all over the U.S., the martial arts-inspired practice which was recently supported by the NCCAM. If livelier exercises are more your style, do like the women of Hong Kong and dance! Zumba classes can be a great way to get moving while having fun, and there are even aqua-based classes for older adults.

All in the

By: StacyAtZeel

Rolfing® is based on Dr. Ida P. Rolf's theory that the human body functions best when it is in proper alignment, and that imbalances are often to blame for a whole host of related issues and concerns, both physical and emotional. With such a focused intention, it's easy to see why Certified Rolfers™ must undergo extensive training at the only school that yields accredited practitioners of the modality - The Rolf Institute of Structural Integration.

Its growth in popularity in recent years speaks to its power, and yet many, including one Zeel Member, still want to know: What are the benefits of Rolfing®? Zeel Structural Integration Expert Minki Kim responds.

Great question! Here is a basic list of benefits which are not limited to but are characteristically emblematic of the Rolf Method of Structural Integration.

Benefits

* Improve posture and body shape
* Improve overall balance
* Enhance physical performance
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